Delano, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Delano, 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
- SGMA Subbasin
- Kern County
- Theft Code
- DMC Ch. 13.06
- Turf Max
- 50% of landscaped area
- Permit Threshold
- Landscaped area ≥2,500 sq ft
Summary
Delano is within the Kern County Subbasin under California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The City and the Kern Groundwater Authority adopted a Groundwater Sustainability Plan that targets safe yield by 2040, leading to ongoing pumping restrictions.
Turf shall be limited to fifty percent (50%) of the total landscaped area. No turf will be allowed in the following applications: (a) Parkways or planting areas less than four (4) feet in width; (b) Storm drainage ponds with slopes steeper than 1:6; (c) On mounds or slopes steeper than 1:8.
Full Breakdown
DMC Chapter 13.06 (adopted by Ord. 2026-1373) prohibits water theft, unauthorized water use, and unauthorized connection to fire hydrants as allowed under California Water Code §31035.7. Development Code §20.10.390 imposes water-efficient landscape standards on all multifamily, commercial, and industrial projects with landscaped areas ≥2,500 sq ft, including turf limits (50% max), drip irrigation, and rain shut-off devices.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 13.06 water-theft penalties; Chapter 20.10.390 landscape violations can delay certificates of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lawns restricted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Delano
How Delano compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Delano to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle water restrictions.