Redding's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Redding, California, there are 2 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.

Flood Zones

Redding regulates floodplain development through the 'FP' Floodplain Overlay District in Zoning Code Chapter 18.51, which adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Shasta County and Incorporated Areas dated December 16, 2021 plus the City's Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan. Section 18.51.080 requires the lowest floor of new or substantially-improved residential structures in Zones A, AE, AO, or A1-30 to sit at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation. The overlay applies most heavily along the Sacramento River and creeks like Clear Creek, Cow Creek, Stillwater Creek, and Churn Creek.

Key details: Code Chapter: RMC Chapter 18.51 ('FP' Floodplain Overlay District). FIS Effective Date: December 16, 2021 (Shasta County FIS). Freeboard: Lowest floor >= BFE + 1 ft (§18.51.080(D)). Sacramento River Setback: 30 ft from base floodplain line. Creek Setback: 15 ft from base floodplain line.

Improvements built contrary to Chapter 18.51 are declared unlawful and a public nuisance under §18.51.170. Unlawful fill or grading in the floodplain must be removed within 30 days of City Engineer notice, with a riparian reclamation plan submitted to the Planning Commission and security deposited for restoration. Failure to submit an Elevation Certificate is grounds for a stop-work order under §18.51.080(D)(4). Non-compliance with NFIP rules also risks City probation/suspension from the NFIP, stripping every floodplain property owner of federally-backed flood insurance.

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

Stormwater Management

Redding regulates stormwater under Municipal Code Title 14, Chapter 14.19 (Storm Water Ordinance), implementing the State Water Resources Control Board's Phase II Small MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ, as amended) issued under the federal Clean Water Act and California's Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Water Code §13000 et seq.). The City lies entirely in the Sacramento River watershed and any project creating or replacing 2,500 sq ft or more of impervious surface must implement post-construction BMPs from the City's Post-Construction Standards Plan.

Key details: Code Chapter: RMC Title 14, Chapter 14.19 (Storm Water Ordinance). MS4 Permit: SWRCB Phase II Small MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ). State Authority: Porter-Cologne Act, Water Code §13000+. Post-Construction Threshold: 2,500 sq ft new/replaced impervious. Receiving Water: Sacramento River (and tributaries).

Stormwater violations are enforceable under RMC Title 14, with administrative citations, stop-work orders, and abatement at the owner's expense. Porter-Cologne (Water Code §13350) authorizes State and Regional Board civil penalties up to $10,000 per day plus $10 per gallon for discharges to waters of the State; federal Clean Water Act civil penalties run up to roughly $66,000 per day per violation (33 U.S.C. §1319).

This is one of the stricter rules in Redding's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

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

Keep in mind that Redding can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.