Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharges - Fontana Ordinance

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

Fontana, California requires residents and businesses to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system. This guide explains how to identify and report illicit discharges to the local agency, what enforcement options exist, and the practical steps to take when you discover a spill or illegal connection.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Fontana enforces local stormwater and illicit discharge prohibitions through public works and code compliance channels, and may coordinate with regional water boards for serious violations. For the controlling municipal code and ordinance text, consult the Fontana Municipal Code and related stormwater program pages.Fontana Municipal Code[1]

  • Fines: monetary penalties are not specified on the cited page and depend on the ordinance or enforcement action taken.Fontana Municipal Code[1]
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence schedules is not specified on the cited page and typically appears in the enforcement sections of the municipal code.Fontana Municipal Code[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: typical measures include stop-work or abatement orders, mandatory cleanup, administrative orders, civil actions, and referral to court.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: primary enforcement is by City of Fontana Public Works and Code Compliance; serious or region-wide pollution may involve the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and State Water Resources Control Board.State Water Resources Control Board - Stormwater[2]
  • Inspections and evidence: inspectors may document the source, order sampling, and require corrective measures; recordkeeping and photos are recommended.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes generally follow administrative appeal processes in the municipal code; specific time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with City Clerk or Code Compliance.
If you see a hazardous spill, prioritize public safety and call emergency services immediately.

Applications & Forms

Official reporting forms or online complaint portals may be provided by the city or county stormwater program. The exact names, form numbers, fees, and submission instructions are not specified on the cited pages; check local agency pages for an up-to-date report form or online complaint tool. For regional reporting guidance, consult county stormwater contacts.San Bernardino County Stormwater[3]

How to Report an Illicit Discharge

Follow steps that protect safety, preserve evidence, and route the report to the correct enforcement office.

  1. Immediate threats: if the discharge is hazardous or presents an immediate risk to people or property, call 9-1-1 or local emergency response first.
  2. Document: note location, time, source (if visible), color, odor, and volume; take photos or video from a safe distance.
  3. Report to the city: contact City of Fontana Public Works or Code Compliance via their stormwater complaint line or online form; provide your documentation and contact details.
  4. Escalate if needed: if the city cannot respond or the discharge affects multiple jurisdictions, notify the regional water board or county stormwater program.
  5. Follow up: request a complaint number and expected timeline, and ask about cleanup responsibilities and any public advisories.
Keep photos and precise location details to help investigators identify the discharge source.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules in Fontana?
The City of Fontana Public Works and Code Compliance enforce local stormwater rules; regional water boards may be involved for larger or interstate impacts.
How do I report a suspected illegal connection or spill?
Document the scene and submit a report via the city stormwater complaint line or online form; for emergencies call 9-1-1.
Will my identity be shared if I file a complaint?
Agencies typically keep complainant information confidential when possible, but privacy rules vary; ask the agency when you report.
Are there fees to file a stormwater complaint?
No fee is generally required to report an illicit discharge; fees may apply for permits or inspections, which are specified on official pages if applicable.

How-To

  1. Identify and document: record location, time, photos, and any identifying marks on the discharge.
  2. Call emergency services for immediate hazards and the city stormwater hotline for non-emergencies.
  3. Submit the report with evidence and request a complaint number for follow-up.
  4. Keep records and follow up with the enforcement office until the issue is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly with photos and location to help enforcement respond quickly.
  • City enforcement coordinates with regional boards for significant pollution events.
  • No fine amounts are specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code for details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Fontana Municipal Code - library.municode.com
  2. [2] State Water Resources Control Board - Stormwater Program
  3. [3] San Bernardino County Stormwater - sbcounty.gov

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