Chapter 18.75 WATER CONSERVATION FOR LANDSCAPING

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt the findings and declarations of the California Legislature enumerated in Government Code Section 65591.2 and adopt this chapter in compliance with Government Code Section 65595. The purpose of this chapter is also to:

A. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention;

B. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water-efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects;

C. To reduce the water demands from landscapes without a decline in landscape quality or quantity;

D. To retain flexibility and encourage creativity through appropriate design;

E. To assure the attainment of water-efficient landscape goals by requiring that landscapes not exceed a maximum water demand of 70 percent of its reference evapotranspiration (ETo) or any lower percentage as may be required by water purveyor policy or state legislation, whichever is stricter;

F. To eliminate water waste from overspray and/or runoff;

G. To achieve water conservation by raising the public awareness of the need to conserve water through education and motivation to embrace an effective water demand management program; and

H. To implement the requirements to meet the state of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act 2006 and the California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.020 Definitions.

The terms used in this chapter have the meanings set forth below:

“Backfilling” means to refill an excavation, usually with excavated material.

“Backflow prevention device” means a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

“Check valve” or “anti-drain valve” means a valve located under a sprinkler head or other location in the irrigation system to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from the sprinkler heads when the system is off.

“City” shall mean the city of Calimesa.

“Established landscape” means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the site. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth.

“Estimated annual water use” or “EAWU” means estimated total water use per year as calculated by the formula contained in CMC 18.75.040(B)(12)(n).

“Hydrozone” means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.

“Invasive species” are nonindigenous species (e.g., plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically. Lists of invasive species are included within the Western Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (incorporated by reference). In addition, for the purposes of this chapter, invasive species include other locally invasive species as further defined by a local lead agency.

“Landscape architect” means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California (Government Code Section 5615).

“Landscaped area” or “LA” means all of the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) calculation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or impervious hardscapes, and other nonirrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

“Local water purveyor” means any entity that provides retail water service to customers within the city of Calimesa, such as Yucaipa Valley, South Mesa, and/or Beaumont Cherry Valley Water Districts.

“Low-volume irrigation” means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines, and bubblers. Low-volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

“Maximum applied water allowance” or “MAWA” means the upper limit of annual applied water allowed for the established landscaped area.

“Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems” means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., pop ups, impulse sprinklers, spray heads and rotors, etc.).

“Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means a standard measurement of environmental parameters, which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowances so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. The California Department of Water Resources shall take reference evapotranspiration numbers from the most current evapotranspiration zones map. For geographic areas not covered by the evapotranspiration zones map, data from nearby areas shall be used.

“Rehabilitated landscapes” means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, and/or would meet the requirements of CMC 18.75.030.

“Smart irrigation controller” means an irrigation control device with a clock that automatically adjusts irrigation run times in response to environmental changes, including the use of sensors and weather information to manage watering times and frequency so that, as environmental conditions vary, the controller increases or decreases irrigation, or can turn off sprinklers automatically during rain, high wind or low temperature.

“Special landscape area” means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, and publicly accessible areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, or golf courses, where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high traffic activities.

“Temporarily irrigated” means irrigation for the purposes of establishing plants, or irrigation which will not continue after plant establishment. Temporary irrigation is for a period of six months or less.

“Water intensive landscaping” means a landscape with a WUCOLS plant factor of 0.7 or greater.

“WUCOLS” means the publication entitled “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species” by the U.C. Cooperative Extension (1999 or most current version).

“Xeriscape” means a combination of landscape features and techniques that in the aggregate reduce the demand for and consumption of water, including appropriate low water using plants, nonliving ground cover, a low percentage of turf coverage, permeable paving and water-conserving irrigation techniques and systems. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.030 Applicability.

This chapter shall apply to all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects and private development projects in the city of Calimesa, including:

A. The water-efficient landscape requirements contained in this chapter shall be applicable to all new construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-family and multifamily projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan checks or development plan review (DPR, including MDPRs) and/or all other landscape projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet subject to discretionary permits, plan checks, design reviews, and/or approvals.

B. In the event covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) are required by the city for any permit subject to this chapter, a condition shall be incorporated into any project approval prohibiting the use of water-intensive landscaping and requiring the use of low water use landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in connection with common area/open space landscaping. Additionally, such a condition shall also require the CC&Rs to incorporate provisions concerning landscape irrigation system management and maintenance. This chapter shall not be construed as requiring landscaping of common areas or open space that is intended to remain natural. CC&Rs shall not prohibit use of low water use plants or the replacement of turf with less water intensive plant species, or xeriscape.

C. CMC 18.75.250(B) applies to existing properties with landscape areas one acre or greater in size or properties served by a dedicated landscape irrigation meter.

