Stormwater Management: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do stormwater management rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Rocklin has fewer restrictions than Lincoln.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 13.30 establishes the City's stormwater management and runoff control program implementing the federal Clean Water Act NPDES permit and California's Phase II Small MS4 General Permit. Discharges of pollutants to the City's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) are prohibited.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 8.30 (Stormwater Runoff Pollution Control) prohibits non-stormwater discharges into the City's storm drain system. Rocklin is a Phase II Small MS4 permittee under State Water Board Order WQO 2013-0001-DWQ (NPDES CAS000004) and enforces illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) through the Environmental Services Division.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | LMC Chapter 13.30 | - |
| ESCP citation | LMC §13.30.090 | - |
| State permit threshold | 1 acre disturbed (Construction General Permit) | - |
| MS4 permit | CA Phase II Small MS4 General Permit | State Phase II General Permit WQO 2013-0001-DWQ (NPDES CAS000004) |
| Contact | publicservices@lincolnca.gov | - |
| Local code | - | Rocklin MC Ch. 8.30 Stormwater Runoff Pollution Control |
| Regional board | - | Central Valley RWQCB |
| Report illicit discharge | - | Rocklin Environmental Services / rocklin.ca.us/stormwater |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan to build a single-family home in Lincoln?
Yes — building or grading permit applicants generally must submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) under Lincoln Municipal Code §13.30.090 with BMPs to keep sediment and construction materials on site. If your project disturbs one acre or more (including the entire common plan of development), you must also obtain coverage under the State Water Board's Construction General Permit and prepare a SWPPP.
Can I wash my car or empty a pool into the storm drain in Lincoln?
No. Lincoln's storm drains flow untreated to local waterways. Chapter 13.30 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the City's MS4. Pool water, car-wash runoff, paint, concrete wash water, and similar discharges are illicit discharges subject to citations and abatement orders.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I hose paint, soap, or pet waste into the gutter?
No. Rocklin MC Ch. 8.30 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system. Wash water, paint, sediment, and pet waste must be kept out of gutters and creeks.
Does my construction site need an NPDES permit?
Yes — under Rocklin MC §8.30.060, any site subject to the State Construction General Permit (typically 1 acre or more of soil disturbance) must show proof of NPDES coverage to the City's Enforcement Official.
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