Edition:
November 20, 2009
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City Manager
Why did the City of Canyon Lake approve Ordinance No. 126 establishing landscape water use efficiency?
In 2006, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1881 amending the Water Conservation in the Landscape Act. The bill required cities and counties to update local Landscape Ordinances by January 1, 2010 so that they are “at least as effective as” the state’s updated model ordinance. The amendment resulted in significant changes to most landscape ordinances so that they meet the requirements of AB 1881.
So the City of Canyon Lake was required to adopt a new ordinance by 2010 or it would have to use the state ordinance. Using the state model ordinance was not an option for Canyon Lake due to the community’s uniqueness – specifically, the private community status and need for compliance with POA rules and regulations. Additionally, the City enjoys a unique climate concerning plant materials, which are adapted to low-water use.
What provisions does the state model ordinance require in a city ordinance?
The City’s ordinance includes but is not limited to the following provisions:
• Strong collaboration between cities and water purveyors in the development and implementation of water efficient landscape ordinances.
• Requires local ordinances to address smaller landscaping projects, including single-family residential projects.
• Requires local jurisdictions to regulate existing landscapes for water waste.
• Reduction of the irrigated area compliance threshold for developer-installed projects, public agency projects and private development projects requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
• Requires water purveyors to offer landscape surveys and/or incentive programs targeting landscape irrigation efficiency for new and existing landscapes.
• Requires homeowner-provided or homeowner-hired projects exceeding 1,500 sq. ft. of irrigated area to acquire a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
What process was used to develop the ordinance?
The City’s Water Subcommittee, which is comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Horton, Councilman Barry Talbot and members from the Property Owners Association and Elsinore Valley Water District, met several times to review the state model. Through the course of reviewing the ordinance, the committee heard recommendations from professionals on how best to amend the model ordinance to meet the City of Canyon Lake’s needs.
How will the ordinance be applied in Canyon Lake?
The City has set up a process for rehabilitated landscapes and new landscapes. For rehabilitated landscapes, owners are required to come to City Hall and pick up an application packet that will have sample landscapes; a list of California native plans and drought-tolerant and low-water use plants; and guidelines for sketching the drawing and selecting appropriate irrigation supplies.
After the homeowner draws the landscape and irrigation sketch, subject to the guidelines, the City will review and make comments. The fee for the review is $80. To quote Councilmember Ehrenkranz from the November meeting, “What a good deal. I wish I would have had the opportunity for someone to review my rehabilitation project and make recommendations for water efficient landscape, appropriately zoned plants and irrigation.”
Remember that outside watering of a traditional lawn accounts for as much as 60 percent of your water bill. To obtain copies of Ordinance No. 126, visit www.cityofcanyonlake.com and click on the City Clerk page.
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