Fremont, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-Free Capacity
- Up to 5,000 gallons
- Use Allowed
- Landscape irrigation
- Screen Required
- Mosquito mesh
- Indoor Use
- Permit plus treatment
- Rebates
- ACWD Bay Save program
Summary
Fremont allows rainwater barrels and cisterns for landscape irrigation. Barrels up to 5,000 gallons do not need a permit. ACWD offers rebates for qualifying systems.
AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Chapter 537)
SEC. 2. Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) is added to Division 6 of the Water Code, to read:
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012.
10572. Nothing in this part shall be construed to do any of the following:
(a) Alter or impair any existing rights.
(b) Change existing water rights law.
(c) Authorize a landscape contractor to engage in or perform activities that require a license pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code).
(d) Impair the authority of the California Building Standards Commission to adopt and implement building standards for rainwater capture systems pursuant to existing law.
(e) Affect use of rainwater on agricultural lands.
(f) Impair the authority of a water supplier pursuant to Subchapter 1 of Chapter 5 of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part:
(a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 56375.3 of the Government Code.
(b) "Rain barrel system" is a type of rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to or reliant on a potable water system.
(c) "Rainwater" means precipitation on any public or private parcel that has not entered an offsite storm drain system or channel, a flood control channel, or any other stream channel, and has not previously been put to beneficial use.
(d) "Rainwater capture system" means a facility designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off a building rooftop for subsequent onsite use.
(e) "Stormwater" means temporary surface water runoff and drainage generated by immediately preceding storms.
10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Full Breakdown
California law (AB 1750, Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) authorizes residential rainwater harvesting from rooftops for outdoor non-potable use. Fremont follows state rules: rain barrels and cisterns up to 5,000 gallons capacity do not require a building permit as long as they are freestanding, not elevated on structural supports, covered with a mosquito-resistant screen, and used for landscape irrigation only. Larger systems, elevated or integrated cisterns, and any connection to an indoor plumbing system require a building and plumbing permit under the California Plumbing Code Chapter 17. Rainwater cannot be used for drinking or food prep without full treatment. Alameda County Water District offers periodic Bay Save rebates for rain barrels (typically 25 to 100 dollars per barrel) and larger cisterns. Overflow must drain to landscape, not off-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rainwater for my vegetable garden?
Do I need to do anything for mosquitoes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
California rules heatmap·Compare Fremont to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle rainwater harvesting.