Environmental Rules in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B11.5-4

Any non-stormwater discharge into any part of the stormwater system and watercourses is prohibited. It is unlawful to throw, deposit, leave, abandon, maintain or keep materials or waste on public or private lands in a manner and place where they may result in a non-stormwater discharge. This section shall not apply to non-stormwater discharged in compliance with an issued individual or any gene...

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § C12-406

No person shall do any grading that results in a hazardous condition, public nuisance or endangers adjacent property. No person shall do any grading, or cause or allow the same to be done, on any real property, without obtaining a Grading Permit for the following: (a)Cuts or fills, which each independently are greater than 150 cubic yards; or(b)Cut or fill that is greater than five feet in v...

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § C12-814

A development permit shall be obtained from the Department before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes, within any area of special flood hazard established in Section C12-806. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the County.

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § C12-816(3)a

All new construction or substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement: 1. In AE, AH, A1-30 Zones, elevated two feet above the base flood elevation.