San Francisco, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain Barrels
- Rain barrels up to 360 gallons total: no permit needed
- SFPUC Rebates
- SFPUC rebates up to $200 per barrel
- Limits
- Laundry-to-landscape greywater (<250 gpd) allowed without permit
- Height Limits
- Large developments (40K sqft+) must install alt-water systems
- Water
- SF Non-Potable Water Ordinance governs larger/indoor systems
Summary
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.
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012... 10573. ...(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... 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
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel?
Can I use harvested rainwater inside my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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