California Rainwater Capture Act allows residential rainwater collection without a water right; Sacramento requires permits only for systems over 5,000 gallons.
The California Rainwater Capture Act (CWC 10574) allows property owners to collect rainfall from rooftops without a State Water Resources Control Board permit. Sacramento follows Title 24 plumbing code for systems tied to indoor use and requires building permits for tanks over 5,000 gallons or structures supporting elevated tanks. Cisterns must be screened to prevent mosquito breeding and vectors per Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District. SMUD rebates and BayREN programs may offset installation costs. Overflow must drain onto the property, not onto neighbors.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Sacramento code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Sacramento, CA
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladd...
Sacramento, CA
Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must ha...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house,...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Sacramento's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.