MODEL WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
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Background
The City of King is committed to water-efficient landscape standards for new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects. The State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) was updated on July 15, 2015. The purpose of the MWELO is to promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate conservation and efficient use of water. The MWELO establishes a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects. You can find more information on the State’s current water efficient landscape efforts on the Department of Water Resources’ website.
In 2018 the City adopted the Water Efficiency Ordinance No. 772. Click below to access the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
King City Municipal Code (Chapter 15.50)
Is My Project Subject to MWELO?
MWELO requirements apply to new construction projects with a landscape area greater than 500 square feet that requires a building permit or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
The requirements also apply on rehabilitated landscape projects with area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building permit or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
Landscape area means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
See Chapter 15.50 for other applicable projects.
Submitting Landscape Documentation Package
Water Efficiency Forms, projects less than 2500 (fillable)
Water Efficiency Forms, projects greater than 2500 (fillable)
Additional Resources
Information on plant water needs can be found through the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Database.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
2019 Water Quality Report
2018 Water Quality Report
2017 Water Quality Report
2016 Water Quality Report
2015 Water Quality Report
