Ordinance No. 1312ORDINANCE NO. 1312
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
ADDING CHAPTER 13.25 TO TITLE 13 (PUBLIC SERVICES) OF THE
VERNON MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FATS,
OILS AND GREASE (FOG) TO THE CITY’S SEWER SYSTEM AND
ESTABLISHING A PERMIT PROGRAM FOR FOG DISCHARGE
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. Section VII of Article XI of the California Constitution stipulates that a city may
establish and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other
ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.
B. California Government Code section 54739 authorizes local agencies to regulate
the discharge of industrial waste into the public sewer to protect public
infrastructure, personnel, and the environment including the authority to require
pretreatment of waste and prohibiting certain discharges.
C. Sewer overflows are hazardous or injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of
the general public.
D. The unregulated discharge of fats, oils, and grease into the City’s sewer system is
a primary cause of sewer overflows within the City of Vernon.
E. The City Council desires to regulate the discharge of fats, oils, and grease into the
City’s sewer system to prevent sanitary sewer overflows and protect public health,
safety, and welfare, and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal
requirements.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines
that the above recitals are true and correct and are a substantial part of this ordinance.
SECTION 3. This ordinance was assessed in accordance with the authority and
criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA
Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. The City Council finds that this
ordinance is not subject to CEQA because the adoption of this ordinance is not a “project”
pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 section 15378(b)(2) as this ordinance
is a general policy and procedure making activity.
SECTION 4. Chapter 13.25 is hereby added to Title 13 (Public Services) of the
Vernon Municipal Code to read as follows:
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CHAPTER 13.25
FATS, OILS AND GREASE (FOG) REGULATIONS
13.25.010. Title.
This chapter shall be known as the "Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Ordinance of the
City of Vernon" (hereinafter "this chapter").
13.25.020. Statutory authority.
The provisions of this chapter are adopted pursuant to the Statewide General Waste
Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Water Quality Order No. 2022-
0103-DWQ, Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary
Sewer Systems (SSS WDRs), as adopted by the State Water Board. Nothing in this
chapter prohibits the Director of Public Works and the Director of Health and
Environmental Control, or their designees, from regulating sewers or stormwater in a
manner that exceeds the requirements of the Clean Water Act, the State Water
Resources Control Board, Regional Board, and Los Angeles County Sanitation
District. This chapter is further adopted pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subdivision (a) of Government Code section 54739 and is intended to regulate,
prohibit, and control discharges into the City’s sewer system, and to require
pretreatment, monitoring, reporting, and best management practices necessary to
protect the public sewer system and prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
13.25.030. Purpose and intent.
A. The purpose and intent of the provisions in this chapter are to enhance beneficial
public use of the City’s sewer infrastructure, prevent blockages of sewer lines
resulting from discharges of fats, oils and grease (FOG) or other constituents to
the sewer infrastructure and to specify appropriate FOG discharge requirements
for food service establishments (FSEs).
B. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the direct and indirect discharge of all
FOG carried to the City sewer infrastructure.
C. This chapter is established to comply with federal, state, and local regulations
and standards relating to FOG discharges to the City sewer infrastructure.
D. This chapter establishes quality and quantity standards on all wastewater and/or
waste discharges containing FOG which may create a blockage, a reduction in
sewer capacity, and/or cause or contribute to the occurrence of sanitary sewer
overflows (SSOs).
E. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Municipal Code, enforcement,
abatement, cost recovery, lien, and special assessment procedures for violations
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involving fats, oils, and grease, sanitary sewer overflows, or grease-related sewer
damage shall be governed exclusively by this chapter.
13.25.040. Local authority.
The Director of Health and Environmental Control and the Director of Public Works
shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
13.25.050. Definitions.
A. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms related to water quality shall be as
adopted in the latest edition of Standard Methods for Examination of Water and
Wastewater, published by the American Public Health Association, the American
Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation. The testing
procedures for waste constituents and characteristics shall be as provided in 40
Code of Federal Regulations 136 (40 CFR 136).
B. Other terms not defined shall be defined as they are in the latest adopted
applicable editions of the California Codes applicable to building construction.
C. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the following definitions shall apply unless
the context in which the words or terms are used clearly indicates a different
intention.
"Best management practices" (BMP) means schedules of activities, prohibitions
of practices, maintenance procedures and other management practices to
prevent or reduce the introduction of FOG to the sewer facilities.
“Blockage” means a reduction in sewer capacity or impairment of sewage flow.
"Change in operations" means any change in the ownership, food types, or
operational procedures that have the potential to increase the amount of FOG
discharged by FSEs in an amount that creates a potential for SSOs to occur.
"City Administrator" means the City Administrator of the City of Vernon or his or her
designee. The City Administrator may delegate a neutral hearing officer to conduct
any appeal hearing and issue a recommended final decision on the City
Administrator’s behalf.
"Director" means the Director of Health and Environmental Control of the City of
Vernon or his or her designee and/or the Director of Public Works or his or her
designee.
"Discharger" means any person who discharges or causes a discharge of
wastewater directly or indirectly to the City sewer infrastructure.
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"Fats, oils and grease" (FOG) means any substance such as a vegetable or
animal product that is used in, or is a byproduct of, the cooking or food
preparation process, and that turns or may turn viscous or solidifies with a
change in temperature or other conditions.
"FOG discharge permit" or "permit" means a permit issued by the City subject to
the requirements and conditions established by the City authorizing the
permittee or discharger to discharge wastewater into the City's facilities or into
sewer facilities which ultimately discharge into a City facility.
"Food service establishments" (FSEs) means facilities defined in California
Retail Food Code (CALCODE) Section 113789, and any commercial entity
within the boundaries of the City, operating in a permanently constructed
structure such as a room, building, or place, or portion thereof, maintained,
used, or operated for the purpose of storing, preparing, serving, or
manufacturing, packaging, or otherwise handling food for sale to other entities, or
for consumption by the public, its members or employees.
"Grease control device" means any grease interceptor, grease trap or other
mechanism, device, or process, which attaches to, or is applied to, wastewater
plumbing fixtures and lines, the purpose of which is to trap, collect or treat FOG
prior to it being discharged into the sewer system. Grease control device may
also include any other proven method to reduce FOG subject to the approval of
the City.
"Grease disposal mitigation fee" means a fee charged to an owner/operator of
an FSE when there are physical limitations to the property that make the
installation of the usual and customary grease interceptor or grease control
device for FSEs under consideration, impossible or impracticable. The grease
disposal mitigation fee is intended to cover the costs of increased maintenance
of the sewer system for inspection and cleaning of FOG and other viscous or
solidifying agents that a properly employed grease control device would
otherwise prevent from entering the sewer system.
