Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Free Resources: WELO Tool Kit & Webinar
- Materials from StopWaste's WELO Enforcement Training webinar
- Complete WELO Tool Kit, including the water budget/water use calculator, checklists, and brochure
- WELO water budget/water use calculator
About WELO
The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) is a statewide water conservation law for new and renovated landscapes.
The ordinance 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 local reviewing agency and meets one of these size thresholds:
- New construction projects with a total landscape area greater than 500 square feet
- Rehabilitations of existing landscape with a total landscape area greater than 2,500 square feet
Some landscapes, such as arboretums and registered historical sites, are exempt from WELO. Check the ordinance for details.
WELO sets minimum water efficiency requirements for landscapes. To go above and beyond the state ordinance, make your landscape a ReScape California Rated Landscape.
Landscape Professionals: The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is enforced by cities, counties, and in some areas, water agencies. Before starting your project, check with the local reviewing agency for requirements and submittals specific to your region, which may be different than what's provided in StopWaste's WELO Tool Kit.
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