Environmental Rules in Ventura County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Stormwater Management

Unincorporated Ventura County is covered by the Ventura County MS4 NPDES Permit for stormwater management. All development must comply with stormwater quality standards. Illicit discharge to storm drains is prohibited.

Ventura County Stormwater Regulations

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Erosion Control

Construction projects in unincorporated Ventura County must implement erosion control BMPs. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more require a SWPPP under the state Construction General Permit. Heightened requirements apply during the rainy season.

Ventura County Erosion Control Requirements

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Coastal Development

Unincorporated Ventura County areas within the California Coastal Zone require Coastal Development Permits under the California Coastal Act. The county administers a Local Coastal Program covering coastal communities including portions of the Rincon, Pierpont, and Solimar areas.

Ventura County Coastal Development

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Pub. Resources Code § 30000 et seq. (California Coastal Act)

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

Flood zone regulations in unincorporated Ventura County are governed by the county's floodplain management ordinance and FEMA National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Significant flood risk exists along the Santa Clara River, Ventura River, Calleguas Creek, and their tributaries.

Ventura County Flood Zones Ordinance

Heavy Restrictions

FEMA Flood Map Service Center — National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. FEMA flood maps are continually updated through a variety of processes. E...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Grading & Drainage

Grading in unincorporated Ventura County requires permits from Building & Safety for most excavation and fill work. Drainage must be directed to approved outlets — discharging concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties is prohibited.