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Property Ownership Land Use ControlsWater_and_mineral_rightsMEDIUM

A California vineyard owner has riparian rights to a creek that flows through their property. The owner wants to build a pipeline to transport creek water to a non-riparian parcel three miles away. Under California water law, can the owner do this using riparian rights?

Correct Answer

B) No, riparian rights limit water use to the riparian land itself; the owner would need appropriative rights for non-riparian use

Under California water law, riparian rights are limited to use on the riparian land — the land that borders the watercourse. Water cannot be transported to non-riparian parcels under riparian rights. To use water on a non-riparian parcel, the owner would need to obtain appropriative water rights through a permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Answer Options
A
Yes, riparian rights allow the owner to transport water anywhere within the same county
B
No, riparian rights limit water use to the riparian land itself; the owner would need appropriative rights for non-riparian use
C
Yes, as long as the total amount of water used does not increase
D
No, because transporting water by pipeline is prohibited by California environmental law

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

riparian_rightsnon_riparian_useappropriative_rightspipelineWater_Code_1200SWRCB

Related Concepts

Building codes are government regulations that set minimum standards for construction, materials, design, and safety in buildings. They protect public health and safety by ensuring structures are built to acceptable standards.

A certificate of occupancy (CO) is an official document issued by the local building department certifying that a building complies with building codes and is safe for occupancy. It is required before a building can be legally occupied.

A conditional use permit (also called a special use permit) allows a land use that is not automatically permitted by zoning but may be allowed under certain conditions. The use must be compatible with the surrounding area.

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