Wat. Code, § 71697

(a) A district may locate, construct, and maintain district works along and across any street or public highway and on any lands that are now or hereafter owned by the state; and a district has the same rights and privileges appertaining thereto as have been or may be granted to cities within the state. For districts whose territory includes any portion of the redevelopment project area referenced in subdivision (e) of Section 33492.41 of the Health and Safety Code, the exercise of this right shall not be subject to any permitting and approval requirements of any local agency other than the municipal water district that is locating, constructing, or maintaining these district works to the extent that this right is exercised for the purpose of providing facilities or services related to development, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 56426 of the Government Code, to or in that portion of the redevelopment project area that, as of January 1, 2000, meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Is unincorporated territory.

(2) Contains at least 100 acres.

(3) Is surrounded or substantially surrounded by incorporated territory.

(4) Contains at least 100 acres zoned for commercial or industrial uses or is designated on the applicable county general plan for commercial or industrial uses.

(b) Facilities or services related to development may be provided by the district to all or any portion of the area defined in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (a). Notwithstanding any other provision of the Government Code, building ordinances, zoning ordinances, and any other local ordinances, rules, and regulations of a city or other political subdivision of the state shall not apply to the location, construction, or maintenance of facilities or services related to development pursuant to this section.