Indio, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Indio Municipal Code Ch. 55
- Enforced by
- Director of Public Works
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat violations
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 mo
- New development
- WQMP and SWPPP required
Summary
Indio bans discharging pollutants into the city storm drain system, requires NPDES permit compliance for construction and industrial dischargers, and prohibits illicit drainage connections under Chapter 55 of the Municipal Code.
The discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system is a violation of this chapter except as specified below. All discharges other than storm water discharges must be in compliance with a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit issued for that particular discharge or discharges and/or in compliance with city municipal codes should city code be more stringent.
(B) Discharges from the following activities are not in violation when properly managed: Water line flushing and other discharges from potable water sources, diverted stream flows, rising ground waters, uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(2)) to separate storm sewers, infiltration to separate storm drains, uncontaminated pumped ground water, foundation and footing drains, water from crawl space pumps, air conditioning condensation, springs, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, or discharge flows from fire fighting activities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Indio Municipal Code Chapter 55 makes it a violation to discharge pollutants to the city storm drain system unless the discharge is separately NPDES-permitted (§ 55.20). Illicit connections to the storm drain system are banned outright, retroactively (§ 55.22), and dumping refuse, garbage, or leaking containers into streets, alleys, or drainage structures is likewise prohibited (§ 55.23). Construction disturbing one acre or more must obtain a state Construction Storm Water Permit and design for on-site retention of the 100-year, 24-hour storm (§ 55.25). New development and redevelopment projects must submit a Water Quality Management Plan and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan before a grading or building permit issues (§ 55.26). The Director of Public Works administers and enforces the chapter.
Violations & Fines
Infraction: up to $100 fine (1st offense), up to $200 (2nd). Third and later violations are a misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and/or 6 months jail; a first offense may also be charged as a misdemeanor (§ 55.99).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in my driveway in Indio?
Does new construction in Indio need a stormwater plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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How other cities in Riverside County handle stormwater management.