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Manteca, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
MMC Chapter 13.28
Enforcing agency
Public Works Director
Penalty
Misdemeanor, Penal Code § 19
Applies to
New development, redevelopment permits

Summary

Manteca bans discharging pollutants into its storm drain system or any watercourse, and requires new development and redevelopment projects to control runoff volume and pollutant load under city-issued permits.

No person shall discharge, permit to be discharged or cause to be discharged any materials including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards into either any part of the MS4 or any part of a water course.

A. It is prohibited to throw, deposit, place, leave, maintain, keep or permit to be thrown, deposited, placed, left, maintained or kept any refuse, rubbish, garbage or any other discarded or abandoned objects, articles or accumulations in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, storm drain, inlet, catch basin conduit or drainage structure, business place or upon any public or private plot of land in the city, so that the same might be or become a pollutant. No person shall throw or deposit litter in any fountain, pond, lake, stream or other body of water within the city. This subsection shall not apply to refuse, rubbish or garbage deposited in containers, bags or other appropriate receptacles which are placed in designated locations for regular solid waste pick up and disposal.

B. It is prohibited to intentionally dispose of leaves, dirt or other landscape debris into the MS4.

C.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).

Full Breakdown

Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 13.28 makes it unlawful to discharge, permit, or cause the discharge of any pollutant-containing material into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or any watercourse where it violates water quality standards. The public works director enforces the chapter, and new development and redevelopment projects must incorporate city-approved best management practices controlling runoff volume, rate, and pollutant load as a condition of land use entitlements and building permits. Illicit connections to the MS4 are separately prohibited under § 13.28.040.

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of Chapter 13.28 is a misdemeanor punishable under California Penal Code § 19; the director can also order abatement, impose fines, and place a lien on the property for cleanup costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my car in the driveway in Manteca?
Yes: non-commercial hand-washing of vehicles at home is expressly excluded from the discharge prohibition, along with landscape irrigation and similar incidental flows under § 13.28.035.
Who enforces Manteca's storm water rules?
The city's public works director, who can inspect property, issue notices of violation, and order abatement of any prohibited discharge under Chapter 13.28.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manteca

All Manteca rules

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