Is new construction in Sarasota granted special exemptions from water restrictions?

Home developers must follow the same water restrictions as residents when Phase III guidelines take effect from April 3 through July 1. 

Sarasota is under extreme drought conditions, limiting the amount of water for irrigation. Conditions have worsened, leading the city to tighten water restrictions further and move from Phase II to III. 

Since new housing communities bring fresh landscaping, which require additional water to take hold and survive, they’re permitted to use more water than those with established yards.

But so can any newly-planted turf throughout the area – not just those in new developments. 

New yards and plants may be watered on any day within the first 30 days from planting. On days 31 to 60, they can be watered three days per week. After that, they can only be watered once per week during a designated time and day, depending on the address.