Environmental Rules in Pasadena, CA (2026)
6 verified environmental rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Pasadena's Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance bars any discharge into the municipal storm drain system other than rainwater. The Department of Public Works and Transportation enforces the ban on illicit discharges and connections under NPDES Permit No. CA0061654, and violators face misdemeanor charges carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail.
Pasadena Stormwater Discharge Control Ordinance
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code §§ 8.70.020, 8.70.050
The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the future health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the city of Pasadena who recreate in and consume from the waters of the United States, and to protect marine habitats and ecosystems existing therein by: A.Regulating non-stormwater discharges to the municipal stormwater system;B.Providing for the control of spillage, dumping or disposal ...
Erosion Control
Pasadena requires an erosion and off-site sedimentation control design plan before the building official will issue a grading permit. The plan must show how drainage is directed off cut and fill slopes, when temporary stabilization measures go in, and how the site holds up through the rainy season under Municipal Code Section 14.05.084.
Pasadena Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.05.084
An erosion and off-site sedimentation control design plan shall be submitted with the application for a grading permit. This plan shall describe in detail the necessary methods, management practices and mechanical devices which will be used to mitigate the release of sediment-laden waters from the project standards. The permittee shall sign a statement as part of the plan submittal concerning s...
Coastal Development
Pasadena is an inland city approximately 15 miles from the coast. California Coastal Commission regulations do not apply. No coastal development permits are required.
Pasadena Coastal Development Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Coastal Commission — Coastal Zone Boundary Maps (Public Resources Code Section 30103, Coastal Act of 1976)
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 30103(a) specifically defines California's Coastal Zone as that land and water area of the State of California from the Oregon border to the border of the Republic of Mexico depicted on maps identified and set forth in Section 17 of that chapter of the Statutes of the 1975-76 Regular Session enacting PRC Division 20 (the Coastal Act of 1976). PRC Section 3010...
Flood Zones
Pasadena's Floodplain Management Regulations apply to every area the floodplain administrator identifies as flood-prone within city limits, and Section 14.27.060 bars any construction, location, extension, conversion or alteration of a structure or land in those areas without full compliance with the chapter. Violations are misdemeanors.
Pasadena Floodplain Development Compliance Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code §§ 14.27.040, 14.27.060
This chapter shall apply to all areas identified as flood-prone areas within the boundaries of the city of Pasadena. ... No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the term of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violation of the requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established i...
Defensible Space
Pasadena's local Flammable Vegetation ordinance bans combustible weeds, trees and brush within 100 feet of any building, caps grass and light weeds at 18 inches within 30 feet of a structure, and requires a 5-foot roof clearance from overhanging branches. The Fire Department inspects properties and charges a $61 fee, waived if the property is compliant or fixed within 30 days.
Pasadena Flammable Vegetation Clearance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.29.040(A)-(C)
Flammable weeds, trees and vegetation shall be subject to the following controls and restrictions for the purpose of preventing the spread, intensification or ignition of fires. A. No flammable weeds, trees or vegetation shall be permitted to exist within 100 feet of any building or structure. B. The above-ground portion of all flammable weeds, trees or vegetation within 100 feet of any buildin...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Pasadena requires new construction and substantial improvements on flood-prone sites to be anchored against flotation, collapse and lateral movement from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads. Section 14.27.140 also requires flood-damage-resistant materials and utility equipment positioned to keep water from entering or accumulating in electrical, heating, plumbing and HVAC components during flooding.
Pasadena Flood-Resistant Construction Standards
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.27.140
If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall: A.Be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.B.Be constructed 1.with materials and utility equi...
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