Vacaville, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Vacaville's water-conservation rules sit in VMC Chapter 13.20. 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. Landscape design for new construction and significant remodels is governed by Vacaville's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) codified at VMC Section 14.27, which mirrors the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) at California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Section 490 et seq. - 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.