agenda city of watsonville city council/redevelopment agency meeting

E. Large Landscape Conservation Programs and Incentives
In 2000, the Watsonville Municipal Code was revised to guide new development within the City, and to
shape water conservation programs. These programs have since been superseded by the California
Water Efficient Landscape model ordinance (WELO) which the City enforces. The City intends to adopt
its own WELO in 2011, which will be consistent with the State model.
The following elements were incorporated into the Municipal Code:
Sec. 6-3.433. Water Conservation in Development . (§ 1, Ord. 1088-00 C-M, eff. April 14, 2000)
All development shall utilize water conservation, water recycling, and xeriscaping to the
maximum extent possible.
Sec. 6-3.434. Landscape Water Meters . (§ 1, Ord. 1088-00 C-M, eff. April 14, 2000)
Separate landscape water meters shall be required in locations with a combined landscaped
area greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet.
Sec. 6-3.435. Landscape Irrigation Systems . (§ 1, Ord. 1088-00 C-M, eff. April 14, 2000)
Irrigation systems shall be designed and maintained to avoid run-off, over-spray, low head
drainage or other similar conditions where water flows to waste.
Sec. 6-3.436. Turf Restrictions . (§ 1, Ord. 1088-00 C-M, eff. April 14, 2000)
Turf shall not be used in median strips, parking islands, or in areas less than eight (8) feet wide,
or on slopes that will result in excess irrigation water run-off. These limitations may be exempted if
required for storm water erosion control by the Public Improvement Standards.
Sec. 6-3.437. Water Use in Landscaped Areas . (§ 1, Ord. 1088-00 C-M, eff. April 14, 2000)
Water use, in combined landscaped areas greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet, shall
be monitored for comparison to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) 3 . Landscaped areas
with water use lower than or equal to the MAWA shall be designated as water efficient. Landscaped
areas with water use greater than MAWA will require an audit. The Director shall determine the
appropriate mitigation measure to reduce water usage so as not to exceed the MAWA. Failure to
implement such mitigation measure is a violation of this Code.
The City has also adopted a Water smart gardening program and encourages all landscape professionals
and residents to use its Online Gardening Tool (see Appendix E). This informational website allows one
to view local water smart gardens for design ideas. Additionally, the City sponsors a Landscape Water
3 MAWA. This is the upper limit of the annual allowed water for an established landscape area. The calculated
number is based upon the size of the Landscape and evapotranspiration (ETo).
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