Ojai, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Legal statewide under AB 1750 — widely adopted in Ojai
- Requirement
- Outdoor-use rain barrels do not require permits
- Requirement
- Supplements limited Casitas MWD water supply
- Requirement
- Burn scar runoff may require larger collection capacity
- Requirement
- Indoor plumbing connections need building permits
Summary
Ojai enthusiastically supports rainwater harvesting as a supplement to the Casitas Municipal Water District supply. Many residents already use rain barrels and cisterns for landscape irrigation.
Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part:
(a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 56375.3 of the Government Code.
(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.
(e) "Stormwater" means temporary surface water runoff and drainage generated by immediately preceding storms. This definition shall be interpreted consistent with the definition of "stormwater" in Section 122.26 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Full Breakdown
California AB 1750 authorizes residential rainwater harvesting statewide, and Ojai's environmentally conscious community has widely adopted the practice. Rain barrels and cisterns capture rooftop runoff for garden and landscape irrigation, reducing demand on the limited Casitas MWD supply. Systems for outdoor use generally do not require permits. Larger cisterns or connections to indoor plumbing need building permits. Post-Thomas Fire considerations include ensuring collection systems can handle increased runoff from burn scar areas. Rain barrels must be covered for mosquito prevention and secured against seasonal high winds.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for standard rain barrel installations. Unpermitted plumbing connections: building code violation starting at $250. Uncovered barrels creating mosquito habitat: vector control enforcement. Systems in Thomas Fire burn scar areas should be designed for increased runoff intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rainwater harvesting popular in Ojai?
Does Casitas MWD offer rain barrel rebates?
Do I need to account for Thomas Fire burn scar runoff?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ojai
California rules heatmap·Compare Ojai to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle rainwater harvesting.