Davis, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

045 sets out permanent water use restrictions matching Shortage Level 1, the zero to ten percent shortage tier, of the city's Water Shortage Contingency Plan under the Urban Water Management Plan; deeper shortage levels can add restrictions by council resolution. Under landscape restrictions, no potable water may cause more than incidental runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walkways, roadways, or structures. except with a hand-held hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle, or a low-volume system such as drip or micro-irrigation. Turf and ornamental landscapes cannot be irrigated during or within forty-eight hours after measurable rainfall of a quarter inch or more.

Landscapes at buildings built after June 2015 must irrigate consistent with the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Turf on street medians or public landscaped strips between street and sidewalk cannot be irrigated unless it serves a community function, is watered only incidentally by a tree irrigation system, or uses recycled water from a system installed before January 1, 2018. Other restrictions ban hoses without shut-off nozzles for washing vehicles, direct application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks except for health and safety, and non-recirculating ornamental fountains. Restaurants must serve water only on request and use pre-rinse spray valves; hotels must offer guests the option to decline daily linen changes. 040.