Water Use Rules in Riverside, CA (2026)
2 verified water use rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
If a Riverside landscape project uses the code's prescriptive compliance option instead of the full water-budget calculation, new turf is capped at 25% of the landscape area for homes and banned entirely on commercial and institutional sites under RMC §19.570.130(B)(4); turf is also barred on steep slopes and in narrow parkways.
Riverside Caps New Turf at 25% Under Prescriptive Path
Some RestrictionsCity of Riverside, CA, Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning), Sec. 19.570.130(B)(4) (Ord. 7454 §1(Exh. A), 2019)
4.Turf shall comply with all of the following:a.Turf shall not exceed 25 percent of the landscape area in residential areas, and there shall be no turf in nonresidential areas;b.Turf shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of one foot vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length;c.Turf is prohibited in parkways less than ten feet wide, unless the parkway ...
Recycled Water Rules
Covered landscape projects in Riverside must design irrigation systems to allow current or future use of recycled water under RMC §19.570.070, which folds in Chapter 14.28's mandatory-use requirement by reference. Landscapes actually irrigated with recycled water get a looser water budget as a 'special landscape area.'
Riverside Requires Recycled-Water-Ready Irrigation Design
Some RestrictionsCity of Riverside, CA, Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning), Sec. 19.570.070 (Ord. 7454 §1(Exh. A), 2019)
19.570.070 - 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 local and State laws.C.Chapter 14.28 - The Mandatory Use of Recycled Water is hereby incorporated by reference.D.Landscapes using recycled water are considered s...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Water Use Rules in Riverside County →