Environmental Rules in Fountain Valley, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Fountain Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, Chapter 14.40 bars illicit connections and prohibited discharges of pollutants to the stormwater drainage system, and a violation occurs regardless of the violator's negligence or intent. New development and significant redevelopment must follow the Orange County Drainage Area Management Plan. Knowing violations are misdemeanors.
Fountain Valley CA Stormwater and Urban Runoff Rules
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 14.40.030
(a) No person shall: ... (1) Construct, maintain, operate and/or utilize any illicit connection; (2) Cause, allow or facilitate any prohibited discharge; (3) Act, cause, permit or suffer any agent, employee, or independent contractor, to construct, maintain, operate or utilize any illicit connection, or cause, allow or facilitate any prohibited discharge. ... (d) A civil or administrative viola...
Erosion Control
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, every graded construction site must be prepared and maintained to control erosion under Municipal Code § 18.06.100, which adopts the erosion control provisions of the NPDES permit. Owners must hire a civil engineer each rainy season, and removable protective devices must be in place at the end of any working day when the five-day rain forecast exceeds forty percent.
Fountain Valley Construction Erosion Control Rules
Significant RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 18.06.100
The city adopts the erosion control provisions imposed by the NPDES permit, including the following: (a) The project site shall be prepared and maintained to control against erosion in accordance with this chapter. Where cut slopes are not subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials, such protection may be omitted upon approval by the building official and/or dire...
Flood Zones
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, every special flood hazard area on the March 21, 2019 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map is regulated, and a development permit is required before construction begins. The planning and building director acts as floodplain administrator, and the planning commission hears variances.
Floodplain Development Rules in Fountain Valley, California
Significant RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.14.040
(f) Lands to Which this Chapter Applies. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the city. (g) Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Orange County and incorporated areas Flood Insurance...
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, no one can leave a motor vehicle or refrigeration trailer idling for more than ten minutes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. when the engine noise disturbs a residential neighborhood. The driver, owner, registered owner and legal owner are each guilty of the offense.
Fountain Valley Night Vehicle Idling Limit
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code §§ 6.28.147, 6.28.150
No person shall leave standing any motor vehicle, including refrigeration trailers, with engine idling or auxiliary motor running for in excess of ten minutes between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. if the engine or motor noise disturbs the peace or quiet of any residential neighborhood or causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. T...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, new residential construction and substantial improvements in a special flood hazard area must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the base flood elevation or as the current California Building Code requires. A registered civil engineer or surveyor certifies the finished elevation.
Flood Elevation Requirements in Fountain Valley, California
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.14.040(p)(3)
(3) Elevation and Flood Proofing. (A) New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement elevated one foot above the base flood elevation or elevated in accordance with the current California Building Code. Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in subsection (p)(3)(C) of this section. Upon completion of the struct...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fountain Valley city rules.
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