Tuolumne County, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- County stance
- Encouraged (Ch. 15.28.160), not restricted
- Recommended features
- Rain gardens, cisterns, capture and infiltration
- Water-budget benefit
- On-site captured rainwater exempt from ETWU calc
- State law
- Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) allows rooftop capture
- Permit trigger
- Larger/plumbed systems -> California Plumbing Code
Summary
Tuolumne County encourages rainwater capture rather than restricting it. The County Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 15.28) recommends rain gardens, cisterns, and other capture and infiltration features, and exempts landscape areas irrigated with on-site captured rainwater from the water-budget calculation.
This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board.
(2) Existing law, the Contractors’ State License Law, creates the Contractors’ State License Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs and provides for the licensing and regulation of contractors. Existing law authorizes a landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license to enter into a prime contract for the construction of a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, an outdoor cooking center, or an outdoor fireplace, if certain conditions are met. Under existing law, a violation of these provisions and related provisions of existing law is grounds for disciplinary action. This bill would additionally authorize a landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license to enter into a prime contract for the construction of a rainwater capture system, as defined, if the system is used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a landscaping project. The bill would authorize a landscape contractor holding a specified classification to design and install all exterior components of a rainwater capture system that are not a part of, or attached to, a structure. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read: 7027.5.
(a) A landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may design systems or facilities for work to be performed and supervised by that contractor.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may enter into a prime contract for the construction of any of the following:
(1) A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, provided that the improvements are included within the landscape project that the landscape contractor is supervising and the constr
Full Breakdown
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged, not regulated as a restriction, in unincorporated Tuolumne County. 28 of the Ordinance Code (Ord. ' The ordinance also rewards capture in its water budget: landscape areas irrigated using graywater or stored rainwater captured on site are exempt from the Estimated Total Water Use/water-budget provisions, so capturing rain helps a project meet its water-efficiency target. Applicants for covered projects are directed to identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies, such as rain gardens, on their plans. California law (Assembly Bill 1750, the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) generally allows residential rooftop rainwater capture without a water-right permit, and small rain barrels and cisterns are typically allowed; larger systems or those plumbed into the building can trigger California Plumbing Code requirements.
There is no Tuolumne County ordinance prohibiting residential rain barrels or rooftop catchment. Owners installing larger storage or systems connected to indoor plumbing should check Building Division requirements, but routine rain barrels for outdoor irrigation are unrestricted.
Violations & Fines
There are no county penalties for ordinary residential rainwater harvesting; the County encourages it. Issues arise only if a larger or plumbed system is installed without required building/plumbing permits, or if a tank or catchment structure is built without meeting setback or structural standards. Routine outdoor rain barrels are not regulated as violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect rainwater at my home in unincorporated Tuolumne County?
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel or cistern?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tuolumne County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tuolumne County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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