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Vacaville, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing permit
NPDES General Permit CAS000004
Administering officer
City Manager
Construction BMP plan
required before ground disturbance
Annual duty
self-certification report on BMP condition
Penalty range
$100 first offense up to $1,000 misdemeanor

Summary

Vacaville's Urban Storm Water Quality, Management and Discharge Control Ordinance requires anyone whose activity could pollute storm water to follow best management practices tied to the City's NPDES General Permit CAS000004. Section 14.26.030.010 lets the City adopt and enforce BMPs for construction, new development, and ongoing operations, and makes compliance mandatory wherever the City, state, or a federal agency has promulgated a BMP requirement.

A. Authorization to Adopt and Improve Best Management Practices (BMPs). The City is subject to and may enforce BMPs as specified in the State Water Resources Control Board NPDES Permit CAS000004 and will adopt further requirements identifying BMPs for any activity, operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of storm water, the storm drain system, or waters of the U.S. Where BMP requirements have been or are promulgated by the City or any federal, state of California, or regional agency for any activity, operation, or facility which would otherwise cause the discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system or waters of the U.S., every person undertaking such activity or operation, or owning or operating such facility shall comply with such requirements.

Full Breakdown

050 and applies to all water entering the storm drain system from developed and undeveloped land in the City. 19, under subsection (C). 015 requires anyone disturbing land to submit a construction erosion and sediment control plan or an equivalent SWPPP for City review and approval before work starts, and the City conducts inspections both before ground disturbance and throughout construction to confirm BMPs stay in place; work performed contrary to an approved plan can be stopped by written order. New development projects must also record a storm water facilities operation and maintenance plan, inspect installed control measures at least annually, and file an annual self-certification report with the City Manager confirming the BMPs remain in good working order; a false statement in that report is itself unlawful. 120.

Violations & Fines

A violation of the Urban Storm Water Quality Ordinance is punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor at the enforcement officer's discretion under Section 14.26.050.120, with fines starting at $100 for a first infraction and rising to $500 for a third within 12 months, or up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and the City can recover its abatement costs and attorneys' fees as a lien or special assessment against the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers Vacaville's stormwater BMP requirements?
Section 14.26.030.010 applies whenever an activity, operation, or facility may cause or contribute to pollution of the storm drain system or waters of the U.S., and requires compliance with any BMP requirement the City, state, or a federal agency has promulgated, including the City's NPDES General Permit CAS000004.
Do new development projects need an ongoing maintenance plan for stormwater controls?
Yes. Section 14.26.030.020 requires a storm water facilities operation and maintenance plan as a condition of the land use entitlement, annual inspection of the installed controls, and an annual self-certification report to the City Manager confirming the BMPs are still working.
What are the penalties for violating Vacaville's stormwater ordinance?
Section 14.26.050.120 sets tiered infraction fines of $100, $200, and $500 for a first, second, and third violation within 12 months, or a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, with each day of continuing violation counted separately.

Sources & Official References

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