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Vallejo, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

ET adjustment factor cap for recycled-water landscapes
1.0 (special landscape area)
First violation of water-waste rule
Notice of violation only
Second violation fine
$200 administrative citation
Third violation fine
$500 administrative citation
Decorative water features
Must use recycled water where available
Governing sections
MC 16.504.11(E), 16.504.09, 11.54.030/.060

Summary

Vallejo's Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires every new or rehabilitated irrigation system to be built ready for recycled water, and it treats any landscape actually irrigated with recycled water as a special landscape area with a capped water budget. A separate water-waste rule bars using potable water for construction and cleanup work when recycled water is available instead.

E.Recycled water.1.The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.2.All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.3.Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.

View official code

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

09 folds recycled water into the permit paperwork: the landscape design plan must "identify areas irrigated with recycled water," the irrigation design plan must show "recycled water irrigation systems," and decorative water features must draw on recycled water "where available" as their source. " That prohibition sits alongside other water-waste bans, including hosing down driveways and irrigating within 48 hours of rain, all enforced under the same chapter.

Violations & Fines

Violations of Section 11.54.030, including the recycled-water availability rule for construction and wash-down water, escalate under Section 11.54.060: a first offense draws a notice of violation, a second draws a $200 administrative citation, and a third draws a $500 administrative citation issued under Chapter 1.15. For landscape permits, the planning division reviews the required certificate of completion under Section 16.504.09 and can deny it for noncompliance, in which case the applicant gets information on reapplication or appeal rather than an automatic fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vallejo require new landscaping to use recycled water?
Not always, but irrigation systems must be designed to "allow for the current and future use of recycled water" under Municipal Code Section 16.504.11(E), and decorative water features must use recycled water "where available" as their source under Section 16.504.09. Landscapes that do use recycled water are capped at an ET adjustment factor of 1.0 as special landscape areas.
Can I use tap water for a construction project in Vallejo?
Not if recycled water is available in sufficient quantity for that use. Section 11.54.030(9) prohibits "the use of potable water for construction, compaction, dust control, street or parking lot sweeping, or building wash down where nonpotable or recycled water is available in sufficient quantities," enforced through the citation schedule in Section 11.54.060.
What counts as a special landscape area under Vallejo's code?
The code defines it as "an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water." These areas get an ET adjustment factor allowance up to 1.0 instead of the tighter budget applied to ordinary landscaped area.
What is the fine for repeated water-waste violations in Vallejo?
Under Section 11.54.060, a first violation gets only a notice, a second violation carries a $200 administrative citation, and a third violation carries a $500 administrative citation, issued under the city's general administrative citation chapter, 1.15.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vallejo

Trash & Recycling: Recycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Vallejo rules

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