Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs Fontana
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops for outdoor irrigation is allowed in California without a water-right permit under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code section 10574). Chino does not prohibit residential rain barrels or cisterns. Larger above-ground tanks may trigger building/zoning review under Title 15 and Title 20 (setbacks, height of accessory structures). Mosquito control under California Code of Regulations Title 17 requires covered/screened storage.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana allows residential rain barrels under Californias AB 1750 without a permit, but indoor plumbing connections and systems over 5,000 gallons need plumbing and building permits.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Water Code sections 10573-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) | AB 1750 Rainwater Capture Act allows rooftop collection |
| Plumbing code | Cal. Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (catchment systems) | - |
| Mosquito prevention | CCR Title 17 section 2820 (covered/screened storage) | - |
| Local permit | Title 15 building permit for large cisterns / plumbed systems | - |
| Potable use | Not allowed without treatment per state and CPC standards | - |
| Small rain barrels | - | No permit for standard 50-100 gallon residential barrels |
| Indoor plumbing | - | Plumbing permit required for connection to toilets or laundry |
| Large cisterns | - | Building permit triggered above 5,000 gallons |
| Mosquito control | - | Screened inlet required to prevent vector breeding |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Chino?
No permit is required for typical rain barrels under 50-100 gallons used for outdoor irrigation. Larger cisterns or systems plumbed into the house need a Title 15 building permit and must follow Cal. Plumbing Code Chapter 17.
Can I drink harvested rainwater?
No. State law only allows harvested rainwater for nonpotable uses (landscape, flushing) unless treated to potable standards under the California Plumbing Code.
Fontana FAQ
Can I put a rain barrel at the corner of my Fontana house?
Yes. Standard above-ground rain barrels under a downspout are allowed without a permit as long as the inlet is screened against mosquitoes.
Do I need a permit to plumb rainwater into my toilet?
Yes. Any connection to indoor plumbing requires a plumbing permit, backflow prevention, and purple-pipe labeling under CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17.
Can my HOA block my rain barrel?
HOAs have some authority over visible equipment, but Civil Code 4735 protects water-efficient landscaping choices - check your CCRs carefully.
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