Water restrictions in Orange County, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Orange County adopted its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) on March 14, 2016, implementing California's Model WELO for all new construction and major landscape renovations in unincorporated areas. Projects must submit landscape and irrigation plans complying with state water efficiency standards.
The County of Orange WELO program, adopted March 14, 2016, enforces state-mandated water efficient landscape regulations for construction projects in unincorporated areas. Non-exempt projects must prepare and submit a project-specific Landscape Plan prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The plan must include an appropriate irrigation system that complies with WELO requirements and will be maintained throughout the project's life. Requirements are based on the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and WUCOLS (Water Use Classification of Landscape Species) guidelines. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) calculations must demonstrate water budget compliance. Landscape plan review, inspections, and irrigation audits are part of the permitting process.
Projects that fail to submit compliant landscape plans will not receive grading or building permits. Non-compliant irrigation systems identified during construction inspection must be corrected before final approval.
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County'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.