Water Conservation in Landscaping Act.

Existing law, the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, requires the Department of Water Resources to update a specified model water efficient landscape ordinance by regulation and prescribes various requirements for the updated model ordinance. Existing law requires each local agency to adopt either the updated model water efficient landscape ordinance or an ordinance that is at least as effective in conserving water as the updated model ordinance. If the local agency does not make a selection, the model ordinance shall apply within the jurisdiction of the local agency. This bill, on or after July 1, 2018, would require a local agency to require a permit for the installation of specified automatic irrigation systems, or the expansion of the same specified automatic irrigation systems to increase the irrigated area by 25% or more, for a landscape project. The bill would allow the governing body of a local agency to adopt an ordinance prescribing fees for filing an application for the permit, subject to the restrictions that the fees not exceed the amount reasonably required to review applications and issue the permits and that the fees not be levied for general revenue purposes. The bill would authorize a property owner, property manager, landscape contractor, landscape architect, or any other agent designated by the property owner to submit the application for a permit required pursuant to these provisions for an irrigation system serving a residential landscape. The bill would exempt from these requirements the repair and replacement of the components or parts of an automatic irrigation system. By adding to the duties of local agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.