Mono County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Mono County addresses landscape water use mainly through its General Plan. Objective 3.C encourages reduced water consumption; Policy 3.C.1 promotes gray-water systems, conservation measures, and recycled water; Policy 3.C.3 provides that 'water intensive development proposals shall include water conservation measures as a condition of approval'; and Action 3.C.3.a directs the County to 'implement the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.' California requires every local agency to adopt and enforce a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance at least as effective as the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR 490 et seq.), or the MWELO applies by default; the updated MWELO regulations took effect January 2, 2025. MWELO triggers landscape documentation, soil reports, Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculations, hydrozoning, and efficient irrigation for qualifying new (typically 500+ sq ft) and rehabilitated (typically 2,500+ sq ft) landscapes that require a permit. Statewide State Water Resources Control Board emergency drought regulations periodically add mandatory restrictions (no runoff, no washing down hardscape, watering limits). AB 1572 (Water Code 10608.14) phases out potable irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, institutional, and HOA-common-area properties but does not apply to single-family homes.