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The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (the “Act”), Government Code Sections 65591 et seq. that the state’s water resources are in limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is essential to the quality of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance and management must be water efficient. The general purpose of this chapter is to establish water use standards for landscapes in Chula Vista that implement the landscape design requirements established by the Act. An updated Model Water Ordinance was approved by the California Water Commission on July 7, 2015. Consistent with the Legislature’s findings, the purpose of this chapter is to:

A. Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of water.

B. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new and rehabilitated landscapes.

C. Use of water efficiently, and without waste, by setting a maximum applied water allowance as an upper limit for water use at the lowest practical amount.

D. Create conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and aesthetic benefits.

E. Minimize energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate-appropriate shade trees in urban areas.

F. Conserve water by capturing and reusing rainwater and gray water wherever possible and selecting climate-appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment.

G. Protect air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and efficient irrigation to prevent erosion.

H. Protect existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate-adapted nonnatives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilizing integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action. (Ord. 3357 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3146 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009).