Fullerton, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

020(A). " Legal nonconforming connections that predate the 2008 ordinance get a grace period: structural connections have five years from adoption before they become illicit, and nonstructural ones get six months after the city delivers notice identifying the connection. An authorized inspector can shorten even the general discharge exceptions (stormwater-only flows, landscape irrigation, footing drains, dechlorinated pool water and similar) on 30 days' written notice if the discharge threatens receiving waters. 030 requires all new development and significant redevelopment to follow the county DAMP and any project-specific conditions the planning agency imposes to cut pollutants in runoff; that review happens before a grading permit, building permit or nonresidential plumbing permit is issued, or before a discretionary approval or map recordation if no such permit is required.

A single-family detached residence is exempt from full DAMP compliance unless the Planning Agency finds the work could discharge significant pollutant levels into the storm drain system. The city recovers its review costs from the applicant and can require a deposit against those costs. 060; a noncompliance notice sets a compliance deadline of up to 90 days, extendable another 90 days for good cause the inspector must document in writing.