This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section that prohibits municipalities located in initial Active Management Areas (AMAs) from adopting or enforcing certain requirements related to landscaping. Specifically, it would prevent these municipalities from establishing minimum turf requirements and from mandating the installation of plants not included on the Low-Water-Use and Drought-Tolerant Plant List published by the Department of Water Resources. However, it allows for exceptions for functional turf requirements associated with public recreational areas, while explicitly excluding stormwater drainage areas located in subdivisions from these exceptions.

Additionally, the bill defines "subdivision" in accordance with existing law and clarifies that the prohibition on minimum turf requirements does not apply to public spaces regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes. The changes aim to streamline water management practices in AMAs while ensuring that municipalities retain some flexibility for public recreational use areas. Overall, the bill seeks to balance water conservation efforts with community needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.52, 45-563.03, 45-402, 45-561
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.52, 45-563.03, 45-402
House Engrossed Version: 45-563.03