Water Use Rules in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
New or rehabilitated landscaping covered by Santa Cruz County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance can put no more than 25 percent of the total landscaped area into turf, high water use plants and water features combined, under SCCC § 13.13.060(B)(1). Turf is barred outright in narrow strips, on steep slopes, and in street medians or parking lot islands.
Santa Cruz County Turf Area Limit
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 13.13.060(B)(1)-(2)
(B) Limits on Turf, High Water Use Plants and Water Features. (1) The combined area of turf, high water use plants and water features shall be limited to no more than 25 percent of the landscape. The 25 percent limit shall not apply to special landscape areas. (2) Turf and high water use plants shall not be planted in the following conditions: (a) Planting areas less than 10 feet wide. (b) On s...
Recycled Water Rules
Santa Cruz County allows tertiary-treated recycled water facilities on land zoned CA (Commercial Agriculture) or A (Agriculture), but only next to an existing public wastewater treatment plant and only to irrigate farmland. Section 13.10.643 requires the county to avoid conflicts with neighboring agriculture and to offset any farmland lost to construction with equivalent mitigation.
Santa Cruz County Recycled Water Facility Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 13.10.643
Construction and operation of recycled water facilities providing tertiary-level treatment on land zoned CA or A shall be allowed, subject to the following regulations: (A) Such facilities shall be located adjacent to or in the immediate proximity of an existing publicly owned and operated municipal wastewater treatment plant. (B) Such facilities shall be intended and used for the sole purpose ...
Leak Reporting Duty
Santa Cruz County bans letting a plumbing leak or break run unfixed past a reasonable time, and county code fixes that reasonable time at 24 hours after the leak is discovered or the Health Services Agency notifies the owner. Violators face infraction fines starting at $100 under the county's water-waste chapter.
Santa Cruz County Water Leak Repair Deadline
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 7.69.030(B)(3)
(3) The escape of water through leaks, breaks or malfunction within the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any period of time within which such break or leak should reasonably have been discovered and corrected. It shall be presumed that a period of 24 hours after the water user discovers such break, leak or malfunction, or receives notice from the Director or the public water sup...
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