Colorado law lets residents at single-family or small multifamily homes collect rooftop rainwater in up to two rain barrels holding 110 gallons combined, used outdoors on the same property. No permit is needed. This applies statewide, including all of Douglas County.
Under Colorado's rain-barrel law (HB 16-1005, codified at C.R.S. 37-96.5-103), a household may capture precipitation from the rooftop of a single-family residence or a multifamily building of four or fewer units using no more than two rain barrels with a combined 110-gallon capacity. The water must be used on the same property for outdoor purposes such as lawn irrigation and gardening, not for drinking or indoor use. No permit or approval is required. HOAs cannot ban rain barrels but may set reasonable aesthetic rules on placement. Douglas County promotes rainwater harvesting within these state limits.
Exceeding two barrels or 110 gallons, or diverting captured water off-property, violates state water law administered by the Division of Water Resources.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Douglas County, CO
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Douglas County, CO
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Douglas County, CO
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Douglas County, CO
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See how Douglas County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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