Fresno, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

California AB 1750 (Water Code §10574) explicitly authorizes residential and commercial rainwater harvesting for non-potable use. Fresno permits rain barrels and above-ground cisterns up to 5,000 gallons without a plumbing permit provided the system serves only outdoor irrigation and is not connected to domestic plumbing. Larger tanks or any connection to indoor plumbing requires a plumbing permit, AWWA-compliant cross-connection controls, and backflow prevention to protect the potable system. Common Fresno setups include 55-275 gallon barrels at downspouts, 1,000-2,500 gallon slimline or round tanks, and in-ground cisterns. Central Valley annual rainfall is about 11 inches concentrated November-March, so harvested water is limited but useful for dry-summer irrigation. No water rights issues exist for rooftop capture on private parcels. HOAs cannot prohibit reasonable rainwater capture under Civil Code §714. Rebates may be available through Fresno Water Division during drought years.