Navigating California's Water-Wise Landscape Ordinance: How Secret Garden Landscapes Helps You Stay Beautifully Compliant

Laura Osteen
May 6
2 min read

Have you ever wondered how to create a stunning outdoor space without falling afoul of California's increasingly strict water regulations? You're not alone—and that's where we come in. At Secret Garden Landscapes, we've made it our mission to craft breathtaking, sustainable landscapes that meet the state's requirements while exceeding our clients’ dreams.

California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is more than just a legal hurdle—it's a chance to innovate, conserve, and re-imagine what outdoor beauty can look like in a dry climate. Here’s how we help you turn this mandate into an opportunity.

What Is MWELO—and Why Does It Matter?

Originally adopted in 1993 and most recently updated in 2015, MWELO sets statewide standards for outdoor water use in new and rehabilitated landscapes. It applies to projects over certain size thresholds—typically:

New residential landscapes over 500 sq. ft.
Rehabilitated landscapes over 2,500 sq. ft.

At its core, MWELO is about promoting efficiency, sustainability, and climate-conscious design. That includes:

Limiting high-water-use plants like traditional turf
Implementing efficient irrigation systems
Using compost and mulch to reduce evaporation
Designing with hydrozones (grouping plants by water needs)
Installing smart irrigation controllers

Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry—that’s where our expertise makes all the difference.

How Secret Garden Landscapes Makes Compliance Effortless

As a California-licensed contractor with deep knowledge of local building and environmental codes, we bring more than just compliance to the table—we bring creativity, confidence, and care.

Licensed, Certified, and Ready to Help

With our contractor’s license and trained landscape designers, we understand the paperwork, technical specs, and inspections required by MWELO. We’ll handle the logistics—from preparing the Landscape Documentation Package to ensuring your project passes final inspection—so you can focus on enjoying the transformation.

Drought-Tolerant, Never Dull

We specialize in California native and climate-appropriate plantings that thrive on minimal water but deliver maximum visual impact. Think sculptural agaves, vibrant salvias, and elegant manzanitas woven into beautiful, low-maintenance palettes.

Smart Irrigation Done Right

Efficient watering is a must. We install drip irrigation systems, moisture sensors, and weather-based controllers that align with MWELO’s requirements and keep your garden thriving with precision.

Sustainable Materials and Mulching

We reduce runoff and support healthy soil by incorporating organic compost, mulch, and permeable hardscaping into our designs—all in line with the ordinance and our ecological values.

Why It Pays to Work with Water-Wise Experts

MWELO compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about future-proofing your landscape, reducing maintenance, and aligning with California’s long-term sustainability goals. Plus, many municipalities offer rebates for turf removal and efficient irrigation systems, and we can guide you through those too.

Ready to Design Smart and Sustainably?

If you're starting a new project or planning a landscape upgrade, don't let the regulations overwhelm you. At Secret Garden Landscapes, we see every ordinance as a creative opportunity—and with our expertise, you’ll be compliant without compromising beauty.

Let’s create a garden that honors California’s water-wise values—and your personal style.

Contact us today to start your MWELO-friendly landscape transformation.