Tulare County, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

There is no Tulare County ordinance prohibiting homeowners from collecting rainwater, and the County encourages water conservation generally through its Water Efficient Landscaping ordinance (Part VII, Chapter 31), which promotes xeriscape and efficient-water concepts. The governing framework is state law. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code) provides that the use of rooftop-captured rainwater for non-potable outdoor purposes is not subject to the State Water Resources Control Board's appropriative water-rights permit requirement, so a typical rain barrel or cistern collecting roof runoff for landscape irrigation needs no state water-rights permit. Residential, commercial, and governmental property owners may install and operate rainwater capture systems. Capturing water that has already entered a stream channel or storm drain off your property is not allowed - the exemption covers precipitation captured from rooftops, not diversions from waterways. Larger or more complex cisterns, plumbed connections, structural supports, or any potable use can trigger California Plumbing/Building Code permit requirements administered by Tulare County RMA Building Services, so above a simple gravity rain barrel it is worth confirming with the County whether a building or plumbing permit applies. Captured rainwater also counts as an alternative water supply encouraged under water-efficient landscape design.