D. Recognizing the special landscape needs of future cemeteries.

E. The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

1. Any project with a total landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet;

2. Registered local, state or federal historical sites;

3. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system and have an establishment period of less than three years;

4. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; and

5. Botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.040 Landscape documentation package requirements.

An applicant proposing any new landscape that is subject to this chapter (CMC 18.75.210) and designated for recycled water use is advised that recycled water irrigation systems will entail additional coordination with the local water purveyor, the land use agency and the maintenance entity’s standards, approvals, and implementation requirements. Therefore, applicants shall consult with the appropriate water purveyor early in the development review process to ensure that future recycled water facilities meet the projected demand and that subsequent landscape plans comply with the applicable standards, approvals, and implementation requirements of the local water purveyor, land use agency, and maintenance entity.

Water systems for common open space areas shall use nonpotable water if approved facilities are made available by the water purveyor. Provisions for a nonpotable water system shall be provided within the landscape plan. Water systems designed to utilize non-potable water shall be designed to meet all applicable standards of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County health department. This section is specific to water agencies. An applicant proposing any new or rehabilitated landscape subject to this chapter (CMC 18.75.030) shall prepare and submit to the community development director documentation including the following:

1. Project information;

2. Planting plan;

3. Irrigation design plan;

4. Soil management plan; and

5. Grading design plan.

Therefore, applicants shall consult with the appropriate water purveyor early in the development review process to ensure that future recycled water facilities meet the projected demand and that subsequent landscape plans comply with the applicable standards, approvals, and implementation requirements of the local water purveyor, land use agency, and maintenance entity.

A. Project Information.

1. Date;

2. Applicant and applicant contact information;

3. Project owner and contact information;

4. Project address including parcel and lot numbers;

5. Total landscape area (square feet);

6. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private);

7. Water supply (e.g., potable, well, recycled). Use of recycled water is encouraged;

8. Applicant signature and date with statement “I agree to comply with the requirements of Chapter 18.75 CMC and submit a complete landscape documentation package.”

B. Planting Plan Requirements.

1. The “Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping” (Landscaping Guide) is hereby incorporated by reference to assist with developing water-efficient landscapes.

2. Plant types shall be grouped together in regards to their water, soil, sun and shade requirements and in relationship to the buildings. Plants with different water needs shall be irrigated separately. Plants with the following classifications shall be grouped accordingly: high and moderate, moderate and low, low and very low. Deviation from these groupings shall not be permitted.

3. Trees for shade shall be provided for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, parking lots and open space areas. These trees can be deciduous or evergreen and are to be incorporated to provide natural cooling opportunities for the purpose of energy and water conservation.

4. Plants shall be placed in a manner considerate of solar orientation to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

5. Plant selection for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required. Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches shall be avoided.

6. Invasive species of plants shall be avoided especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, and open spaces because of their potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas.

7. All exposed surfaces of non-turf areas within the developed landscape area shall be mulched with a minimum three-inch layer of material, except in areas with groundcover planted from flats where mulch depth shall be one and one-half inches.

8. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.

9. Turf areas shall be used in response to functional needs and in compliance with the water budget.

10. Decorative water features, such as fountains, reflection pools, etc., shall use recirculating water systems.

11. Where available, recycled water shall be used as the source for irrigation and decorative water features.

12. Planting plans shall identify and site the following:

a. New and existing trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf areas within the proposed landscape area;

b. Planting legend indicating all plant species by botanical name and common name, spacing, and quantities of each type of plant by container size;

c. Designation of hydrozones;

d. Area, in square feet, devoted to landscaping and a breakdown of the total area by landscape hydrozones;

e. Property lines, streets, and street names;

f. Building locations, driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and other hardscape features;

g. Appropriate scale and north arrow;

h. Any special landscape areas;

i. Type of mulch and application depth;

j. Type and surface area of any water features;

k. Type and installation details of any applicable storm water best management practices;

l. Planting specifications and details, including the recommendations from the soils analysis, if applicable;

m. Maximum Applied Water Allowance.

i. Planting plans shall be prepared using the following water budget formula:

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.7 x LA + 0.3 x SLA] where

ETo is reference evapotranspiration

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet

LA is total landscape area (including the SLA) in square feet

ii. For the purposes of determining the maximum applied water allowance, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

n. Estimated Annual Water Use (EAWU).

i. EAWU for a given hydrozone is calculated as follows:

EAWU (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[(PF x HA) / IE) + SLA] Where

ETo is reference evapotranspiration

PF is plant factor

HA is hydrozone area in square feet

IE is irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.71)

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet

ii. Landscaping plans shall provide EAWU (in the same units as the MAWA) for each valve circuit in the irrigation hydrozone. The sum of all EAWU calculations shall not exceed the MAWA for the project.

iii. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor for low water use plants ranges from zero to 0.3, for moderate water use plants ranges from 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water use plants ranges from 0.7 to 1.0.

iv. The plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor or the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used.

v. The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation and temporarily irrigated areas in the low water use hydrozone.

