Lane County, OR Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal statewide
- Yes, from rooftops
- Statute
- ORS 537.141
- Water-right permit
- Not required
- Surface allowed
- Artificial impervious (roof)
- Plumbing permit
- May apply to in-building use
Summary
Rainwater harvesting is legal statewide. ORS 537.141 exempts collecting precipitation from an artificial impervious surface, like a rooftop, from Oregon's water-right permit system. A plumbing or building permit may still apply depending on how the system is plumbed and used.
The collection of precipitation water from an artificial impervious surface and the use of such water.
Full Breakdown
Oregon law expressly allows rooftop rainwater collection. ORS 537.141(1) lists uses of water that do not require a water-right application, permit or certificate, including "the collection and use of rainwater from an artificial impervious surface" such as a rooftop. Lane County adds no separate prohibition. What can still require a permit is the plumbing side: if a system routes water into a building or is used for potable purposes, plumbing or building permits and code compliance apply. Exterior-only, non-potable irrigation systems generally do not need a plumbing permit. Rooftop capture is the operative limit, the water must be caught before it touches the ground.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty for legal rooftop harvesting. Installing an in-building or potable system without required plumbing/building permits can result in building-code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect rainwater from my roof in Lane County?
Do I ever need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.