Porterville, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Municipal Code section 19A-2 makes it unlawful to construct a storm drainage system in a public street, alley, easement or property without first getting a permit and complying with the chapter. Section 19A-4 defines the scope: the chapter funds and administers storm drainage systems built within public streets, alleys, easements or property that benefit the general area and are needed for public health, safety and welfare, including the rights of way, property and improvements meant to convey or retain storm water runoff, while ordinary street improvements like curbs, gutters, sidewalks and paving are excluded unless damaged during drainage construction.

Section 19A-3 draws the funding line the other direction: private or single-purpose storm drains, those outside public streets, alleys, easements or property, or that benefit only a specific development rather than the general area, get no city planning or funding help. A separate acreage charge under section 19A-11 applies before development or redevelopment: a per-acre fee, set by council resolution and adjusted yearly using the Engineering News Record index, paid before a certificate of occupancy issues, with redevelopment exempt unless project costs exceed $15,000 within a 12-month period, and no property charged twice once it has paid.