Environmental Rules in Indio, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Indio, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Indio bans discharging pollutants into the city storm drain system, requires NPDES permit compliance for construction and industrial dischargers, and prohibits illicit drainage connections under Chapter 55 of the Municipal Code.
Indio Storm Drain Pollution Discharge Ban
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 55.20(A) (Ord. 1213, 8-6-1997; Ord. 1570, 5-5-2010)
The discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system is a violation of this chapter except as specified below. All discharges other than storm water discharges must be in compliance with a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit issued for that particular discharge or discharges and/or in compliance with city municipal codes should city code be more stringent. (B) Discharges ...
Erosion Control
Indio bars rainy-season grading without an approved erosion control system whenever the Director of Public Works finds erosion or silt could hit downstream property, drains, or streets.
Indio Erosion Control During Grading
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 162.570 (Ord. 1449, 10-19-2005)
No grading work shall be allowed between October 15 and the following April 15 on any site when the Director of Public Works determines that erosion, mudflow or sediment of silt discharge may adversely affect downstream properties, drainage courses, storm drains, streets, easements, or public or private facilities or improvements unless an approved erosion control system has been implemented on...
Flood Zones
Any construction or development, including manufactured homes, within an Indio special flood hazard area requires a development permit from the Floodplain Administrator before work begins, under Municipal Code § 153.12.
Indio Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 153.12 (Ord. 1537, 6-9-2008)
A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes, within any area of special flood hazard established in § 153.07. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the Flood Plain Administrator. The applicant shall provide the following minimum information: (A) Plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing...
Defensible Space
Indio mandates a 100-foot defensible-space clearance around buildings in wildfire hazard zones, split into three graduated zones (0, 1, and 2) with distinct vegetation rules.
Indio Requires 100-Foot Defensible Space Zones
Heavy RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 93A.01(K), adopting WUI Code §§ 604.1, 604.8 [Ord. No. 1824, 11-19-2025]
604.1 General. Vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations. ... 604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements. The required 100-foot Defensible Space clearance is identified in three (3) distinct zones: Zone 0, 1, an...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Indio requires new and substantially improved residential structures in AE, AH, and A1-30 flood zones to have their lowest floor elevated to or above the base flood elevation, verified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.
Indio Base Flood Elevation Requirements for New Construction
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 153.13(C)(1)(a)
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 FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest a...
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