Fullerton, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Fullerton's local stormwater authority is Chapter 12.18 of the Fullerton Municipal Code (the Water Quality Ordinance), which prohibits illicit connections and non-stormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) under section 12.18.020 and requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) for construction sites, industrial facilities, and new or redevelopment projects. The city implements this ordinance as a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board's North Orange County MS4 NPDES Permit (originally Order No. R8-2002-0010, reissued as R8-2009-0030 and subsequent renewals); the County of Orange serves as the principal permittee for the Orange County Stormwater Program. Common prohibited discharges include vehicle wash water, paint and pressure-wash rinse, swimming-pool water with chlorine or other treatment chemicals, concrete slurry, food-service grease, sewage, and chemicals or solvents poured to the gutter or catch basin. Allowable non-stormwater discharges typically include uncontaminated landscape irrigation, residential potable water-line flushing, dechlorinated swimming-pool drainage, and certain firefighting flows. Construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more must also enroll in California's statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009-DWQ as amended) and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). New and redevelopment projects meeting Project Priority thresholds must implement Low Impact Development (LID) and Hydromodification Management Plan controls under the County of Orange Drainage Area Management Plan and Model WQMP.