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Adopt an ordinance to add Chapter 13.5, Water Efficient Landscapes, to the Solano County Code to adopt the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, consistent with State law; the proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15307, and 15308
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance to add Chapter 13.5, Water Efficient Landscapes, to the Solano County Code to adopt the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, consistent with State law.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance to add Chapter 13.5, Water Efficient Landscapes, to the Solano County Code to adopt the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance was introduced at the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors on November 5, 2024 and was approved by a vote of 5-0. Adoption of the ordinance will incorporate the MWELO by reference as the County’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to ensure that the County remains compliant with State regulations as they may be amended from time to time. It will also improve clarity for residents and businesses in the unincorporated territory of Solano County regarding the applicable water efficient landscaping requirements. The proposed Ordinance was brought to the Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC) on September 17, 2024. Comments from the LUTC and the public included that County staff needs to clearly understand the applicability of this ordinance and make that information clear to the public.
The ordinance applies to the following landscape projects:
1) New construction projects with a total landscape area greater than or equal to 500 sq. ft that require a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
2) Rehabilitation of existing landscape projects with a total landscape area greater than or equal to 2,500 SF that require a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) The Board may choose not to adopt the proposed ordinance. This is not recommended because State Law requires the County to, at minimum, adopt the MWELO; or
2) Not adopt the proposed ordinance and instead direct staff to amend the proposed ordinance to adopt different standards that are at least equally effective as the MWELO at conserving water and preventing waste and return at a future date. This is not recommended because incorporating the MWELO by reference in the County Code will ensure that the County remains compliant with State regulations as they may be amended from time to time.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION