Murrieta, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Core ban
- No NPDES-prohibited discharge to city MS4
- Illicit connections
- Banned even if built before the chapter
- New development
- City engineer must approve WQMP/BMPs
- Litter/dumping ban
- Applies to occupied, open or vacant land
- Inspection entry
- Immediate entry allowed during active discharge
Summary
Murrieta Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 bans any discharge into the city's storm drain system that the NPDES permit prohibits, and bars illicit connections outright, even ones built before the chapter existed. New development and construction sites must also get city-approved runoff controls before grading or building permits are issued.
All discharges to the city's MS4 prohibited pursuant to the NPDES permit are prohibited. Any connection to the city's MS4 deemed to be an "illicit connection" pursuant to the NPDES permit is prohibited. The prohibition against illicit connections shall apply regardless of whether the connection was established prior to the date on which this chapter was enacted.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-23: A Codification of the General Ordinances of the City of Murrieta, California through Ord. 634-26, passed 7-7-2026).
Full Breakdown
210, both enacted by Ordinance 472 in 2012, form the core prohibition: any discharge into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that the NPDES permit forbids is unlawful, and any illicit connection to the MS4 is unlawful regardless of when it was installed. 300 requires new development and modifications to existing development to be designed to control discharges and pollutants in runoff, with the city engineer approving the water quality management plan (WQMP) and best management practices used to comply. 52. 310 lets the city condition commercial, residential and industrial development plans, grading plans, building permits and conditional use permits on demonstrated compliance, and the city engineer can suspend or revoke a permit for a violation or a changed circumstance.
410 separately bars dumping or stockpiling waste, including household rubbish, on any public or private property, occupied, open or vacant, or near a storm drain inlet, except in closed containers or at a lawful disposal site, and makes the property owner responsible for cleanup. 500, and may enter immediately without permission when non-stormwater runoff is actively discharging.
Violations & Fines
Section 8.36.510 makes it unlawful to conduct work or business in violation of the chapter, the NPDES permit, or state or federal law, and Section 8.36.520 holds the person causing a prohibited discharge or illicit connection liable regardless of intent or negligence, requiring them to defend and indemnify the city in any resulting administrative or judicial enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Murrieta's stormwater ordinance actually prohibit?
Do new construction projects in Murrieta need stormwater approval?
Can the city inspect my property for stormwater violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murrieta
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How other cities in Riverside County handle stormwater management.