Vallejo, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Vallejo, 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
- Governing chapter
- VMC Chapter 11.54, Wasteful Water Use Prohibition
- First violation
- Notice of violation only, no fine
- Second violation fine
- $200 administrative citation
- Third violation fine
- $500 administrative citation
- Rain-based restriction
- No irrigation within 48 hours after rain
- Hotel/motel rule
- Guests may decline daily towel laundering
Summary
Vallejo bans eleven specific water-wasting acts under its Wasteful Water Use Prohibition Ordinance: runoff onto pavement or neighboring lots, unshielded vehicle-washing hoses, watering driveways and sidewalks, irrigating within 48 hours of measurable rain, non-recirculating fountains, and plumbing leaks left running more than 36 hours. The Water Department warns first-time violators, then fines repeat offenders $200 and $500.
A.To prevent the waste and unreasonable use of water and to promote water conservation, each of the following actions is prohibited, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with the term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency:1.The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;2.The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use;3.The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks;...5.The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall;...8.Allowing potable water to escape from breaks within the customer's plumbing system for more than thirty-six hours after the customer is notified or discovers the break.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Update 12 - 25).
Full Breakdown
54 of the Vallejo Municipal Code, the Wasteful Water Use Prohibition Ordinance, was adopted by Ordinance No. (2d) in 2006 and amended by Ordinance No. (2d) in 2017. 030 lists eleven prohibited practices tied to preventing waste of the city's potable water supply. Property owners may not let irrigation water run off onto neighboring lots, sidewalks, streets, or parking lots; wash a vehicle with a hose lacking an automatic shut-off nozzle; hose down driveways or sidewalks; run decorative fountains unless the water recirculates; irrigate landscaping during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; use potable water for dust control, street sweeping, or building wash-down where recycled water is available; operate single-pass cooling systems; or run new conveyor car washes without recirculating systems.
Restaurants, hotels, and bars may serve drinking water only on request. A customer whose plumbing leaks for more than 36 hours after notice or discovery of the break is also in violation. 030(B) separately requires hotels and motels to let guests decline daily towel and linen laundering, with the option posted prominently in each room. 030. The prohibitions apply except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a state or federal permit condition.
Violations & Fines
Section 11.54.060 sets a three-strike enforcement ladder: a first violation draws a notice of violation only; a second violation brings an administrative citation with a $200 fine; a third violation carries a $500 fine. Citations issue under Chapter 1.15's administrative citation procedure. The drought-specific restrictions formerly at Section 11.54.050 were repealed in 2017; the standing prohibitions of Section 11.54.030 remain in force year-round regardless of drought status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car with a garden hose in Vallejo?
How soon after rain can I run my sprinklers?
What happens the first time I'm caught wasting water?
Do hotels have to change my towels every day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vallejo
How Vallejo compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Vallejo to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle water restrictions.