Long Beach, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain Barrels
- No permit required
- LID
- Encouraged for new development
- State Law
- AB 1750 protects rainwater collection
- Rebates
- Water district programs available
Summary
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Long Beach as part of stormwater management. The city's LID standards promote capturing rainfall on-site. No permit is required for residential rain barrels under state law.
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.
Full Breakdown
Rainwater harvesting in Long Beach is generally permitted for residential use including garden irrigation, lawn watering, and non-potable household purposes. California does not impose significant state-level restrictions on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns may be installed without special permits in most cases, though large systems may trigger building or plumbing permits. HOAs may have restrictions on visible rain barrel placement. Potable use of collected rainwater requires treatment systems that meet health department standards. Some cities offer rain barrel rebate programs.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rainwater harvesting.