Environmental Rules in Pacifica, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Pacifica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Pacifica, discharging anything other than storm water into the City storm water system is prohibited unless it's covered by an NPDES permit. The Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance bars illicit discharges into streets, catch basins and watercourses, and the City Manager's designee enforces it through administrative citations that start at $250 per violation.
Pacifica Storm Water Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code §§ 6-12.201, 6-12.303(b)(4)
The discharge of non-storm water discharges to the City storm water system is prohibited. All discharges of material other than storm water must be in compliance with an NPDES permit issued for the discharge (other than NPDES Permit No. CAS612008) and this article. ... Administrative citations. The penalty amounts imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be set forth in a schedule of penalties es...
Erosion Control
Anyone doing construction or development work in the City of Pacifica must install best management practices, or BMPs, that keep construction waste, stockpiled soil and other contaminants out of the storm water system and watercourses. Erosion and sediment controls such as silt fences, fiber rolls, check dams and construction entrance controls are required under the stormwater ordinance, and the City can stop work that fails to comply.
Pacifica Construction Erosion & Sediment Control
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 6-12.206
Any person performing construction activities or development in the City shall implement appropriate BMPs to prevent the discharge of construction wastes or contaminants from construction materials, tools and equipment, stockpiles, or exposed soil from entering the City storm water system or watercourse. ... Construction-phase BMPs include erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention ...
Flood Zones
The City of Pacifica regulates construction in special flood hazard areas under its Flood Damage Prevention chapter, adopted under state planning authority in Government Code Sections 65302, 65560 and 65800. A floodplain development permit is required alongside the building permit for any construction in a mapped flood hazard area, and violations can be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction.
Pacifica Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code §§ 7-5.101, 7-5.303, 7-5.403
The Legislature of the State of California has in Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800 conferred upon local governments the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the City Council of the City of Pacifica does hereby adopt the following flood damage prevention regulations. ... No structure or land...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved residential structures in Pacifica's special flood hazard areas must have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation shown on FEMA's maps. In an AO zone without a mapped depth, the lowest floor must sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade, and elevation must be certified by a registered engineer or surveyor.
Pacifica Base Flood Elevation Standards
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 7-5.501(c)(1)
In all special flood hazard areas, the following standards are required: ... Elevation and floodproofing.(1)Residential construction. All new construction or substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement:(i)In AE, AH, A1-30 Zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.(ii)In an AO Zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a h...
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