"Grease interceptor" means a multi-compartment device that is constructed in
different sizes and is generally required to be located, according to the
California Plumbing Code, underground between FSEs and the connection to
the sewer system. These devices must be cleaned, maintained, and have the
FOG removed and disposed of in a proper manner on regular intervals to be
effective.
"Grease trap" means a grease control device that is used to serve individual
fixtures and have limited effect and should only be used in those cases where
the use of a grease interceptor or other grease control device is determined to
be impossible or impracticable.
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"Hot spots" means areas in sewer lines that have experienced sanitary sewer
overflows or that must be cleaned or maintained frequently to avoid blockages of
sewer system.
"Infiltration" means water entering a sewer system, including sewer service
connections, from the ground through such means as defective pipes, pipe
joints, connections, or manhole walls.
"Inflow" means water entering a sewer system through a direct stormwater
runoff connection to the sanitary sewer, which may cause an almost immediate
increase in wastewater flows.
"Interceptor" means a grease interceptor.
"Interference" means any discharge which, alone or in conjunction with
discharges from other sources, inhibits or disrupts the City's sewer system or
operations; or is a cause of violation of the City's NPDES or discharge
requirements.
“Lateral” shall mean a pipe or other conduit that transports sewage from a
source to a collector main, said main being located in a public right-of-way. The
installation, maintenance and operation of a lateral shall be the responsibility of
the property owner including the lateral connection to the public collector main.
"Local sewering agency" means any public agency or private entity responsible
for the collection and disposal of wastewater from the City's sewer facilities duly
authorized under the laws of the State of California to construct and/or maintain
public sewers.
"Manifest" means that receipt which is retained by the generator of wastes for
disposing recyclable wastes or liquid wastes as required by the City.
"NPDES" means the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; the
permit issued to control the discharge of liquids or other substances to surface
waters of the United States as detailed in Public Law 92-500, Section 402.
"New construction" means any structure planned or under construction for which
a sewer connection permit has not been issued.
"Permittee" means a person who has received a permit to discharge wastewater
into the City's sewer facilities subject to the requirements and conditions
established by the City.
"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation or
public agency, including the State of California and the United States of
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America.
"Public sewer" means a sewer owned and operated by the City, or other local
public agency, which is tributary to the City's sewer facilities.
"Regulatory agencies" means those agencies having regulatory jurisdiction over
the operations of the City, including, but not limited to:
1. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, San
Francisco and Washington, DC (EPA);
2. California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB);
3. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region
(RWQCB);
4. South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD);
5. California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
"Remodeling" means a physical change or operational change causing generation of
the amount of FOG that exceeds the current amount of FOG discharge to the
sewer system by the food service establishment in an amount that alone or
collectively causes or creates a potential for SSOs to occur; or exceeding a cost
of $50,000.00 to FSEs that requires a building permit, or involves any one or
combination of the following: (1) Under slab plumbing in the food processing area;
(2) a 25% increase in the net public seating area; (3) a 25% increase in the size of
the kitchen area; or (4) any change in the size or type of food preparation
equipment.
"Sampling facilities" means structure(s) provided at the user's expense for the
City or user to measure and record wastewater constituent mass, concentrations,
collect a representative sample, or provide access to plug or terminate the
discharge.
"Sewer facilities" or “sewer infrastructure” or "sewer system" means any and all
facilities used for collecting, conveying, or pumping wastewater.
"Waste" means sewage and any and all other waste substances, liquid, solid,
gaseous or radioactive, associated with human habitation or of human or animal
nature, including such wastes placed within containers of whatever nature prior to
and for the purpose of disposal.
"Wastehauler" means any person carrying on or engaging in vehicular transport
of waste as part of, or incidental to, any business for that purpose.
"Waste minimization practices" means plans or programs intended to reduce or
eliminate discharges to the sewer system or to conserve water, including, but not
limited to, product substitutions, housekeeping practices, inventory control,
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employee education, and other steps as necessary to minimize wastewater
produced.
"Wastewater" means the liquid and water-carried waste of the community and all
constituents thereof, whether treated or untreated, discharged into or permitted to
enter a public sewer.
13.25.060. FOG Discharge Requirements.
No FSE shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the sewer system total dispersed
oil and grease in excess of 650 mg/L or any visible floatable oil and grease.
13.25.070. Prohibitions.
The following prohibitions shall apply to all FSEs:
A. No additives may be introduced into an FSE's wastewater systems for the purpose of
emulsifying FOG, unless a specific written authorization from the Director is obtained.
B. Waste cooking oil may not be disposed into drainage pipes. All waste cooking oils
shall be collected and stored properly in receptacles such as barrels or drums for
recycling or other acceptable methods of disposal.
C. Biological additives for grease remediation or as a supplement to interceptor
maintenance may not be used without prior written authorization from the Director.
D. Wastes from toilets, urinals, wash basins and other fixtures containing fecal
materials may not be discharged to sewer lines with grease interceptor service.
E. Any waste including FOG and solid materials removed from the grease control
device may not be discharged to the sewer system. Grease removed from grease
interceptors shall be wastehauled periodically as part of the operation and
maintenance requirements for grease interceptors.
13.25.080. FOG Wastewater Discharge Prohibited.
No person shall discharge, or cause to be discharged any wastewater from a FSE
directly or indirectly into the sewer system without first obtaining a FOG discharge
permit pursuant to the ordinance codified in this chapter by January 1, 2030.
13.25.090. FOG Pretreatment Requirements.
Unless granted a conditional waiver, FSEs are required to install, operate and
maintain an adequately sized grease interceptor necessary to maintain compliance
with the objectives of this chapter, subject to the approval of the Director. The grease
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interceptor shall be adequate to separate and remove FOG contained in wastewater
discharges from FSEs prior to discharge to the sewer system. Fixtures, equipment,
and drain lines located in the food preparation and clean up areas of FSEs that are
sources of FOG discharges shall be connected to the grease interceptor. Compliance
shall be established as follows:
A. New Construction of FSEs. New construction of FSEs shall install grease
interceptors prior to commencing discharges of wastewater to the sewer system.
B. Existing FSEs.
1. For existing FSEs, the requirement to install and to properly operate and
maintain a grease interceptor may be conditionally waived by the Director.
Terms and conditions for application of a stay to a FSE shall be set forth in
the permit.
2. Existing FSEs that have reasonable potential to adversely impact the sewer
system or have sewer laterals connected to hot spots, as determined by the
Director, shall install grease interceptors no later than January 1, 2030.