13. Planting plans and irrigation plans shall be drawn at the same size and scale.

14. The planting plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect licensed by the state of California.

C. Irrigation Design Plan Requirements.

1. The “Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping” (landscaping guide) is hereby incorporated by reference to assist the applicant in designing, constructing, and maintaining an efficient irrigation system.

2. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

3. All irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low-head drainage and other similar conditions where water flows off site onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Irrigation systems shall be designed, constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve as high an overall efficiency as possible. The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

4. Landscaped areas shall be provided with a smart irrigation controller, as defined in CMC 18.75.020, which automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to changing weather conditions unless the use of the property would otherwise prohibit use of a timer. The planting areas shall be grouped in relation to moisture control zones based on similarity of water requirements (i.e., turf separate from shrub and groundcover, full sun exposure areas separate from shade areas, top of slope separate from toe of slope). Additional water conservation technology may be required, where necessary, at the discretion of the community development director.

5. Water systems for common open space areas shall use nonpotable water, if approved facilities are made available by the water purveyor. Provisions for the conversion to a nonpotable water system shall be provided within the landscape plan. Water systems designed to utilize nonpotable water shall be designed to meet all applicable standards of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County health department.

6. Separate valves shall be provided for separate water use planting areas, so that the same irrigation valve irrigates plants with similar water needs. All installations shall rely on highly efficient state of the art irrigation systems to eliminate runoff and maximize irrigation efficiency as required by the landscaping guide.

7. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the water supply shall be measured. These pressure and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at the installation.

8. The capacity of the irrigation system shall not exceed:

a. The capacity required for peak water demand based on water budget calculations;

b. Meter capacity; or

c. Backflow preventer type and device capacity.

9. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer.

10. In mulched planting areas, the use of low-volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.

11. Non-turf areas on slopes greater than 25 percent shall be irrigated with drip irrigation or other low-volume irrigation technology.

12. Long, narrow, or irregularly shaped areas including turf less than eight feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low-volume irrigation technology.

13. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface. There are no restrictions on the irrigation system type if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no overspray and runoff occurs.

14. Overhead irrigation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

15. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with the following:

a. A smart irrigation controller as defined in subsection (C)(4) of this section;

b. A rain-sensing device to prevent irrigation during rainy weather;

c. Anti-drain check valves installed at strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage;

d. A manual shut-off valve shall be required as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency or routine repair;

e. A pressure regulator when the static water pressure is above or below the recommended operating pressure of the irrigation system;

f. Backflow prevention devices; and

g. Riser protection components for all risers in high-traffic areas.

16. Dedicated landscape meters shall be required for all projects greater than 2,500 square feet except single-family residences.

17. Irrigation design plans shall identify and site the following:

a. Hydrozones.

i. Each hydrozone shall be designated by number, letter or other designation;

ii. A hydrozone information table shall be prepared for each hydrozone;

b. The areas irrigated by each valve;

c. Irrigation point of connection (POC) to the water system;

d. Static water pressure at POC;

e. Location and size of water meter(s), service laterals, and backflow preventers;

f. Location, size, and type of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads and nozzles, pressure regulator, drip and low-volume irrigation equipment;

g. Total flow rate (gallons per minute), and design operating pressure (psi) for each overhead spray and bubbler circuit, and total flow rate (gallons per hour) and design operating pressure (psi) for each drip and low-volume irrigation circuit;

h. Precipitation rate (inches per hour) for each overhead spray circuit;

i. Irrigation legend with the manufacturer name, model number, and general description for all specified equipment, separate symbols for all irrigation equipment with different spray patterns, spray radius, and precipitation rate;

j. Irrigation system details for assembly and installation;

k. Recommended irrigation schedule for each month, including number of irrigation days per week, number of start times (cycles) per day, minutes of run time per cycle, and estimated amount of applied irrigation water, expressed in gallons per month and gallons per year, for the established landscape; and

l. Irrigation design plans shall contain the following statement: “I agree to comply with the criteria of Chapter 18.75 CMC and to apply them for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan.”

18. For each valve, two irrigation schedules shall be prepared, one for the initial establishment period of six months and one for the established landscape, which incorporate the specific water needs of the plants and turf throughout the calendar year.

