Water Efficient Landscaping

In recognition of Healdsburg’s leadership in implementing a community vision that promotes environmentally sound practices, the City Council adopted the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (No. 1091) (PDF) in December 2009. The ordinance promotes the efficient design and installation of water-efficient landscapes in Healdsburg associated with new construction and substantial alterations of existing development where landscapes are proposed.

The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to:
  • All new residential, commercial, office, industrial, public or quasi-public projects with landscaping
  • All additions/remodels to existing residential, commercial, office, industrial, public or quasi-public projects with new or replaced contractor-installed landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more
  • All additions/remodels to existing residential, commercial, office, industrial, public or quasi-public projects with new or replaced property owner-installed landscapes of 5,000 square feet or more
Helpful Downloads
The following documents outline the submittal and review process for required landscape and irrigation design plans:
More Information
The following brochure provides an overview of planning water efficient landscapes and irrigation: Water Efficient Landscapes (PDF).
Water Efficient Landscapes flyer
The following document includes guidelines for estimating irrigation water needs: Estimating Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plantings in California (PDF) (California Department of Water Resources).
Estimating Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plantings in California
The following guide can be used by landscape professionals to identify irrigation water needs of landscape species and is referred to in the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance: Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (PDF).
Water Use Classification of Landscape Species