Compliance with the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance
Compliance with the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance
Soil Amendment, Compost and Mulch
Jurisdictions are already required to adopt the MWELO in its municipal code. It applies to:
New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
The regulations require jurisdictions to have a mechanism by which to enforce:
The incorporation of soil amendments when planting.
Use of compost for landscape installations with a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet and a depth of six inches.
Application of a minimum three-inch layer of mulch for planting areas.
Posts-Consumer Organic Mulch Products
MWELO instructs covered landscape projects to use organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer goods over inorganic materials or virgin forest products.
The SB 1383 regulations require that jurisdictions enforce existing requirements regarding the preferential use of recycled and post-consumer organic mulch materials.
For more information on MWELO’s requirements, refer to the Community Development Department (209) 533-5633.
Reporting
In its annual report to CalRecycle, each jurisdiction must provide the number of landscaping projects subject to the MWELO.