Thousand Oaks regulates stormwater runoff under its MS4 NPDES permit and TOMC requirements. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate low-impact development (LID) measures. Residents cannot discharge pollutants into storm drains, which flow untreated to Calleguas Creek and the ocean.
Thousand Oaks operates under the Ventura County MS4 NPDES permit issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. TOMC includes stormwater quality regulations requiring best management practices (BMPs) for construction and post-construction. New development and redevelopment projects exceeding specified thresholds must incorporate low-impact development (LID) features such as bioswales, permeable paving, rain gardens, and infiltration basins. Construction sites must implement erosion and sediment control plans. Residents and businesses are prohibited from discharging pollutants including pesticides, fertilizers, vehicle fluids, paint, and pool water into storm drains. The Calleguas Creek watershed drains through Thousand Oaks to Mugu Lagoon, a sensitive ecological area. The city participates in the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program.
Illegal discharge to storm drains can result in fines from $100 for minor violations to $10,000+ for significant pollution events. Construction sites without proper BMPs face stop-work orders.
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not have a citywide ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or seasonal yard decor. Restrictions o...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by ordinance. Setup is subject only to general code provisions — electrical safety un...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks's municipal code does not set citywide hours or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Displays must comply with TOMC Chapte...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Thousand Oaks require building, gas, electrical, and plumbing permits from Building Division under TOMC Title 8 (which adopts th...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not separately regulate backyard pellet, wood, or charcoal smokers but applies TOMC Chapter 5-21 noise limits, California Fire Code cleara...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks adopts the California Fire Code by reference in TOMC Title 8, which prohibits open-flame charcoal and propane grills on combustible balconies, ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle stormwater management.
See how Thousand Oaks's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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