Ontario enforces the Santa Ana Regional MS4 permit requiring erosion control, trash capture, and Low Impact Development for projects over 5,000 square feet, with enforcement through OMC Chapter 5 Article VI.
Ontario is a co-permittee of the Santa Ana Regional Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit administered by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. Under Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 5 Article VI (Stormwater and Urban Runoff), it is unlawful to discharge anything other than clean rainwater to the municipal storm drain system. Pollutants such as concrete washout, paint thinner, motor oil, pet waste, and sediment are prohibited. Construction projects disturbing 1 acre or more must file a Notice of Intent for the Construction General Permit (CGP) with the State Water Board and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Priority development projects creating 5,000 square feet of impervious area must include Low Impact Development (LID) features such as bioswales, permeable pavers, or cisterns per the San Bernardino County Technical Guidance Document. Violations carry administrative fines up to 10,000 dollars per day under California Water Code 13385. Report illegal dumping to the Ontario hotline at (909) 395-2025.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require p...
Ontario, CA
Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, ret...
Ontario, CA
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance tri...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except d...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle stormwater management.
See how Ontario's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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