Environmental Rules in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Sacramento County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Stormwater Management

In unincorporated Sacramento County it is unlawful to release anything but rain into the County storm drain system or directly into creeks and rivers. The County Code bans non-stormwater discharges and illicit connections, backs the ban with civil penalties up to $5,000 per day, and lets the Administrator issue cease-and-desist orders for imminent threats to public health or the storm drain system.

Sacramento County Stormwater Discharge Rules

Significant Restrictions

Sacramento County Code §§ 15.12.200, 15.12.210(b)(15), 15.12.560(a), 15.12.570(a)

§ 15.12.200. Prohibited Non-Stormwater Discharge. Except as provided in Section 15.12.210, it shall be unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any Non-stormwater discharge into the County storm drain system or directly to natural surface waters. ... § 15.12.210(b): Any discharge from any of the following activities provided that any such discharge does not cause or contribute to the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Erosion Control

Sacramento County requires a Grading and Erosion Control Permit before moving 350 cubic yards or more of soil, or clearing and grubbing an acre or more, anywhere in the unincorporated area.

Sacramento County Grading Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Sacramento County Code § 16.44.050

Except as provided by Sections 16.44.060, 16.44.065 or 16.44.070, a Grading and Erosion Control Permit shall be required to: (1) grade, fill, excavate, store or dispose of 350 cubic yards or more of soil or earthly material; or (2) clear and grub one acre or greater of land within the unincorporated area of the County. A separate permit is required for work on each site unless sites are contigu...

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Flood Zones

Sacramento County requires a Floodplain Management Permit before any new construction, substantial improvement, or land alteration in a mapped special or local flood hazard area, with new residential lowest floors set 1.5 feet above base flood elevation.

Sacramento County Floodplain Development Permit

Some Restrictions

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 905-01

A Floodplain Management Permit shall be obtained before any new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, including alteration of land, begins within any special flood hazard area or local flood hazard area established in Section 903-02. Permits for work in the floodplain requiring approval by the Floodplain Administrator are either in the form of a permit or formal improvem...

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Boat Dock Permits

Private boat docks on Delta waterways are allowed by right only if they meet strict size and siting limits; docks that don't meet those standards need a Conditional Use Permit.

Sacramento County Boat Dock Permits

Some Restrictions

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 4.9.3.C

Maximum length along the shoreline shall not exceed one half the width of the lot or 60 feet, whichever is less. Swimming floats will be permitted that are capable of being removed from the floodway during the flood season. Docks shall be side tie or one berth and shall accommodate no more than three boats of any size at any one time. Docks shall be limited to one per parcel that was in exis...

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Flood Elevation Requirements

New and substantially improved homes in Sacramento County flood zones must raise the lowest floor 1.5 feet above base flood elevation, with stricter rules in mapped AE, AH, and local hazard areas.

Sacramento County Flood Elevation Rules

Some Restrictions

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 906-02 (Residential Elevation)

In Zone AE, Zone AH, and local flood hazard areas, at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation. Building pads for slab-on-grade construction shall be at least one foot above the base flood elevation and the lowest floor must be at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation. In Zone AR as established on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map, the standards in this chapter shall apply to...

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