Water Use Rules in Monterey County, CA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Monterey County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Unincorporated Monterey County caps grass turf at 20% of the landscape area, or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less, for residential projects that trigger the county's landscape ordinance, effectively forcing turf reduction whenever 2,500 or more square feet of existing lawn is rehabilitated under a qualifying permit.
Monterey County Turf Replacement and Area Caps
Some RestrictionsMonterey County Code § 16.63.050(C)(4)
Turf shall be limited to twenty percent (20%) of the landscape area or up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet, whichever is less, for residential projects. Planting of turf shall be prohibited in the following conditions:a.Non-residential minor landscape projects;b.Slopes exceeding ten percent (10%);c.Planting areas eight feet wide or less; andd.Street medians, traffic islands, pla...
Recycled Water Rules
Major landscape projects (2,500+ square feet) in unincorporated Monterey County must use recycled water for irrigation and water features whenever the county determines recycled water is available and connection is feasible, under Chapter 16.63's water-efficient landscape standards adopted in place of the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Monterey County Recycled Water for Landscaping
Some RestrictionsMonterey County Code § 16.63.090(G)
Landscape projects subject to this section shall incorporate the use of recycled water for irrigation and meet the three regulations set forth below when, in the determination of the County, recycled water is available and connection to recycled water is feasible.1.All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all State and County laws and regulations r...
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