Santa Monica operates a stormwater utility under the municipal code with user fees on all parcels. The city promotes runoff conservation and sustainable management for water sustainability. LID and stormwater harvesting are strongly encouraged.
Santa Monica enforces stormwater management regulations to prevent flooding and protect water quality. New construction and major renovations must include stormwater management plans. Impervious surface limits may apply in residential zones. Low-impact development techniques like rain gardens, permeable pavers, and bioswales are encouraged or required. Erosion and sediment control plans needed during construction. Post-construction stormwater facilities must be maintained by property owners. Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits govern city-wide discharge.
Failure to implement stormwater plan: stop-work order. Illicit discharge to storm drains: fines $500 to $10,000. Maintenance failures: notice and fines after non-compliance.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle stormwater management.
See how Santa Monica's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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