Lodi, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Lodi's Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Code (Chapter 13.14) makes it unlawful to discharge anything but stormwater into the city's storm drains, curbs, gutters, ditches and natural channels unless a listed exception applies (§ 13.14.050). Exempt discharges include water-line flushing, incidental landscape overspray, individual non-commercial car washing on private property, dechlorinated pool water, air-conditioning condensate, and fire hydrant flow testing (§ 13.14.060). Blowing or dumping grass clippings, leaves, pet waste, litter or junk into the public right-of-way is specifically listed as a prohibited discharge (§ 13.14.080), and any physical connection that lets sewage or other pollutants reach the storm drain system, an 'illicit connection,' is banned outright, including connections made before the ordinance existed (§ 13.14.090).

Construction sites of any size that disturb soil or expose materials to rain must implement erosion and sediment control best management practices, and larger projects must file a Waste Discharge Identification number and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan with the city before a grading or building permit issues (§ 13.14.120(B)). New and redeveloped properties must build permanent stormwater treatment controls and, where required, hydromodification controls, and record a maintenance agreement against the deed (§ 13.14.120(C)). The public works director, as enforcement official, can issue a Notice of Violation, a cease-and-desist order, an abatement notice, or an administrative citation with penalty amounts set by the city's stormwater enforcement response plan; a person who fails to correct a violation can be cited and the fine specially assessed against the property as a lien (§ 13.14.420).

Anyone who learns of a spill that could reach the storm drain must contain it and notify the city within 24 hours (§ 13.14.130). Decisions can be appealed to the public works director within 10 days and then to the city council within 20 days (§ 13.14.450).