To limit the use of potable water, or other natural surface or subsurface water resources available on or near the project site, for landscape irrigation.
CALGreen Code Section 5.304.1: Outdoor potable water use in landscape areas.
Nonresidential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.
Notes:
1. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is located in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2.
2. MWELO and supporting documents, including a water budget calculator, are available at: https://www.water.ca.gov/.
Intent:
The intent of this code requirement is to reduce the overall outdoor water used for irrigation for both new landscaping areas and rehabilitated landscape projects. Compliance can be achieved by either meeting the state’s Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requirements or the local MWELO.
Compliance Method:
Comply with Section 5.304.1 by either complying with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm that the construction documents show compliance with either a local water efficient landscape ordinance or The California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
On-site enforcement: Section 5.304.1: The inspector should verify that the outdoor water use measures shown on the construction documents have been installed. If a local water efficient landscape ordinance is used, verify compliance with the ordinance.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)
