Fullerton, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

50 - Landscaping and Irrigation Requirements (Title 15, Zoning), which implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for new and rehabilitated landscapes. , except for watering by hand-held device, a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off, or to adjust or repair an irrigation system for short periods. Watering with a device that is not continuously attended is limited to fifteen (15) minutes per day per valve, with exceptions for low-flow drip, water-efficient stream-rotor, and sensor/weather-controlled systems. Watering within 48 hours of a measurable rainfall of 1/4 inch or more is prohibited, and runoff from landscaped areas onto sidewalks, streets, or other paved surfaces because of excessive watering or misdirected sprinklers is also prohibited.

Under Conservation Level 2 (currently active per Public Works), outdoor landscape watering is further restricted to two (2) assigned days per week by address - even-numbered addresses on certain days, odd-numbered addresses on the other days - and new landscape installation is limited to drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and groundcover with no new turf or hydroseed unless a waiver is granted for an establishment period. 71, automatic irrigation controllers (smart/ET-based), and precipitation rates of one inch per hour or less on turf areas. Fullerton's ordinance implements - and in places is stricter than - the State MWELO (23 CCR ss 490-495).