CC Times - Bill Would Overturn HHA Powers To Regulate Drought-Resistant Lawns, Xeriscaping

[hatrack]

John Gioia's homeowner association warned him last fall — during the drought — to water his front lawn more to meet the community standards for lush and green.

The association also has a 20-year-old rule that won't let him replace his front lawn with rosemary, meadow grass and other drought-resistant plants. "It doesn't make sense that we have these old rules in homeowner associations that discriminate against low water-using plants in a state struggling with water shortages," said Gioia, a Contra Costa County supervisor.

Two of California's biggest urban water districts agree, and have teamed up to sponsor state legislation that would bar local homeowner associations from requiring lush lawns in droughts and prohibiting homeowners from replacing lawns with less-thirsty plants.

Assembly Bill 1061 bill sailed through its first test Tuesday with unanimous approval from the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California teamed up to support the bill, which could apply to millions of Californians living in planned unit developments. "It shocked me to hear that some homeowners are getting warning letters because they're trying to comply with our rationing," said Andy Katz, an EBMUD board member from Berkeley.

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http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_12157982?nclick_check=1

[depakid]

1. That's something long overdue

More comprehensive regulations of these little fiefdoms ought to be enacted on the federal level.

[IDemo]

2. I'd like to see a federal ruling ending mandatory lawn covenants

Along the line of the FCC ruling that guarantees the right of home owners to place antennas and satellite dishes on their roofs despite covenants that ban them.

Frontyard vegetable gardens should be an option as well as xeriscaping.

[depakid]

3. While we're at it- add in a provision for clotheslines. too

[IDemo]

4. I forgot to add that one, thanks

That alone would save plenty of water in hydro-powered regions.