3. Existing FSEs undergoing remodeling or a change in operations as defined
in section 13.25.050 shall be required to install a grease interceptor.
13.25.100. Conditional Waiver of Grease Interceptor Requirements.
A. Conditional Waiver from Grease Interceptor Requirements. A conditional waiver
from the grease interceptor requirements to allow alternative pretreatment
technology that is, at least, equally effective in controlling the FOG discharge in
lieu of a grease interceptor may be granted to FSEs. The Director's determination
to grant a conditional waiver will be based upon, but not limited to, evaluation of
the following conditions:
B. The FSE can substantively demonstrate that the alternative pretreatment
technology is equivalent or better than a grease interceptor in controlling its FOG
discharge. In addition, the FSE must be able to demonstrate, after installation of
the proposed alternative pretreatment, its effectiveness to control FOG discharge
through downstream visual monitoring of the sewer system for at least three
months at its own expense. A conditional waiver may be granted if the results
show no visible accumulation of FOG in its lateral and/or tributary downstream
sewer lines.
C. The potential for FOG from the FSEs to cause or contribute to SSOs or have
negligible FOG discharge and insignificant impact to the sewer system.
D. The Director may revoke a conditional waiver of any grease interceptor
requirement. The Director's determination to revoke a conditional waiver shall be
based upon, but not limited to, evaluation of the following conditions:
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E. Quantity of FOG discharge as measured or as indicated by the size of FSEs based
on processes, capacity, type of foods being prepared or manufactured, water
usage, and other conditions that may reasonably be shown to contribute to FOG
discharges.
F. Adequacy of implementation of BMP and compliance history.
G. Sewer size, grade, and condition based on visual information, FOG deposition in
the sewer by, and history of maintenance and sewage spills in the receiving sewer
system.
H. Changes in operations that affect FOG discharge.
I. Any other condition deemed reasonably related to the generation of FOG
discharges by the Director.
1. Term of Conditional Waiver. A conditional waiver shall have a maximum
term of three years, and a new application must be submitted at least 60
days prior to its expiration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver may be
revoked at any time when any of the terms and conditions for its issuance
are not satisfied or if the conditions upon which the waiver was based
change so that the justification for the waiver no longer exists.
13.25.110. Sewer System Overflows (SSOs), Public Nuisance, Abatement
Orders, Cleanup Costs, and Cost Recovery.
A. Notwithstanding any time limits provided elsewhere in this chapter, any person
who discharges any waste which causes or contributes to a sewer blockage,
SSO, obstruction, interference, damage or other impairment to the City’s sewer
facilities or to the operation of those facilities as a result shall be liable for all
costs arising out of such discharge including abating, cleaning, repairing, and
remediating the resulting condition, and the owner of the real property from which
the discharge originated shall be jointly and severally liable for such costs. Sewer
line blockages, SSOs or other interferences caused, in whole or in part, by FSE
discharges are hereby declared public nuisances and are the responsibility of the
FSE and the property owner of the premises from which the discharge originated
and may be abated as provided in this chapter or in the manner provided in
Chapter 8.20. The total amount shall be payable within 45 days of invoicing by
the City.
B. When the Director determines that a discharge of FOG has caused or
contributed to a blockage, SSO, or other interference with the City’s sewer
system, the Director may issue a written abatement and cleanup order to the
FSE and/or property owner. The order may require the responsible party to:
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1. Perform cleanup, containment, and abatement of the discharge, spill, or
overflow.
2. Install, repair, or maintain grease control devices or other pretreatment
equipment.
3. Prepare and implement a corrective action or spill prevention plan; and
4. Submit proof of cleanup and any required monitoring results to the City
within the time specified in the order.
5. The order shall specify the nature of the violation, the corrective actions
required, and a compliance schedule.
C. Failure to comply with an abatement or cleanup order within the time specified
constitutes a violation of this chapter and authorizes the City to undertake the
required work and recover its costs under subsection (C).
1. If, following notice to the responsible party and property owner, the City
must contain, clean up, or otherwise abate an SSO or blockage caused
by, or reasonably attributable to, an FSE discharge, whether on public or
private property, or if the City must act immediately without notice to
prevent an imminent threat to public health, safety, welfare, or property,
the reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the City shall be
recoverable from the FSE and/or property owner in accordance with this
section.
2. Within 180 days after completion of City abatement, the City shall serve
the FSE and property owner with a Notice of Cost Recovery itemizing the
costs incurred and the factual basis for responsibility. The FSE or property
owner may file a written protest within 15 calendar days of service, stating
the specific grounds of objection. The protest shall be heard by the City
Administrator under the administrative appeal procedures set forth in
section 13.25.340. The City’s itemized costs shall be presumed
reasonable unless the appellant proves otherwise by a preponderance of
the evidence.
3. Upon final administrative determination, the amount owed shall constitute
a civil debt to the City, due and payable within 30 days of service of the
final decision. If unpaid, the City may recover the amount by any lawful
means, including civil action, lien against the property pursuant to
Government Code section 38773.1, or special assessment pursuant to
section 38773.5, following notice and opportunity for hearing under
13.25.350. The City may also recover interest at the legal rate, together
with reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of collection.
13.25.120. FOG Discharge Permit Required.
A. FSEs proposing to discharge or currently discharging FOG into the City's sewer
system shall obtain a FOG discharge permit from the City. A FSE shall obtain a
FOG discharge permit whenever it applies to renew or be issued a new business
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license. All FSEs shall have a FOG discharger permit no later than January 1,
2030.
B. FOG discharge permits shall be expressly subject to all provisions of this chapter
and all other regulations, charges for use, and fees established by the City. The
conditions of FOG discharge permits shall be enforced by the City in accordance
with this chapter and applicable State and Federal regulations.
13.25.130. FOG Discharge Permit Application.
A. Any person required to obtain a FOG discharge permit shall complete and file with
the City prior to commencing discharges, an application in a form prescribed by the
City. The applicable fees shall accompany this application. The applicant shall
submit, in units and terms appropriate for evaluation, the following information at a
minimum:
1. Name, address, telephone number, assessor's parcel number(s), description of
the FSE, processes, types of food, or clients using the applicant's services.
2. Name, address of any and all principals/owners of the FSE; articles of
incorporation; most recent report of the Secretary of State; business license;
agent for service of process.
3. Name and address of property owner or lessor and the property manager
where the FSE is located.
