Urban Stormwater Runoff Ordinance: Santa Monica, CA
This model ordinance, developed by the City of Santa Monica, is designed to reduce the amount of urban runoff that reaches the Santa Monica Bay. One way the city accomplishes its goal is by requiring a reduction of the amount of rainfall leaving any impermeable surfaces of newly developed parcels within the city.
The model ordinance is an example that can be used by communities interested in establishing ordinances to prevent urban runoff. The ordinance is broken into nine sections. The ordinance first introduces good housekeeping requirements for reduction of urban runoff in all properties. The ordinance then sets forth urban runoff requirements for new development and construction sites. For example, new developments are required to reduce the rainfall leaving impermeable surfaces. The ordinance ends with enforcement and penalty provisions.
This document can be used as a guide for local communities interested in reducing urban runoff. Because this ordinance is specific to the City of Santa Monica, readers will have to build upon and customize the language so that it is appropriate to their locality.
