Santa Cruz, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Santa Cruz, 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
- Code
- §16.02.040
- Daytime Irrigation Ban
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Leak Repair Window
- 24 hours
Summary
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §16.02.040 bans irrigating turf, gardens, and ornamental landscape between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except by drip or hand-held shutoff nozzle, and prohibits runoff and other wasteful uses.
Use of potable water to irrigate turf, lawns, gardens, or ornamental landscaping between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless by drip irrigation, or by hand watering with a quick acting positive shut off nozzle. (Exceptions may be made by the director for professional gardeners where there is no ability to not water between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
Full Breakdown
Hoses used to wash exterior surfaces, vehicles, or buildings must have automatic shutoff nozzles. Ornamental fountains must recycle water. Single-pass cooling is barred in new equipment. Plumbing leaks must be repaired within 24 hours of discovery. Nonfunctional turf irrigation on commercial/institutional/HOA common areas is being phased out beginning Jan 1, 2027 and 2028 per §16.02.040(a)(12). Construction projects must use reclaimed water where reasonably available.
Violations & Fines
Infraction or administrative citation under §16.02.050. Water service may be suspended for serious or repeated violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water by drip during the day?
When does the turf ban kick in for HOAs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
How Santa Cruz compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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