Corte Madera Municipal Code Ch. 15.55 Water Efficient Landscaping

As mandated under State Government Code Section 65595(c), certain new construction and rehabilitation projects that include landscape and irrigation improvements are required to comply with water efficient landscape requirements and monitoring of water usage for irrigation. The purpose of this chapter is to comply with state mandates regarding water efficient landscaping.

The purpose of this chapter is also to ensure the efficient use of water through the promotion of water efficient landscapes. The following practices are encouraged to achieve water efficiency in the design of a landscape:

(1) Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

(2) Selection of water conserving plant, tree, and turf species, especially local native plants;

(3) Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease, and pest resistance;

(4) Selection of tree species appropriate for the planting area; and

(5) Selection of plants with fire resistant characteristics.

(Ord. No. 1001, § 5, 10-20-2020)

The water efficient landscape requirements of Marin Municipal Water District Code Title 13 "Water Service Conditions and Water Conservation Measures" Chapter 13.02 "Water Conservation and Dry Year Water Reduction Program" Section 13.02.021 "Water Conservation: Normal Year Water Conservation" Subsections (2) "Definitions" and (5) "Water Efficient Landscaping" are adopted by reference hereto, including any amendments or successors thereto, as the town of Corte Madera's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to comply with the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (Cal Gov. Code Section 65591) and shall be in full force and effect within the town.

(Ord. No. 1001, § 5, 10-20-2020)

(a) The Marin Municipal Water District, the public water system within the jurisdictional boundaries of the town, is hereby designated as the implementing, monitoring, and enforcement agency for the water efficient landscape provisions of Marin Municipal Water District Code Chapter 13.02 and any amendments or successors thereto. The town of Corte Madera may also implement, monitor and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Any violation of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be subject to summary abatement as provided by the law.

(c) Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to penalties pursuant to Sections 36900, 36901, 38773.1 and 38773.5 of the California Government Code, as amended, and Title 9, Chapters 9.04 and 9.05 of the town of Corte Madera Municipal Code.

(d) Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter, including those that have been adopted by reference herein, shall be subject to administrative citation and fines as set forth in Chapter 9.05 of Title 9 of this code.

(e) Each and every day that the violation of this chapter continues, is committed or is permitted to continue shall be regarded as a new and separate offense.

(f) The remedies provided in this section shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

(Ord. No. 1001, § 5, 10-20-2020; Ord. No. 1007, § 19, 6-15-2021)