Clovis, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- AB 1750 (2012)
- Small Barrels
- No permit typical
- Large Cisterns
- Permit required
- Landscape Use
- Unrestricted
- Indoor Use
- Permit + filtration
Summary
Rainwater harvesting legal in California and Clovis. AB 1750 (2012) legalized rainfall capture. Rain barrels under 100 gallons generally permit-exempt; larger cisterns may require building/plumbing permits.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1750, Solorio. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. (1) Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (state board) and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater in accordance with the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit program and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under existing law, the state board administers a water rights program pursuant to which the state board grants permits and licenses to appropriate water, upon an application to appropriate water. This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops d
Full Breakdown
California AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) expressly legalized residential and commercial rainwater harvesting from rooftops without a water right. Small rain barrels (typically under 100 gallons) are permit-exempt statewide. Larger cistern systems, underground tanks, or systems connected to indoor plumbing trigger building and plumbing permit requirements under CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (non-potable rainwater). Rainwater may be used for landscape irrigation without permit; indoor use (toilets, laundry) requires permitted system with appropriate filtration.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted large cistern: stop-work order, retroactive permit or removal. Cross-connection with potable supply: plumbing code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rainwater harvesting legal in Clovis?
Do I need a permit for a large cistern?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clovis
California rules heatmap·Compare Clovis to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle rainwater harvesting.