You can encourage more ReScape Rated Landscapes in your community by promoting model policies and ordinances addressing public sector and private sector landscape development.
The ReScape California Landscaping program provides presentations, trainings and technical assistance to staff and elected officials in the adoption of model policies. In particular, ReScape staff provides assistance in the adoption and implementation of a Civic ReScape Landscaping Ordinance, a policy to require ReScape practices are incorporated in publicly owned and funded landscapes.
It is recommended that member agencies adopt Civic Green Building and ReScape Landscaping ordinances and an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policy to ensure sustainable design, construction and maintenance of civic buildings and landscapes. Our staff can make an integrated presentation on all three topics for planning commissions and city councils which defines the benefits and resources for this strategy.
Below are a selection of Model Documents to implement these sustainable ordinances or policies:
The State of California requires that all local jurisdictions adopt a model water efficiency landscape ordinance equal to or greater than their model by January 1, 2010. This version is based on the state’s model but incorporates and references ReScape Landscaping standards. It applies to private and public landscapes. In support of this model we have created a matrix for comparing the California Water Efficiency Landscape ordinance to the ReScape Scorecard developed by ReScape.
Below are examples of adopted ReScape versions of the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance which meet the requirements set forth by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Included are staff reports, resolutions, adopted ordinances, and letters of findings to DWR.
Alameda County: Staff from Alameda County local governments interested in creating policies consistent with the ReScape Landscape Guidelines are encouraged to contact the program lead, Jennifer West at: jwest@stopwaste.org.
Bay-Area staff outside Alameda County: Staff from local governments outside Alameda County interested in promoting ReScape policies and ordinances in your community, please contact ReScape California at info@ReScapeCA.org.