Are rain barrels illegal in Sacramento?

Q: I read a comment from a neighbor on nextdoor.com that collection of rainfall in barrels is illegal in the City of Sacramento. Is that true? If so, why? – Raquel Beckett, Sacramento

A: That is a common misconception. Under current city code, rain collection by homeowners and residential rain barrels are legal in the City of Sacramento, according to Jessica Hess of the city’s Department of Utilities.

The issue is if that rain collection becomes a “nuisance,” attracting mosquitoes. If the barrel is kept bug-free via fine-mesh screens or other mosquito blockers, it’s OK.

This story was originally published April 3, 2014 at 11:06 AM with the headline "Are rain barrels illegal in Sacramento?."