Rainwater Harvesting: Camarillo vs Oxnard
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Oxnard, CA?
Camarillo and Oxnard have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Camarillo under California Water Code Section 10574. Residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for irrigation without a permit.
View full Camarillo rules →Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Oxnard encourages rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation. California AB 1750 expressly allows rainwater capture from rooftops. No city permit is required for standard rain barrel systems, though larger cisterns may need building permits.
View full Oxnard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Authority | CA Water Code Section 10574 | - |
| Permit Threshold | 5,000 gallons (larger needs permit) | - |
| Permitted Use | Landscape irrigation (non-potable) | - |
| Rebates | Periodically available from water agencies | - |
| Mosquito Prevention | Covered storage required | - |
| State Law | - | AB 1750 allows rooftop capture |
| Permit | - | Not needed for barrels up to 250 gal |
| Use | - | Landscape irrigation only |
| Mosquito Control | - | No standing water allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Is rainwater harvesting legal in Camarillo?
Yes. California Water Code Section 10574 allows property owners to collect rainwater from rooftops. No permit is needed for systems under 5,000 gallons.
Can I use rainwater for drinking?
No. Collected rainwater may only be used for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation. Cross-connection to potable systems is illegal.
Are there rebates for rain barrels?
Regional water agencies periodically offer rain barrel rebates or giveaways. Contact Camrosa Water District at (805) 388-0226 for current programs.
Oxnard FAQ
Can I collect rainwater in Oxnard?
Yes. California AB 1750 expressly allows capturing rainwater from rooftops. Standard rain barrels up to 250 gallons do not require a city permit.
Do I need a permit for a large rainwater tank in Oxnard?
Large cistern systems (over 250 gallons) may require a building permit, especially if they involve plumbing connections or structural support. Contact Oxnard Building Division at (805) 385-7858.
Can I use captured rainwater for drinking in Oxnard?
No. Captured rainwater should be used for landscape irrigation only, not for drinking or cooking. Potable use requires treatment systems meeting health department standards.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Oxnard compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool