Pacifica, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition
- Adopting section
- Pacifica Municipal Code § 8-3.01
- Rainwater appendix
- Appendix K, Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
- Local amendments to Appendix K
- None; adopted as printed
- Chapter last updated
- January 1, 2026 (Ord. 904-C.S.)
- Max misdemeanor penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, potable rainwater harvesting systems fall under the California Plumbing Code, which the city adopts by reference at Municipal Code Section 8-3.01, including Appendix K, "Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems." Pacifica has not written its own catchment ordinance: design, installation and testing standards for these systems track the 2025 California Plumbing Code exactly, with no city-specific amendments layered on top.
Sec. 8-3.01. - Adoption of the California Plumbing Code. For the purpose of regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and grading in the City of Pacifica, Chapters 1 through 17 including Appendix A ("Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System) ... Appendix ... K ("Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems") of that certain code designated as the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition [Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 5], which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and as may be amended by the Building Standards Commission, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk for public record and inspection, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full, subject, however, to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this chapter, and said code shall be known as the Plumbing Code for the City.
Full Breakdown
01. 02, reserved for an unrelated local change to sewer cleanout hardware, not to Appendix K. The current version reflects a 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code base, incorporated and amended by the state Building Standards Commission, on file for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. , effective January 1, 2026, to move the whole Plumbing Code onto the current three-year state code cycle. Because the Plumbing Code is adopted by reference into Title 8 of the Municipal Code, work regulated by Appendix K, including installation of collection, storage and distribution components, is subject to the same plumbing permit and inspection process the City's Building Division applies to any other plumbing installation.
Violations & Fines
Because the Plumbing Code, including Appendix K, is adopted by reference into the Pacifica Municipal Code, Section 1-2.01 controls: violating any provision of a code adopted by reference is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, unless the City Attorney elects to charge it as an infraction, which carries escalating fines of $100, $200 and $500 for a first, second and third offense within a year. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pacifica require a permit to install a rainwater catchment system?
What edition of the code applies to rainwater systems in Pacifica?
Has Pacifica written its own rainwater harvesting ordinance?
What happens if a rainwater system is installed without complying with the code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
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