4. Any other information as specified in the application form by the Director.
B. Applicants may be required to submit site plans, floor plans, mechanical and
plumbing plans, and details to show all sewers, FOG control device, grease
interceptor or other pretreatment equipment and appurtenances by size, location,
and elevation for evaluation.
C. Other information related to the applicant's business operations and potential
discharge may be requested to properly evaluate the permit application.
D. After evaluation of the data furnished, the City may issue a FOG wastewater
discharge permit, subject to terms and conditions set forth in the ordinance
codified in this chapter and as otherwise determined by the Director to be
appropriate to protect the City's sewer system.
13.25.140. FOG Discharge Permit Conditions.
The issuance of a FOG discharge permit may contain any of the following conditions
or limits:
A. Limits on discharge of FOG and other priority pollutants.
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B. Requirements for proper operation and maintenance of grease interceptors and
other grease control devices.
C. Grease interceptor maintenance frequency and schedule.
D. Requirements for implementation of BMP and installation of adequate grease
interceptor and/or grease control device.
E. Requirements for maintaining and reporting status of BMP.
F. Requirements for maintaining and submitting logs and records, including waste
hauling records and waste manifests.
G. Requirements to self-monitor.
H. Requirements for FSEs to construct, operate and maintain, at its own expense,
FOG control device and sampling facilities.
I. Additional requirements as otherwise determined to be reasonably appropriate by
the Director to protect the City's system or as specified by other regulatory
agencies.
J. Other terms and conditions, which may be reasonably applicable to ensure
compliance with this chapter.
13.25.150. FOG Discharge Permit Fee.
The FOG discharge permit fee shall be paid by the applicant in an amount adopted by
resolution of the City Council. Payment of permit fees must be received by the City
prior to issuance of either a new permit or a renewed permit. A permittee shall also
pay any delinquent invoices in full prior to permit renewal.
13.25.160. FOG Discharge Permit Modification of Terms and Conditions.
A. The terms and conditions of a FOG discharge permit may be subject to
modification and revision by the Director during the life of the permit based on:
1. The discharger's current or anticipated operating data.
2. The City's current or anticipated operating data;
3. Changes in the requirements of regulatory agencies which affect the City; or
4. A determination by the Director that such modification is appropriate to further
the objectives of this chapter.
B. The permittee may request a modification to the terms and conditions of a permit.
The request shall be in writing stating the requested change and the reasons for
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the change. The Director shall review the request, make a determination on the
request, and respond in writing.
C. The permittee shall be informed of any change in the permit limits, conditions, or
requirements at least 45 days prior to the effective date of change. Any changes or
new conditions in the permit shall include a reasonable time schedule for
compliance.
13.25.170. FOG Discharge Permit Duration and Renewal.
FOG discharge permits shall be issued for a period not to exceed three years. Upon
expiration of the permit, the discharger shall apply for renewal of the permit in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
13.25.180. Non-Transferability of Permits.
FOG discharge permits issued under this chapter are for a specific FSE, for a specific
operation and create no vested rights.
A. No permit holder shall assign, transfer, sell any FOG discharge permit issued
under this chapter nor use any such permit for or on any premises, facilities,
operations or discharges not expressly encompassed and approved within such
permit.
B. Any permit which is transferred to a new owner or operator or to a new facility is
void.
13.25.190. Drawing Submittal Requirements.
Upon request by the City, at any time during the application process or the duration of
a FOG Discharge Permit:
A. FSEs may be required to submit facility site plans, mechanical and plumbing plans,
and other details to show all sewer locations and connections. The submittal shall
be in a form and content acceptable to the City for review of an existing or
proposed grease control device, grease interceptor, monitoring facilities, metering
facilities, and operating procedures. The review of the plans and procedures shall
in no way relieve an FSE of the responsibility of modifying the facilities or
procedures in the future, as necessary, to meet the requirements of this chapter or
any requirements of other regulatory agencies.
13.25.200. Grease Interceptor Requirements.
A. All FSEs shall meet the requirements and standards established herein before
discharging to any public sewer. Any FSEs required to pretreat wastewater shall
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install, operate, and maintain an approved type and adequately sized grease
interceptor necessary to comply with this chapter.
B. Grease interceptor sizing and installation shall conform to the current edition of the
California Plumbing Code as adopted and amended by the City. Grease
interceptors shall be constructed in accordance with the design approved by the
Director and shall have a minimum of two compartments with fittings designed for
grease retention.
C. The grease interceptor shall be installed at a location where it shall be at all times
easily accessible for inspection, cleaning, and removal of accumulated grease.
D. Access manholes, with a minimum diameter of 24 inches, shall be provided over
each grease interceptor chamber and sanitary tee. The access manholes shall
extend at least to finished grade and be designed and maintained to prevent water
inflow or infiltration. The manholes shall also have readily removable covers to
facilitate inspection, grease removal, and wastewater sampling activities.
13.25.210 Grease Trap Requirements.
A. FSEs may be required to install grease traps in the waste line leading from
drains, sink, and other fixtures or equipment where grease may be introduced
into the sewer system in quantities that can cause blockage.
B. Sizing and installation of grease traps shall conform to the current edition of the
California Plumbing Code, as adopted and amended by the City.
C. Grease traps shall be maintained in efficient operating conditions by removing
accumulated grease on a daily basis.
D. Grease traps shall be maintained free of all food residues and any FOG waste
removed during the cleaning and scraping process.
E. Grease traps shall be inspected periodically to check for leaking seams and
pipes, and for effective operation of the baffles and flow regulating device.
Grease traps and their baffles shall be maintained free of all caked-on FOG and
waste. Removable baffles shall be removed and cleaned during the
maintenance process.
F. Dishwashers and food waste disposal units shall not be connected to or
discharged into any grease trap.
13.25.220 Monitoring Facilities Requirements.
A. The City may require a FSE to construct and maintain in proper operating
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condition at FSE's sole expense, flow monitoring, constituent monitoring and/or
sampling facilities.
B. The location of the monitoring or metering facilities shall be subject to approval
by the Director.
C. FSEs shall, during regular business hours, provide immediate and safe access to
the Director or inspectors to the FSEs' monitoring and metering facilities.
D. FSEs shall, upon request, submit to the Director waste analysis plans,
contingency plans, and other necessary information to verify they are in
compliance with this chapter.
E. No FSEs shall increase the use of water or in any other manner attempt to dilute
a discharge as a way of achieving compliance with this chapter or their FOG
wastewater discharge permit.
13.25.230 Requirements for Best Management Practices (BMP).
A. All FSEs shall implement BMP in accordance with the requirements and
guidelines established by the Director in an effort to minimize the discharge of
FOG to the sewer system.
