Santa Clara allows rainwater harvesting under the CA Rainwater Capture Act. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons typically need no permit, but larger cisterns and pumps do.
California's Rainwater Capture Act (SB 1750 / AB 1750) and related CPC provisions allow residents to capture rainwater from roof surfaces for outdoor non-potable use without a water right permit. In Santa Clara, small above-ground rain barrels and tanks generally do not require a building permit if they are under 5,000 gallons, freestanding, and not connected to the potable plumbing system. Tanks over 5,000 gallons, underground cisterns, and any system with pumps tied into the home's plumbing or using rainwater for indoor non-potable uses require building and plumbing permits under the California Plumbing Code Chapter 17. Overflow must be directed to landscaped areas or the storm system without creating nuisance runoff onto neighbors. Valley Water offers rebates for qualifying rain barrels and cisterns.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Santa Clara's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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