Sod permits will now be granted year round. Colorado Springs Utilities officials believe homeowners are getting the message about the drought. And the additional rain this Spring has also helped.

Sod farmers are applauding the move. They say it would have cut down on their business dramatically. RSI Landscape said implementing the sod permit ban would have dried up a large chunk of his profits and lead to layoffs in the industry.

Still, council members want to make sure the public doesn't see this as a green light to waste water. They're still asking Springs residents to conserve.

City Council also had a first reading on a proposal that would allow homeowners to use a garden hose for watering trees and shrubs, instead of a bucket. If approved, these changes will take effect July 2.