Colusa County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- fountains, ponds, waterfalls
- Preferred source
- recycled water where available
- System type
- recirculating systems
- Trigger size
- landscape 2,500+ sq ft
- Reviewing dept
- Planning and Building Dept.
Summary
Unincorporated Colusa County's Zoning Code steers decorative water features toward recirculating and recycled water. Section 44-3.10.020(D) calls for fountains, ponds and waterfalls on qualifying landscape projects to run on recirculating systems, and directs that recycled water be used as the source for those features whenever it is available.
D. Water Features. Decorative water features (e.g., fountains, ponds, waterfalls) should have recirculating water systems. Where available, recycled water should be used as a source for decorative water features.
Full Breakdown
010: new construction or rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more needing a building permit, plan check or zoning permit, across the urban residential (R-1 to R-4), commercial (C-1, C-2, C-H, C-R, MU), industrial (M-1, M-2, RD) and recreational (G-R) zones. 020(D), titled Water Features, addresses decorative fountains, ponds and waterfalls: they should have recirculating systems, and where a recycled-water supply is available, it should be used to feed those features rather than potable water. 070(B). 080. Landscape plans for covered projects are submitted to the Department of Planning and Building and approved by the review authority for the permit, whether the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission.
Violations & Fines
Recycled-water use for water features is written as a guideline, not a standalone violation with its own fine; it is checked when the Department of Planning and Building reviews the landscape plan for a covered project, and a plan that ignores it can be sent back for revision before permit issuance. Once built, general Zoning Code enforcement at Section 44-1.130.030 applies to the underlying development: a misdemeanor carrying up to a $5,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, plus required abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do decorative fountains in Colusa County have to use recycled water?
What if no recycled water supply is available?
Which landscape projects have to follow this guideline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colusa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Colusa County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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