California law (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750) allows residential rainwater harvesting from rooftops without a state water-rights permit. El Monte does not restrict residential rain barrels and Chapter 13.16 (Stormwater) plus the city's LID (Low Impact Development) standards actively encourage onsite rainwater capture.
Under California Water Code §10573 (added by AB 1750, the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012), property owners may capture rainwater from rooftops for nonpotable use without a water-rights permit from the State Water Resources Control Board. El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 13.16 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control) and the city's LID ordinance (adopted to comply with the Los Angeles MS4 permit issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board) require new and redevelopment projects to use onsite stormwater capture including rainfall harvest and reuse, biofiltration and infiltration. Larger cisterns (over 5,000 gallons) may require a plumbing permit per the California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (rainwater catchment systems).
No fines for residential rain-barrel installation. Unpermitted larger cisterns or systems that discharge captured water into the city storm drain without LID compliance can be cited under Chapter 13.16 (stormwater violations: typically $100–$1,000 per day per the MS4 permit).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
El Monte, CA
Modified exhaust and loud motor-vehicle noise on El Monte streets are primarily enforced under California Vehicle Code §§27150–27151. Stationary vehicle nois...
El Monte, CA
El Monte has no 'dibs' or space-saving ordinance. The practice originated in snow-belt cities like Chicago and Boston and is not relevant to El Monte's Medit...
El Monte, CA
Chain-link is prohibited for residential uses. Barbed, pointed, spiked, razor, or piercing materials are banned on any fence or wall citywide.
El Monte, CA
Fences and walls in El Monte are regulated under Title 17 (Zoning), with general development standards in Chapter 17.60. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 ...
El Monte, CA
El Monte has no separate hoarding-specific ordinance, but animal hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597 (animal cruelty/neglect) when the nu...
El Monte, CA
El Monte Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) restricts livestock in urban residential zones. Animal control is contracted to the Los Angeles County Department o...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how El Monte's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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