PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In 2015, in compliance with Executive Order No. B-29-15, the State of California Department of Water Resources updated the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) which requires irrigation efficiency in landscaping. All projects requiring a building permit, design review, or plan check are reviewed for applicability of this ordinance. The MWELO applies to the following projects:
- Construction projects with 500 square feet or more of new landscape area, and which require a building permit, plan check or design review; or,
- Rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more, and which require a building permit, plan check or design review.
New landscape areas for residential and non-residential projects between 500 and 2,499 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review may comply with the ordinance utilizing the Prescriptive Compliance Option, available below.
Rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or greater shall comply with the Performance Compliance Option, available below.
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW
- The full text of the MWELO can be found in Sections 490-495 in Chapter 2.7 of Division 2 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations.
- Also available for reference is the April 23, 2018 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance PowerPoint Presentation to City Council.
- Water Saving Programs for Residents and Businesses via the Pasadena Department of Water and Power.
New landscape areas for residential and non-residential projects between 500 and 2,499 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review may comply with the ordinance utilizing the Prescriptive Compliance Option, available here:
MWELO - Prescriptive ComplianceRehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or greater shall comply with the Performance Compliance Option, available here:
MWELO - Performance Compliance