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El Monte, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 13.16
Enforcing agency
Community Development Director
Spill hotline
580-2058, Public Works and Engineering Division
Penalty
Misdemeanor or infraction per Gov. Code Sections 36900-36901
Nuisance lien
Unpaid abatement bill liened after 60 days
Appeal window
10 days to appeal to the Director

Summary

El Monte bans any nonstormwater discharge into the city storm drain system under Municipal Code Chapter 13.16, administered by the Community Development Director. Property and business owners must keep pollutants, litter and runoff out of gutters, catch basins and channels, and must comply with the citywide NPDES Permit No. CAS004001. Violations are prosecuted as misdemeanors or infractions.

A.The discharge of nonstorm discharges to the city storm drain system is prohibited. All discharges of material other than stormwater discharges must be in compliance with an NPDES permit issued for the discharge (other than the municipal NPDES Permit).

Full Breakdown

070). 100 sets minimum pollutant-reduction duties: no one may throw or deposit refuse, garbage or litter into any street, alley, sidewalk, storm drain, catch basin or other drainage structure, and owners of paved parking lots, gas stations and private streets must clean those surfaces to prevent pollutant discharge. 110). 110(E)). 100(C)). 230).

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 13.16 is a misdemeanor unless the enforcement officer elects to charge it as an infraction; a misdemeanor carries the fine and jail limits set by Government Code Section 36901, an infraction the fine limits of Section 36900, and a third infraction for the same provision within twelve months can be charged as a misdemeanor (Section 13.16.130). Each day a violation continues is a separate offense (Section 13.16.140), and the city can abate a violation as a public nuisance and lien the property for the cost if unpaid within sixty days (Section 13.16.170).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my car in the driveway in El Monte?
Yes, if the runoff does not leave your property or reach a storm drain, gutter or street. Section 13.16.070 exempts individual residential car washing from the discharge prohibition, but if soapy wash water flows into the public storm drain system it becomes an illicit discharge that a code enforcement officer can cite.
Who enforces El Monte's stormwater rules?
The Community Development Director administers Chapter 13.16 and authorizes enforcement officers to inspect properties, take samples and issue cease-and-desist orders. Officers may enter with the owner's consent or, if refused, seek a search warrant, and they can require a facility to test, monitor and report on suspected pollutant discharges under Section 13.16.110.
What happens if I don't report a chemical spill?
Anyone in charge of a facility must notify the city by phone at 580-2058 as soon as they know of a release that could reach the storm drain system, then confirm it in writing to the Public Works and Engineering Division. Failing to notify or clean up a spill can be prosecuted under Section 13.16.120.

Sources & Official References

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