Contra Costa County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 82-26 Water Efficient Landscapes. 82-26.002 — California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Adopted. (a) The water efficient landscape ordinance of Contra Costa County is the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance adopted by the California Department of Water Resources and as set forth in Chapter 2.7 of Division 2, Title 23, of the California Code of Regulations, Sections 490 through 495 and Appendices A through D (the 'MWELO'), as may be amended from time to time and as amended by the changes, additions, and deletions set forth in Section 82-26.004. (b) At least one copy of the MWELO is on file with the Community Development Division of the Department of Conservation and Development. 82-26.004 — Amendments to the MWELO. (a) Section 492.3, Penalties, is amended to read: 492.3. Penalties. This chapter may be enforced by any remedy allowed under this code, including Chapter 14-12, and by any other remedy allowed by law. Applicability (23 CCR § 490.1): This ordinance shall apply to all of the following landscape projects: (1) new construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review; (2) rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review; (3) existing landscapes limited to Sections 493, 493.1 and 493.2; and (4) cemeteries… (c) Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may comply with the performance requirements of this ordinance or conform to the prescriptive measures contained in Appendix D. From the County's 'How to Develop Using the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance' guide: 'If this ordinance is applicable to your project, a building permit cannot be applied for until the Landscaping Application has been completed, reviewed, and approved by Planning.' A deposit of $1,500 is required at time of submittal. The required submittal includes the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Application Check List, Water efficient landscape worksheet, Landscape Design Plan, Irrigation Design Plan, Grading Plan, and Soil Management Report.