Council will hear tonight a reading of a new ordinance that would modify regulations on landscaping in Alhambra. This initiative stems from the State's continued efforts to get municipalities to reduce water usage. By December 1, cities are required to either draft its own ordinance on landscape regulations, or adopt the State's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which was written by the State Water Resources control Board.

 

Alhambra's proposed ordinance would "increase water efficiency standards for new and existing landscapes through more efficient irrigation systems, greywater usage and onsite storm water capture," according to city documents. 

 

The ordinance will also consolidate all landscape-related codes into Chapter 23.48. The chapter will explain the types of landscaping projects that are subject to the new regulations, and will explain what type of landscaping may be used, and how much of the area it may cover.