Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Orange under California Water Code Section 10574. Residents may collect and use rainwater from rooftop catchment systems for landscape irrigation without a permit.
Under California Water Code Section 10574 (the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012), Orange residents may collect and use rainwater from rooftop catchment systems for landscape irrigation and other non-potable uses without a permit. Rain barrels and cisterns are permitted on residential property. The city's stormwater management program encourages Low Impact Development techniques including rainwater capture to reduce stormwater runoff. Large cisterns or tanks exceeding certain size thresholds may require a building permit for structural reasons. Rainwater may not be connected to the potable water system. The city encourages residents to use captured rainwater for drought-tolerant landscaping irrigation as part of its water conservation strategy.
No violations apply for standard residential rainwater collection. Connecting rainwater systems to potable plumbing or creating drainage issues on neighboring properties may result in code enforcement.
Orange, CA
Leaf blowers in Orange must not exceed 70 dBA measured at 50 feet and cannot be operated within 10 feet of windows, doors, or air intakes on neighboring prop...
Orange, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in Orange is regulated under OMC Chapter 8.24 and the city's General Plan noise element. Industrial operations must not creat...
Orange, CA
Construction in Orange is permitted Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and federal holidays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM under OMC Ch...
Orange, CA
The City of Orange enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under OMC Chapter 8.24. During these hours, noise audible from 100 feet of the property line...
Orange, CA
Vehicles parked on Orange streets for more than 72 consecutive hours without movement may be towed as abandoned under California Vehicle Code Section 22651 a...
Orange, CA
Pool barriers in Orange must be at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per California Building Code Section 3109 and Orange County Ordin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Orange's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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