Union City, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- UCMC Chapter 13.36 (Ord. 382-92)
- Core rule
- Non-stormwater discharges to storm drains banned
- Administering agency
- Public Works Director
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; each day separate offense
- Legal basis
- Clean Water Act NPDES Permit No. CA0029831
Summary
Union City bans discharging anything but stormwater into the city storm sewer system under its Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance, covering runoff from parking lots, construction sites, and industrial facilities citywide.
The discharge of nonstorm water discharges to the City storm sewer system is prohibited. All discharges of material other than storm water must be in compliance with an NPDES permit issued for the discharge (other than NPDES permit No. CA0029831).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Union City Municipal Code Chapter 13.36, adopted in 1992 under the Clean Water Act and the city's NPDES permit, prohibits any discharge to the city storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except limited exemptions like permitted discharges, landscape irrigation runoff, and firefighting flows. The Public Works Director administers the chapter; illicit connections and discharges are barred outright, and the code requires construction sites, parking lots, and industrial facilities to control pollutants through best management practices. The ordinance applies citywide to any person, business, or property owner whose activity could send pollutants toward a storm drain, catch basin, or watercourse.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 13.36 is a misdemeanor under Union City Municipal Code Chapter 1.16; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, and the condition is deemed a public nuisance subject to abatement by the City Attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in the driveway in Union City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle stormwater management.