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Brentwood, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Non-stormwater discharge
prohibited, § 14.20.060(A)
NPDES permit number
CAS083313
Base violation class
misdemeanor or infraction
Continuing violation
each day is a separate offense
Penalty cap authority
Gov. Code §§ 36900, 36901

Summary

Brentwood bars any non-stormwater discharge into its storm drain system and any stormwater discharge that violates the city's NPDES permit. Chapter 14.20 backs the ban with inspections, a misdemeanor or infraction charge, and nuisance-abatement authority.

A. The release of non-stormwater discharges to the city stormwater system is prohibited. B. The discharge of stormwater from premises or an activity that causes or contributes to a violation of receiving water limitations in the city's NPDES permit is prohibited. ... Upon conviction of a misdemeanor, a person shall be subject to payment of a fine, or imprisonment, or both, not to exceed the limits set forth in California Government Code Section 36901.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4604307; v5 updated 2025-12-09).

Full Breakdown

060: releasing any non-stormwater discharge into the city's stormwater system, and discharging stormwater that causes or contributes to a violation of the receiving-water limits in the city's NPDES permit (Permit No. CAS083313). A narrow list of exemptions covers things like natural spring flows, residential air conditioning condensate, individual car washing, and pool or spa drainage, but only when they meet the specific conditions in the city's permit. 080 separately bans unauthorized drainage connections and any discharge that leaves floating matter, oil sheen, sediment or aquatic-toxic substances in a watercourse.

090, anyone owning or operating a site that could contribute pollutants, including parking lots, gas stations and construction sites, must implement best management practices to the maximum extent practicable, keep sidewalks and paved lots free of litter and debris, and file a stormwater control plan for qualifying new development. The public works director's enforcement officers can inspect premises, require monitoring and sampling, and demand immediate notification of any spill that could reach the storm drain system.

Violations & Fines

Under Section 14.20.110, violating any provision of Chapter 14.20 is a misdemeanor, though the enforcement officer or city attorney can instead charge it as an infraction. Section 14.20.120 caps misdemeanor penalties at the fine and imprisonment limits set in California Government Code Section 36901 and infraction fines at the limits in Government Code Section 36900. Every day a violation continues is a separate offense under Section 14.20.130, and the city can also pursue civil nuisance abatement and cost recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hose pollutants like paint or oil into a Brentwood storm drain?
No. Section 14.20.060 prohibits any non-stormwater discharge, including paint, oil, or wash water containing pollutants, into the city's stormwater system unless it fits a narrow exemption tied to the city's NPDES permit conditions. Doing so is a misdemeanor or infraction under Section 14.20.110.
Is car washing in my Brentwood driveway allowed under the stormwater code?
Yes, individual residential car washing is listed as an exempt discharge under Section 14.20.060(D), provided it does not carry pollutants like detergent runoff into the storm system in violation of the city's NPDES permit conditions.
Who enforces Brentwood's stormwater ordinance?
The public works director and designated enforcement officers under Chapter 14.20 can inspect premises, require sampling and monitoring, and issue notices of violation. Violations can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or infraction and also treated as a public nuisance subject to abatement.

Sources & Official References

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