Water Use Rules in Hayward, CA (2026)
2 verified water use rules for Hayward, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Hayward's landscape ordinance bans turf outright in several settings rather than merely limiting it. Sec. 10-12.07(a)(2)(D) and (E) prohibit turf on slopes steeper than 25% draining onto hardscape, and in multifamily or non-residential landscapes unless the turf is a recreational area; single-family lawns stay legal as long as the project meets its water budget.
Hayward Turf Restrictions in Landscaping
Significant RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 10-12.07(a)(2)(D)-(E) (Landscape Design Plan, Turf Restrictions)
(D)Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty five percent (25%) means one (1) foot of vertical elevation change for every four (4) feet of horizontal length (vertical elevation change divided by horizontal length multiply by 100 = slope percent).(E)Turf is not allowed in multifamily an...
Recycled Water Rules
Covered landscape projects in Hayward must be designed to accept recycled water even before it is available on site. Sec. 10-12.13 requires recycled water irrigation systems to allow for current and future use, mandates compliance with all state and local recycled-water laws, and classifies any landscape actually using it as a Special Landscape Area with its water-use adjustment factor capped at 1.0.
Hayward Recycled Water Landscape Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 10-12.13 (Recycled Water)
SEC. 10-12.13 - RECYCLED WATER. (a)The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.(b)All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws.(c)Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hayward city rules.
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