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Tracy, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Core ban
Any nonstormwater discharge, sec. 11.34.050
Governing permit
NPDES Permit No. CAS000004
Public nuisance
Any chapter violation, sec. 11.34.290
Enforcement tracks
Civil, criminal misdemeanor, administrative citation
Appeal route
Judicial review under sec. 1.20.010(a)

Summary

Tracy's Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance, codified at Municipal Code chapter 11.34, bars any discharge into the City's storm drain system other than stormwater itself, aiming to protect public health and water quality under the federal Clean Water Act, the state Porter-Cologne Act, and the City's NPDES Permit No. CAS000004, with violations enforceable as civil, criminal or administrative citations.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City by controlling nonstormwater discharges to the stormwater conveyance system, by eliminating discharges to the stormwater conveyance system from spills, dumping, or disposal of materials other than stormwater, and by reducing pollutants in urban stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable. This chapter is intended to assist in the protection and enhancement of the water quality of watercourses, water bodies, and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. section 1251 et seq.), Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code section 13000 et seq.) and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") Permit No. CAS000004, as such permit is amended and/or renewed.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69).

Full Breakdown

020 states the chapter exists to control nonstormwater discharges to the stormwater conveyance system, eliminate discharges from spills, dumping or disposal of materials other than stormwater, and reduce pollutants in urban runoff "to the maximum extent practicable," consistent with the Clean Water Act, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and NPDES Permit No. CAS000004. 050 backs that purpose with a blanket ban: it is "unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any nonstormwater discharge," and even an otherwise exempt discharge can be barred if the Regional Water Board or the City's Director finds it violates a basin plan, conveys significant pollutants, or endangers public health.

5. 100 separately bans dumping solid or liquid waste, landscape debris, banned pesticides, oil, grease or washout water into the storm drain system or onto property where it could reach it. 290. 040. 010(a) of the Tracy Municipal Code.

Violations & Fines

A nonstormwater discharge or illegal dumping into Tracy's storm drains can draw a civil abatement order with costs billed to the violator, a misdemeanor criminal charge under section 1.04.030, or an administrative citation under section 1.28.040, and the City can pursue more than one remedy at once because section 11.34.310 makes them cumulative. A person disputing a City decision under the chapter can seek judicial review under section 1.20.010(a), per section 11.34.350.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can't I put down a storm drain in Tracy?
Almost nothing besides stormwater itself. Section 11.34.050 bans any nonstormwater discharge, and section 11.34.100 separately bans dumping waste, landscape clippings, oil and grease, banned pesticides, and washout water into the stormwater conveyance system or anywhere it could reach it.
Are there any discharges Tracy allows into storm drains?
Yes. Section 11.34.060 exempts a specific list, including landscape irrigation runoff, potable water line flushing, individual residential vehicle washing, fire hydrant testing flows, and dechlorinated pool water with chlorine below 0.1 mg/L and pH between 6.5 and 8.5, unless the Regional Board or Director finds the discharge is polluting.
What happens if I violate Tracy's stormwater ordinance?
The City can pursue civil abatement orders billed to you, criminal misdemeanor charges under section 1.04.030, or an administrative citation under section 1.28.040, and section 11.34.310 lets it combine remedies. Every violation is also declared a public nuisance under section 11.34.290.

Sources & Official References

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