Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal in Fresno under California Water Code §10574 and AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). No permit is required for simple rain barrels or cisterns used to irrigate landscaping. Storage tanks over 5,000 gallons or integrated with potable plumbing require Plumbing Code permits and backflow prevention.
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.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Fresno code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Fresno's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.