Showing ordinances that apply to Big Creek, CA
Big Creek is an unincorporated community (population 151) in Fresno County, California. Because Big Creek is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Fresno County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The rainwater harvesting rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged under CA AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). Residential rain barrels don't require permits. Systems >5,000 gallons or connected to plumbing require plan review under CPC Chapter 17.
AB 1750 established rainwater capture as a legal water source in California. Residential rain barrels of reasonable size don't require permit. Larger cisterns and systems with plumbing connections are governed by CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (alternate water sources). Fresno County has no additional restrictions. Captured rainwater legal for irrigation; indoor non-potable use (toilets) requires additional treatment and permitting. In Central Valley agricultural areas, surface water rights follow separate appropriative/riparian frameworks.
Unpermitted large cistern installations: stop-work order. Cross-connection to potable plumbing without backflow: code violation.
See how Big Creek's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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