Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Los Angeles Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 02, 2026 Flag of California

In Los Angeles, California, residents must report illicit discharges to protect waterways, public health, and comply with city stormwater rules. This guide explains who enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules in the City of Los Angeles, how to report spills or illegal connections, typical enforcement actions, and the steps residents should follow to document and submit a complaint. It covers practical actions, agency contacts, and common violations so you can act quickly when you discover pollutants entering storm drains, gutters, or waterways.

How to identify an illicit storm drain discharge

Illicit discharges include anything other than stormwater entering the storm drain system, such as motor oil, paint, sewage, industrial wash water, concrete slurry, or construction runoff. Take photos of the discharge, note the exact location and time, and identify any visible sources such as a vehicle, construction site, or nearby business.

Document time, location, and photos before the spill disperses.

Reporting: who to contact and how

Report illicit discharges to Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) Stormwater Program or through the City of Los Angeles 311 reporting system. Use the official LASAN stormwater guidance and the MyLA311 service to submit complaints, photos, and location details.

Los Angeles Sanitation Stormwater Program[1]

MyLA311 online reporting[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules through its stormwater program and code enforcement channels. Specific monetary penalties and daily fines for illicit discharges are not specified on the cited LASAN stormwater program or MyLA311 pages; see the official enforcement contacts below for current civil penalty information and case handling procedures.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact LASAN for current fee schedules and civil penalties.
  • Escalation: first notices, abatement orders, and repeat enforcement measures are used; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, cleanup directives, stop-work orders for construction, and potential referral to court.
  • Enforcer: Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) Stormwater Program; report via LASAN guidance or MyLA311 for inspection and response.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are handled per city administrative procedures; specific time limits and appeal forms are not specified on the cited LASAN or MyLA311 pages.
Contact LASAN immediately for confirmed information on fines and appeals.

Applications & Forms

To report a current illicit discharge, use the MyLA311 online report or phone service; there is no separate universal "illicit discharge" form published on the LASAN stormwater page. For permit exemptions or variances related to stormwater controls, consult the Department of Building and Safety or LASAN directly for applicable permit forms and fees.

Common violations

  • Discharging vehicle fluids (oil, antifreeze) into gutters or drains.
  • Construction site runoff without required controls or fails to implement Best Management Practices.
  • Improper disposal of paints, solvents, or concrete washout into the storm system.
Construction sites must contain and treat runoff before it reaches storm drains.

Action steps for residents

  • Take photos and note the exact location, time, and any visible source of the discharge.
  • Report immediately via MyLA311 or contact LASAN Stormwater Program to request inspection.[2]
  • Preserve evidence: do not attempt cleanup that may expose you to hazards; instead, document and let officials handle hazardous materials.

FAQ

Who enforces illicit discharge rules in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) Stormwater Program enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules, with complaint intake via MyLA311.
Can I report anonymously?
MyLA311 allows anonymous reports, but providing contact information can help inspectors follow up; check MyLA311 for options.
What should I do if the discharge is an immediate hazard?
If there is a health or safety emergency, call 911; for hazardous material response, notify MyLA311 or LASAN immediately for expedited response.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: take clear photos, note time, location, and possible source.
  2. Use MyLA311 online or app to submit a report with photos and location details.[2]
  3. If the spill is large or hazardous, call emergency services (911) and then report to LASAN.
  4. Follow any directions from LASAN inspectors and preserve any evidence for enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected illicit discharges quickly with photos and exact locations.
  • Use LASAN and MyLA311 for official reporting and inspection requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment - Stormwater Program
  2. [2] MyLA311 - City of Los Angeles reporting portal

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