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2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects by encouraging the use of a watershed approach that requires cross -sector collaboration of industry, government and property owners to achieve the many benefits possible; 3. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes; 4. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a maximum applied water allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount; 5. Promote the benefits of consistent landscape ordinances with neighboring local and regional agencies; 6. Encourage local agencies and water purveyors to use economic incentives that promote the efficient use of water, such as implementing a tiered -rate structure; and 7. Encourage local agencies to designate the necessary authority that implements and enforces the provisions of the model water efficient landscape ordinance or its local landscape ordinance. C. Landscapes that are planned, designed, installed, managed and maintained with the watershed based approach can improve California's environmental conditions and provide benefits and realize sustainability goals. Such landscapes will make the urban environment resilient in the face of climatic extremes. Consistent with the legislative findings and purpose of this Chapter, conditions in the urban setting will be improved by: 1. Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and esthetic benefits. 2. Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees in urban areas. 3. Conserving water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater wherever possible and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment. 4. Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion. 5. Protecting existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted non -natives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilizing integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action. 15.54.020: APPLICABILITY: A. This Chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects: 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; I901dinances\Nos 2900-2999 in Wo dt2917 Adopting 2015 Model Water Efficient landscape Ordinance.doex