Novato, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Section 7-4.6 of the Novato Municipal Code, part of the Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1600, June 16, 2015), prohibits discharging non-stormwater into the city storm drain system. It also prohibits discharges of waste from the municipal separate storm sewer system that violate statewide or regional basin plans, and discharges of stormwater to waters of the United States that cause or threaten a condition of pollution or nuisance as defined in Water Code § 13050. Section 7-4.9 bans illicit discharges and illicit connections, and the ban is expressly retroactive to connections made in the past, whether or not they were made under a permit.

Section 7-4.7 exempts listed discharges such as water line flushing, individual residential car washing, foundation drains, footing drains, air conditioning condensation, springs and dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, provided any pollutants are identified and controlled. Incidental irrigation runoff is exempt only when leaks are corrected within 72 hours of discovery, sprinkler heads are aimed at the planned area and irrigation stops during precipitation. Recycled water holding ponds cannot discharge except as the result of the 25-year 24-hour storm event, and any release must be reported to the regional water board and the County of Marin within 24 hours.

New development and redevelopment carry runoff controls. Under section 7-4.10 d and e, the city can require permanent structural controls for added or replaced impervious surfaces, and projects subject to the post-construction measures submit a stormwater control plan built on the BASMAA Post-Construction Manual. Unless the plan sets another period, those responsible for maintenance inspect stormwater management facilities at least annually. Section 7-4.11 requires anyone controlling land that a watercourse crosses to keep it free of trash and debris, and a written encroachment permit under section 15-2 is required before piping into, modifying or building in a watercourse.

Section 7-5 pays for the program. Every owner of real property in the City of Novato pays an annual Clean Stormwater Activity Fee, calculated per parcel under a methodology the city council sets by resolution, deposited in a Clean Stormwater Fund, and collected by the County of Marin with property taxes when the city manager so arranges. Delinquent fees become a lien on the property.