B. All FSEs shall be required, at a minimum, to comply with the following BMP,
when applicable:
1. Drain screens shall be installed on all drainage pipes in food preparation
areas.
2. All waste oil shall be collected and stored properly in recycling receptacles
such as barrels or drums. Such recycling receptacles shall be maintained
properly to ensure that they do not leak. Licensed wastehaulers must be
used to dispose of waste cooking oil.
3. All food waste shall be disposed of directly into the trash or garbage, and
not in sinks.
4. Employees of the FSEs shall be trained within one year of the effective
date of this chapter and twice each calendar year thereafter in the
following areas:
5. How to dry wipe pots, pans, equipment and work areas before washing to
remove grease.
6. How to properly dispose of food waste and in trash bins or containers.
7. The location and use of absorption products to clean under equipment and
other locations where grease may be spilled.
8. How to properly dispose of grease or oils from cooking equipment into a
grease receptacle such as a barrel or drum.
9. Training shall be documented and employee signatures retained indicating
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 16 of 26
_______________________
each employee's attendance and understanding of the practices reviewed.
Training records shall be available for review at any reasonable time by
the Director or an inspector.
10. Filters shall be cleaned as frequently as necessary to be maintained in
good operating condition. The wastewater generated from cleaning filter
shall be disposed properly
11. BMP shall be posted conspicuously in the food preparation and wash
areas at all times.
13.25.240 Grease Interceptor Maintenance Requirements.
A. Grease interceptors shall be maintained in efficient operating condition by
periodic removal of their full content, including wastewater, FOG, floating
materials, sludge and solids.
B. No FOG that has accumulated in a grease interceptor shall be allowed to pass
into any sewer lateral, sewer system, storm drain, or public right of way during
maintenance activities.
C. FSEs with grease interceptors may be required to submit data and information
necessary to establish the maintenance frequency grease interceptors.
D. The maintenance frequency for all FSEs with a grease interceptor shall be
determined in one of the following methods:
1. Grease interceptors shall be fully pumped out and cleaned at a frequency
such that the combined FOG and solids accumulation does not exceed
25% of the total liquid depth of the grease interceptor. This is to ensure
that the minimum hydraulic retention time and required available volume
is maintained to effectively intercept and retain FOG.
2. All FSEs with a grease interceptor shall maintain their grease interceptor
not less than every six months.
3. The City may mandate periodic cleaning if it finds that a FSE is not
maintaining a grease interceptor in a manner in compliance with
subsection (D)(1) of this section. The maintenance frequency may be
adjusted when sufficient data have been obtained to establish an average
frequency that will ensure compliance with subsection (D)(1) of this
section. Based on the actual generation of FOG from a FSE, the
maintenance frequency may increase or decrease.
4. A FSE may submit a request to the Director requesting a change in the
maintenance frequency at any time. The FSE must demonstrate, to the
Director’s reasonable satisfaction, that the requested change in frequency
reflects actual operating conditions based on the average FOG
accumulation over time and meets the requirements described in
subsection (D)(1) of this section and that it is in full compliance with the
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 17 of 26
_______________________
conditions of its permit and this chapter. Upon determination by the FOG
Control Program Manager that the requested revision is justified, the
permit shall be revised accordingly to reflect the change in maintenance
frequency.
5. If the grease interceptor, at any time, contains FOG and solids
accumulation that does not meet the requirements described in
subsection (D)(1) of this section the FSE shall be required to have the
grease interceptor serviced immediately such that all FOG, sludge, and
other materials are completely removed from the grease interceptor.
13.25.250 Monitoring and Reporting Conditions.
A. Monitoring for Compliance with Permit Conditions and Reporting Requirements.
1. The Director may require periodic reporting of the status of implementation
of BMP, in accordance with the FOG control program.
2. The Director may require visual monitoring at the sole expense of the
permittee to observe the actual conditions of the FSEs' sewer lateral and
sewer lines downstream.
3. The Director may require reports for self-monitoring of wastewater
constituents and FOG characteristics of the permittee needed for
determining compliance with any conditions or requirements as specified
in the FOG discharge permit or this chapter. Monitoring reports of the
analyses of wastewater constituents and FOG characteristics shall be in a
manner and form approved by the Director. Failure by the permittee to
perform any required monitoring, or to submit monitoring reports required
by the Director constitutes a violation of this chapter. The permittee shall
be responsible for any and all expenses of the City in undertaking such
monitoring analysis and preparation of reports required of permittee.
B. Record Keeping Requirements. The permittee shall be required to keep all
manifests, receipts and invoices of all cleaning, maintenance, grease removal
of/from the grease control device, disposal carrier and disposal site location for
no less than three years. The permittee shall, upon request, make the manifests,
receipts and invoices available to any City representative, or inspector. These
records may include:
1. A logbook of grease interceptor, grease trap or grease control device
cleaning and maintenance practices.
2. A record of BMP being implemented including employee training.
3. Copies of records and manifests of waste hauling interceptor contents.
4. Records of sampling data and sludge height monitoring for FOG and
solids accumulation in the grease interceptors.
5. Any other information deemed appropriate by the Director to ensure
compliance with this chapter.
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 18 of 26
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C. Falsifying Information or Tampering with Process. It shall be unlawful to make
any false statement, representation, record, report, plan or other document that is
filed with the City, or to tamper with or knowingly render inoperable any grease
control device, monitoring device or method or access point required under this
chapter.
13.25.260 Inspection and Sampling Conditions.
A. The Director may inspect or order the inspection and sampling of wastewater
discharges of any FSE to ascertain compliance with this chapter. The FSE shall
allow the City access to its premises, during normal business hours, for purposes
of inspecting the FSE's grease control devices, BMP implementation, reviewing
the manifests, receipts and other records required by this chapter.
B. The Director shall have the right to place or order the placement on the FSE's
property or other reasonable locations as determined by the Director, such
devices as are necessary to conduct sampling or metering operations.
13.25.270 Right of Entry.
Persons on premises where wastewater is created or discharged shall allow the
Director reasonable and safe access in order to carry out inspections authorized by
this chapter. No person shall interfere with, delay, resist or refuse entrance to the
Director attempting to inspect any facility involved directly or indirectly with a
discharge of wastewater to the City's sewer system. If consent to inspect is refused
or withdrawn, the City may seek an administrative inspection warrant pursuant to
Code of Civil Procedure sections 1822.50 et seq. to conduct inspections, monitoring,
sampling, record review, or other activities authorized by this chapter. Nothing in this
section limits the City’s authority to conduct inspections in emergency situations or
where otherwise authorized by law.
