San Diego County, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code § 67.801 et seq.
- Enforcement
- Public Works, Planning & Development Services, Environmental Health
- Max misdemeanor penalty
- 6 months jail / $1,000 fine
- Also treated as
- Public nuisance, abatable by County Counsel
- Applies in
- Unincorporated San Diego County only
Summary
Discharging pollutants or non-stormwater into the county's storm drains or waterways is a crime in unincorporated San Diego County, with narrow listed exemptions.
It is unlawful for any person to: (a) Discharge or cause the discharge of pollutants or non-stormwater directly or indirectly into the stormwater conveyance system or receiving waters, except as set forth in Section 67.805 or as otherwise authorized by law; ... (d) Throw, deposit, leave, abandon, maintain, or keep materials or wastes on public or private lands in a manner and place where they may result in a discharge;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 67.804 makes it unlawful to discharge pollutants or non-stormwater into the stormwater conveyance system, connect wastewater lines to storm drains, dump materials where they may wash into drains, or discharge excess sediment from a disturbed site. The exemptions in § 67.805 cover things like uncontaminated pumped groundwater, foundation and footing drain water, and permitted water-line flushing.
Violations & Fines
Infraction: $100 first offense, $200 within one year, $500 for later offenses; misdemeanor conviction (or a 3rd infraction in two years) carries up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine; each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping into a storm drain illegal in unincorporated San Diego County?
What's the penalty for a stormwater violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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