Santa Barbara, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Santa Barbara actively promotes capturing rain and reusing graywater to cut potable irrigation demand. Through the Creeks Division's stormwater incentives, the City offers rebates to help offset the cost of rain barrels, rain gardens, disconnecting downspouts, and removing pavement so water soaks into the ground rather than running off. On graywater, the City follows the California Graywater Code (Title 24 / California Plumbing Code) tier structure: a 'simple' laundry-to-landscape system that diverts clothes-washer water to mulch basins generally does not require a plumbing permit when installed to code, while 'complex' graywater systems (for example those tapping showers or sinks) require a City permit and follow the City's Graywater Permitting Guide. The City supports the simple laundry-to-landscape approach with a graywater rebate of 50% of materials cost up to a $100 maximum, covering items such as a three-way diverter valve, air vent, purple-striped drip or Eco-loc tubing, and half-inch full-port ball valves. The City also publishes resources including a Graywater Fact Sheet, a Simple System Graywater Packet, raingarden guidance, and 'Slow it, Spread it, Sink it' stormwater materials. Because rules and rebate amounts change, residents should confirm current terms with the City's Water Resources and Creeks staff and review the linked guides before installing a system.