Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
To ensure the efficient use of water for all san francisco landscapes projects with 500 square feet or more of new or modified landscape area are required to comply with the water efficient irrigation ordinance.
Water efficient landscaping ordinance. Water efficient landscaping using water efficient plants and irrigation not only looks beautiful but saves resources and supports biodiversity and natural pollinators. Multiple municipalities in the state have adopted water efficient landscaping ordinances based on this model. In response to the bill the department of water resources adopted the state s model water efficient landscape ordinance mwelo. Effective january 1 2019 full compliance with the city of aspen water efficient landscaping ordinance and standards will be required.
However you must adhere to pitkin county public health rules. A water efficient landscape ordinance was adopted on december 15 2009 and went into effect on january 15 2010. Plant maintain a water efficient vegetable garden when planning your garden group vegetables and herbs according to their moisture needs. Refer to the flowchart checklist for a general representation of welo requirements.
The mwelo reduces landscape related water use by promoting water efficient landscapes limiting turf preventing waste water and incentivizing the use of graywater and recycled water in new construction and. The state of california publishes and maintains a model water efficient landscape ordinance for use by local governments. On july 15 2015 california approved revisions to the model water efficient landscape ordinance mwelo which promotes efficient water use in new and retrofitted landscapes. In 2015 executive order b 29 15 eo tasked dwr with revising the 2010 updated mwelo to increase water efficiency standards for new and retrofitted landscapes through.
Ft of area must be incorporated into the soil. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design installation and maintenance. A key feature of this model ordinance is the requirement for a landscape design plan. Perennial vegetables such as asparagus and rhubarb do not need frequent watering.
To improve soil health and increase water retention at least four cubic yards of compost per 1 000 sq. The following is a summary of the ordinance. One major change is new requirements for compost and mulch. The new ordinance requires a landscape plan check for certain projects as described in the ordinance.
Re landscaping a yard requires planning and preparation. All agencies must adopt implement and enforce the mwelo or a more stringent ordinance. Landscapes that utilize water wise principles not only conserve water but help prevent runoff provide a natural habitat for local wildlife result in reduced maintenance costs and contribute to the beauty of our urban landscapes. It includes requirements for landscape water budgets landscape and irrigation design and irrigation scheduling.
Covid 19 landscape rules as of april 23 2020 you may return to your landscape jobs in aspen. Hire a licensed professional. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the model water efficient landscape ordinance mwelo.