Water Restrictions: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do water restrictions rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Fullerton.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa requires approved irrigation systems for new development under its landscaping standards. Automatically time-controlled sprinklers are required for commercial, industrial, and multi-family sites. Drought restrictions from the Mesa Water District apply.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton's Drought Ordinance 3299 and Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) Chapter 15.50 (Landscaping and Irrigation Requirements) prohibit watering between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., ban watering within 48 hours of measurable rain (1/4 inch), and limit non-attended overhead watering to 15 minutes per valve per day. At the City's current Conservation Level 2, landscape irrigation is restricted to two assigned days per week by address (odd / even) and must occur outside 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Required | For all landscaped areas | - |
| Auto Timers | Commercial/multi-family required | - |
| Water Provider | Mesa Water District | - |
| New Development | MWELO compliance required | - |
| Water Waste | Prohibited with fines | - |
| Local ordinance | - | Ordinance 3299 + FMC Ch. 15.50 |
| No-water window | - | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (all levels) |
| Per-valve cap | - | 15 minutes / valve / day (unattended) |
| Rain lockout | - | 48 hours after 1/4 inch rain |
| Current level (Level 2) | - | Watering limited to 2 assigned days/week by address |
| Min system irrigation efficiency | - | 0.71 |
| Turf precipitation rate cap | - | <= 1.0 in/hr |
| State backstop | - | 23 CCR ss 490-495 (MWELO) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
What are the water restrictions in Costa Mesa?
Approved irrigation systems are required. Drought restrictions from Mesa Water District apply during emergencies. Water waste including runoff and watering during rain is prohibited.
Do new projects need water-efficient landscaping?
Yes. New development must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance including water budgets and efficient irrigation under the landscaping standards.
Who provides water to Costa Mesa?
The Mesa Water District serves Costa Mesa and implements drought-stage water restrictions during declared water emergencies.
Fullerton FAQ
What days and hours can I water my lawn in Fullerton right now?
Under the current Conservation Level 2, landscape watering is limited to two assigned days per week (odd / even address split published by the City) and must occur outside the 9 a.m.-6 p.m. no-water window. Hand-watering with a shut-off nozzle and brief repair/adjustment runs are exempt at any hour.
Can I install a brand-new lawn?
Not under the current restrictions - Drought Ordinance 3299 limits new landscape installation to drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and groundcover, with no new turf or hydroseed. You may apply to the Water Utility for an establishment-period waiver to irrigate a new turf or hydroseed installation.
Does Fullerton enforce California's MWELO?
Yes. FMC Chapter 15.50 implements MWELO locally and applies to new construction landscapes 500 sq ft or larger and to rehabilitated landscapes over 2,500 sq ft, with required landscape and irrigation design plans, soil amendments, and water-budget calculations checked at plan review.
What if my sprinklers run water into the street?
Runoff onto sidewalks, streets, or other paved areas from excessive watering or misdirected/broken sprinklers is a violation of Ordinance 3299 at every conservation level. Fix the heads, lower the run time, or switch to drip - and expect a notice from the Water Utility if a neighbor reports it.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Fullerton 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