Pismo Beach, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 13.24 of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code ties watering rules to four water supply levels: normal, moderately restricted, severely restricted and critical. Under § 13.24.020 the City Council adopts a resolution declaring the level, and once that resolution is adopted the restrictions take effect immediately. The code does not print which level is in force on a given day, so the current council resolution is the deciding document.

Two irrigation rules run through the normal, moderately restricted and severely restricted levels: no outdoor irrigation between ten a.m. and four p.m., and no watering of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. The watering-day schedule starts at the moderately restricted level in § 13.24.040 D and repeats unchanged at the severely restricted level in § 13.24.050 D. Even-numbered addresses irrigate private and public landscaping, turf areas and gardens on Mondays and Thursdays. Odd-numbered addresses irrigate on Tuesdays and Fridays. Customers are directed to use no more water than necessary to maintain landscaping.

Other rules sit beside the schedule. Water use that causes runoff onto adjacent properties, non-irrigated areas, walkways, roadways, gutters, parking lots or structures is prohibited. Washing vehicles, boats, paved surfaces and buildings must be attended and use hand-controlled devices that shut off the water immediately. Decorative fountains are prohibited unless the water is part of a recirculating system, and restaurants serve drinking water only on request. The moderately restricted level adds a ban on potable water for compaction or dust control in construction, and the severely restricted level adds a ban on emptying and refilling swimming pools and commercial spas except to prevent structural damage or to provide for public health and safety. At the critical level, § 13.24.060 lets the City Council impose any water rationing requirement it deems appropriate.