Rancho Cordova's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Rancho Cordova, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Grading & Drainage

Rancho Cordova Municipal Code Title 22 (adopting Sacramento County grading standards) requires a grading permit for any earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts/fills over 3 feet; erosion/sediment controls and NPDES compliance required for disturbance over 1 acre.

Key details: Code: RCMC Title 22. Permit Trigger: 50+ cubic yards or 3 ft cut. NPDES Trigger: 1+ acre disturbance. Winter Season: Oct 15 - Apr 15 BMPs. Fines: $500-$2,500/day.

Stop-work order issued for grading without permit; $500-$1,000 administrative citation first offense; daily fines up to $2,500 for continuing violations. NPDES non-compliance: State Water Board penalties up to $10,000/day. Unauthorized grading in floodplain subject to removal/restoration at owner's expense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Rancho Cordova actively enforces its grading & drainage requirements.

Erosion Control

Construction sites in Rancho Cordova disturbing one acre or more must enroll in the California Construction General Permit and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Key details: State Permit: CGP for 1+ acre sites. SWPPP: QSD-prepared. Wet Season: Oct 1 to Apr 30. Local Rule: Erosion plan all grading.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Stormwater Management

Rancho Cordova complies with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board NPDES MS4 permit. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.

Key details: Permit: Central Valley RWQCB MS4. Receiving Water: Morrison Creek, American River. New Development: LID over 5,000 sqft impervious. Hotline: Sac Stormwater Partnership.

Illicit discharge: administrative fine up to 5,000 dollars per day. Construction BMP violation: stop work order plus RWQCB state enforcement.

Flood Zones

Rancho Cordova participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Areas near the American River and Morrison Creek fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Key details: Rivers: American River, Morrison Creek. Freeboard: Typically 1 to 2 feet above BFE. Certificate: Elevation cert required. Substantial Improvement: 50 percent triggers compliance. Insurance: Mandatory in SFHA with mortgage.

Unpermitted floodplain development: stop work, demolition order, civil penalties up to 5,000 dollars per day, and potential loss of NFIP community standing.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Rancho Cordova actively enforces its flood zones requirements.

The Bottom Line

Rancho Cordova is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Rancho Cordova, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Rancho Cordova's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.