Yuba County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 11.24.070(3)(b), (c), (4)(g)
- Applies to
- New landscape ≥500 sq ft; rehab ≥2,500 sq ft
- Recycled water benefit
- Waives 75%/100% native-plant quota
- Non-residential turf
- Banned unless irrigated with recycled water
- Plan disclosure
- Must state water supply type on plan
- Enforcement
- Ch. 11.67: misdemeanor or infraction
Summary
Unincorporated Yuba County's water-efficient landscape ordinance carves out recycled water as an exemption path: recycled-water-irrigated areas skip the native/low-water plant quota and non-residential turf ban that otherwise apply to new and rehabilitated landscapes under County Code § 11.24.070.
(3) Compliance requirements. ... b. Exclusive of vegetable and edible flower garden areas, at least 75 percent of all plants and trees within residential projects and 100 percent for non-residential projects must be native or low water use. Landscape areas that utilize recycled water are excluded from this requirement. c. Turf. ... 2. Within non-residential projects turf is prohibited except for turf areas that are irrigated with recycled water or comprise an essential component of a project (i.e. golf courses, picnic areas, or playing fields), which are exempt from this limit. ... ii. Special Landscaped Areas (SLA). Area of landscape ... dedicated solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water, and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
070, in the Development Code's landscape chapter, exists 'to comply with the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006' and applies to new development with an aggregate landscape area of 500 square feet or more and rehabilitated landscape projects of 2,500 square feet or more that need a building, landscape, plan check, or design review permit. 070(3)(c)(2) exempts 'turf areas that are irrigated with recycled water' along with essential-use turf like golf courses and playing fields. 070(4)(g), the water-budget calculation defines 'Special Landscaped Areas' to include 'areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water,' which get favorable treatment against the maximum applied water allowance.
potable, recycled, well, graywater) and identify water purveyor if not served by private well,' and must be prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect for projects over 2,500 square feet. The Planning Director reviews plans against the Yuba County Design Guidelines and the current California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Landscapes that fail to meet the § 11.24.070 standards, including a false or missing recycled-water disclosure on the required plan, are enforced under Development Code Ch. 11.67. The Enforcement Official may issue citations without a prior warning, and § 11.67.050 makes violation of any Code provision a misdemeanor, chargeable as an infraction at the Official's election, with penalties consistent with Yuba County Code. Non-compliant landscaping can also be declared a public nuisance and abated under Ch. 7.36 procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does irrigating with recycled water exempt my landscape from the native-plant rule?
Can a commercial property in unincorporated Yuba County install turf?
Do I need to tell the County if I'm using recycled water?
What happens if my landscape doesn't meet the water-efficiency standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yuba County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yuba County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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