Environmental Rules in Fresno County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Fresno County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Fresno County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Fresno County operates under the Central Valley RWQCB Phase II MS4 permit for unincorporated urbanized areas. Illicit discharge prohibited. New development must implement post-construction BMPs per state standards.

environmental/stormwater

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Erosion Control

Projects disturbing 1+ acre require CA Construction General Permit (CGP) SWPPP. Fresno County grading ordinance requires erosion/sediment controls on active grading. SJVAPCD Rule 8021 controls dust from construction.

environmental/erosion-control

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Coastal Development

The California Coastal Act does not apply in Fresno County. Fresno County is inland in the San Joaquin Valley with no Pacific coastline, and no portion of the county falls within the Coastal Zone or California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.

environmental/coastal-development

Few Restrictions

Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 30103 / Coastal Act of 1976 — Coastal Zone Boundary

Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 30103(a) specifically defines California's Coastal Zone as that land and water area of the State of California from the Oregon border to the border of the Republic of Mexico depicted on maps identified and set forth in Section 17 of that chapter of the Statutes of the 1975-76 Regular Session enacting PRC Division 20 (the Coastal Act of 1976). PRC Section 3010...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Flood Zones

Fresno County participates in NFIP. FEMA flood zones exist along Kings River, San Joaquin River, and reservoir spillways (Pine Flat, Millerton). Floodplain Management Ordinance (County Code Title 15) requires elevation certificates and development permits in SFHAs.

environmental/flood-zones

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Grading & Drainage

Fresno County grading permit required for excavation/fill over 50 cubic yards or on slopes. Drainage must not divert runoff onto neighbors. Based on CBC Appendix J. Engineered plans required for cuts over 5 ft.