San Diego, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- SDMC § 43.0304
- Core rule
- No non-storm water to MS4
- Max civil penalty
- $10,000/day per violation
- Parcel cap
- $100,000 per series
Summary
San Diego bans dumping anything but rainwater into storm drains, and violators face misdemeanor charges plus civil penalties up to $10,000 per day.
(a) Except as provided in San Diego Municipal Code section 43.0305, it is unlawful for any person to cause a non-storm water discharge to the MS4.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to cause either individually or jointly any discharge into or from the MS4 that results in or contributes to a violation of the MS4 permit.
(Retitled from "Discharge of Non-Stormwater Prohibited" and amended 9-10-2001 by O-18975 N.S.) (Retitled to "Illicit Discharges" and amended 7-16-2015 by O-20516 N.S.; effective
Full Breakdown
Under Municipal Code §43.0304, it is unlawful to cause a non-storm water discharge to the municipal storm sewer system (MS4) except as conditionally allowed under §43.0305, or to cause any discharge that violates the City's MS4 permit. The rule covers spills, dumping, wash water, and other pollutants entering gutters or storm drains, which flow untreated to creeks, bays, and the ocean. Property owners and businesses are responsible for preventing illicit discharges from their sites.
Violations & Fines
Violations of §§43.0301-43.0309 are misdemeanors under §12.0201; the City can also seek injunctive relief or administrative civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation, capped at $100,000 per parcel for a related series of violations (§43.0311).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle stormwater management.