Rainwater Harvesting: Clovis vs Selma
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Clovis, CA and Selma, CA?
Clovis and Selma have similar restriction levels.
Clovis, CA
Fresno County
Rainwater harvesting legal in California and Clovis. AB 1750 (2012) legalized rainfall capture. Rain barrels under 100 gallons generally permit-exempt; larger cisterns may require building/plumbing permits.
View full Clovis rules →Selma, CA
Fresno County
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Selma under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation without a state water right permit, and no local permit is required for most residential rain barrel systems.
View full Selma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clovis | Selma |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | AB 1750 (2012) | - |
| Small Barrels | No permit typical | - |
| Large Cisterns | Permit required | - |
| Landscape Use | Unrestricted | - |
| Indoor Use | Permit + filtration | - |
| Legal Authority | - | CA AB 1750 (2012) |
| Permit Required | - | No for systems under 5,000 gal |
| Allowed Uses | - | Irrigation, toilet flushing |
| Collection Limit | - | No state cap for personal use |
| Potable Use | - | Prohibited without treatment |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clovis FAQ
Is rainwater harvesting legal in Clovis?
Yes. AB 1750 legalized rooftop rainwater capture statewide in 2012. Small rain barrels under 100 gallons are generally permit-exempt.
Do I need a permit for a large cistern?
Yes. Cisterns over approximately 100 gallons or systems connected to indoor plumbing require building and plumbing permits per CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17.
Selma FAQ
Is it legal to collect rainwater in Selma?
Yes. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 explicitly authorizes rainwater collection from rooftops. No state water right permit is needed, and Selma does not impose additional local restrictions.
Do I need a permit for rain barrels in Selma?
No permit is needed for exterior rain barrel systems up to 5,000 gallons installed at ground level and used for outdoor non-spray irrigation. Larger or indoor-connected systems may require a building permit.
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