Chico is enrolled in the State Water Board's statewide Phase II Small MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ, as amended). The city must prohibit non-stormwater discharges into the municipal storm-drain system and implement a six-program-element stormwater program (public education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction BMPs, and good housekeeping).
Only rainwater and a narrow list of allowed non-stormwater flows (landscape irrigation overspray, residential car washing, dechlorinated pool water, firefighting) may enter the MS4. Discharging motor oil, paint, sediment, soap, pet waste, food waste, or wash water into a gutter, storm drain, or roadside ditch is prohibited. New and redevelopment projects disturbing 1 acre or more must obtain coverage under the statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ) and prepare a SWPPP. Post-construction projects creating or replacing 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface must implement site-design, source-control, and treatment-control BMPs per Attachment 4 of the Phase II permit.
Illicit discharges are enforced by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board with administrative civil liability up to $10,000 per day per Water Code §13385, plus city cleanup-cost recovery. Failure to file a Notice of Intent before grading 1+ acre is a Water Code violation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in Chico for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Build...
Chico, CA
Chico is a Tree City with a strong tree-preservation ordinance; removing protected or heritage trees, including many on private property, requires a city tre...
Chico, CA
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code §10608.14, eff. 2027) ...
Chico, CA
Under CMC §19.68.050 and §19.68.070, at least 90% of plants in non-turf areas must be suited to Chico's climate and require minimal water once established. S...
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
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