Environmental Rules in Santa Ana, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Santa Ana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Santa Ana bans illicit connections to the storm drain system and any non-stormwater discharge that isn't specifically exempted. New development must follow the county's Drainage Area Management Plan, and violations are treated as a public nuisance enforceable through compliance orders, injunctions, and civil damages.
Santa Ana Stormwater Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsSanta Ana, CA, Municipal Code § 18-155 (Prohibition on Illicit Connections and Prohibited Discharges)
No person shall: (1) Construct, maintain, operate and/or utilize any illicit connection; (2) Cause, allow or facilitate any prohibited discharge; (3) Act, cause, permit or suffer any agent, employee, or independent contractor to construct, maintain, operate or utilize any illicit connection, or cause, allow or facilitate any prohibited discharge. The prohibition against illicit connections shal...
Erosion Control
Santa Ana requires a grading permit under Municipal Code § 8-183, which amends Appendix J, Section J103.2 of the adopted building code. The section lists nine specific exemptions, including grading under 50 cubic yards, well and utility-trench excavations, and shallow fills on gentle slopes, but exemption from the permit never authorizes work that violates any other code or ordinance.
Santa Ana Grading Permit Exemptions
Some RestrictionsSanta Ana, CA, Municipal Code § 8-183 (Volume 2, Appendix J, § J103.2)
Section J103.2. Exemptions: A grading permit shall not be required for the following: 1.Grading of less than 50 cubic yards in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.2.Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.…8.An excavation of less than 50 cubic yards that (1)...
Flood Zones
Any construction or development, including manufactured homes, inside a Santa Ana special flood hazard area needs a development permit under § 7-15 before work starts. Applicants must submit scaled plans showing elevations, utilities, grading, floodway location, and base flood elevation data to the floodplain administrator.
Santa Ana Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsSanta Ana, CA, Municipal Code § 7-15
A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes, within any area of special flood hazard established in section 7-7. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the city. The applicant shall provide the following minimum information: (a)Plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing:(1)Location, dimensio...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Santa Ana defines base flood elevation (BFE) as the water surface height shown on the FIRM for a flood with a 1% annual chance of being equaled or exceeded: the 100-year flood. Section 7-17(c)(1) requires the lowest floor of new or substantially improved homes in AE, AH, and A1-30 zones to sit at or above that elevation, with no added freeboard cushion specified.
Santa Ana Base Flood Elevation Standard
Some RestrictionsSanta Ana, CA, Municipal Code §§ 7-5, 7-17
Sec. 7-5. Base flood elevation (BFE) means the elevation shown on the flood insurance rate map for zones AE, AH, A1-30, VE and V1-V30 that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one (1) percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Sec. 7-17(c) Elevation and floodproofing.(1)Residential construction. All new construction or substantia...
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