Port Hueneme, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- AB 1750 / Water Code §10574: legal
- Small Systems
- Rain barrels ≤250 gal: no permit typically
- Large Systems
- May require building permit
- Use
- Landscape irrigation, not potable
Summary
California law (AB 1750) explicitly allows rainwater harvesting on residential properties. Port Hueneme residents may collect rainwater from rooftops using rain barrels and cisterns without a permit for systems under typical size thresholds.
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers has increased, thereby reducing the volume of water allowed to infiltrate into groundwater aquifers and increasing water and pollution flowing to the ocean and other surface waters. At the same time, recurring droughts and water shortages in California have made local water supply augmentation and water conservation efforts a priority. 10573. 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. 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Full Breakdown
California Water Code §10574 (AB 1750, 2012) authorizes residential rainwater capture. Small rain barrel systems (typically 250 gallons or less) generally do not require permits. Larger cistern systems may require building permits and must comply with structural and plumbing codes. Collected rainwater can be used for landscape irrigation but not for drinking water without treatment. Port Hueneme's coastal climate provides seasonal rainfall that makes rainwater harvesting a practical supplement to irrigation. Rebates may be available through local water agencies for rain barrel purchases.
Violations & Fines
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged. Only large-scale systems trigger permit requirements. Improperly installed large cisterns without permits may require retroactive permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect rainwater in Port Hueneme?
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel?
Can I use collected rainwater for my garden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Hueneme
California rules heatmap·Compare Port Hueneme 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.