Palmdale, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- PMC Chapter 12.32, adopted 1975 (Ord. 268)
- Scope
- Public and private drainage facilities, citywide
- Prohibited material
- Trash, debris, vegetation blocking water flow
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
Summary
Palmdale prohibits dumping trash, debris or vegetation into any natural or manmade storm drainage facility, public or private, under Municipal Code Chapter 12.32. Property owners with a private drainage channel on their land must also keep it clear, since the City Council found that blocked, overgrown facilities cause property damage and injury risk.
No person, firm or corporation shall place, deposit or leave any trash, debris or any other material upon or in any natural or manmade storm water drainage facility, publicly or privately owned, within the City. Nor shall any such person who is the owner or person in possession of any real property located within the City, upon which a privately owned natural or manmade storm water drainage facility or channel is located, shall permit or allow the deposit in the facility of any trash, debris, vegetation or other material which could, or might, block, in whole or in part, the flow of water therein. ... A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six months, or both.
Full Breakdown
32 opens with City Council findings that 'numerous complaints have been made by residents of the City concerning public and private drainage facilities, natural and manmade, which are overgrown with vegetation and blocked by such weeds, debris and other material' and that regulation is 'necessary in order to eliminate such conditions' because 'damage to properties and possible injury to persons will result' otherwise. ' The duty therefore falls on dumpers directly and, separately, on property owners who allow blockage to accumulate on their own land, whether the material was dumped by them or simply left unmaintained.
The chapter applies citywide to both City-owned storm channels and privately owned drainage facilities and channels, and covers vegetation growth as well as trash and debris. Construction-phase stormwater pollution is handled separately through the City's NPDES permit and grading provisions in the Building Code.
Violations & Fines
Section 12.32.030 makes any violation of Chapter 12.32 a misdemeanor 'punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six months, or both,' and treats each day a blocked or debris-filled drainage facility is left uncorrected as a separate offense, so fines can compound daily until the facility is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump yard waste into a drainage channel behind my Palmdale property?
Am I responsible for keeping a private drainage channel on my land clear?
What is the penalty for blocking a Palmdale drainage facility?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palmdale
California rules heatmap·Compare Palmdale to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle stormwater management.