Pleasanton, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- development projects meeting MRP thresholds
- Cisterns/rain barrels
- option (a) of four choices
- Alternatives
- vegetated dispersal, permeable paving
- Regulated projects
- need added treatment/hydromodification
- Design standard
- MRP + C.3 Technical Guidance Manual
Summary
Pleasanton doesn't mandate rainwater harvesting outright, but qualifying development projects must adopt at least one listed site-design technique, and directing roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels is the first option § 9.14.140 lists alongside vegetated dispersal and permeable paving.
Development projects that fall into the applicable thresholds as defined in the MRP shall incorporate at least one of the following site design techniques, as applicable to the project: a. Direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for use. b. Direct roof runoff onto vegetated areas through disconnected roof leaders that are properly located to prevent erosion of landscaped materials. c. Direct runoff from sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways, uncovered parking onto vegetated areas. d. Construct sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways, uncovered parking, or bike lanes with permeable surfaces as defined in the MRP.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4955754; v17 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
B of the Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance requires development projects that meet the applicable thresholds defined in the region's Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP) to incorporate at least one of four site design techniques. a, is to direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for use; the alternatives are directing roof runoff onto vegetated areas through disconnected roof leaders, directing runoff from sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways or uncovered parking onto vegetated areas, or building those same surfaces with permeable materials as defined in the MRP.
3 Technical Guidance Manual, both incorporated into the chapter by reference. 3 face an additional layer: they must also incorporate stormwater treatment and, where applicable, hydromodification management measures that stay in place for the life of the project, and those measures cannot be placed in backyards or fenced areas that block inspection access.
Violations & Fines
There's no separate rainwater-harvesting penalty; a project that skips every listed site-design technique, or a regulated project that fails to install its required treatment or hydromodification measures, is treated as noncompliant with Chapter 9.14's development requirements and falls under the chapter's general misdemeanor/infraction penalties in §§ 9.14.180 and 9.14.190, plus the inspection and stop-work authority in §§ 9.14.170 and 9.14.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pleasanton require homeowners to install rain barrels?
What are the alternatives to cisterns under § 9.14.140?
What extra requirement applies to larger "regulated projects"?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pleasanton
California rules heatmap·Compare Pleasanton to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle rainwater harvesting.