San Francisco actively promotes rainwater harvesting through the SFPUC Non-Potable Water Program. Residential rain barrels are unregulated and encouraged with rebates. Larger cisterns and greywater systems require permits under the Plumbing Code and Non-Potable Water Ordinance.
SF is one of the nation's friendliest cities toward rainwater capture. Under CA Water Code 10574 and the SF Non-Potable Water Ordinance, residents can collect rooftop rainwater without a permit for outdoor irrigation in barrels up to 360 gallons total. SFPUC offers rebates of up to $200 per rain barrel for residential installations. Larger cisterns, indoor use, or multi-family projects require a permit under the SF Plumbing Code and must comply with the Non-Potable Water Ordinance (Health Code Article 12C), which mandates water-quality testing and annual reporting. New large developments (40,000+ sq ft) are required to install alternate water systems capturing rainwater, greywater, or foundation drainage. Greywater systems (laundry-to-landscape, showers) up to 250 gallons per day are permitted without a construction permit under the CA Plumbing Code if installed per Chapter 16 standards. SFPUC's Non-Potable Water Program provides free technical assistance, site evaluations, and rebates, and publishes detailed residential guides.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco'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.