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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting: Lincoln vs Roseville

How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Roseville, CA?

Lincoln and Roseville have similar restriction levels.

Lincoln, CA

Placer County

Few Restrictions

The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act allows California residents to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water-right permit, preempting most local barriers.

View full Lincoln rules β†’

Roseville, CA

Placer County

Few Restrictions

Roseville allows residential rainwater harvesting. California has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.

View full Roseville rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLincolnRoseville
StatuteWater Code 10573-
Permit neededNo for rooftop barrels-
UseNon-potable outdoor only-
Code referenceTitle 24 Part 5 Ch 17-
Restrictions-None for residential use
Permits-Large systems may need one
Potable Use-Treatment system required
Topic-Rainwater Harvesting

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Lincoln FAQ

Do I need a state water right to collect rain?

No. The Rainwater Capture Act exempts rooftop rainwater collected on the property where it falls from the appropriative water rights system.

Can a city ban rain barrels entirely?

No. State law authorizes residential rooftop capture, though cities may regulate large cisterns, plumbing connections, and structural permits.

Roseville FAQ

Can I collect rainwater legally?

Yes. California allows residential rainwater harvesting without significant restrictions.

Do I need a permit for rain barrels?

Standard rain barrels typically do not need permits. Large cistern systems may require building permits.

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