Berkeley, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain barrels
- Under 5,000 gal - no permit
- Larger cisterns
- Plumbing permit required
- Use
- Outdoor/non-potable
- EBMUD rebate
- 35 dollars/barrel
- Mosquito screens
- Required
Summary
Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons are allowed without permit in Berkeley. Larger cisterns and any potable connection require plumbing permits and state code compliance.
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. (4) A rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a landscaping project.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley actively encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its Climate Action Plan. Under California Health and Safety Code Section 114.5 and the California Plumbing Code Chapter 17, rain barrels and cisterns up to 5,000 gallons used for outdoor, non-potable purposes (irrigation, toilet flushing with permit) do not require a state permit. Berkeley does not impose a local permit for simple rain barrels connected to downspouts, provided they are screened to prevent mosquito breeding (per Alameda County Vector Control), have overflow diversion to landscape not storm drain, and are secured against tipping. Tanks over 5,000 gallons, indoor plumbing connections, and any potable use require a Berkeley Building and Safety plumbing permit under BMC Chapter 19.28, plus backflow prevention. EBMUD offers rebates of 35 dollars per rain barrel and up to 1,000 dollars for cisterns. Greywater systems under 250 gallons per day (laundry-to-landscape) are permit-exempt under California Plumbing Code Chapter 16. Contact Permit Service Center at (510) 981-7500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect rainwater to my toilet?
Do I need to screen my rain barrel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle rainwater harvesting.