Water restrictions in Sacramento, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Sacramento enforces watering limits under SMC Chapter 13.04: 2 days per week in summer, 1 day per week in winter, never between 10 AM and 7 PM.
Sacramento follows a permanent water conservation ordinance under SMC 13.04 aligning with CA Water Code section 10608. Outdoor watering is limited to 2 days per week March through October and 1 day per week November through February, based on address parity. Watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 7 PM, and during and 48 hours after rain. Hoses must have shutoff nozzles. Drought Stage escalations can add stricter limits. First offense is a warning; subsequent violations reach 100 dollars, then 500 dollars.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Sacramento code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle water restrictions.
See how Sacramento's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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