(Article and Section Added by Ord. No. 172,176, Eff. 10/1/98.)
A. Title. This article is known as “Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control” and may be so cited.
B. Objectives. The Watershed Protection Program (Stormwater Program) for the City of Los Angeles is managed by the Bureau of Sanitation along with all City Flood Protection and Pollution Abatement (Water Quality) Programs including, but not limited to, regulatory compliance, implementation, operations, reporting and funding. This article sets forth uniform requirements and prohibitions for discharges and places of discharge into the storm drain system and receiving waters necessary to adequately enforce and administer all federal and state laws, legal standards, orders and/or special orders that provide for the protection, enhancement and restoration of water quality. Through a program employing watershed-based approaches that balance environmental and economic considerations, and under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works, the City seeks to protect and promote the public health, safety and general prosperity of its citizens with the implementation of the following objectives: (Amended by Ord. No. 183,833, Eff. 10/3/15.)
1. To comply with all Federal and State laws, lawful standards and orders applicable to stormwater and urban runoff pollution control;
2. To prohibit any discharge which may interfere with the operation of, or cause any damage to the storm drain system, or impair the beneficial use of the receiving waters;
3. To prohibit illicit discharges to the storm drain system;
4. To reduce stormwater runoff pollution;
5. To reduce non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system to the maximum extent practicable; and
6. To develop and implement effective educational outreach programs designed to educate the public on issues of stormwater and urban runoff pollution.
C. Scope. This article provides for the control and regulation of discharges to the storm drain system and receiving waters, through a program of education and enforcement of general and specific prohibitions and requirements. This article applies to all dischargers and places of discharge located within the City of Los Angeles that discharge stormwater or non-stormwater into any storm drain system or receiving waters. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Director, under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works, shall administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this ordinance.
D. Violations. Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with the mandatory requirements of this article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation or failure is declared herein to be an infraction.