Vacaville, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Vacaville, 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
- Primary Code
- VMC Ch. 13.20
- Max Fine
- Up to $500 per violation
- WELO
- VMC Sec. 14.27
- State Rule
- Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23 Sec. 490+
- Trigger Threshold
- 500 sq ft new / 2,500 sq ft rehab
- Water Supply
- SCWA + State Water Project + GW
Summary
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 (Water Conservation) prohibits runoff, overspray, and using potable water to wash hardscape without a shutoff nozzle. Violations carry fines up to $500. The City also enforces a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) at VMC Section 14.27 implementing California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance under California Code of Regulations Title 23 Section 490 et seq.
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The 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 using the WUEdata Portal.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
20. The chapter prohibits the watering of grass, lawns, groundcover, shrubbery, open ground, crops, and trees in a manner that allows runoff onto sidewalks or streets, or that produces overspray. Hosing off sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscape with potable water is restricted; vehicle washing requires a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle. Decorative water features must recirculate. Fines for water-waste violations can reach $500 per occurrence. - applicable to new residential landscapes of 500 sq ft or more (with a permit) and rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 sq ft or more.
Vacaville's water supply mixes Solano Project (Lake Berryessa via the Solano County Water Agency), State Water Project, and local groundwater; SCWA periodically calls for additional voluntary or mandatory reductions during drought. State Water Resources Control Board emergency conservation regulations (when in effect) impose further statewide prohibitions on irrigation runoff, watering within 48 hours of measurable rain, and non-recirculating decorative fountains.
Violations & Fines
Violations of VMC Chapter 13.20 (runoff, overspray, hosing hardscape, non-shutoff nozzle) carry fines up to $500 per occurrence. Failure to comply with the Vacaville WELO blocks landscape final on new construction or remodel permits. State Water Board violations of emergency conservation rules add civil penalties on top of city fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn anytime in Vacaville?
Can I hose down my driveway?
Do I need to comply with WELO for my new yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vacaville
How Vacaville compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Vacaville to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle water restrictions.