13.25.280 Notification of Unauthorized Discharge
A. If a permittee is unable to comply with any permit condition due to a breakdown
of equipment, accidents, or human error, there is an unauthorized FOG
discharge, or a permittee has reasonable belief that its FSE's discharge will
violate its FOG discharge permit or this chapter, the permittee or permittee's
representative shall immediately notify the City by telephone at the number
specified in the FOG discharge permit. If the material discharged has the
potential to cause or result in sewer blockages or SSOs, the permittee shall
immediately notify the Health and Environmental Control Department and the
Public Works Department.
B. Confirmation of this notification shall be made in writing to the Director at the
Ordinance No. 1312
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_______________________
address specified in the permit no later than three working days from the date of
the incident. The written notification shall state the date of the incident, the
reasons for the discharge or spill, what steps were taken to immediately correct
the problem, and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.
C. Such notification shall not relieve the permittee of any expense, loss, damage or
other liability that may be incurred as a result of damage or otherwise arising out
of a violation of this chapter or other applicable law.
13.25.290 Permit Suspension or Revocation.
A. Grounds for Action. The Director may suspend or revoke a FOG discharge
permit whenever the Director determines that the permittee has committed,
caused, or allowed any of the following violations:
1. Knowingly provided a false statement, representation, record, report, or
other document to the City.
2. Refusing to provide records, reports, plans, or other documents required
by this chapter.
3. Falsifying, tampering with, or knowingly rendering inaccurate any
monitoring device or sample collection method.
4. Refusing reasonable access to the FSE premises for reasons set forth in
this chapter.
5. Failing to make timely payment of all amounts owed to the City for user
charges, permit fees, or any other fees imposed by this chapter.
6. Causing SSOs or interference or sewer blockages with the City's sewer
system.
7. Otherwise violating any term or condition of the FOG discharge permit or
any provision of this chapter.
B. Notice of Intent to Suspend or Revoke. Before suspension or revocation, the
Director shall serve the permittee with a Notice of Intent stating the grounds, the
facts relied upon, and the proposed action. The permittee shall have 15 calendar
days from service of the notice to file a written request for a hearing. If a timely
request is filed, the matter shall be heard by the City Administrator under
13.25.340.
C. In addition to subsection (B), the Director may immediately suspend a permit and
order the permittee to cease discharge when the Director determines that
continued discharge presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, welfare,
or the environment, or may cause an SSO or other serious violation. A post-
suspension hearing shall be provided promptly in accordance with 13.25.340.
D. Effect of Suspension or Revocation. During suspension, the permittee shall
immediately cease all wastewater discharges to the City’s sewer system until
Ordinance No. 1312
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_______________________
reinstatement. Revocation terminates all rights to discharge; reinstatement
requires submission of a new permit application and payment of all outstanding
fees, penalties, and corrective costs.
E. Suspension or revocation of a permit is an administrative licensing action and
shall not limit or replace the City’s authority to abate public nuisances, perform
emergency cleanups, or recover costs under 13.25.110, Chapter 8.20, or any
other applicable law. If an unlawful discharge or condition constitutes a public
nuisance, it may be abated under Chapter 8.20 separately from any permit
action.
F. The permittee may appeal any suspension, revocation, or condition imposed
under this section to the City Administrator in accordance with 13.25.340. The
City Administrator’s decision shall be the City’s final administrative decision,
subject only to judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5.
13.25.300 Emergency Suspension Order.
A. The City may, by order of the Director, direct that a FSE immediately cease and
desist all discharges into the City's sewer system when the Director determines
that such suspension is necessary in order to stop an actual or impending
discharge which presents a potential imminent or substantial threat to the public
health and welfare or which may cause SSOs, sewer blockages, or a violation of
any state or federal law or regulation of the City. Any person notified of such
order shall immediately comply.
B. As soon as reasonably practicable following the issuance of an emergency
suspension order, but in no event more than five business days following the
issuance of such order, the City Administrator shall hold a hearing to provide the
permittee the opportunity to present information and/or testimony in opposition to
the issuance of the emergency suspension order. Such a hearing shall not stay
the effect of the emergency suspension order. The City Administrator shall issue
a written decision and order within three business days following the hearing,
which decision shall be sent by first-class and certified mail to the permittee. The
decision of the City Administrator following the hearing shall be final and not
appealable to the City Council.
13.25.310 Civil Penalties.
A. All users of the City's system and facilities are subject to enforcement actions
administratively or judicially by the City, U.S. EPA, State of California Regional
Water Quality Control Board, or the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. Such
actions may be taken pursuant to the authority and provisions of several laws,
including but not limited to: (1) Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly
known as the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. Section 1251 et seq.); (2) California
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 21 of 26
_______________________
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code Section 13000
et seq.); (3) California Hazardous Waste Control Law (California Health & Safety
Code Sections 25100 to 25250); (4) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of
1976 (42 U.S.C.A. Section 6901 et seq.); and (5) California Government Code
Sections 54739 and 54740.
B. If the City incurs fines, penalties, or other monetary sanctions imposed by a
regulatory or enforcement agency as a result of violations of this chapter or a
permit issued hereunder, and the City determines that such violations were
caused in whole or in part by the discharge of a food service establishment or
property owner, the City may recover from the responsible party the reasonable
and allocable share of such amounts as cost recovery, not as a civil penalty.
Recovery under this subsection shall be subject to the notice, protest,
administrative appeal, and collection procedures set forth in 13.25.110 and
13.25.340. Amounts recovered under this subsection shall constitute a civil debt
to the City and may be collected by any lawful means, including civil action, lien,
special assessment, or permit enforcement remedies.
C. Violations of this chapter or of any permit issued hereunder may be enforced by
the City through administrative or judicial civil enforcement, as authorized by law,
including Government Code sections 54739 through 54740.6. Pursuant to
Government Code section 54740, the City may petition the Superior Court for
civil penalties for violations of this chapter or of any permit issued hereunder that
was adopted or issued pursuant to Government Code section 54739(a)(1) or
(a)(2). Upon proof of violation, the court may impose civil penalties of up to
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per day per violation, as authorized by
law. In addition to or in lieu of filing a judicial action under Government Code
section 54740, the City may impose administrative civil penalties pursuant to
Government Code section 54740.5, in the amounts and in accordance with the
procedures set forth therein. Administrative civil penalties shall not be imposed
for any violation for which the City has sought judicial civil penalties under
Government Code section 54740.
D. Any final administrative decision imposing civil penalties pursuant to Government
Code section 54740.5 is subject to judicial review in accordance with
Government Code section 54740.6.
