Stockton has no ordinance restricting rooftop rainwater capture. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750, Water Code §10574) lets residential, commercial, and governmental landowners install rain barrels and rainwater capture systems without a state water-right permit when collecting rooftop runoff for non-potable on-site use.
Cal. Water Code §10574 et seq. (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750) provides that the diversion and use of rainwater captured from rooftops does not require a water-right permit from the State Water Resources Control Board. Systems must comply with California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (alternate water sources), the California Building Standards Code, and any local building permit requirements; tanks must be sealed against contamination and mosquito intrusion. Stockton has no chapter restricting rain barrels; non-potable rooftop capture for landscape irrigation is allowed and actively encouraged through Chapter 13.28 water-conservation goals and Chapter 16.56 landscaping standards that promote 'on-site stormwater capture.' San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District guidance: tanks/barrels must have screened, sealed inlets to prevent mosquito breeding. Connecting a rainwater system to indoor plumbing or potable supply triggers California Plumbing Code permit requirements.
No fines for installing or using a rain barrel. Building/plumbing permit violations (e.g., unpermitted potable cross-connection) would be enforced under SMC Title 15 building code penalties. Mosquito-breeding stagnant water can be cited by the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
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Stockton, CA
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