Water Restrictions: Vacaville vs Vallejo
How do water restrictions rules compare between Vacaville, CA and Vallejo, CA?
Vacaville and Vallejo have similar restriction levels.
Vacaville, CA
Solano County
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 (Water Conservation) prohibits runoff, overspray, and using potable water to wash hardscape without a shutoff nozzle. Violations carry fines up to $500. The City also enforces a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) at VMC Section 14.27 implementing California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance under California Code of Regulations Title 23 Section 490 et seq.
View full Vacaville rules →Vallejo, CA
Solano County
Vallejo Water District supplies water from the North Bay Aqueduct sourcing Sacramento River water. Permanent statewide conservation mandates apply. Landscape watering restricted to before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Drought-tolerant landscaping encouraged.
View full Vallejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Vacaville | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Code | VMC Ch. 13.20 | - |
| Max Fine | Up to $500 per violation | - |
| WELO | VMC Sec. 14.27 | - |
| State Rule | Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23 Sec. 490+ | - |
| Trigger Threshold | 500 sq ft new / 2,500 sq ft rehab | - |
| Water Supply | SCWA + State Water Project + GW | - |
| Agency | - | Vallejo Water District |
| Source | - | North Bay Aqueduct |
| Watering | - | Before 10 AM / after 6 PM |
| Conservation | - | Permanent mandates |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Vacaville FAQ
Can I water my lawn anytime in Vacaville?
VMC Chapter 13.20 prohibits irrigation runoff onto sidewalks/streets and overspray at any time. During drought, the City and Solano County Water Agency may impose day-of-week or duration limits on irrigation. Watering within 48 hours of rain is also restricted under state rules.
Can I hose down my driveway?
Generally no. VMC 13.20 restricts using potable water to wash hardscape; small pet or trash area cleanups are typically the only exceptions. Use a broom for routine cleaning. Vehicle washing requires a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle.
Do I need to comply with WELO for my new yard?
Yes if the new landscape area is 500 sq ft or more under a permit (or rehabilitated landscape is 2,500 sq ft or more). VMC Section 14.27 implements the state MWELO requiring a Landscape Documentation Package, soil prep, hydrozones, dedicated irrigation meter (if applicable), and a water budget.
Vallejo FAQ
When can I water my lawn?
Check Vallejo’s water district for designated days. Typically before 9 AM or after 6 PM only.
What counts as water waste?
Runoff onto sidewalks/streets, watering during/after rain, and broken sprinklers are all violations.
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