13.25.320 Criminal Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor,
which upon conviction is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or
imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Each violation and each day in
which a violation occurs may constitute a new and separate violation of this chapter
and shall be subject to the penalties contained herein.
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 22 of 26
_______________________
13.25.330 Payment of Charges.
A. Except as otherwise provided, all fees, charges and penalties (hereafter,
"charge" or "charges") established by this chapter are due and payable upon
receipt of notice thereof. All such amounts are delinquent if unpaid 45 days after
date of invoice.
B. Any charge that becomes delinquent shall have added to it a penalty in
accordance with the following:
1. 46 days after date of invoice, a basic penalty of 10% of the base invoice
amount, not to exceed $1,000.00; and
2. A penalty of one and one-half percent per month of the base invoice
amount and basic penalty shall accrue from and after the 46th day after
date of invoice.
C. Any invoice unpaid after 75 days from the date of invoice shall be cause for
immediate initiation of permit revocation proceedings.
13.25.340 Appeals.
A. This section establishes a uniform procedure for administrative appeals under
this chapter. Any person aggrieved by a final written decision of the Director,
including but not limited to the imposition of any fee, cost, or administrative
penalty; the grant, denial, conditioning, suspension, revocation, or modification
of a FOG discharge permit or conditional waiver, may appeal such decision to
the City Administrator. Civil penalties imposed under 13.25.310 are excluded
and shall be pursued under the procedures described in 13.25.310.
B. The appellant shall file a written Notice of Appeal with the City Clerk within 15
calendar days after service of the Director’s decision. The notice shall identify
the decision being appealed and state the specific grounds for appeal. For
appeals involving monetary exactions (fees, penalties, or cost recovery), the
appellant shall either: (1) pay the amount under protest before it becomes due,
or (2) post a bond or other security acceptable to the City in the same amount,
to obtain a stay pending the outcome of the appeal. Failure to file timely or
secure payment constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal.
C. Effect of Appeal; Stay. A timely appeal shall stay the effective date of the
Director’s decision, except for emergency suspension or cease-and-desist
orders issued under 13.25.300, or orders expressly designated by the Director
as necessary to prevent an imminent threat to public health, safety, welfare, or
the environment. The appellant may request that the City Administrator grant or
continue a stay for good cause.
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 23 of 26
_______________________
D. Scheduling and Notice of Hearing. Within 10 business days after receiving a
timely appeal, the City shall schedule a hearing before the City Administrator to
occur within 45 calendar days (or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable).
Written notice of the hearing date, time, and place shall be served at least 10
calendar days in advance.
E. Hearing Procedures.
1. The hearing shall be informal; technical rules of evidence do not apply.
Any relevant, non-cumulative evidence may be admitted if it is the type on
which reasonable persons rely.
2. Parties may be represented by counsel, present testimony and
documents, and make oral and written arguments. Reasonable cross-
examination shall be permitted.
3. The appellant bears the burden to show, by a preponderance of the
evidence, that the Director’s decision should be modified or set aside.
4. The City shall maintain an administrative record that includes the Notice of
Appeal, all documents considered by the Director, staff reports, exhibits,
and a recording or transcript of the hearing.
F. Decision and Findings. Within 15 calendar days after the close of the hearing, the
City Administrator shall issue a written decision with findings of fact and conclusions
of law affirming, modifying, or reversing the Director’s decision. The decision shall
be served on the appellant by first-class mail and, when available, by electronic
mail. If the appeal involves a monetary exaction paid under protest or secured by
bond, any refund due shall be paid within 30 calendar days of the decision, without
interest.
G. Finality and Judicial Review. The City Administrator’s decision is the final
administrative decision of the City. No further appeal lies to the City Council. The
decision is subject to judicial review by petition for writ of administrative
mandamus under Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5. The time to seek
judicial review is governed by Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6, if adopted
by the City; otherwise, the applicable statute of limitations under state law shall
apply.
H. Failure to Appear. Failure of the appellant or authorized representative to appear
at the scheduled hearing shall constitute an abandonment of the appeal, and the
Director’s decision shall become final.
13.25.350. Lien and Special Assessment for Cost Recovery.
A. This section establishes procedures for the recovery of unpaid costs incurred by
the City in abating public nuisances, responding to sewer blockages or sanitary
sewer overflows, repairing or restoring sewer facilities, or otherwise enforcing this
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 24 of 26
_______________________
chapter. This section is adopted pursuant to Government Code sections 38773.1
through 38773.5.
B. Following final administrative determination under sections 13.25.110 or section
13.25.340, any unpaid amounts owed to the City may be recovered through a
lien or special assessment. Recoverable costs include, without limitation:
1. Abatement, cleanup, and remediation costs.
2. Sewer repair or replacement costs.
3. Investigation, inspection, monitoring, and administrative costs.
4. Regulatory penalties paid by the City and recoverable as cost
reimbursement.
5. Interest, attorney’s fees, and collection costs as authorized by law.
C. Before recording a lien or imposing a special assessment, the City shall serve the
property owner with a Notice of Intent stating:
1. The amount owed.
2. The basis for liability.
3. The City’s intent to record a lien or impose a special assessment.
4. The right to request a hearing before the City Administrator; and
5. The deadline to request a hearing, which shall be not less than 15
calendar days from service.
D. If a timely hearing request is filed, the City Administrator shall conduct a hearing
in accordance with 13.25.340. The City Administrator shall issue a written
decision determining whether the lien or special assessment shall be imposed
and in what amount.
E. If no hearing is requested, or after a final decision confirming the amount owed:
1. The City Administrator may direct recordation of a Notice of Lien with the
County Recorder pursuant to Government Code section 38773.1.
2. The lien shall attach to the property from which the discharge originated or
which was served by the sewer lateral associated with the violation.
3. The lien shall have the same priority as provided by law and may be
foreclosed in the manner authorized by statute.
F. As an alternative to lien foreclosure, the City Administrator may order that the
confirmed amount owed be collected as a special assessment pursuant to
Government Code section 38773.5, which may be:
1. Added to the next regular property tax bill; and
2. Collected in the same manner and subject to the same penalties and
procedures as ad valorem property taxes.
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 25 of 26
_______________________
G. The remedies provided in this section are cumulative and do not limit the City’s
ability to recover costs through civil action, permit enforcement, or any other
lawful means.
SECTION 5. Any provision of the Vernon Municipal Code or appendices thereto
inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies
and no further, is repealed or modified to that extent necessary to affect the provisions of
this ordinance.
