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San Mateo County, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
County Code Ch. 4.100
Scope
Unincorporated county only
Core rule
No non-stormwater discharge to storm drains
Adopted
Ord. No. 4913, Nov. 4, 2025

Summary

Unincorporated San Mateo County bans dumping anything but rainwater into the county storm drain system under its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Ordinance.

City-specific rules exist: Redwood City has its own stormwater management rules that differ from San Mateo County's county-level regulations. If you live in Redwood City, check the city-specific page instead.

The discharge of Non-Stormwater to the County Storm Drain System is prohibited. All discharges of material other than Stormwater must be with a NPDES Permit and this ordinance. It is unlawful for any Person to commence or continue any Illicit Discharge to the County Storm Drain System. This prohibition applies to all connections made to the County Storm Drain System. Alteration is inclusive of all connections made in the past, regardless of whether made under a permit or whether permissible under the law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of the connection to the County Storm Drain System. Connections that pre-date the passage of this ordinance must receive written permission from the Director of the Department of Public Works or their designee to continue with the discharge of Non-Stormwater materials.

(Ord. No. 4913, § 1, 11-4-2025)

Source: SMC Stormwater Treatment C.3View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 4.100 of the County Ordinance Code, readopted Nov. 4, 2025, makes it unlawful for any person to discharge non-stormwater into the county storm drain system. Discharges linked to pre-existing connections need written Public Works Director sign-off to continue; discharges must otherwise carry an NPDES permit. This applies only in the unincorporated county: most cities on the peninsula (San Mateo, Redwood City, etc.) run their own stormwater programs.

Violations & Fines

Illicit discharges trigger enforcement under Chapter 1.40 (Administrative Remedies) plus penalties set by Board resolution and Chapter 5.64.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ordinance apply inside San Mateo or Redwood City?
No. It only governs the unincorporated pockets of the county; incorporated cities enforce their own stormwater codes.
What discharges are exempt?
Landscape irrigation, uncontaminated groundwater, AC condensate, and similar flows listed in Section 4.100.130 are exempt if managed with BMPs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Mateo County

All San Mateo County rules

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