What types of projects are exempt from the MWELO requirements?

The correct answer is the exemption for cemeteries and botanical gardens in the context of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). MWELO was established primarily to promote water conservation in landscape practices across California, especially in new developments. Certain types of projects are specifically excluded from these requirements, recognizing that they may have unique characteristics or purposes that differ from general landscape practices aimed at water efficiency.

Cemeteries, for instance, are often designed with large expanses of turf and memorial landscaping that don't lend themselves to the same water efficiency standards intended for typical residential and commercial landscapes. Botanical gardens, similarly, focus on the preservation and demonstration of various plant species, often prioritizing horticultural diversity over water use efficiency.

This distinction allows these types of projects to maintain their intrinsic landscape functions without the constraints of MWELO, which could hinder their operational efficacy and aesthetic values. Other options, such as schools, commercial developments, and large residential properties, typically do not receive the same exemptions, as their landscaping practices are more directly linked to the goals of the ordinance.