Environmental Rules in Hercules, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Hercules, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Hercules bans any non-stormwater discharge into its storm drains and requires a City-approved stormwater control plan for projects that add 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface. The rules implement the City's NPDES Permit No. CAS0029912 under Municipal Code Chapter 5-8.
Hercules Stormwater Discharge Control Rules
Significant RestrictionsHercules Municipal Code Section 5-8.050
Sec. 5-8.050. Stormwater Control Plan Required. (a) Every application for a development project, including but not limited to a rezoning, tentative map, parcel map, conditional use permit, variance, site development permit, design review, or building permit that is subject to the development runoff requirements in the City's NPDES permit shall be accompanied by a stormwater control plan that me...
Erosion Control
Hercules requires a Final Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, prepared by a registered civil engineer, for most grading projects near watercourses, on steep slopes, or moving substantial soil. Smaller projects can qualify for an exemption only if they meet all eight size, slope, and location thresholds under Municipal Code Sec. 7-2.305.
Hercules Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Rules
Some RestrictionsHercules Municipal Code § 7-2.305
A Final Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, prepared by a registered civil engineer, shall be submitted unless all of the following conditions are met: The area of land disturbed is less than one-half (1/2) acre. Natural and finished slopes are less than ten percent (10%). Volume of the grading operation is less than two hundred (200) cubic yards. The storage of any soil is less than one hundred...
Flood Zones
Hercules regulates all development within FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas under Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code. The city adopts FEMA's 1982 Flood Insurance Study and maps by reference, and no structure or land may be built, altered, or converted in those areas without full compliance.
Hercules Floodplain Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsHercules Municipal Code Sec. 10-7.301, 10-7.302, 10-7.303
Sec. 10-7.301. Lands to Which This Chapter Applies. This Chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of City of Hercules, Contra Costa County. Sec. 10-7.302. 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 City of ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved homes in Hercules flood hazard zones must have their lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation shown on FEMA's flood maps. A registered engineer or surveyor must certify the finished elevation before the Floodplain Administrator signs off.
Hercules Base Flood Elevation Standard
Significant RestrictionsHercules Municipal Code Sec. 10-7.501(c)(1)
(c) Elevation and Floodproofing. (1) Residential Construction. All new construction or substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement: A. In AE, AH, A1-30 Zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. B. In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hercules city rules.
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