Water Use Rules in Palm Springs, CA (2026)
3 verified water use rules for Palm Springs, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Palm Springs caps ornamental turf at 15 percent of the landscaped area on single-family front and side street yards and on commercial or industrial sites, and bars turf altogether on slopes steeper than 25 percent next to hardscape, in parking lot islands, and in medians. The rules apply to any project that must submit a landscape design package for city approval.
Turf Limits in Palm Springs Landscapes
Some RestrictionsPalm Springs, CA, Municipal Code § 8.60.060(a) (Turf Regulations)
Turf Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to all projects that are required to submit a landscape design package to the City for approval: ... Turf shall not be used on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable surface. ... On commercial or industrial projects, turf shall be limited to a maximum of 15% of the total landscaped area. ......
Recycled Water Rules
Palm Springs' water conservation chapter defines recycled water as the capture, reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use, and the city's purpose is to maximize recycled water use where practicable. Recycled water and water recycling systems are specifically exempted from the citywide bans on hose-washing hard surfaces and washing vehicles.
Palm Springs Recycled Water Rules
Light RestrictionsPalm Springs, CA, Municipal Code § 11.06.020(a) (Water Conservation - Purpose); § 11.06.030 (Definitions); § 11.06.050(f),(g) (Water Conservation Requirements)
The purposes of this Chapter are to increase the conservation of water and provide regulation for the efficient use of potable water, prevent the unreasonable use of water, and maximize the use of recycled water where practicable. ... "Recycled water" or "recycling system"means the capture, reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use. ... use of water brooms, or pressure washe...
Leak Reporting Duty
Palm Springs makes it unlawful to let water leak from any exterior or interior pipe, hose or fixture, and requires landscape irrigation systems to be inspected, maintained and repaired to eliminate leaks. Any leak or water waste is a public nuisance and a misdemeanor for each day it continues.
Palm Springs Water Leak Repair Duty
Some RestrictionsPalm Springs, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 11.06.050(d) (Landscape Irrigation System Maintenance); Sec. 11.06.050(j) (Water and Leaks)
(d) Landscape irrigation system maintenance. Landscape irrigation systems shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency and shall be regularly inspected, maintained and repaired to eliminate leaks and remove obstructions to water emission devices. System maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, resetting the landscape clock monthly. ... (j) Water and leaks. No person shall: 1. Cause, ...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palm Springs city rules.
Water Use Rules in Riverside County →