Rainwater harvesting is legal statewide. Nevada NRS 533.027 allows de minimis collection of precipitation from the rooftop of a single-family dwelling for nonpotable domestic use without a water-right permit. Washoe County adds no separate restriction.
Since 2017 (AB 138), Nevada law expressly permits capturing rooftop rain. NRS 533.027 authorizes 'de minimus collection of precipitation from the rooftop of a single-family dwelling for nonpotable domestic use' without a water permit. The water must be non-potable domestic use (landscape irrigation, cleaning), collected only from a single-family rooftop (not driveways or businesses), and must not impair existing water rights. Practical guidance from UNR Extension notes reasonable system sizing. Washoe County imposes no additional rain-harvesting ordinance, so the state exemption controls in the unincorporated area.
Staying within the NRS 533.027 rooftop, single-family, nonpotable de minimis exemption avoids water-right permitting; exceeding it can require a state water right.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Washoe County, NV
County regional parks are open sunrise to sunset unless posted otherwise. No one may enter or remain in a county park after closing hours without a prior res...
Washoe County, NV
Outdoor lighting must not spill onto adjoining properties, and reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets, and pedestrian areas must be avoided. Where resi...
Washoe County, NV
All outdoor light sources must be installed to prevent spillover onto adjoining properties and reflect light away from them. Lighting near residential zones ...
Washoe County, NV
Temporary signs like garage-sale and yard-sale signs may not stay on a site more than 10 consecutive days, and at least 90 days must pass between displays. T...
Washoe County, NV
During an election period there is no limit on the number of political signs or total sign area per site, and no sign permit is required. Individual election...
Washoe County, NV
A manufactured or modular home built within 6 years of placement may serve as a detached ADU if permanently affixed and converted to real property. A shed or...
See how Washoe County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.