Kern County, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rooftop rainwater capture
- No water right permit required (WC 10574)
- Rain barrel systems
- No pump, no potable connection (WC 10573)
- Statute
- Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750)
- Kern County restriction
- None identified
Summary
No Kern County-specific ordinance restricts residential rainwater harvesting in unincorporated areas. Under the California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, property owners may capture and use rainwater from rooftops without a water right permit.
10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part: ... (b) 'Rain barrel system' is a type of rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to or reliant on a potable water system. (c) 'Rainwater' means precipitation on any public or private parcel that has not entered an offsite storm drain system or channel, a flood control channel, or any other stream channel, and has not previously been put to beneficial use. (d) 'Rainwater capture system' means a facility designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off a building rooftop for subsequent onsite use. ... 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Full Breakdown
The Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (California Water Code Sections 10570-10574, added by AB 1750) authorizes the onsite capture, storage, and use of rainwater. Water Code Section 10574 provides that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit under Section 1201. Section 10573 defines a rain barrel system as a rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to a potable water system, and defines a rainwater capture system as a facility designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off a building rooftop for subsequent onsite use. The Legislature found in Section 10571 that captured rainwater can contribute significantly to local water supplies and reduces demand for potable water.
Violations & Fines
Simple rooftop rain barrels are exempt from water right permitting. Capturing water that has already entered a storm drain, flood control channel, or stream channel falls outside the Act's definition of rainwater and could require a water right permit under Water Code Section 1201; larger plumbed systems may also require building or plumbing permits from Kern County Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to collect rainwater in Kern County?
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel?
Can I divert water from a creek or storm channel on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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