Memorandum
Date: August 23, 2022
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors, and the Board of Supervisors
From: Bill Collins, CBO
Subject: Propose MWELO Ordinance
Executive Summary: The Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance adopting the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Staff is bringing this item forward to secure compliance with the State of California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO}. The MWELO is a state regulation, enacted in 1993 as part of the 1990 Water Conservation and Landscaping Act that is designed to prevent water from being wasted on landscape irrigation, as nearly half of the water directed to urban areas is used on irrigated landscapes. Additional information about MWELO, including a link to the Model Ordinance under MWELO References titled "2015 Updated Chapter 2.7: Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance," can be found on the following website:
https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance.
The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, CalGreen Building Code. Applying to residential and nonresidential projects requiring a permit, plan check, or design review, MWELO directs Land Use Authorities (cities and counties} to ensure MWELO compliance on development projects with landscaped areas of 500 square feet or more or rehabilitation of existing landscape areas greater than 2,500 square feet.
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Recommended Action: Staff recommends for the Board of Supervisors adopt the Ordinance in Attachment 1, which would add Article X to Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code. Once adopted, the County will be in compliance with MWELO state regulations.