Water restrictions in El Cajon, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
El Cajon enforces MWELO for new and modified landscapes of 500+ sq ft. Landscape documentation packages required for qualifying projects. Grading plans must minimize water waste. The hot inland climate makes water efficiency critical.
El Cajon enforces the statewide Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under ECMC Chapter 15.10 (Water Efficient Landscaping). Projects requiring building or discretionary permits with 500+ square feet of new irrigated landscaping must submit landscape documentation packages. Landscape grading plans must be designed for efficient water use by minimizing soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. Plans must be prepared by a California licensed civil engineer, landscape architect, or other landscape professional. Swimming pools and water features are classified as high water use hydrozones. The hot El Cajon Valley climate with regular 100+ degree summer days makes water-efficient landscaping critical. Drought-tolerant plant selection is strongly encouraged.
Non-compliant landscape installations may not receive final approval. Water waste violations result in warnings and escalating fines from the water district.
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits amplified sound reproduction that disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort of neighboring residents or businesses. Horn, bell, or mechanical ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon addresses barking dogs through general noise provisions and animal control. Animals must be kept so as not to create offensive noise affecting surro...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits leaf blower operation between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. CA AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered bl...
El Cajon, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in El Cajon is regulated by the zoning performance standards in ECMC Chapter 17.200. Sound levels from any operation or land ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits construction, maintenance, and repair work between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. Leaf blowers, mowers, and p...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon experiences significant aircraft noise from Gillespie Field (SEE), a public airport within city limits. The airport operates under FAA jurisdiction ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle water restrictions.
See how El Cajon's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.