Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs Hesperia
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia 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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Rainwater harvesting is broadly legal in California under AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, codified at Water Code §10574). Hesperia has no specific local ordinance regulating residential rain barrels; harvesting from rooftops for non-potable landscape use is allowed without a permit. Larger cisterns or any potable use require state and county health department approval.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Water Code sections 10573-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) | - |
| 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 | - |
| State Authority | - | AB 1750 — Cal. Water Code §10574 |
| Permit (rain barrels) | - | Not required for outdoor non-potable use |
| Permit (indoor reuse) | - | Required — CA Plumbing Code Ch. 17 |
| Mosquito Control | - | Must be screened/sealed (HSC §2270) |
| Avg Annual Rainfall | - | ~6-7 inches (High Desert) |
| Local Ordinance | - | None specific in HMC |
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.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I install rain barrels at my Hesperia home?
Yes. Under the California Rainwater Capture Act (Water Code §10574) and absent any local prohibition in Hesperia's code, rain barrels for outdoor landscape use are allowed without a permit. They must be screened to prevent mosquito breeding.
Do I need a permit to harvest rainwater in Hesperia?
No permit is required for residential rooftop systems used for outdoor non-potable irrigation. Indoor use (toilet flushing, laundry) requires a city building permit and California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 compliance.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Hesperia 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