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Yuba City, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Yuba City Municipal Code § 4-21.59
Chapter title
Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control
Enforcing office
Department of Public Works Director
Permit program
Small MS4 general permit (NPDES Phase II)
Exemption revocation notice
30 days (§ 4-21.61), or immediate in emergency
Charging discretion
Infraction or misdemeanor (§ 4-21.78)

Summary

Yuba City bans any non-stormwater discharge into its storm drains, watercourses or channels under its Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control Ordinance. The Public Works Director enforces the rule to comply with the City's small MS4 federal NPDES permit, and violators face cease-and-desist orders, cleanup costs and citations.

It is unlawful to discharge, permit to be discharged or cause to be discharged any non-stormwater discharges into any storm drain system, watercourse, natural outlet, creek or channel except as provided in Section 4-21.60. All discharges other than stormwater must be in compliance with this chapter, state and federal regulations. The discharge of stormwater from premises or any activity that causes or contributes to a violation of receiving water limitations in the City's NPDES permit is prohibited.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 21, adopted by Ordinance No. 003-16 in 2016, is titled the "Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control Ordinance" and implements the Federal Clean Water Act and California's Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. 60, and separately prohibits any stormwater discharge that causes or contributes to a violation of receiving-water limits under the City's NPDES permit. 61 lets the Regional Water Board or the Director revoke any of those exemptions on 30 days' written notice, or immediately in an emergency, if the discharge is found to threaten water quality or public health. 05, with authority to require submittal of compliance information and to delegate enforcement duties. 66.

Violations & Fines

Any violation of Chapter 21, including an illegal non-stormwater discharge under Section 4-21.59, is unlawful under Section 4-21.78 regardless of the discharger's intent, and the City Attorney may charge it as an infraction or a misdemeanor. The Director or an enforcement officer can issue verbal warnings, written warning letters, or formal notices of violation requiring monitoring, cleanup or cessation of the discharge, and can bill administrative and remediation costs to the violator. Under Section 4-21.80 the City may also seek injunctive relief, cost recovery for investigation and monitoring, and compensatory damages for harm to water quality, wildlife or aquatic life in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can't legally go into Yuba City's storm drains?
Section 4-21.59 bans any non-stormwater discharge into the storm drain system, watercourses, natural outlets, creeks or channels, except for the narrow list of activities exempted in Section 4-21.60, such as water line flushing or residential car washing when properly managed.
Who enforces Yuba City's stormwater ordinance?
The Department of Public Works Director administers and enforces Chapter 21 under Section 4-21.05, with authority to delegate duties and to require dischargers to submit compliance information as needed to assess adherence to the small MS4 general permit.
Can my exempt discharge, like irrigation runoff, ever become illegal?
Yes. Section 4-21.61 lets the Regional Water Board or the Director revoke an otherwise exempt discharge's exception with 30 days' written notice if it is found to cause or significantly contribute to a water quality violation, or immediately if it poses an imminent threat to health or safety.
What happens if I violate the stormwater ordinance?
Under Section 4-21.78 the City Attorney can charge a violation as an infraction or a misdemeanor, and the Director can issue warning letters or formal notices requiring cleanup, monitoring or a fine covering remediation costs. Section 4-21.80 also allows the City to seek an injunction and compensatory damages in court.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yuba City

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All Yuba City rules

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