Water restrictions in Fresno, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
The Fresno Water Division enforces year-round watering rules: no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM, no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, and watering on assigned odd/even days based on address. Mandatory schedules tighten in drought stages declared by Fresno and the State Water Board under Water Code §10608 and SB 606/AB 1668 long-term conservation rules.
Fresno's landscape water conservation rules (FMC Chapter 6 Article 3 and administrative regulations) prohibit outdoor irrigation between 9 AM and 6 PM year-round, prohibit runoff onto pavement or streets, prohibit washing paved surfaces with potable water, and assign watering days based on address: odd-numbered addresses water Tue/Thu/Sat and even-numbered addresses water Wed/Fri/Sun. Sundays-off or other stage tightening is announced in drought years. The state-level SB 606 and AB 1668 (2018) impose long-term water conservation standards administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, and Fresno reports indoor and outdoor use to the SWRCB. AB 1572 (signed 2023) phases out potable-water irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties by 2027-2031 and HOA common area by 2031. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from fining members for reducing watering during a declared drought. Fresno Water Division rebates for turf replacement and high-efficiency fixtures are available.
Infraction warning, $50 first citation, escalating fines up to $500+ for repeat irrigation violations.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle water restrictions.
See how Fresno'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.