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New Landscape Variance Request

Suggested Watering Schedule for New Turf

Athletic Field Variance Request

Large Landscape Variance Request

Stage One: Five-Week Landscape Variance

Those who install new landscapes during declared drought stages may apply for a variance to the one-day-per-week watering rules. If approved, your request may allow daily watering for up to five weeks following installation. All water consumption charges incurred through the exercise of this variance are the responsibility of the account holder.

Apply Online for Landscape Variance

Beautification landscape projects do not qualify for a variance. Aesthic and large-scale landscape projects should be undertaken when drought periods are over. Replacing or adding plants or turf to existing, established landscapes is highly discouraged and generally will not be granted a variance unless extenuating circumstances exist. Over-seeding existing turf is not considered new landscape and will not be given an exemption.

To request a variance, the new landscape must meet all requirements of a WaterSaver Landscape to Obtain a Five-Week Variance during StageOne:

• Existing landscape project includes at least 50 percent of the landscape as newly planted
• Drought tolerant grass used (See SAWS approved list of turfgrasses.)
• Use at least 4 inches of soil underneath all grass
• Bedding areas mulched
• For in-ground permanent irrigation systems:
  1. Check sprinkler system carefully. It must not overspray off the landscape. It should water beds and grass separately.
  2. Functioning rain sensor on sprinkler systems
  3. Backflow device present and inspection requirement (once every 2 years) current.

Drought Rules Apply Even When Variances are Granted

• No spray irrigation on Saturday or Sunday.
  
  
• No spray irrigation from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  
  
• No water may run off landscape to impervious surfaces.
  
  
• Some soils cannot absorb a 10-minute irrigation run time without water running off the landscape. If this is the case it is your responsibility to ensure that you adjust times accordingly to prevent run-off.
  
  
• Be aware that the recommendations provided for establishment are maximum amounts allowed under the variance. Each location is different so you should monitor your landscape and use the least amount necessary to ensure plant survival.
  
  
• Be aware that depending on your current water usage, your water bill may more than double. You are responsible for all the water you use under this variance.
  
  
• Violations of approved schedule will result in immediate loss of variance and water waste citation.
  
  
• Drip irrigation does not require a variance – you may use drip irrigation, soaker hoses or hand water any day including weekends.

If the property requesting the variance is found to be noncompliant with any of the above requirements, the variance will be revoked immediately.

Unless a variance is requested and granted, watering new plantings with a sprinkler or irrigation system outside of assigned days and times will be considered water waste and subject to citation. Watering with a soaker hose or drip irrigation is always allowed any time.