Colorado law lets residents of single-family homes and buildings of four or fewer units collect rooftop rainwater in up to two rain barrels totaling 110 gallons, for outdoor use on the same property. No permit is needed. Jefferson County does not add its own rain-barrel rule.
Since HB16-1005 (2016), codified at CRS 37-96.5-103, Colorado allows residential rooftop precipitation collection: a maximum of two rain barrels with combined storage not exceeding 110 gallons, at single-family households and multifamily buildings of four or fewer units. Captured rainwater must come from rooftop downspouts and be used only outdoors on the same property (lawn, plants, garden) from which it was collected; barrels must have a sealable lid. No permit or water right is required. Jefferson County follows the state rule and imposes no additional county rain-harvesting ordinance for unincorporated residents.
State law caps residential collection at two barrels / 110 gallons; exceeding it or diverting for other uses violates Colorado water law administered by the Division of Water Resources.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Jefferson County, CO
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See how Jefferson County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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