Stormwater Management: Carmichael vs Fruitridge Pocket
How do stormwater management rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Fruitridge Pocket, CA?
Carmichael has fewer restrictions than Fruitridge Pocket.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County Code Title 15 Chapter 15.12 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control) prohibits non-stormwater discharges into the County storm drain system. Common Carmichael violations include car washing runoff, pool draining, and landscape over-spray to gutters.
View full Carmichael rules →Fruitridge Pocket, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County operates under a joint NPDES MS4 Permit (R5-2016-0040) with the City of Sacramento and other co-permittees. County Code Chapter 15.12 implements stormwater pollution prevention. New and redevelopment projects over 1 acre (or smaller in some cases) must comply with Post-Construction Stormwater Standards including LID and hydromodification controls.
View full Fruitridge Pocket rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Fruitridge Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | SCC Ch. 15.12 | - |
| NPDES Permit | CAS082597 | - |
| Pool Drain Chlorine | < 0.1 mg/L before discharge | - |
| SWPPP Threshold | 1 acre disturbed | - |
| Reporting | Sacramento Stormwater 916-874-9399 | - |
| Permit | - | NPDES R5-2016-0040 |
| County Code | - | Chapter 15.12 |
| SWPPP | - | 1+ acre disturbance |
| LID | - | 5,000+ sq ft impervious |
| Penalty | - | Up to $10,000/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Can I drain my Carmichael pool to the street?
Only if dechlorinated and pH-adjusted (chlorine < 0.1 mg/L). Otherwise, route through the sanitary sewer with a discharge permit from SRCSD.
Fruitridge Pocket FAQ
Can I wash my car in my driveway?
Residential car washing is allowed but soapy water should be directed to landscaped areas, not the street or storm drain.
Do I need a SWPPP for my home remodel?
Only if construction disturbs 1 acre or more. Smaller sites still need erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices.
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