Palm Springs, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain Barrels
- Under 5,000 gallons generally need no permit
- Cisterns
- Tied to indoor plumbing require permit and backflow prevention
- Safety Features
- Screened inlets and child-safe lids required
- HOA Rights
- Cannot unreasonably prohibit under Civil Code §4735
- Climate
- Palm Springs averages only 4–6 inches rain/year
Summary
Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation is legal and encouraged in Palm Springs, though rainfall is extremely limited (about 4-6 inches annually). Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons need no permit. Larger cisterns and any connection to potable plumbing require permits and backflow protection under the California Plumbing Code.
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. This bill would additionally authorize a landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license to enter into a prime contract for the construction of a rainwater capture system, as defined, if the system is used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a landscaping project. The bill would authorize a landscape contractor holding a specified classification to design and install all exterior components of a rainwater capture system that are not a part of, or attached to, a structure.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may enter into a prime contract for the construction of any of the following:
(4) A rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a landscaping project.
Full Breakdown
California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (SB 1079/AB 1750) allows homeowners to collect rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water right, and the state has authorized broader stormwater capture under SB 903 (2022). In Palm Springs, small rain barrels installed at downspouts for irrigation use are allowed without a building permit; the usual guidance is tanks under 5,000 gallons, above ground, with screened inlets to prevent mosquito breeding and child-safe lids. Larger cisterns, below-ground installations, or any plumbing tie-in to toilets or indoor use trigger Building Division review under the California Plumbing Code Chapter 15 (non-potable rainwater systems) and require backflow prevention where any cross-connection to potable supply could occur. Because annual rainfall is roughly 4-6 inches, rainwater meaningfully offsets only drip and hand-watering of desert plants. HOAs cannot unreasonably prohibit rain barrels under California Civil Code §4735.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 50-gallon rain barrel?
Can my HOA ban rain barrels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Springs 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 Riverside County handle rainwater harvesting.