Trinity County, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

There is no Trinity County ordinance that prohibits or specially regulates collecting rooftop rainwater. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750, Water Code Part 2.4) governs the practice statewide. It provides that using rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water-right permit from the State Water Board, and that a landowner 'shall not be required to obtain any permit or other authorization from a local public agency' to install, maintain, or operate a rain-barrel system used only for outdoor, non-potable purposes and operated per manufacturer instructions. Notice to a public water-system operator is not required for a rain-barrel system using a cistern under 360 gallons. Larger cisterns, plumbed or pressurized systems, or any system tied into household plumbing or used for potable supply may trigger California Plumbing Code and building-permit review through the county Building Department (Code Title 15), and any structure or tank may need standard setback and structural compliance. For Trinity's rural, forested parcels that often rely on wells and springs, rainwater catchment is a practical supplemental supply for gardens and fire-suppression storage, and is consistent with the county Fire Safe Ordinance's emphasis on on-site water reserves.