Aligned with a series of actions targeting increased water conservation across our drought-laden state, the Department of Water Resources recently updated its Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which applies to communities across California. This action was driven by Governor Brown’s Executive Order B-29-15 to improve the existing Model Ordinance and further promote efficient landscapes in new developments and across retrofitted properties. The updated Model Ordinance has been in effect since December 1, 2015. A local jurisdiction may adopt its own ordinance as long as it complies with, or is more stringent than, the State ordinance.
The City updated its local ordinance to conform to the new State requirements while maintaining a streamlined approval process. The updated local ordinance are reflected in the City’s Landscaping Ordinance found in Chapter 14.15 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.