Buena Park, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Buena Park, CA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Declared Phase 1 water shortage
- Summer schedule
- 3 days per week, city-posted
- Winter schedule (Nov-Mar)
- 1 day per week
- Citation
- BPMC § 13.28.070(B)(1)
- Exempt
- Drip irrigation, hand watering
Summary
When Buena Park declares a Phase 1 water shortage, lawn and landscape irrigation is capped at three days a week, dropping to one day a week from November through March.
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is limited to three days per week on a schedule established and posted by the city. During the months of November through March, watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is limited to no more than one day per week on a schedule established and posted by the city. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use very low flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour. This provision also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
2. Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions. All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within seventy-two hours of notification by the city unless other arrangements are made with the city.
3. Other Prohibited Uses. The city may implement other prohibited water uses as determined by the city, after notice to customers. (Ord. 1533 § 2, 2009)
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code § 13.28.070(B)(1) limits watering or irrigating lawns, landscaping, or other vegetated areas with potable water to three days per week, on a schedule the city establishes and posts, once the city council declares a Phase 1 water supply shortage (targeting up to a 10% demand reduction). From November through March, the same declared shortage cuts the allowance to no more than one day per week. Low-flow drip irrigation and hand watering with a shutoff-nozzle hose are exempt. This day-count schedule is separate from the city's standing, always-in-effect ban on watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Violations & Fines
Under BPMC § 13.28.140, a first violation draws a written warning; a second within 12 months costs up to $100, a third up to $250, a fourth or more up to $500, plus possible misdemeanor prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the three-day watering schedule always in effect?
What happens November through March?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
How Buena Park compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle water restrictions.