Boulder rainwater collection is limited by Colorado law. HB 16-1005 allows up to two 55-gallon barrels (110 gallons) per household for outdoor use only.
Rainwater harvesting in Boulder is regulated under Colorado water law, which historically prohibited collection due to prior appropriation doctrine. HB 16-1005 (2016) legalized limited collection: up to two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons for residential properties. Water may only be used for outdoor purposes such as lawn and garden irrigation on the property where collected. Rooftop collection systems beyond two barrels remain illegal without a water right. Commercial rainwater harvesting requires a water court decree or substitute water supply plan.
Exceeding 110-gallon limit: water law violation. Commercial collection without permit: subject to water court action. Fines vary.
Boulder, CO
Boulder imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Sign Code in BRC 9-...
Boulder, CO
Boulder has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by the city fo...
Boulder, CO
Boulder explicitly carves out holiday and seasonal displays from its Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. BRC 9-9-16 (Light Output) restricts lamps and bulbs visible ...
Boulder, CO
An outdoor kitchen in Boulder typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 200 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas li...
Boulder, CO
Boulder has no smoker-specific ordinance; offset, pellet, kamado, and wood-fired smokers fall under the general IFC 308 framework adopted in BRC 10-8-2 plus ...
Boulder, CO
Boulder adopts the International Fire Code under Boulder Revised Code Title 10 Chapter 8 (Fire Code). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, gas gri...
See how Boulder's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.