19. Irrigation plans and planting plans (subsection (B) of this section) shall be drawn at the same size and scale.

D. Soil Management Plan Requirements.

1. After mass grading, the project applicant or his/her designee shall:

a. Perform a preliminary site inspection;

b. Determine the appropriate level of soil sampling and sampling method needed to obtain representative soil sample(s);

c. Conduct a soil probe test to determine if the soil in the landscape area has sufficient depth to support the intended plants; and

d. Obtain appropriate soil sample(s).

2. The project applicant or his/her designee shall submit soil sample(s) to a laboratory for analysis and recommendation. The soil analysis may include:

a. Soil texture;

b. Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate tables;

c. pH;

d. Total soluble salts;

e. Sodium; and

f. Recommendations.

3. The project applicant or his/her designee shall prepare documentation describing the following:

a. Soil type;

b. Identification of limiting soil characteristics;

c. Identification of planned soil management actions to remediate limiting soil characteristics; and

d. Submit the soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the city pursuant to the requirements of CMC 18.75.160, Certificate of completion.

E. Grading Design Plan Requirements, if Applicable. The landscape documentation package shall include rough/precise grade elevations prepared for the project by a licensed civil engineer. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.050 Landscape irrigation and maintenance.

This section applies to all landscape projects subject to this chapter.

A. The “Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping” (landscaping guide) is hereby incorporated by reference to assist the applicant in implementing landscape maintenance to ensure water use efficiency.

B. Two irrigation schedules shall be prepared, one for the initial establishment period of six months and one for the established landscape, which incorporate the specific water needs of the plants and turf throughout the calendar year. The irrigation schedule shall take into account the particular characteristics of the soil; shall be continuously available on site to those responsible for the landscape maintenance; and shall contain specifics as to optimum run time and frequency of watering, and irrigation hours per day. The schedule currently in effect shall be posted at the controller.

C. A regular maintenance schedule and certificate of completion shall be submitted to the community development director, property owner, and water purveyor. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection, adjustments, and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and de-thatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas and removing any obstruction to irrigation devices. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or equivalent.

D. All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water-efficient landscapes described in this chapter.

E. Information shall be provided to owners of new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.060 Compliance/plan submittal process.

The community development director or designee shall have the duty and authority to administer and enforce this chapter.

A. As part of the land development process and prior to construction, the city of Calimesa shall:

1. Provide the project applicant with the ordinance and procedures for permits, plan checks, or design reviews;

2. Review the landscape documentation package (CMC 18.75.040) submitted by the project applicant;

3. Approve or reject the landscape documentation package; and

4. Issue a permit or approve the plan check or design review for the project applicant.

B. As part of the land development process and prior to construction, the project applicant shall:

1. Submit a landscape documentation package to the city for review and approval by the community development director. An independent licensed landscape architect to ensure that all components of the plans adhere to the requirements of this chapter shall review the planting plan, irrigation plan, and soils management plan. The licensed landscape architect shall sign the plans, verifying that the plans comply with this chapter. Any plans submitted without the signature of a licensed landscape architect shall not be accepted for review.

C. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection for a project subject to this chapter, a regular maintenance schedule and a certificate of completion shall be submitted to the community development director certifying that the landscaping has been completed in accordance with the approved planting, irrigation, soil management, and grading design plans for the project. The certificate of completion shall be signed by a licensed landscape architect and shall indicate:

1. Date;

2. Project information:

a. Project name;

b. Project applicant name, telephone, mailing address;

c. Project address and location;

d. Property owner name and mailing address;

3. Prior to backfilling, evidence that the party responsible for irrigation installation conducted a preliminary field inspection of the irrigation system (evidence of field inspection shall be attached);

4. The landscaping has been installed in conformance with the approved planting and irrigation plans;

5. Irrigation audit report performed by a certified irrigation auditor after project installation (audit report shall be attached);

6. The smart irrigation controller has been set according to the irrigation schedule;

7. The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and eliminate overspray and runoff;

8. A copy of the approved landscape documentation package, the irrigation schedule, and the maintenance schedule have been given to the property owner and local water purveyor; and

9. Verification that the maintenance schedule has been provided to the community development director.

D. At a minimum, all landscape irrigation audits shall comply with the “Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training Manual” (2004 or most current) and shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.

E. The community development director or his/her designee shall have the right to enter upon the project site at any time before, during and after installation of the landscaping to conduct inspections for the purpose of enforcing this chapter. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.070 Landscape water use efficiency enforcement.

A. Restrictions. The following water conservation requirements are intended to avoid water waste, are effective at all times, and are permanent:

1. Limits on Watering Hours. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. Overhead irrigation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

2. No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.

3. No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces. Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used, or a low-volume high-pressure water broom.

4. Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions. Excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than seven days is prohibited.

B. Landscape Meter Requirements.

1. A separate dedicated meter is required for landscape areas greater than or equal to 2,500 square feet.

2. The efficient use of water should be considered in the design of any new landscape area. The MAWA will be calculated for customers that request a new account using the formula in CMC 18.75.040(B)(12)(m).

