Sunnyvale, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- Only stormwater may enter storm drains, SMC 12.60.070(a)
- Governing chapter
- SMC Chapter 12.60, Stormwater Management
- Correction deadline
- Before next rain event or 10 business days
- Top civil penalty
- $10,000 per gallon, cease-and-desist violations
- Enforcement officials
- Directors of Public Works, Community Dev., Environmental Svcs.
- Legal basis
- NPDES permit issued July 1, 2022
Summary
Sunnyvale's Chapter 12.60 stormwater ordinance bans any discharge to the storm drain system that isn't composed entirely of stormwater, unless a specific exemption applies, under Municipal Code Section 12.60.070. Adopted under the city's NPDES municipal stormwater permit, the rule covers every developed and undeveloped parcel in the city and carries civil penalties up to $10,000 per gallon for the worst violations.
(a) General Prohibition. Any discharge to the storm drain system not composed entirely of stormwater is prohibited, except as set forth in this chapter. (b) It is unlawful to throw, deposit, leave, abandon, maintain or keep materials or wastes on public or private lands in a manner and place where they may result in an illicit discharge.
Full Breakdown
070 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code states a "general prohibition" that "any discharge to the storm drain system not composed entirely of stormwater is prohibited, except as set forth in this chapter," and separately makes it unlawful to throw, deposit, leave, abandon, maintain or keep materials or wastes anywhere they may cause an illicit discharge. 020). Several categories are exempt: discharges under a facility-specific NPDES or Regional Water Quality Control Board permit, discharges under the state general industrial or construction stormwater permits, and "categorically allowed" non-stormwater flows such as riparian habitat flows, diverted streams, natural springs and uncontaminated groundwater infiltration. 070(f)). 070(h)). 370(a)). 380(b)).
Violations & Fines
Illegal discharges are a public nuisance under Section 12.60.360 that the city can abate or enjoin. The Director can serve a warning notice or notice of violation requiring correction before the next rain event or within ten business days, then pursue civil penalties under Section 12.60.380 ranging from $2,000 per day for missed monitoring reports to $10,000 per gallon for cease-and-desist violations, with a hearing and appeal to the city manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let my pool water or sprinkler runoff drain into the street in Sunnyvale?
What counts as an illegal stormwater discharge in Sunnyvale?
How much can the city fine me for a stormwater violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle stormwater management.