La Habra, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Section 13.40.070, part of the city's Water Shortage Contingency Response chapter, sets permanent water conservation rules that apply at all times, not only during declared shortages. Subsection H bars watering or irrigating any lawn, landscape or turf area between nine a.m. and six p.m.; hand-held cans, buckets, and hoses fitted with a positive self-closing shut-off nozzle or pressure washer are exempt, as is brief operation needed to adjust or repair a landscape irrigation system. Subsection D bars irrigating outdoor landscaping during or within forty-eight hours after measurable rainfall, and subsection E bars using potable water to irrigate ornamental turf on public street medians.

Watering that causes more than incidental runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is also prohibited under subsection H. A customer may apply for a hardship waiver under Section 13.40.100 if the restrictions cause a disproportionate impact; watering of livestock, commercial agriculture, and orchards or vegetable gardens on residential lots automatically qualify for the waiver. The Department of Water Resources' State Model Landscaping Ordinance is adopted by reference and incorporated into the chapter under Section 13.40.140(D).