3. Prior to the issuance of a meter, the new customer shall calculate the EAWU for each landscape area using the formula provided in CMC 18.75.040(B)(12)(n). The EAWU shall be submitted to the local water purveyor for review. For the new meter to be issued, the calculated water budget for the landscape area cannot exceed the MAWA calculated in CMC 18.75.080(B)(2).

4. New accounts that have to comply with equivalent or more stringent water use efficiency measures imposed by another jurisdiction do not need to comply with the requirements of this section, but do need to provide information about the landscape area to the local water purveyor.

a. A local agency may designate another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this chapter. Local agencies may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity’s specific responsibilities relating to this chapter.

b. Applicability.

i. Except as provided in CMC 18.75.030(A), this section shall apply to:

(A) All new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects and private development projects that require a permit; and

(B) Developer-installed landscaping in single-family and multi-family projects.

ii. Projects subject to this section shall conform to the provisions in CMC 18.75.030.

iii. This section shall not apply to:

(A) Homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and multifamily projects;

(B) Cemeteries;

(D) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

(E) Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or

(F) Any project with a landscape area less than 2,500 square feet.

C. Landscape Documentation Package.

1. A copy of the landscape documentation package conforming to this chapter shall be submitted to the city. No permit shall be issued until the city reviews and approves the landscape documentation package.

2. A copy of the approved landscape documentation package shall be provided to the property owner or site manager along with the record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to the property owner or site manager.

3. A copy of the water conservation concept statement and the certificate of substantial completion shall be sent by the project manager to the local retail water purveyor.

4. Each landscape documentation package shall include the following elements, which are described in CMC 18.75.080(C):

a. Water conservation concept statement;

b. Calculation of the maximum applied water allowance;

c. Calculation of the estimated applied water use;

d. Calculation of the estimated total water use;

e. Landscape design plan;

f. Irrigation design plan;

g. Irrigation schedules;

h. Maintenance schedule;

i. Landscape irrigation audit schedule;

j. Grading design plan;

k. Soil analysis;

l. Certificate of substantial completion (to be submitted after installation of the project).

5. If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the estimated total water use, then an effective precipitation disclosure statement from the landscape professional and the property owner shall be submitted with the landscape documentation package.

D. Elements of Landscape Documentation Package.

1. Water Conservation Concept Statement. Each landscape documentation package shall include a cover sheet, referred to as the water conservation concept statement, similar to the following example. It serves as a checklist to verify that the elements of the landscape documentation package have been completed and has a narrative summary of the project. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.080 Compliance with landscape documentation package.

A. Prior to construction, the local agency shall:

1. Provide the project applicant with this chapter and procedures for permits, plan checks or design reviews;

2. Review the landscape documentation package submitted by the project applicant;

3. Approve or deny the landscape documentation package;

4. Issue a permit or approve the plan check or design review for the project applicant; and

5. Upon approval of the landscape documentation package, submit a copy of the water-efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor.

B. Prior to construction, the project applicant shall:

1. Submit a landscape documentation package to the local agency.

C. Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the local agency, the project applicant shall:

1. Receive a permit or approval of the plan check or design review and record the date of the permit in the certificate of completion;

2. Submit a copy of the approved landscape documentation package along with the record drawings, and any other information to the property owner or his/her designee; and

3. Submit a copy of the water-efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.090 Penalties.

Any violation of this chapter shall be subject to penalties provided in Chapters 1.20 and 1.30 CMC. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.100 Elements of the landscape documentation package.

The landscape documentation package shall include the following six elements:

A. Project Information.

1. Date;

2. Project applicant;

3. Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s));

4. Total landscape area (square feet);

5. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed);

6. Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well.

B. Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package.

C. Project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property owner, applicant signature and date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the water-efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete landscape documentation package.”

D. Water-efficient landscape worksheet.

E. Hydrozone information table.

F. Water Budget Calculations.

1. Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA);

2. Estimated total water use (ETWU);

3. Soil management report;

4. Landscape design plan;

5. Irrigation design plan; and

6. Grading design plan. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.110 Water-efficient landscape worksheet.

A project applicant shall complete the water-efficient landscape worksheet, which contains two sections:

A. A hydrozone information table (see Appendix B to the ordinance codified in this chapter, Section A) for the landscape project; and

B. A water budget calculation (see Appendix B to the ordinance codified in this chapter, Section B) for the landscape project. For the calculation of the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use, a project applicant shall use the ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Section 495, Appendix A. For geographic areas not covered in Appendix A, use data from other cities located nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration zone.

1. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:

a. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges from zero to 0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.

b. All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.

c. All special landscape areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as described below.

d. ETAF for special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.

2. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance. A project’s maximum applied water allowance shall be calculated using the following formula:

MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) where:

MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)

ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)

0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor

LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)

0.62 = conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)

3. Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or school yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes are considered recreational areas and may require water in addition to the maximum applied water allowance. A statement shall be included with the landscape design plan, designating recreational areas to be used for such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water above the maximum applied water allowance. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.120 Soil management report.

In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, the project applicant or designee shall complete a soil management report, as follows:

A. Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations.

1. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.

2. The soil analysis may include:

a. Soil texture;

b. Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;

c. pH;

d. Total soluble salts;

e. Sodium;

f. Percent organic matter; and

g. Recommendations.

3. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:

a. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the local agency as part of the landscape documentation package; or

b. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the local agency as part of the certificate of completion.

4. The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely manner, to the professionals preparing the landscape design plans and irrigation design plans to make any necessary adjustments to the design plans.

5. The project applicant, or designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the local agency with the certificate of completion.

B. Landscape Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.

C. Plant Selection and Grouping.

1. Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the estimated applied water use recommended does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance and that the plants meet the specifications set forth in CMC 18.75.040(B).

2. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.

3. Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other provisions of this chapter.

4. Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire-prone. Information about fire-prone areas and appropriate landscaping for fire safety is available from local fire departments or the California Department of Forestry. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.130 Landscape design plan.

A. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

1. Plant Material. Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the estimated total water use in the total landscape area does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following is highly recommended:

a. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

b. Selection of water-conserving plant species and turf species;

c. Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines; and

d. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.

2. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of for hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in CMC 18.75.140(B).

3. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following is highly recommended:

a. Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System, which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate;

b. Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines); and

c. Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

4. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape, and where 25 percent means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run times 100 equals slope percent).

5. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches.

6. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is discouraged. Invasive species of plants shall be avoided especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, and open spaces because of their potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas.

7. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which includes community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water use plants as a group.

B. Water Features.

1. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.

2. Pool and spa covers are encouraged to prevent evaporation.

3. Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.

4. Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.

C. Mulch and Amendments.

1. A minimum two-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.

2. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.

3. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.

4. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected as noted in CMC 18.75.120(C).

D. Landscape Design Plan Specifications. The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies:

1. Designation of hydrozones.

2. Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated.

3. Property lines and street names.

4. Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.

5. Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls.

6. Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevation if applicable.

7. Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings, existing trees, and shrubs that will remain.

8. Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details.

9. A calculation of the total landscaped area.

10. Designation of recreational areas.

E. The landscape design plan shall follow standard industry practices and applicable local agency requirements. The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:

1. Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;

2. Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water or mixed water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;

3. Identify recreational areas;

4. Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;

5. Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;

6. Identify type of mulch and application depth;

7. Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;

8. Identify type and surface area of water features;

9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and nonpervious);

10. Identify location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:

a. Infiltration beds, swales and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground;

b. Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow and filter pollutants; and

c. Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff;

11. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.);

12. Contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 18.75 CMC and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan”; and

13. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor or any other applicable landscape professional, person, licensed or unlicensed, authorized to design a landscape.

F. Irrigation Design Plan. An irrigation design plan meeting the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscaped documentation package:

1. Irrigation Design Criteria.

a. Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing the irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates, therefore minimizing runoff. Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes and to avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than 10 feet, and in median strips. No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in median strips less than 10 feet wide.

b. Irrigation Efficiency. For the purpose of determining the maximum applied water allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.625. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency.

c. Equipment – Water Meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except for single-family homes or any project with a landscaped area of less than 5,000 square feet.

d. Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.

e. Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage.

f. Sprinkler Heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.

g. Rain-Sensing Override Devices. Rain-sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems.

h. Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. It is recommended that soil moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate.

G. Recycled Water.

1. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted as described in CMC 18.75.210(B).

2. Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future.

The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all local and state codes. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.140 Irrigation design plan.

A. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

1. System.

a. Dedicated landscape water meters are highly recommended on landscape areas smaller than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management.

b. Weather-based irrigation controllers or soil-moisture-based controllers or other self-adjusting irrigation controllers shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.

c. The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

i. If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.

ii. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at installation.

2. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions such as rain or a freeze shall be required on all irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.

3. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair.

4. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the applicable local agency code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.

5. High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are recommended.

6. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto nontargeted areas, such as adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways or structures.

7. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.

8. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.

9. The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet irrigation efficiency criteria as described in CMC 18.75.200 regarding the maximum applied water allowance.

10. It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.

11. In mulched planting areas, the use of low-volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.

12. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

13. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s recommendations.

14. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to high-traffic areas.

15. Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems.

