Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged under CA AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). Residential rain barrels don't require permits. Systems >5,000 gallons or connected to plumbing require plan review under CPC Chapter 17.
AB 1750 established rainwater capture as a legal water source in California. Residential rain barrels of reasonable size don't require permit. Larger cisterns and systems with plumbing connections are governed by CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (alternate water sources). Fresno County has no additional restrictions. Captured rainwater legal for irrigation; indoor non-potable use (toilets) requires additional treatment and permitting. In Central Valley agricultural areas, surface water rights follow separate appropriative/riparian frameworks.
Unpermitted large cistern installations: stop-work order. Cross-connection to potable plumbing without backflow: code violation.
Fresno County, CA
Unincorporated Fresno County limits construction noise to 7 AM-7 PM weekdays and 8 AM-5 PM Saturdays per Title 11. No Sunday/holiday construction without per...
Fresno County, CA
California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires a 60-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gate AND at least one ad...
Fresno County, CA
Beekeeping is broadly permitted in Fresno County's agricultural and rural zones with apiary registration under CA Food & Ag Code §29040. Commercial beekeeper...
Fresno County, CA
Eastern Fresno County foothills are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. New construction in SRA/VHFHSZ must comply with CA ...
Fresno County, CA
Setbacks by zone per Fresno County Title 18: R-1 (20 ft front, 5 ft side, 10 ft rear); AE (50 ft front, 30 ft side/rear); RR/RE (35 ft front, 15 ft side, 25 ...
Fresno County, CA
Tree removal permits required in Fresno County only for protected native oaks, riparian trees, or trees associated with development. Non-protected landscape ...
See how Fresno County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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