(1) that the waters of the state are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing demands;
(2) that the continuation of California's economic prosperity is dependent on the availability of adequate supplies of water for future uses;
(3) that it is the policy of the State to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource;
(4) that landscapes are essential to the quality of life in California by providing areas for active and passive recreation and as an enhancement to the environment by cleaning air and water, preventing erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing ecosystems lost to development;
(5) that landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be water efficient;
(6) that Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution specifies that the right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use.
(b) Consistent with the legislative findings, the purpose of this model ordinance is to:
(1) promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of water;
(2) establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects by encouraging the use of a watershed approach that requires cross-sector collaboration of industry, government and property owners to achieve the many benefits possible;
(3) establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes;
(4) use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount;
(5) promote the benefits of consistent landscape ordinances with neighboring local and regional agencies;
(6) encourage local agencies and water purveyors to use economic incentives that promote the efficient use of water, such as implementing a tiered-rate structure; and
(7) encourage local agencies to designate the necessary authority that implements and enforces the provisions of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or its local landscape ordinance.
(c) Landscapes that are planned, designed, installed, managed and maintained with the watershed based approach can improve California's environmental conditions and provide benefits and realize sustainability goals. Such landscapes will make the urban environment resilient in the face of climatic extremes. Consistent with the legislative findings and purpose of the Ordinance, conditions in the urban setting will be improved by:
(1) Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and esthetic benefits.
(2) Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees in urban areas.
(3) Conserving water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater wherever possible and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment.
(4) Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
(5) Protecting existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted non-natives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilizing integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action.
Credits
Note: Authority cited: Section 65593, Government Code; and sections 11 and 30, Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April 1, 2015). Reference: Sections 65591, 65593 and 65596, Government Code; and section 11, Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April 1, 2015).
2. Amendment of section and Note filed 9-10-2009; operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
3. Amendment of subsections (a)(4) and (b)(1)-(2), new subsections (c)-(c)(5) and amendment of Note filed 9-15-2015; operative 9-15-2015. Exempt from OAL review and submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Governor's Executive Order No. B-29-15 (4-1-2015) (Register 2015, No. 38).
This database is current through 4/12/24 Register 2024, No. 15.
