How do I report a suspected stormwater violation?

Call the City's stormwater/reporting line or submit an online report through the Public Works or Stormwater Program page; include location, photos, and time of the incident.

What should I do after receiving a notice of violation?

Read the notice carefully, follow required corrective steps, document repairs with dated photos and receipts, and contact the issuing department to confirm compliance.

Can I appeal a stormwater enforcement decision?

Yes, appeals or administrative reviews may be available; the municipal code or the specific enforcement notice will state appeal routes and time limits, which are not specified on the cited pages.

Resolve Stormwater Violations - Long Beach

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

Long Beach, California requires property owners and contractors to prevent polluted runoff from entering the storm drain system. This guide explains how city enforcement works, the usual steps to correct a notice, and how to contact the departments that handle stormwater violations. Use the official Stormwater Program and municipal code links below to confirm specific orders and procedures.Stormwater Program^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for stormwater violations in Long Beach is administered by city departments responsible for stormwater, environmental compliance, and code enforcement. The city may issue notices of violation, compliance orders, or refer matters for civil or criminal enforcement depending on the severity and willfulness of the discharge. For specific ordinance text and enforcement authority, consult the municipal code and the city's stormwater program.Municipal Code^[2]

Respond promptly to a notice of violation to avoid escalation.

Common enforcement actions include written notices, stop-work or cease-and-desist orders, and directed corrective work.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for many stormwater violations; consult the municipal code or the enforcement notice for exact amounts.
Escalation: first offence or continuing offences and repeat violations may lead to increased fines or civil actions; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions can include mandatory remediation, permit suspension, project stop-work, equipment seizure, or referral to the City Attorney for injunctions.
Enforcer and complaint pathways: Public Works - Stormwater Program and Code Enforcement receive reports and inspect; see the city stormwater program and municipal code for official contacts.^[1]
Appeal and review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by the municipal code or the specific enforcement notice; if a time limit is not printed on the notice, review the cited ordinance or contact the issuing department for deadlines.
Defences and discretion: typical defenses include evidence of permit coverage, best management practices implemented, or proof the discharge was unavoidable; availability of variances or waivers should be confirmed with the issuing office.

Applications & Forms

Construction stormwater permits or Pollution Prevention Plan requirements: check the Stormwater Program page for any required forms.
If a specific remediation or appeal form is required it will be listed on the enforcement notice or municipal code; many details are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the issuing department.

How enforcement typically proceeds

Inspection or complaint intake by the city following a report or routine inspection.
Issuance of notice of violation with required corrective actions and deadlines.
Completion of corrective measures by the responsible party and submission of evidence of compliance.
Failure to comply may lead to fines, civil enforcement, or referral to prosecuting authorities.

Keep dated photos and receipts as proof of corrective work.

Common violations

Illicit discharges to catch basins or gutters, including washwater and chemical spills.
Poorly managed construction site runoff without erosion controls or sediment traps.
Failure to maintain stormwater control measures, inlet protection, or BMPs.

FAQ

How do I report a suspected stormwater violation?: Call the City's stormwater/reporting line or submit an online report through the Public Works or Stormwater Program page; include location, photos, and time of the incident.^[1]
What should I do after receiving a notice of violation?: Read the notice carefully, follow required corrective steps, document repairs with dated photos and receipts, and contact the issuing department to confirm compliance.
Can I appeal a stormwater enforcement decision?: Yes, appeals or administrative reviews may be available; the municipal code or the specific enforcement notice will state appeal routes and time limits, which are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

Read the notice or citation and note any deadlines.
Contact the issuing department for clarification and any available forms.
Implement required corrective actions and document the work with photos and invoices.
Submit proof of compliance to the issuing office and request written confirmation.
If you dispute the notice, follow the appeal instructions on the notice or contact the municipal clerk or issuing department promptly.

Key Takeaways

Act quickly on notices to limit escalation and possible higher fines.
Document corrective work thoroughly to support compliance or appeals.