Washington allows rooftop rainwater harvesting without a water right per Ecology policy (POL-1017). Renton encourages collection for irrigation. Cisterns over 5,000 gallons require building permits.
Washington state generally allows rooftop rainwater collection without a water right under Department of Ecology policy (POL-1017, 2009) and WAC 173-500 guidance. This applies statewide including Renton. Rainwater harvested from rooftops can be used for outdoor irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, and (with treatment) potable uses under the Washington State Building Code Appendix O and RCW 19.27. Systems using harvested rainwater for potable water require WA Department of Health review. Renton Community and Economic Development encourages rain barrels and cisterns as part of the city's stormwater management goals under RMC 4-6-030 (Drainage Standards). Rain barrels under 200 gallons generally need no permits. Cisterns over 5,000 gallons or those connected to plumbing systems require building and plumbing permits. Rainwater systems qualify for stormwater credits in some new developments under the Renton Surface Water Design Manual (based on the 2021 King County Surface Water Design Manual). Harvested rainwater is particularly valuable for summer garden irrigation given Puget Sound's dry-summer Mediterranean climate. Cross-connections to potable water must have backflow prevention. Overflow should infiltrate on site or direct to vegetated areas, not storm drains.
Building code violations for permitted installations without approval carry civil infractions under RMC 1-10. Potable systems without DOH review can trigger DOH enforcement.
Renton, WA
Industrial noise in Renton including Boeing and Cedar River industry is limited to 70 dBA industrial, 60 dBA at residential day, 50 dBA at residential night ...
Renton, WA
Amplified music plainly audible beyond property lines during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM weekdays, 10 PM-9 AM weekends) violates Renton RMC 8-7, with police resp...
Renton, WA
Aircraft noise from Renton Municipal Airport is regulated by the FAA under federal preemption; Renton runs an FAA Part 150 program and voluntary pilot noise ...
Renton, WA
Persistent dog barking disturbing neighbors is prohibited in Renton under RMC 6-6, with Regional Animal Services of King County issuing citations for habitua...
Renton, WA
Commercial construction in Renton is allowed weekdays 7 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 8 PM, with no work permitted on Sundays or holidays under RMC 4-4-03...
Renton, WA
Under RCW 46.55 and Renton Municipal Code Title 10, vehicles parked more than 72 hours, unlicensed, or inoperable can be marked and impounded. Abandoned vehi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Renton's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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