Cupertino's Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 14.15) implements California's MWELO and caps turf at 25% of landscape area, favoring climate-appropriate, low-water plants. Native and drought-tolerant species are the practical way to meet the water budget and are encouraged citywide.
Cupertino's Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 14.15, implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB 1881). It applies to landscape projects requiring a permit, plan check, or design review; under the statewide MWELO the triggers are 500 square feet of new or 2,500 square feet of rehabilitated landscape. Under the prescriptive option, turf may not exceed 25% of the landscape area or 1,250 square feet, whichever is less, and is barred on slopes over 25%. Plans must select climate-appropriate, water-conserving plants under a Maximum Applied Water Allowance, favoring natives and requiring mulch on exposed soil. Low-water plantings are encouraged citywide, and Civil Code 4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting them.
A WELO-triggering project lacking a compliant Landscape Documentation Package, or exceeding the 25% turf cap, can be denied a permit and Certificate of Completion. Landscapes not matching approved plans may require replanting. HOAs prohibiting low-water plants violate Civil Code 4735.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Temporary political signs in Cupertino need no permit and are allowed in all zones with no numeric limit, under Municipal Code Table 19.104.250. Each sign ma...
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