16. Long, narrow, or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low-volume irrigation technology.

17. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:

a. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no overspray or runoff occurs; or

b. The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or

c. The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology as part of the landscape documentation package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria in CMC 18.75.130(F)(1). Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during irrigation audit.

18. Slopes greater than 25 percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during irrigation audit.

B. Hydrozone.

1. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions and plant materials with similar water use.

2. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.

3. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers and turf.

4. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use or moderate and high water use may be allowed if:

a. Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor; or

b. The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.

5. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.

6. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the hydrozone information table. This table can also assist with pre-inspection and final inspection of the irrigation system, and programming the controller.

7. Irrigation Design Plan Specifications. Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from but use the same format as the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan described in CMC 18.75.130. The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify:

a. Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape.

b. Location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices.

c. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.

d. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each station.

e. Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in CMC 18.75.210.

8. The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, submitted to the local agency shall follow standard industry practices and applicable local agency requirements, including:

a. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape;

b. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators and backflow prevention devices;

c. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;

d. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour) and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;

e. Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in CMC 18.75.210;

f. The following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 18.75 CMC and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan”; and

g. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, irrigation consultant, licensed landscape contractor or any other applicable landscape professional or person, licensed or unlicensed, authorized to design an irrigation system.

h. Irrigation schedules satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.

An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules shall be required for the plant establishment period, for the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas.

C. The irrigation schedule shall:

1. Include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station.

2. Provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual basis.

3. The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated in the estimated total water use calculation plus water needed for any water features, which shall be considered as a high water using hydrozone.

4. Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional water is needed above the maximum applied water allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency).

5. Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data such as those from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different climates.

6. Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high temperature.

D. Maintenance Schedules. A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

1. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, and weeding in all landscaped areas.

2. Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally specified materials or their equivalents.

E. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules.

1. A schedule of landscape irrigation audits, for all but single-family residences, satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted to the city as part of the landscape documentation package.

a. At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State of California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document, which is hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook (June 1990) version 5.5 [formerly Master Auditor Training].)

b. The schedule shall provide for landscape irrigation audits to be conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years.

2. Grading Design Plan. Grading design plans satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

a. A grading design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from but use the same format as the landscape design plan.

b. The grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes, drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.150 Grading design plan.

A. For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package. A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local agency permits satisfies this requirement.

1. The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:

a. Height of graded slopes;

b. Drainage patterns;

c. Pad elevations;

d. Finish grade; and

e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.

2. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that project applicants:

a. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain onto nonpermeable hardscapes;

b. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and

c. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.

3. The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 18.75 CMC and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading design plan” and the signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor or any other applicable landscape professional or person, licensed or unlicensed, as listed in the Business and Professions Code, California Code of Regulations, or Food and Agriculture Code licensed professional as required by law.

B. Soils. A soil analysis satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

1. Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic matter.

2. An approximate soil infiltration rate (either measured or derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables). A range of infiltration rates shall be noted where appropriate.

3. Measure of pH, and total soluble salts.

4. A mulch of at least three inches shall be applied to all planting areas except turf.

C. Certification.

1. Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, as referenced in CMC 18.75.250(B).)

2. A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial completion to the city. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as designed, and that an irrigation audit has been performed, along with a list of any observed deficiencies.

3. Certification shall be accomplished by completing a certificate of substantial completion and delivering it to the city, to the retail water supplier, and to the owner of record. The city may provide a sample of the form as requested. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.160 Certificate of completion.

A. A certificate of completion provided by the applicant shall include the following six elements, including the following information and documentation:

1. Project information sheet that contains:

a. Date;

b. Project name;

c. Project applicant name, telephone, and mailing address;

d. Project address and location; and

e. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address;

2. Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project has been installed per the approved landscape documentation package;

3. Parameters used to set the controller;

4. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule;

5. Irrigation audit report; and

6. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with landscape documentation package, and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations.

B. The project applicant shall:

1. Submit the signed certificate of completion to the local agency for review;

2. Ensure that copies of the approved certificate of completion are submitted to the local water purveyor and property owner or his or her designee.

C. The local agency shall:

1. Receive the signed certificate of completion from the project applicant;

2. Approve or deny the certificate of completion. If the certificate of completion is denied, the local agency shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal or other assistance. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.170 Irrigation scheduling.

For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:

A. Irrigation scheduling shall use automatic irrigation systems and evapotranspiration data such as those from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS).

B. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.

C. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the estimated total water use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to maximum applied water allowance (MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be based on current time reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor.

