Sacramento County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 1990 required the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to develop a Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. In 1990, Sacramento County adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 14.10 to the County Code (Water Use & Water Conservation) for water conservation landscape requirements. In 2006, Assembly Bill 1881 was enacted which required State DWR to update the model ordinance by January 2009. AB 1881 also required local agencies to either adopt the State’s new model ordinance or adopt a local ordinance that is at least as effective by January 1, 2010, otherwise, the State’s model ordinance will be automatically adopted by statute.
Using the State’s ordinance as a guideline, Sacramento County has decided to create its own local ordinance tailoring it to meet specifics of the county. The projected completion date is scheduled for March 2010 so the State’s model ordinance will automatically go into effect beginning January 1, 2010. Once the county’s ordinance has been adopted, it will replace the State’s new model ordinance. Please check back to view the draft local ordinance.
Projected Timeline for Adoption:
- November 2009 – Sacramento County completes draft local ordinance
- November - December 2009 – Outreach to stakeholders
- January 2010 – CA New Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance goes into effect
- February 2010 – Public Hearing at Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Chambers
- March 2010 – Adoption of the Sacramento County’s New Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Related Documents:
Project Contact: John Kern, (916) 874-5159
Additional information regarding the water efficient landscaping model ordinance can be found at the California Department of Water Resources website.
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