Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)

In response to Governor Brown’s Drought Executive Order EO B-29-15, the California Department of Water Resources updated the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) through expedited regulation.  Local agencies must adopt either the MWELO or their own equally effective ordinance by December 1, 2015. ​

On October 28, 2015, the Board of Supervisors of County of San Luis Obispo adopted Ordinance No. 3311 amending Title 19 of the San Luis Obispo County Code, the Building and Construction Ordinance, by adding new chapter 19.95, incorporating by reference the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. ​

All new development projects with 500 sq. ft. or more landscaping area are subject to the new MWELO requirements.  Please use this flow chart to determine how the new landscaping standards apply to your project.​

For more information on MWELO, please click on the icons above.

MWELO does not apply to the following projects:​

  • Irrigated landscape projects that is less than 500 sq ft. in size (exempt from MWELO);

  • 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 a botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public; and

  • Public recreational areas.