Fresno enforces stormwater management under FMC Chapter 6, Article 7 (Stormwater Quality Management) and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's MS4 permit. All new development and significant redevelopment must implement post-construction stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited, and the City conducts dry-weather monitoring of outfalls to the San Joaquin River watershed.
The City's stormwater program operates under the Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the Central Valley RWQCB. Construction projects disturbing one or more acres must prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board. Post-construction requirements include Low Impact Development (LID) measures such as bioretention areas, permeable paving, and infiltration basins suited to the San Joaquin Valley's sandy soils. The Public Utilities Department oversees compliance inspections.
Violations of stormwater discharge prohibitions can result in administrative penalties up to $10,000 per day under the Clean Water Act, stop-work orders, and municipal code enforcement citations.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle stormwater management.
See how Fresno's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.