Stormwater Management: Fullerton vs Midway City
How do stormwater management rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Midway City, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton enforces Chapter 12.18 Water Quality Ordinance, including section 12.18.020 prohibiting illicit connections and non-stormwater discharges to the city storm drain system. The city is a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board MS4 NPDES Permit, with the County of Orange as principal permittee.
View full Fullerton rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Orange County enforces stormwater quality under two Phase I NPDES MS4 Permits issued by the Santa Ana and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Title 9 of the OCCO (Water Quality) and the NPDES program require all construction and development projects in unincorporated areas to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) before grading or building permits are issued.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ordinance | FMC Chapter 12.18 Water Quality | - |
| Illicit Discharge Section | FMC 12.18.020 | - |
| MS4 NPDES Permit | Santa Ana RWQCB R8-2009-0030 series | - |
| Principal Permittee | County of Orange | - |
| Construction Threshold | 1 acre triggers state Construction General Permit | - |
| Engineering Contact | (714) 738-6845 | - |
| Community Dev Contact | (714) 738-6563 | - |
| Governing Code | - | OCCO Title 9 / NPDES MS4 Permits |
| WQMP Required | - | Before grading/building permit |
| ESCP Required | - | All grading plan submittals |
| Permittees | - | 34 co-permittees countywide |
| Enforcement | - | OC Public Works / RWQCB |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
What can I legally drain into a Fullerton storm drain?
Generally only uncontaminated rainwater, dechlorinated pool water, residential potable-water-line flushing, and certain landscape irrigation. Chapter 12.18 prohibits soapy wash water, pool chemicals, paint, concrete slurry, oil, and most other non-stormwater discharges to the MS4.
Who regulates Fullerton's stormwater program?
Fullerton is a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board's North Orange County MS4 NPDES Permit (R8-2009-0030 series). The County of Orange is the principal permittee, and Fullerton enforces locally under FMC Chapter 12.18.
Do I need a stormwater plan for my construction project?
Construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more must enroll in California's statewide Construction General Permit and prepare a SWPPP. Smaller sites must still install BMPs (silt fences, inlet protection, stockpile covers) under FMC 12.18 and city grading-permit conditions.
Can I drain my pool to the gutter in Fullerton?
Only after dechlorination and pH adjustment so chlorine and other pool chemicals are not discharged. Confirm acceptable discharge procedures with Engineering at (714) 738-6845 before draining.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for construction in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes. All non-exempt construction projects must submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) before obtaining grading or building permits from OC Development Services.
Who enforces stormwater regulations in unincorporated Orange County?
OC Public Works and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Santa Ana for North OC, San Diego for South OC) enforce NPDES stormwater requirements. The H2OC program coordinates regional compliance.
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