Sustainable Landscaping

August Stormwater Pollution Prevention Tips

Summer is in full swing! Although the chance of rain during the summer is usually very low, there is still potential for dry weather runoff to impact water quality. As a matter of fact, the City of Bueliton’s Municipal Code prohibits pollutants and water containing pollutants to be discharged to the stormwater drainage system in order to protect surface water and groundwater resources. You may be wondering about these residential activities that can produce dry weather runoff:

Individual residential car washing is allowed, but wash water containing dirt, soap, or other contaminates cannot flow to the stormwater system. It’s best to route this water to a vegetated area where it can infiltrate into the ground or ideally, wash your car at a car wash.
Swimming pool water may be discharged to the storm drain system, but it can’t contain any other contaminants, like chlorine, bromine, salt, or chemicals; dechlorinated pool water is allowed.
Landscape runoff should not discharge to the storm drain system. Be sure to adjust your sprinkler system to avoid overspray and overwatering. This will conserve water and help you save on your bill. Santa Barbara County recommends watering between the hours of 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
See more gardening and irrigation tips at WaterWiseSB.org.

The full list of authorized and unauthorized non-stormwater discharges can be found here: https://library.qcode.us/lib/buellton_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_15-chapter_15_01-15_01_080

How are we doing?

The City of Buellton welcomes feedback on our Stormwater Management Program and public outreach.

To provide your input, take the survey on our website or contact Public Works at (805) 688-5177 or email us at swmp@citvofbueliton.com

Rainwater Harvesting

It’s summertime on the central coast and probably the best time to do work outdoors. Now is the time to get your home garden ready for the next rainy season.

Rainwater harvesting is great to consider when coming up with ideas for your garden. Rain barrels and rain gardens are two ways used to divert and detain stormwater runoff for use in your garden. By capturing rain water, potable water can be replaced by using harvested water, and runoff is reduced which helps protect our creeks, streams, and other water bodies.

Funds still available for the “Buellton Beautiful” Landscape Rebate Program

APPLY NOW!

The City of Buellton is excited to announce that the newly-expanded “Buellton Beautiful” Landscape Rebate Program is now accepting applications! Improve the landscaping in the front yard of your home or business while also improving water efficiency!

The updated program offers more flexibility and additional opportunities for participation! Now being offered to both Buellton residents and businesses, the newly-expanded program offers the following opportunity. Don’t miss out!

$2.00 rebate per square foot of improved landscaping
Maximum of $1,000 for eligible residential or commercial properties
Applies to front yards or setback areas visible from the street
Existing front yard does not need to have living landscaping
Applications must be approved in advance of work being started

All Buellton residents and business tenants/property owners are encouraged to apply! The City Council has allocated $25,000 toward this program for Fiscal Year 20/21. Apply Now! Available funds will go fast!

Additional restrictions apply. For further details on the program, please visit the City’s website application or contact the Planning Department at 805-688-7474. Applications are available in the City Planning office or can be downloaded by clicking this link – Landscape Rebate Application

Water Wise Gardening

The biggest potential for water savings is outdoors.
While a 15 minute shower uses 30 gallons, watering an average lawn for 15 minutes uses 700 gallons!
- Use water wise plants the garden and landscape areas.
- Make sure your sprinklers don’t overwater or spray onto hard surfaces.
  – More information can be found here: http://www.sb.watersavingplants.com/sb.php

Green Gardener Program

The Green Gardener Program for Santa Barbara County educates local gardeners in resource efficient and pollution prevention landscape maintenance practices. The Green Gardener Program is a regional program designed to offer education, training, and promotion of participating gardeners and landscape maintenance contractors.

Here’s an updated list (updated February 2021) of the Certified Green Gardeners in Santa Barbara County.

City Hall Landscape Makeover

Completed in September 2015, this project was a culmination of City staff and landscape architect design ideas, a conservation corps grant and crews to help with the tear-out and installation of new drought-tolerant landscape and hardscape.