D. Parameters used to set the controller shall be developed and submitted for each of the following:

1. The plant establishment period;

2. The established landscape; and

3. Temporarily irrigated areas.

E. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:

1. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);

2. Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);

3. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;

4. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;

5. Application rate setting;

6. Root depth setting;

7. Plant type setting;

8. Soil type;

9. Slope factor setting;

10. Shade factor setting; and

11. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.180 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.

A. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the certificate of completion.

B. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas and removing any obstruction to emission devices.

C. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents.

D. A project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.190 Irrigation audit, irrigation survey and irrigation water use analysis.

A. At a minimum, all landscape irrigation audits shall comply with the Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training Manual (2004 or most current edition), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

B. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.

C. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1, 2010:

1. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the certificate of completion to the local agency that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule;

2. The local agency shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits and irrigation surveys for compliance with the maximum applied water allowance. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.200 Irrigation efficiency.

For the purpose of determining maximum applied water allowance, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 0.71. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.210 Recycled water.

A. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless the local water purveyor has provided written documentation in letter form, indicating that recycled water is not generally available at the location.

B. Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water purveyor agency stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future.

C. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.

D. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.220 Stormwater management.

A. Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration, which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration are encouraged.

B. Project applicants shall refer to the local agency or regional water quality control board for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans.

C. Rain gardens and other landscape features that increase rainwater capture and infiltration are recommended.

D. Public Education.

1. Publications.

a. Local agencies shall provide information to owners of all new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes.

b. Information about the efficient use of landscape water shall be provided to water users throughout the community. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.230 Public education.

Education is a critical component to promote the efficient use of water in landscapes. The use of appropriate principles of design, installation, management and maintenance that save water is encouraged in the community.

A. A local agency shall provide information to owners of new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes.

B. Model Homes. At least one model home that is landscaped in each project consisting of eight or more homes shall demonstrate via signs and information the principles of water-efficient landscapes described in this chapter.

1. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of water-efficient landscape and featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment and others, which contribute to the overall water-efficient theme.

2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, and maintaining water-efficient landscapes.

3. Model Homes. All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water-efficient landscapes described in this chapter.

a. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water-efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment and others that contribute to the overall water-efficient theme.

b. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water-efficient landscapes. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.240 Environmental review.

A. The adoption of the model water-efficient landscape ordinance by the state of California is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

B. The local agency must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as appropriate. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.250 Provisions for existing landscapes.

A. A local agency may designate another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this chapter. Local agencies may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity’s specific responsibilities relating to this chapter.

B. Water Management. All existing landscaped areas to which the city provides water that are one acre or more, including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multi-family housing, schools, businesses, parks, cemeteries, and publicly owned landscapes shall have a landscape irrigation audit at least every five years. At a minimum, the audit shall be in accordance with the California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document which is hereby incorporated by reference.

1. If the project’s water bills indicate that they are using less than or equal to the maximum applied water allowance for that project site, an audit shall not be required.

2. Recognition of projects that stay within the maximum applied water allowance is encouraged. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.260 Irrigation audit, irrigation survey and irrigation water use analysis.

A. This section shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2010, and are over one acre in size.

1. For all landscapes that have a water meter, the local agency shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits that verify landscape water use does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance for existing landscapes. The maximum applied water allowance for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8)(ETo)(LA)(0.62).

2. For all landscapes that do not have a meter, the local agency shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits that verify proper operation of the irrigation system and prevent water waste.

B. For all existing landscapes installed before January 1, 2010, with a dedicated or mixed-use water meter that are one acre or more, including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multi-family housing, schools, businesses, parks, cemeteries and publicly owned landscapes, the local agency shall administer programs that may include but not be limited to irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to meet the existing landscape maximum applied water allowance.

For all existing landscapes installed before January 1, 2010, without a meter that are one acre or more, the local agency shall administer programs that may include but not be limited to irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to meet the existing landscape maximum applied water allowance.

C. Maximum applied water allowance for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8)(ETo)(LA)(0.62).

D. The audit shall comply with the Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training Manual (2004 or the most current edition).

E. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.270 Water waste prevention.

A. It shall be a violation of this section to willfully allow water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation runoff to leave the target landscape area due to low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots or structures.

B. Restrictions regarding overspray may be modified if:

1. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no overspray or runoff occurs; or

2. The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]

18.75.280 Effective precipitation.

If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the estimated total water use, an effective precipitation disclosure statement (similar to the sample effective precipitation disclosure statement attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter) shall be completed, signed, and submitted with the landscape documentation package. No more than 25 percent of the local annual mean precipitation shall be considered effective precipitation in the calculation of the estimated total water use.

A local agency may consider effective precipitation (25 percent of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate maximum applied water allowance: MAWA = (ETo-Eppt)(0.62)(0.7 x LA + 0.3 x SLA). [Ord. 299 § 2, 2009.]