Sonoma operates under a State NPDES Phase II MS4 permit and bans non-stormwater discharges into the city's storm drains, which flow untreated to Nathanson, Sonoma, and Fryer Creeks.
Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.32 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control) implements the city's State Water Resources Control Board NPDES Phase II Small MS4 permit (adopted 2003 under the 1999 federal Phase II Stormwater Rule). SMC 13.32.100 requires every person engaged in activity that may cause stormwater pollution to comply with Best Management Practices (BMPs) issued by the enforcement official, and authorizes the city to require Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for businesses whose outdoor operations may discharge pollutants. New development and redevelopment that creates or replaces 2,500+ sq ft of impervious surface must mitigate downstream impacts; projects of 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface must submit a Stormwater Control Plan for Regulated Projects (single-family homes outside larger plans are exempt). Construction activity requiring a building or grading permit that disturbs soil must submit an erosion and sediment control plan under the city's current NPDES permit.
Illicit discharges, illegal dumping into storm drains, and failure to implement required BMPs are violations of SMC 13.32 and may be enforced as administrative citations, civil penalties, and abatement orders. Investigation fees and civil penalties are assessed in addition to permit fees. State Water Board NPDES permit violations carry separate civil liability up to $10,000 per day per Calif. Water Code §13385.
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Sonoma, CA
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