Environmental Rules in Aliso Viejo, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Aliso Viejo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, AVMC 7.35.040 makes it unlawful to discharge anything but stormwater into the city's storm drain system (the MS4), to build or use an illicit connection, or to cause a prohibited discharge. The director of public works enforces the chapter with notices, cease and desist orders, fines up to $1,000 per violation and misdemeanor charges.
Aliso Viejo Stormwater Management and Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsAliso Viejo Municipal Code § 7.35.040
A. It is unlawful for any person to: 1. Discharge nonstormwater to the city’s MS4 except in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. 2. Construct, maintain, operate or use any illicit connection to any storm drain system, including the city’s MS4. 3. Cause, allow or facilitate any prohibited discharge. 4. Act, cause, permit or suffer any agent, employee or independent contractor to con...
Erosion Control
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, grading sites must be protected against erosion under Municipal Code § 13.08.330. From October 1st to April 30th, no grading above 200 cubic yards can proceed on a single permitted site unless the building official has approved or waived an erosion control system. Violations are misdemeanors under § 13.08.110.
Aliso Viejo Construction Erosion Control Rules
Some RestrictionsAliso Viejo Municipal Code § 13.08.330
B. Where necessary, temporary and/or permanent erosion control devices such as desilting basins, check dams, riprap or other devices or methods, as approved by the building official, shall be employed to control erosion and provide safety during the rainy season from October 1st to April 30th. C. No grading work in excess of 200 cubic yards will be allowed between October 1st and April 30th on ...
Flood Zones
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, Chapter 7.50 of the Municipal Code applies to every area of special flood hazard inside city limits, as mapped in the FEMA flood insurance study for Orange County dated February 18, 2004. Nothing can be built, filled or otherwise developed in those areas without a flood hazard development permit, and a violation is a misdemeanor.
Aliso Viejo Floodplain Management Overlay District Rules
Some RestrictionsAliso Viejo Municipal Code § 7.50.040
A. Lands to Which This Chapter Applies. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the city limits of the city of Aliso Viejo. B. Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the flood insurance study (FIS) for Orange County, CA and Incorpor...
Defensible Space
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, AVMC 15.50.010 applies fuel modification rules to every area in a very high fire hazard severity zone and to any project where a fuel modification plan was required as a condition of approval. Zones on an approved plan carry the force of the zoning code, each plan must include a maintenance program, and the property owner pays for design, implementation and maintenance.
Aliso Viejo Fuel Modification and Defensible Space Rules
Significant RestrictionsAliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.50.010
B. Applicability. ... The regulations in this section shall apply to all areas within the city determined to be within a “very high fire hazard severity zone,” as indicated on the safety policy map in the general plan safety element, and shall also apply whenever a fuel modification plan has been required as a condition of development approval or when otherwise required by applicable regulation...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, new residential construction and substantial improvements in a special flood hazard area must have the lowest floor, including any basement, at least two feet above the base flood elevation in most zones. Section 7.50.060 also sets AO zone depths, engineer or surveyor certification and flood vent openings.
Aliso Viejo Base Flood Elevation Requirements
Some RestrictionsAliso Viejo Municipal Code § 7.50.060
a. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement: ... i. In an AO zone, elevated two feet above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least four feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. ... ii. In an A zon...
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