Fresno, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Fresno's water conservation ordinance builds outdoor watering days directly into the potable water code. " The same subsection prohibits runoff onto sidewalks or neighboring property (item 1), leaking connections (item 2), washing vehicles other than by bucket or at a commercial car wash (item 8), washing down paved surfaces except for health and safety reasons (item 9), and irrigating within 48 hours of measurable rainfall (item 12). Properties with multiple addresses, schools, parks, and addressless parcels can apply for a one-year exemption to the schedule under § 6-520(a)(6)(i), and any property can seek a short-term exemption of up to one month, for a new lawn establishment or a bona fide need like solar-panel cleaning, under (a)(6)(ii).

Drip irrigation of home or community fruit and vegetable gardens is carved out entirely and permitted "any day of the week" under § 6-520(b), provided the system meets the code's low-flow definition and the customer doesn't exceed the average single-family water use printed on the bill. Enforcement runs through § 6-520(e): each schedule violation is an "incident of water waste," tracked monthly and reset every January 1, and repeat incidents draw a fine on the customer's utility bill under the Master Fee Schedule, with water service subject to termination after more than six consecutive months of incidents. A five-step appeal ladder runs from the Water Conservation Program up through the City Council.