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Water Efficient Landscaping (WELO)

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What is WELO?

The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) is a statewide water conservation law for new and renovated landscapes.  It sets limits on high water use plants and irrigation equipment and incentivizes a holistic approach to landscaping that incorporates healthy soils, adapted plants and alternative water supplies like graywater, harvested rainwater, and recycled water.

Traditionally designed landscapes incorporate plants and irrigation that use too much or waste water; contribute to polluted water runoff into streams, lakes, and the ocean; overspray causing water damage to buildings, fences, streets; and create a lot of pruning, mowing and trimming green waste. Sustainable landscapes can be beautiful and functional. WELO encourages the use of a variety of plants including natives and climate-appropriate plants. Lawns and other non-adapted plants can be planted as long as the water budget is not exceeded. Research shows that creating and maintaining landscapes that meet MWELO use 80% less water; require 60% less maintenance; produce 50% less yard waste.

Am I subject to WELO ? 

WELO applies to any single-family or multi-family residential, public, institutional or commercial project that requires a permit, plan check or design review from the City permitting review/approval (zoning clearance or entitlement) AND meets one of the set size thresholds below. See also WELO Triggers Checklist:

  • A new building with an aggregate landscape area ≥ 500 sq. ft
    • (e.g., irrigated planting area, turf/mowed grass, water feature, ponds, fountains, spas, swimming pools)
  • New landscape such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.
  • Rehabilitated landscape with an aggregate landscape area ≥ 2,500 sq. ft.
  • Existing landscapes installed before 12/1/15 and over one acre in size
  • Cemetery: New/rehabilitated, Existing

EXCLUSIONS – WELO DOES NOT APPLY TO:

  • Registered local, state or federal historical sites
  • Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system
  • Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system
  • Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public

How do I comply with WELO?

Please closely review our WELO Triggers Checklist to find detailed information on the WELO compliance process.

STEP 1: LAFAYETTE PLANNING DEPARTMENT - ZONING PLAN CHECK FOR BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW 

WELO sets minimum water efficiency requirements for landscapes. The landscape scope determines what information is required for staff review for WELO compliance:

STEP 2: INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPING

After obtaining a building permit, install the landscaping to the approved landscape and irrigation plans

STEP 3: FINAL INSPECTION

Prior to contacting the Lafayette Planning & Building Department to schedule an inspection, the applicant/property owner shall submit a completed Certificate of Completion Package. Documents in the package will verify that installed landscaping is in substantial conformance with the approved Landscape Documentation Package and complies with the requirements of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Once the form and letter has been submitted, the project planner will also confirm the installation of the landscaping during the scheduled final inspection. 

The Certificate of Completion shall verify the following are completed and attached:

 Part 1. Project Information Sheet
 Part 2. Certification of Installation According to the Landscape Documentation Package
 Part 3. Irrigation Scheduling
 Part 4. Schedule of Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
 Part 5. Landscape Irrigation Audit Report (Not required for Prescriptive Pathway)
 Part 6. Soil Management Report (Not required for Prescriptive Pathway)
 Other: Additional Modifications

 

WELO Documents

 

Ordinance Background

On October 24, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance 669 to add a new chapter titled “Water Efficient Landscape” to implement the State mandate requiring local jurisdictions to implement water efficient landscape design and irrigation practices set forth in California Code of Regulations Title 23, Chapter 2.7.

Additional WELO Resources