Rainwater Harvesting: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Rainwater harvesting on residential property is broadly permitted under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Cal. Water Code Sec. 10574), which allows property owners to install and operate rainwater catchment systems from their own rooftops without an appropriative water-rights permit from the State Water Board. Daly City has no separate prohibition. Rain barrels (under 360 gallons / 50 inches high) typically do not require a building permit; larger cisterns must meet California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 17) for non-potable on-site water reuse.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Residential rainwater harvesting is encouraged in unincorporated San Mateo County. Under California's Rainwater Capture Act, rooftop rain barrels and cisterns under 360 gallons for outdoor non-potable use need no state water permit. The Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program offers rebates of $50-$150 per rain barrel, plus a possible $50 bonus in some areas.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Cal. Water Code Sec. 10574 | - |
| BAWSCA rebate | Up to $200 / select rain barrels | - |
| Permit threshold | Cisterns >360 gal need plumbing review | - |
| Indoor reuse | Cal. Plumbing Code Ch. 17 | - |
| State permit | - | None for rooftop barrels/cisterns < 360 gal |
| Controlling law | - | CA Water Code 10574 (Rainwater Capture Act) |
| County rebate | - | $50-$150 by capacity (50/100/200+ gal) |
| Bonus rebate | - | +$50 in select cities/districts (max $200) |
| Rain garden rebate | - | $300 add-on |
| Application window | - | Within 90 days of purchase |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Daly City?
No. Residential rain barrels under approximately 360 gallons and connected only for outdoor irrigation are exempt from building permits under California's standard approach; the Rainwater Capture Act allows on-site rooftop capture without water-rights paperwork.
Can I get a rebate?
Yes - BAWSCA offers up to a $200 rebate on qualifying rain barrels for Daly City water customers.
Can I plumb a cistern to flush my toilets?
Yes, but the installation must comply with California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (non-potable rainwater catchment systems) and requires a plumbing permit and backflow protection.
South San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in unincorporated San Mateo County?
No state water permit is needed for a rooftop rain barrel or cistern under 360 gallons used for outdoor non-potable purposes. Larger or indoor/potable systems may require County plumbing permits.
Are there rebates for rain barrels?
Yes. The Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program offers $50-$150 per barrel based on capacity, with a possible $50 bonus in some areas (up to $200), plus a $300 rain garden rebate. Apply within 90 days of purchase.
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