Does Santa Clara County Sustainable Landscape Ordinance apply to me?

Step A: Basic Applicability

1. Is this a new construction with landscape area greater than 500 square feet?
2. Is this an existing property with a new landscape area greater than 500 square feet?
3. Is this a rehabilitated (re-landscaping or replacement) landscape project greater than or equal to 2500 square feet?

Note: If you answered yes to any of the above boxes, proceed to Step B. If you answered no to all, Sustainable Landscape Ordinance does NOT APPLY

Step B: Exception to Applicability

1. Is the landscape area a registered historical site?
2. Is the landscape area an ecological restoration project that does not require a permanent irrigation system site?
3. Is the landscape area a part of a botanical garden or arboretum open to the general public?

Note: If you answered no to all of the above, proceed to Step C. If you answered yes any of the boxes, Sustainable Landscape Ordinance does NOT APPLY

Step C: Limited Applicability

1. Is the landscape area a cemetery?
2. Is the landscape area an existing landscape?
3. Is the landscape area a new landscape greater than 500 and less than 2500 square feet?
4. Is the landscape area less than 2500 square feet and using graywater or rainwater to meet the landscape water needs?

Note: If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be subject to limited ordinance management and reporting. Check with County Planning Division staff for details. If answered no to all of the above, you are subject to Sustainable Landscape Ordinance compliance. Proceed to Step D.

Step D: Sustainable Landscape Ordinance Application Form

1. Is the landscape area greater than 500 square feet and less than 2500 square feet? If yes, then proceed to Prescriptive Landscaping Permit application form.
2. Is the landscape area equal to or greater than 2500 square feet? If yes, then proceed to Performance Landscaping Permit application form.

Step E: Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of your landscaping project, please fill out and submit the Certificate of Completion form.