Sewer Use, Stormwater, and Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) Regulations

Water quality impacts of stormwater runoff are regulated by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board). The Water Board’s requirements are detailed in the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP), which states that the City of Palo Alto (and 76 other local agencies in the Bay Area) shall not allow anything other than rain into the City’s storm drain system, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay. The MRP establishes how the City must comply to ensure pollutants do not discharge from businesses, construction sites, residences, and other potential sources.

The City’s stormwater requirements, found in PAMC Chapter 16.11, establish the City’s authority to enforce MRP requirements and formalize compliance processes. 

Stormwater Regulations(PDF, 3MB)

Food facilities (including restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and religious institutions) are a significant source of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) that enter the sanitary sewer treatment system. FOG can clog pipes and result in sanitary sewer overflows that negatively impact public health, creeks, the City’s storm drain system, and the San Francisco Bay. In addition, clogged sanitary pipes result in costly maintenance for both businesses and the City. The California Plumbing Code addresses how FOG should be managed in food facilities, while the State Water Resources Control Board’s Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order regulates how the City must manage its wastewater collection (or sanitary sewer) system and prevent the introduction of FOG to the system.

Chapter 16.13 of the City’s Municipal Code regulates how FOG shall be managed by food facilities.

FOG Regulations(PDF, 1MB)

Wastewater discharged to the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant–the City’s wastewater treatment plant– is governed by the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO–Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.09). This Chapter sets requirements that protect both public health and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure. To adhere with the ordinance, permits are required for some business activities. Permit information and applications are available on the Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s permit page.

The discharge of hauled liquid waste is governed by Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.66. To adhere with the ordinance, permits are required for septic haulers to discharge liquid waste. Permit applications and information are available on the Regional Water Quality Control Plant permits page.

FOG Ordinance Meeting for Businesses

• Meeting Recording(ZIP, 196MB)
• Presentation Slides(PDF, 5MB)

Stormwater Ordinance Meeting for Residents

• Meeting Recording(ZIP, 104MB)
• Presentation Slides(PDF, 4MB)

Sewer Use and Stormwater Ordinance Meeting for Businesses

• Meeting Recording(ZIP, 66MB)
• Presentation Slides(PDF, 4MB)

Regional Water Quality Control Plant Permits for Businesses

Fats, Oils, and Grease Requirements for Food Facilities

Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Residents