Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
1601.3 Permit — 2025 California Plumbing Code
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) § 1601.3 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
It shall be unlawful for a person to construct, install, alter, or cause to be constructed, installed, or altered a nonpotable rainwater catchment system in a building or on a premise without first obtaining a permit to do such work from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Exceptions:
(1) A permit is not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for outdoor non-spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 5000 gallons (18 927 L) where the tank is supported directly upon grade and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 and it does not require electrical power or a makeup water supply connection. (2) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] A permit is not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 360 gallons (1363 L).
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