Santa Monica, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Encouraged
- Strongly promoted
- Rebates
- Available for capture systems
- Water Neutrality
- SMMC §7.16.050
- State Law
- AB 1750 protects collection
Summary
Santa Monica strongly encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its water self-sufficiency goal. The city promotes stormwater harvesting through BMPs and infrastructure. Landscape rebates are available for rainwater capture systems.
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers has increased, thereby reducing the volume of water allowed to infiltrate into groundwater aquifers. (c) Rainwater and stormwater, captured and properly managed, can contribute significantly to local water supplies by infiltrating and recharging groundwater aquifers, thereby increasing available supplies of drinking water.
Full Breakdown
Rainwater harvesting in Santa Monica is generally permitted for residential use including garden irrigation, lawn watering, and non-potable household purposes. California does not impose significant state-level restrictions on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns may be installed without special permits in most cases, though large systems may trigger building or plumbing permits. HOAs may have restrictions on visible rain barrel placement. Potable use of collected rainwater requires treatment systems that meet health department standards. Some cities offer rain barrel rebate programs.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rainwater harvesting.