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.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Berkeley, CA
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