Sec. 26-84. - Water efficient landscape ordinance.

(a)

The purpose of this section is to ensure the design, installation and maintenance of landscapes meet the requirements of the State of California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)

(b)

The City adopts by reference the State of California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which is found at Sections 490—495 of chapter 2.7, division 2, Title 23, of the California Code of Regulations, as it may be amended from time to time. A copy of the MWELO will be maintained in the community development department and will be made available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(c)

Applicability. The MWELO applies to the following projects:

(1)

New landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than five hundred (500) square feet.

(2)

Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet and requiring a building, plan check or design review; and

(3)

For purposes of this section, aggregate landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel, or stone walkways, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for nondevelopment.

(d)

Exemptions. The following projects or landscapes are exempt from or subject to limited review pursuant to MWELO.

(1)

Projects involving new construction of an aggregate landscape area of less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet that comply with the prescriptive measures.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)