Environmental Rules in Hanford, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Hanford, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Hanford bans putting anything but rainwater into the storm drain system citywide, with fines that climb to $1,000 per violation and referral to the regional water board.
Hanford Stormwater Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsHanford Municipal Code § 13.10.060
The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illicit discharge to the storm drain system is prohibited except as described below: A. Discharges from the following activities will not be considered a source of pollutants to the storm drain system and to waters of the U.S. when properly managed to ensure that potential pollutants are not present, and therefore they shall not be considered i...
Erosion Control
Any grading in Hanford, California requires city approval under Hanford Municipal Code § 15.55.050, and applicants bear sole responsibility for keeping sediment off watercourses and neighboring land under § 15.55.210(D). Only excavations or fills of 50 cubic yards or less on gentle slopes are exempt. The building official or city engineer, in this Kings County seat, enforces the rule and can issue stop-work orders.
Hanford Grading Permit Erosion Control Rule
Some RestrictionsHanford Municipal Code §§ 15.55.050, 15.55.210(D)-(E)
§ 15.55.050. Grading approval—Required. Except for the specific exemptions listed hereinafter, no person shall do or permit to be done any grading on any site in the city without first obtaining approval of such grading from the city in accordance with the provisions of the Grading Ordinance. ... § 15.55.210. Other responsibilities of applicant. D. Erosion and Sediment Control. It shall be the ...
Flood Zones
Anyone building, filling, or altering land within Hanford's mapped special flood hazard areas must first obtain a floodplain development permit from the city under Municipal Code Section 15.52.130.
Hanford Floodplain Development Permit
Some RestrictionsHanford Municipal Code § 15.52.130
A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 15.52.070. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved buildings in Hanford's flood hazard areas must have their lowest floor built at or above the base flood elevation, per Municipal Code Section 15.52.170.
Hanford Base Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsHanford Municipal Code § 15.52.170(C)(1)(b)
In an A zone, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, as determined by this community. (The state of California recommends that the lowest floor be elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation, as determined by the community.); c. In all other zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. (The state of California recommends the lowest floor be elevated at least on...
Looking for Kings County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hanford city rules.
Environmental Rules in Kings County →