DANA POINT : Landscape Irrigation Law Out for Review

With seven months left before the state’s landscape irrigation law takes effect, city officials are asking for input from landscapers and gardeners on drafting a local ordinance.

The city has until Jan. 1 to adopt its own landscape irrigation regulations, otherwise the state statute will take precedence.

City officials are asking landscape architects, contractors and maintenance firms to review the city ordinance being developed and to contact city staff with suggestions.

“By involving the community and the expertise of the local water districts, we hope to create an ordinance that implements the intent of the legislation while recognizing local conditions,” said Ed Knight, city community development director.

“The city is very much interested in the concept of promoting landscape irrigation systems and plant palettes that conserve water while providing an attractive and hospitable environment,” he said.

Copies of the state law are available for review at City Hall, 33828 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 212. Landscape professionals are asked to provide their comments by July 31.

City staff estimates that the local ordinance will be ready to be unveiled at public hearings in September.

Knight said the review period is an “opportunity to influence public policy. Since the ordinance will affect many future landscape plans, the input of local landscape architects would be especially helpful.”

For further information, contact city planner Michael Philbrick at (714) 248-3560.