Palo Alto, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Palo Alto, CA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Permanent rules
- No runoff, shutoff nozzle required
- Post-rain
- No irrigation within 48 hours
- AB 1572
- Bans non-functional turf irrigation
- MWELO
- Applies to new landscapes
- Rebates
- Valley Water lawn replacement
Summary
Palo Alto enforces permanent water waste rules and activates drought-stage restrictions set by Valley Water and the State Water Board. AB 1572 bans potable irrigation of non-functional commercial turf.
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch.
Full Breakdown
Palo Alto Utilities operates a municipal water system sourced from the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System. Permanent water use rules under Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.09 prohibit runoff irrigation, hosing down hardscape, watering within 48 hours of measurable rain, and using a hose without a shutoff nozzle. Outdoor irrigation is generally limited to early morning or evening hours. During declared drought stages, more aggressive limits such as day-of-week watering schedules apply. California AB 1572 (effective 2027 and phasing in earlier) bans irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites with potable water. The state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn every day?
Does AB 1572 apply to my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
How Palo Alto compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle water restrictions.