Did you know that effective January 1, 2010, the state of California adopted an updated Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for residential and non-residential properties. It doesn’t apply to most of my client database, but I am eager to share with you the things you can do to help conserve our precious water. Next follows a few links where you can get information that pertains to you if you are not required to adhere to the new ordinance. And below that is information regarding the new ordinance.
The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) – AB 1881 effective January 1, 2010, summary (as of the date of this writing):
Projects required to adhere to the updated ordinance:
1. New Construction Landscapes that require a building permit, or a landscape permit, or a plan check or a design review AND are:
- 5000sq ft. or more (landscape area), and
- are homeowner-provided (DIY or contractor) single family and multi-family
2. Landscapes (new or renovated) that require a building permit, or a landscape permit, or a plan check or a design review AND are:
- 2500 sq. ft or more (landscape area)
- public agency (parks, schools, city properties)
- private development (retail, industrial, commercial properties)
- developer-installed single-family and multi-family (master planned communities)
Required Landscape Documentation Package:
1. Project Information
2. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
- Hydro-zone information table
- Water budget calculations
- Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) including water features
- Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU)
3. Soil Management Report
4. Landscape Design Plan
- Plant Selection: Any plants may be used as long as the MAWA is not exceeded, and plants are:
· Adapted to climate and local conditions
· Grouped in hydrozones
· Plants Highly Recommended:
· Native plants and natural vegetation
· Water conserving species
· Pest and disease resistant
5. Irrigation Design Plan
- Controllers that use evapotranspiration or soil moisture data
- Pressure regulation
6. Grading Design Plan
- Minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste
- Maximize water infiltration and retention
And if you want information straight from the horse’s mouth, visit this site:
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