This chapter is adopted in accordance with Government Code Section 65595(c) for the purpose of complying with California law and promoting water conservation. The intent and purpose of this chapter is to:

1.

Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of water;

2.

Recognize 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;

3.

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;

4.

Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes;

5.

Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) as an upper limit for water use, and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount without a decline in the quality or quantity of landscapes;

6.

Create 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;

7.

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;

8.

Conserve water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater wherever possible, and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment;

9.

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; and

10.

Protect existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted non-natives, and avoiding invasive plants.

(Ord. No. 386, § 7(Exh. C), 7-12-2022)