Fremont, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Fremont Municipal Code Ch. 18.210
- NPDES permit
- No. CAS612008
- First-offense fine
- $350
- Third+ offense fine
- $1,000
- Enforcing agency
- Public works, community development, environmental services
Summary
Fremont bans any discharge into the storm drain system that is not entirely stormwater, and it is a misdemeanor. Discharges are administered jointly by public works, community development, and environmental services under the citywide NPDES permit.
General Prohibition. Any discharge to the storm drain system not composed entirely of stormwater is prohibited, except as set forth in this chapter. (b) It is unlawful to 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 an illicit discharge.
Full Breakdown
15 (Sec. 070(a), (c), (d)). The chapter also separately bans illegal connections to the storm drain (Sec. 080), littering that could reach a storm drain, gutter, or waterway (Sec. 070(g)), and false statements made to the city about compliance (Sec. 090). Property owners abutting a paved sidewalk must keep it free of dirt and litter, and sweepings may not be swept into the gutter or roadway. Parking lot and gas station owners must clean impermeable surfaces to avoid discharging pollutants. New development and significant redevelopment projects must implement best management practices from the C3 Technical Guidance Manual and the CASQA Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbook to reduce pollution to the "maximum extent practicable" (Sec.
250). The chapter is jointly administered by the departments of community development, public works, and the division of environmental services, with an "authorized enforcement official" defined as the director of public works, community development, or community services or their designee (Sec. 050(b)). Property owners bear ultimate, joint-and-several liability for discharges from their land regardless of any third-party contract (Sec. 100).
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 18.210 is a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction at the enforcement official's discretion (Sec. 18.210.320). Administrative fines run $350 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within any 12-month period, or a flat $1,000 per offense for knowing or intentional violations (Sec. 18.210.330(c)). Each day a violation continues is a separate offense (Sec. 18.210.340). Misdemeanor conviction penalties are capped under Cal. Gov't Code Sec. 36901; infraction fines are capped under Cal. Gov't Code Sec. 36900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I discharge water from washing my driveway into the street?
Who enforces Fremont's stormwater ordinance?
What happens if I violate the stormwater ordinance more than once?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle stormwater management.