Landscape Ordinance

NOTE:  In an effort to reduce the amount of paperwork that landscape submittals generate, PDS has revised submittal requirements to include electronic submittals of all required documents.  Effective May 24, 2022, the County will now offer an email option to submit applications for landscape plan submittals, email options for the Landscape Documentation Package Checklist (PDS-404e) and the Certificate of Completion Checklist (PDS-406e) to reduce vehicle miles traveled by applicants/consultants having to submit in-person.  Counter submittals will remain for those that still want in-person submittals.

Landscaping Ordinance Background

On June 24, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted an amendment to the County’s Landscaping Ordinance to codify Climate Action Plan Measure W-1.2, "Reduce Outdoor Water Use", and A-2.1, "Increase Residential Tree Planting" requirements. Reducing outdoor water use and increasing tree planting reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, conserves natural resources, and improves water quality. The operative date of the Landscaping Ordinance amendment is July 24, 2020.

The County’s Landscaping Ordinance is as effective as the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) which establishes water efficiency standards for new and existing landscapes. The ordinance applies to any new construction for which the County issues a building permit or a discretionary review where the aggregate landscaped area is 500 square feet or more to obtain outdoor water use authorization. For those projects between 500 and 2,500 square feet, the County has a more streamlined process called the Prescriptive Compliance Option.

Outdoor water use budgets can be calculated using the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (PDS-405) for landscaping projects greater than 2,500 square feet, or the Water Use Application Using Prescriptive Compliance Option (PDS-410) for landscaping projects from 500-2,500 square feet.

The Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual explains how people can comply with the County’s Landscape Ordinance and how to create beautiful landscapes while using water efficiently and protecting people and properties from wildfires. We've also included several links to find more information about a host of subjects, from water, to water-friendly plants and landscaping, to County regulations and guidelines.

Click here for an informational flyer on designing residential landscapes that comply with the ordinance.

Click on the tiles below to access the Landscaping Ordinance, Design Manual, and additional links. 

    Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual - Appendices  
  A    Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Data  
  B    Water Use Application Using Prescriptive Compliance Option, PDS-410   
  C    Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet, PDS-405  
  D    Landscape Certificate of Completion, PDS-407  
  E-1    Landscape Documentation Package Checklist, Counter Submittal, PDS-404c  
   E-2    Landscape Documentation Package Checklist, E-mail Submittal, PDS-404e  
  F-1    Landscape Certificate of Completion Checklist, Counter Submittal, PDS-406c  
  F-2    Landscape Certificate of Completion Checklist, E-mail Submittal, PDS-406e  
  G    Landscape Certificate of Completion Using Prescriptive Compliance Option, PDS-407A  
  H    Low Water Use, Ignition Resistive Plants  
  I    Undesirable Plants  
  J    Invasive Species  
  K    Water Authority Member Agencies  
  L    Water Conservation Program for Established Landscapes  
  M    Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance  
  N    Additional Resources  

Additional Links