Tustin, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Section 4901(a) makes it unlawful to construct, maintain, operate or utilize any illicit connection, to cause, allow or facilitate a prohibited discharge, or to permit an agent, employee or contractor to do either. Section 4901(c) removes intent as a defense: a civil or administrative violation occurs irrespective of the violator's negligence or intent. "Illicit connection" and "prohibited discharge" are defined in Section 4900, covering the storm water drainage system, gutters, channels, storm drains and any waterway the system feeds, with a narrow discharge exception for things like storm water itself, permitted NPDES discharges and residential lawn watering runoff.

Section 4902 requires new development and significant redevelopment to follow the Orange County Drainage Area Management Plan and any conditions imposed by Community Development and Public Works before a grading, building or plumbing permit issues. The Director of Community Development acts as the "authorized inspector" under Section 4900 and can inspect property, issue a notice of noncompliance, an administrative compliance order, or a cease and desist order under Section 4904, with a right to an administrative hearing if the recipient files an appeal within 30 days. Costs of enforcement, and any nuisance abatement, can become a lien against the property under Government Code Section 38773.1 and 38773.5.