Environmental Rules in Tulare, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Tulare, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 7.64 (Surface Water Management), specifically § 7.64.150 (Reduction of Pollutants in Surface Water), prohibits illicit discharges to the City's storm drain system and requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) for any activity that may release pollutants. The City is a regulated small MS4 under the State Water Board's Phase II General Permit (Order 2013-0001-DWQ), implementing the federal Clean Water Act NPDES program.
Stormwater & Surface Water Pollution Control (Chapter 7.64)
Some RestrictionsErosion Control
Tulare regulates construction-site erosion through two overlapping frameworks: (1) Municipal Code § 7.64.150 BMP requirements for any activity that may discharge pollutants (including sediment) to the storm drain, and (2) California Building Code Appendix J (Grading), adopted by reference in Title 15, which sets cut/fill, setback, and erosion-control standards for grading permits.
Construction Erosion & Sediment Control (§ 7.64.150 + Cal. Building Code Appendix J)
Some RestrictionsCoastal Development
Tulare has no local coastal development ordinance because the city is located in the inland Central Valley, more than 150 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and is entirely outside the statutory California Coastal Zone defined by Pub. Resources Code § 30103. The California Coastal Act and California Coastal Commission permitting jurisdiction do not apply to any property in Tulare.
Coastal Development – Not Applicable (Inland City, No Coastal Zone)
Few RestrictionsFlood Zones
Tulare participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Tulare Municipal Code § 10.48.060 (Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction) imposes construction standards on properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) shown on the current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Most of the city is mapped Zone X (low/moderate risk), but pockets along drainage swales and near the historical lakebed carry AE/A designations.
Flood Hazard Reduction & FEMA NFIP Compliance (§ 10.48.060)
Some RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Grading in Tulare is governed by California Building Code Appendix J, adopted citywide through Title 15 building regulations, plus stormwater conveyance/quality requirements under Chapter 7.64. Grading permits are issued through the Building Department; drainage must not obstruct natural watercourses or discharge concentrated flows onto adjacent property without an approved drainage facility.
Grading & Drainage Permits (Cal. Building Code Appendix J + § 7.64.150)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tulare city rules.
Environmental Rules in Tulare County →