Agency Considers Mandate To Prohibit Water-Guzzling Lawns On New Homes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California state officials are considering rules that would keep traditional water-guzzling lawns away from new homes and buildings.

The California Water Commission is meeting Tuesday to consider an update to the state's model landscape ordinance ordered by Gov. Jerry Brown because of the drought.

The proposal would limit the amount of water new sprinkler systems and landscapes can guzzle on residential and commercial properties. It would essentially mean more shrubs, less grass and fewer sprinklers.

California updated its building standards earlier this year to minimize lawn watering. The rules considered Tuesday would apply to more homes.

Existing houses don't have to change their lawns unless they go through major renovation that requires local permits.

Local governments must adopt the model ordinance or something similar by the end of the year.