In 2006 the state enacted the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB 1881 Laird) requiring all communities to adopt ordinances that regulate landscape plantings and irrigation practices in order to use our precious water resources most efficiently. To comply with the Act, the City and County of San Francisco updated its existing landscape regulation and established a new Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance. We have also enacted companion regulation that will help property owners comply with the Ordinance. As of January 1, 2011, only projects with 1,000 square feet or more of new or modified landscape will be required to comply with the Ordinance.
How do I comply?
1. Determine if your project requires a Tier 1 or a Tier 2 application using the How to Comply Flow Chart. Tier 1 projects start at 1,000 sqare feet while all projects over 2,500 square feet are Tier 2 projects.
2. Submit the appropriate documentation for your project.
3. Have your application reviewed and approved.
4. Install your landscape in accordance with your approved application.
5. Submit a Certificate of Completion.
Planning Assistance
Large landscapes can be great opportunities for water savings, but may also involve more complicated design and irrigation systems. Creating a compliance plan allows large landscape owners to coordinate with us on the most efficient way to conserve water. Property owners with over 10 acres of landscape area may seek to comply with the Ordinance through a compliance plan. Click
here for the Compliance Plan Application Form.
Resources for Complying with the Ordinance