Woodland, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Woodland Municipal Code Section 8.08.050 bars anyone from causing, allowing or facilitating a non-stormwater discharge into the City's MS4, or constructing an illicit connection to storm drains, catch basins or ditches, unless a separate NPDES permit specifically authorizes it. A handful of activities are conditionally exempt, including water line flushing, individual residential car washing, dechlorinated pool and spa draining, and natural spring flows, but the Director can revoke any exemption under Section 8.08.050(A)(3) if it becomes a significant source of pollutants. Anyone who discovers a hazardous substance release must call 911 immediately; a non-hazardous release must be phoned to the Director at 661-5962 during business hours or County communications at 666-8920 after hours, confirmed in writing to Public Works within three business days under Section 8.08.060(C).

Every development project disturbing one acre or more of soil, or part of a larger common plan of one acre or more, must comply with the State Water Board's construction general permit and submit an erosion and sediment control plan to the City Engineer before any grading or building permit issues, per Section 8.08.070. Enforcement under Section 8.08.100 runs from a notice of violation and a cease-and-desist order through a compliance order, and the Director may fine a violator up to the amount set by Government Code Section 36901 per violation.

Illicit discharges and connections are declared a public nuisance under Government Code Section 38771 and may be abated at the discharger's expense. A person cited may appeal in writing to the City Clerk within 20 calendar days, triggering a City Council hearing set 20 to 60 days later.