City Government » City Departments » Community Development Department » Building and Safety » Building and Safety Plan Check Services

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Font Size: + -

What is MWELO?

The State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is a set of minimum landscape water efficiency standards thatMWELO applies to new landscapes 500 sf. or larger and rehabilitated 2,500 sf. or larger for all property types.    It increases water efficiency and conservation by encouraging:                               

  • Efficient irrigation
  • Greywater usage
  • On-site stormwater capture
  • Limiting the amount of allowable turf 

How Do I Comply?

All applicants must submit a completed and accurate Landscape Documentation Package contained in the City's MWELO Toolkit as part of the plan check submittal process. There are two compliance pathways that all applicants may take to comply with MWELO:

Prescriptive Pathway

Performance Pathway

The Prescriptive Pathway utilizing the Prescriptive Submittal Checklist (Appendix D) outlines requirements for plant materials, turf, and irrigation. The required information must be captured on construction documents before permit approval.

Applicable for projects 500-2,499 sf. Applicants must submit the following from the Toolkit:

  • MWELO Project Information
  • MWELO Project Information Short Form for Prescriptive Compliance
  • MWELO Prescriptive Submittal Checklist
  • MWELO Landscape Certification
  • MWELO Certificate of Completion

The Performance Pathway utilizes water budget methodology to inform the landscape designs. The Performance Pathway uses a checklist and worksheet to outline requirements for water use calculations, the landscape design plan, and the irrigation design plan. The required information must be captured on construction documents before permit approval.

Applicable for projects 2,500 sf. or larger. Applicants must submit the following from the Toolkit:

  • MWELO Project Information
  • MWELO Performance Submittal Checklist
  • MWELO Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
  • MWELO Landscape Certification
  • MWELO Certificate of Completion

More information about MWELO as well as the State's code language and annual reports can be found on the California DWR Website. City staff will monitor the state requirements and update this website with any changes.

Water Efficient Landscaping Resources

If you are a customer of Beverly Hills Water, the Water Conservation Division offers tips and assistance on reducing your water use. Please contact Debby Figoni at DFigoni@BeverlyHills.org for more information. Water audits by video calls are available by appointment.

Outdoor Water Use Regulations

Just a reminder! The following outdoor water use regulations are in effect throughout the City of West Hollywood for all property types: 

  1. Water landscaping between 5pm and 9am only three days per week
  2. No watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall
  3. No sprinkler runoff or over-spray onto adjacent properties or non-irrigated areas
  4. All new and rehabilitated landscapes must comply with the City's MWELO standards
  5. No hosing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, or parking areas
  6. No washing of vehicles except with a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle
  7. Fountains and water features must use a recirculating system
  8. Pools can only be topped up once per week between 6pm and 6am
  9. Irrigation leaks must be repaired within 5 days of discovery or notification
 Water Use Regulations flyer

Please share this flyer with tenants and property managers to ensure compliance.

To report outdoor water use violations, call code compliance at (323) 848-6516.