SECTION 6. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion thereof, of this ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted
this ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof, be declared invalid or
unconstitutional. To this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be
severable.
SECTION 7. The City Clerk, or Deputy City Clerk, shall certify the adoption and
publish this ordinance as required by law.
SECTION 8. This ordinance shall become effective after the thirtieth day following
its adoption.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED April 21, 2026.
LETICIA LOPEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ZAYNAH MOUSSA-MILWARD,
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 1312
Page 26 of 26
_______________________
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF VERNON )
I do hereby certify that the attached is a true copy of Ordinance No. 1312 that was
introduced by the City Council of the City of Vernon, California, at its Regular meeting of
April 7, 2026 and adopted at its Regular Meeting of April 21, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES: Larios, Merlo, Rivera, Ybarra, Lopez
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date:April 21, 2026
From:Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk
Department:City Clerk
Submitted by:Sandra Dolson, Deputy City Clerk
Subject
New Regulations for the Discharge of Fats, Oils, and Grease to the City’s Sewer System
Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
review, because the adoption of the ordinance is not a “project” pursuant to California Code of
Regulations, Title 14 Section 15378(b)(2) as the Ordinance is a general policy and procedure
making activity; and
B. Adopt Ordinance No. 1312, adding Chapter 13.25 to the Vernon Municipal Code regulating
the discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to the City’s Sewer System.
Background
During the City Council Meeting on April 7, 2026, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 1312
by title and waived the requirement of further reading. This ordinance adds Chapter 13.25 to the
Vernon Municipal Code, which regulates the discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into the
City’s sewer system to comply with State regulatory requirements. The ordinance establishes
operational and discharge standards aimed at preventing sewer blockages and overflows that
could pose significant risks to public health. Additionally, it seeks to avoid regulatory enforcement
and fines from State and Federal agencies, as well as potential third-party liability related to water
quality impacts.
The Summary of the Ordinance was posted on the City’s website on April 7, 2026, and published
on April 9, 2026, pursuant to legal requirements.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Ordinance No. 1312
This space for filing stamp only
OR #:
O R A N G E C O U N T Y R E P O R T E R
~ SINCE 1921 ~
600 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Suite 205, Santa Ana, California 92701-4542
Telephone (714) 543-2027 / Fax (714) 542-6841
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
(2015.5 C.C.P.)
State of Calif ornia )
County of Orange ) ss
Notice Type:
Ad Description:
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California; I am
over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above
entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer and publisher of the
ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER, a newspaper published in the English
language in the City of Santa Ana, and adjudged a newspaper of general
circulation as defined by the laws of the State of California by the Superior
Court of the County of Orange, State of California, under date of June 2, 1922,
Case No. 13,421. That the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has
been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in
any supplement thereof on the following dates, to-wit:
Executed on: 10/10/2004
At Los Angeles, California
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and
correct.
Signature
HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN
1007 N SEPULVEDA BLVD STE 1357, MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266
(323) 556-5720 (213) 835-0584
PRE 4036312
GENOVEVA ROCHA
CITY OF VERNON CITY CLERK
4305 SANTA FE AVE
VERNON, CA - 90058
ORD - ORDINANCE PUBLICATION
Ordinance No. 1312 - Adoption Summary
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California; I am
over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above
entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer and publisher of the
HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN, a newspaper published in the English
language in the city of HUNTINGTON PARK, county of LOS ANGELES, and
adjudged a newspaper of general circulation as defined by the laws of the State
of California by the Superior Court of the County of LOS ANGELES, State of
California, under date 06/14/1943, Case No. 485073. That the notice, of which
the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following
dates, to-wit:
04/23/2026
04/23/2026
LOS ANGELES
!A000007380932!
Email
ADOPTION SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO.
1312
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Vernon Adding Chapter 13.25 to Title 13 (Public
Services)of the Vernon Municipal Code
Regulating the Discharge of Fats,Oils and
Grease (FOG)to the City's Sewer System and
Establishing a Permit Program for FOG
Discharge
Ordinance No.1312 was introduced by the
Vernon City Council at its regular meeting on
April 7,2026,and adopted at the Regular City
Council Meeting on April 21,2026,by the
following vote:
AYES:Larios,Merlo,Rivera,Ybarra,Lopez
NOES:None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN:None
The full text of Ordinance No.1312 is on file in
the City Clerk Department and accessible on the
City's website at www.cityofvernonca.gov.
Posted:Tuesday,April 21,2026
Publish:Thursday,April 23,2026
4/23/26
PRE-4036312#
HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN
HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN This space for filing stamp only
1007 N SEPULVEDA BLVD STE 1357, MANHATTAN BEACH,CA 90266
Telephone(323)556-5720 /Fax(213)835-0584
GENOVEVA ROCHA
CITY OF VERNON CITY CLERK PRE#:4031533
4305 SANTA FE AVE INTRODUCTION SUMMARY
OF ORDINANCE NO.1312
VERNON, CA- 90058 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Vernon Adding Chapter 13.25 to Title 13(Public
Services) of the Vernon Municipal Code
Regulating the Discharge of Fats, Oils and
Grease (FOG)to the City's Sewer System and
Establishing a Permit Program for FOG
Discharge
PROOF OF PUBLICATION Ordinance No.0 n 12 was introducedgulrby the
Vernon City Council at its regular meeting on
April 7,2026.Second reading and adoption of the
ordinance is scheduled for the Regular City
Council Meeting on April 21,2026, at City Hall,
(2015.5 C.C.P.) 4305 Santa Fe Avenue,Vernon,California.
The full text of Ordinance No. 1312 is on file in
the City Clerk Department and accessible on the
State of California ) City's website at www.cityofvernonca.gov.
Posted:Tuesday,April 7,2026
County of LOS ANGELES )SS Publish:Thursday,April 9,2026
4/9/26
PRE-4031533#
Notice Type: ORD-ORDINANCE PUBLICATION HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN
Ad Description:
Ordinance No. 1312- Introduction Summary
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California; I am
over the age of eighteen years,and not a party to or interested in the above
entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer and publisher of the
HUNTINGTON PARK BULLETIN,a newspaper published in the English
language in the city of HUNTINGTON PARK,county of LOS ANGELES,and
adjudged a newspaper of general circulation as defined by the laws of the State
of California by the Superior Court of the County of LOS ANGELES,State of
California,under date 06/14/1943,Case No.485073. That the notice,of which
the annexed is a printed copy,has been published in each regular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following
dates,to-wit:
04/09/2026
Executed on: 04/09/2026
At Los Angeles,California
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and
correct.
Signature
IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII IIIIIIIIIIII
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