Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in unincorporated Sacramento County. Rooftop collection for outdoor landscape use requires no permit. Larger cistern systems and indoor non-potable use require plumbing permits.
California AB 1750 (2012) Rainwater Capture Act authorizes residential and commercial rooftop rainwater harvesting without a water right permit from the State Water Board. Sacramento County allows rain barrels and cisterns for landscape irrigation without a building permit when tanks are under a certain capacity, properly screened against mosquitoes, and not connected to indoor plumbing. Systems plumbed to toilets or irrigation fixtures require a plumbing permit under the California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (nonpotable rainwater catchment). Regional San and Sac Regional Water Authority offer periodic rain barrel rebates. Mosquito abatement districts require covered inlets.
Unpermitted plumbed systems can trigger code enforcement and removal orders. Improperly covered barrels producing mosquitoes may be cited by Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control.
Sacramento County, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Vineyard's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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