Placer County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Placer County, 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
- Watering-day schedule
- Set by water provider (e.g., PCWA)
- County WELO adopted
- 2017 (implements state MWELO)
- WELO new-landscape trigger
- 500 sq ft or more
- WELO rehab trigger
- Over 2,500 sq ft
- State indoor standard (2025)
- 52.5 gpcd, to 50 gpcd in 2030
- State framework
- AB 1668 / SB 606 (SWRCB)
Summary
Day-to-day watering schedules in unincorporated Placer County are set by your water provider (such as PCWA), not the county. The county adopted a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for new and rehabilitated landscapes, and California's statewide efficiency framework (AB 1668/SB 606) applies on top.
The Water Efficient Landscaping Requirements outlined here apply to all of the following landscape projects: New landscapes in single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, and public agency projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a permit, plan check, or design review. Rehabilitated landscapes exceeding 2,500 square feet requiring a permit, plan check, or design review.
Full Breakdown
There is no single countywide outdoor-watering schedule (for example, fixed watering days) in the Placer County code; specific drought stages and allowed watering days are set by the retail water agency serving your area, most commonly the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) for unincorporated communities. What the county does regulate is the efficiency of new landscaping. The Placer County Board of Supervisors adopted its own Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) and updated Landscape Design Guidelines in 2017 to implement California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
The county WELO applies to projects with a new landscape of 500 square feet or more, or a remodeled/rehabilitated landscape greater than 2,500 square feet, requiring water budgets, efficient irrigation, and limits on high-water turf. Above these thresholds, projects use a prescriptive compliance path (smaller landscapes) or a full Landscape Documentation Package (typically 5,000 square feet and up). 5 gallons per capita per day on January 1, 2025 and drops to 50 gpcd in 2030.
Violations & Fines
Violations of mandatory drought-stage watering restrictions are enforced by your water agency (warnings, surcharges, or service penalties). New-construction landscapes that exceed WELO thresholds without an approved water-efficient plan can be held up at plan check or permit final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days can I water my lawn in unincorporated Placer County?
When does Placer County's landscape water ordinance apply to me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
How Placer County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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