Los Angeles, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Program name
- Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control (Watershed Protection Program)
- Administering agency
- Bureau of Sanitation, Dept. of Public Works
- Governing body
- Board of Public Works of the City of Los Angeles
- Primary prohibition
- Illicit discharges; any discharge that may damage storm drain system or impair receiving waters
- Non-stormwater discharge standard
- Must be reduced to maximum extent practicable
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor (unless declared infraction)
Summary
Los Angeles prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drain system and requires all dischargers citywide to comply with federal and state water quality laws under the Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control program.
SEC. 64.70. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
A. Title. This article is known as "Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control" and may be so cited.
B. Objectives. [...] the City seeks to protect and promote the public health, safety and general prosperity of its citizens with the implementation of the following objectives:
1. To comply with all Federal and State laws, lawful standards and orders applicable to stormwater and urban runoff pollution control;
2. To prohibit any discharge which may interfere with the operation of, or cause any damage to the storm drain system, or impair the beneficial use of the receiving waters;
3. To prohibit illicit discharges to the storm drain system;
4. To reduce stormwater runoff pollution;
5. To reduce non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system to the maximum extent practicable; and
6. To develop and implement effective educational outreach programs designed to educate the public on issues of stormwater and urban runoff pollution.
D. Violations. Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with the mandatory requirements of this article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation or failure is declared herein to be an infraction.
Full Breakdown
The Watershed Protection Program, managed by the Bureau of Sanitation under the Board of Public Works, sets uniform requirements and prohibitions for any discharge into the storm drain system or receiving waters. The program explicitly prohibits any discharge that could damage the storm drain system, impair beneficial use of receiving waters, or constitute an illicit discharge. Non-stormwater discharges must be reduced to the maximum extent practicable. Violations of the article's requirements constitute a misdemeanor unless a specific provision designates the conduct an infraction.
Violations & Fines
Any person violating any provision of LAMC Art. 4.4 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) or failing to comply with its mandatory requirements is guilty of a misdemeanor, unless the specific violation is declared an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in the driveway and let soapy water run into the street gutter?
Can I drain my swimming pool into the storm drain?
What penalties apply if I violate LA's stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle stormwater management.