Introduce, Read by Title Only, and Waive Further Reading, Ordinance No. MC-1669 Amending Section 19.28.120 (Water Efficient Landscaping Standards) of the City of San Bernardino Development Code (SBMC Title 19).
City of San Bernardino Mayor and City Council Meeting October 7, 2026 Matthew Fisher
Environmental Programs Coordinator
Department of Public Works
• California State Senate Bill (SB) 1383, enacted in 2016, and effective January 1, 2022, requires jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance or other enforceable requirement requiring compliance with California Code of Regulations Section 493.2(d)(2), (3), (4), and (7) of MWELO, as enacted January 2, 2025. • The current San Bernardino Development Code Title 19 (SBMC) does include much of the language and requirements of MWELO.
• Section 19.28.120 Water Efficient Landscaping Standards were last amended by a MC ordinance in February 2012. Predating the current CCR.
What is the purpose of this change?
What additions are being included in the ordinance?
• The Water Efficient Landscaping standard must be amended with language requiring applicable landscape projects to comply with state-mandated MWELO soil preparation, compost, mulch, and recycled/post-consumer organic mulch provisions.
• SB 1383 requires the City to adopt only the MWELO sections defined in the regulatory text – not the entirety of MWELO.
• To effectively implement the required sections of the MWELO, the City development code should also reflect other changes to applicable projects for the proposed subsection(s).
Requirements of MWELO Sections 493.2(d)(2), (3), (4), and (7) (Shortened)
• 2: Soil amendments incorporated according to recommendation of the soil management report and what is appropriate for the plants selected. • 3: Minimum incorporation of compost at a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of pervious area, to a depth of six-inches. • 4: Minimum three-inch layer of mulch applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas. To provide habitat for insects and other wildlife, up to 5% of the landscape area may be left without mulch.
• 7: Organic mulch made from recycled or post-consumer materials shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products.
Proposed Additions to SBMC Title 19
• 19.28.120(1)(B): A new section included confirming that the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Standards are intended to be at least as effective as MWELO. • 19.28.120(14): Primary change that is directly adopting MWELO 493.2(d) by reference. Incorporates applicable MWELO provisions related to soil preparation, mulch, and amendments.
• 19.28.120(16): Adds definitions for consistent interpretation and implementation of the amended standards. Existing definitions found in Title 19 may be contradictory to the section; this change will resolve this concern.
CEQA Consideration
The proposed project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that the adoption of the ordinance will not result in a significant effect on the environment.
The City is amending the existing Landscaping Standards in a capacity necessary to implement MWELO, as contained in Section 18989.2 of the CCR. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
Conclusion and Recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading, Ordinance No. MC-1669 amending Section 19.28.120 of the City of San Bernardino Development Code (SBMC Title 19).
Schedule the adoption of the above Ordinance to the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council on October 21, 2026.