ARTICLE 45
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING1

25-45-1 SHORT TITLE:

This article shall be known and may be referred to herein as the WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-2 PURPOSE:

A.    The state legislature has found:

1. That the waters of the state are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing demands;

2. That the continuation of California’s economic prosperity is dependent on the availability of adequate supplies of water for future uses;

3. That it is the policy of the state to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource;

4. That landscapes are essential to the quality of life in California by providing areas for active and passive recreation and as an enhancement to the environment by cleaning air and water, preventing erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing ecosystems lost to development; and

5. That landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be water efficient; and

6. That section 2 of article X of the California constitution specifies that the right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use.

B.    Consistent with these legislative findings, the purpose of this article is to:

1. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible;

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

3. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes;

4. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a maximum applied water allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount;

5. Promote the benefits of consistent landscape ordinances with neighboring local and regional agencies;

6. Encourage water purveyors to use economic incentives that promote the efficient use of water; and

7. Establish guidelines, rules and regulations for use by the several departments which review development and redevelopment in the city as to landscaping and the efficient use of potable water to irrigate and maintain the landscaping;

8. Demonstrate that the city supports the purposes of AB 1881 by adoption of this article.

9. Provide such guidelines, rules, and regulations to replace existing city ordinance 1589 and to complement other existing city ordinances;

10. Assist property owners in developing their property with landscaping that is water use efficient. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-3 APPLICABILITY:

A.    Projects: As of January 1, 2010, this article shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:

1. Public Agency And Private Development Projects: New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for public agency projects and private development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;

2. Developer Installed Projects: New construction and rehabilitated landscapes which are developer installed in single-family and multi-family projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review;

3. Homeowner Installed Projects: New construction landscapes which are homeowner provided and/or homeowner hired in single-family and multi-family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;

4. Existing Landscapes: Existing landscapes limited to sections 25-45-23, 25-45-24 and 25-45-25 of this article; and

5. Cemeteries: Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to sections 25-45-9, 25-45-16, and 25-45-17 of this article; and existing cemeteries are limited to sections 25-45-23, 25-45-24, and 25-45-25 of this article.

B.    Exceptions: This article does not apply to:

1. Registered local, state or federal historical sites;

2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

3. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or

4. Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

C.    Administration: This article shall be administered by the development services department of the city. Wherever the “city” is referred to herein this shall be interpreted to mean the city development services department. The city public works department is to provide technical information to the development services department upon request of the development services department. To assist applicants the city has compiled a library of various landscape books and other printed information such as the “Sunset Western Landscape Book” and the several publications listed herein.

D.    Ordinances: The city of Lynwood has previously adopted a water conservation ordinance (ordinance 1618) and a landscape ordinance (ordinance 1589). This water efficient landscape ordinance is to complement the water conservation ordinance and to replace the existing city landscape ordinance (ordinance 1589). (Ord. #1623)

25-45-4 DEFINITIONS:

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

AFFIDAVIT:

A notarized certification by the applicant under this article that states that the applicant’s project was constructed as approved by the city. The form of the affidavit will be provided by the city.

AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLETION/COMPLIANCE:

The document required under section 25-45-14 of this article.

APPLICANT:

The owner of a property in the city and/or his/her representative who applies to the city for approval for a landscape development and/or landscape redevelopment pursuant to the requirements of this article. The applicant may complete the application or use the services of professionals or technicians or contractors to complete the application and to prepare the various documents needed to complete an application and to carry out the project. However, the applicant must complete any and all affidavits required for processing of the application and completion of the landscape project.

APPLIED WATER:

The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.

AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER:

An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather based) or soil moisture data.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE:

A safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system. Requirements therefor are given in the city water and sewer ordinance.

CERTIFIED IRRIGATION DESIGNER:

A person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. environmental protection agency’s WaterSense irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association’s certified irrigation designer program.

CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR:

A person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. environmental protection agency’s WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association’s certified landscape irrigation auditor program.

CHECK VALVE OR ANTIDRAIN VALVE:

A valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.

COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS:

Community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per California Civil Code section 1351.

CONVERSION FACTOR (0.62):

The number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.

DRIP IRRIGATION:

Any nonspray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

ET ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (ETAF):

A factor of 0.7, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two (2) major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape.

 

A combined plant mix with a site wide average of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. For purposes of the ETAF, the average irrigation efficiency is 0.71. Therefore, the ET adjustment factor is (0.7) = (0.5/0.71). ETAF for a special landscape area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT:

A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION OR USABLE RAINFALL (EPPT):

The portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.

EMITTER:

A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

ESTABLISHED LANDSCAPE:

The point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one or two (2) years of growth.

ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD OF THE PLANTS:

The first year after installing the plant in the landscape or the first two (2) years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one or two (2) years of growth.

ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU):

The total water used for the landscape as described in section 25-45-9 of this article.

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE:

The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.

FLOW RATE:

The rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.

HARDSCAPES:

Any durable material (pervious and nonpervious).

HOMEOWNER PROVIDED LANDSCAPING:

Any landscaping either installed by a private individual for a single-family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner. A homeowner, for purposes of this article, is a person who occupies the dwelling he or she owns. This excludes speculative homes, which are not owner occupied dwellings.

HYDROZONE:

A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.

INFILTRATION RATE:

The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES:

Species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. “Noxious weeds” means any weed designated by the weed control regulations in the weed control act and identified on a regional district noxious weed control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California invasive plant inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.

IRRIGATION AUDIT:

An in depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune up, system test with distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.

IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY (IE):

The measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this article is 0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems.

IRRIGATION SURVEY:

An evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.

IRRIGATION WATER USE ANALYSIS:

An analysis of water use data based on meter readings and billing data.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:

A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California pursuant to Business and Professions Code, section 5615.

LANDSCAPE AREA:

All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the maximum applied water allowance 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 nonpervious hardscapes, and other nonirrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR:

A person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.

LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:

The documents required under section 25-45-8 of this article. The city will provide to applicant and to the public sample materials that will be required to be completed by an applicant to obtain city approval of a landscape project subject to this article.

LANDSCAPE PROJECT:

Total area of landscape in a project as defined in “landscape area” for the purposes of this article, meeting requirements under section 25-45-3 of this article.

LATERAL LINE:

The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.

LOCAL WATER PURVEYOR:

The city of Lynwood utility services division which provide retail potable water service to about ninety percent (90%) of the city and the Park Water Company which provides potable water services to about ten percent (10%) of the city area in the southeast part of the city.

LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION:

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.

MAIN LINE:

The pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.

MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA):

The upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in section 25-45-9 of this article. It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment factor, and the size of the landscape area. The estimated total water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Special landscape areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.

MICROCLIMATE:

The climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.

MINED-LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS:

Any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the surface mining and reclamation act of 1975.

MULCH:

Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

NEW CONSTRUCTION:

A new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

OPERATING PRESSURE:

The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS:

Systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

OVERSPRAY:

The irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.

PERMIT:

An authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.

PERVIOUS:

Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

PLANT FACTOR OR PLANT WATER USE FACTOR:

A factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this article, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this article are derived from the department of water resources 2000 publication “Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species”.

PRECIPITATION RATE:

The rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.

PROJECT APPLICANT:

The individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package required under section 25-45-8 of this article, to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the city. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

RAIN SENSOR OR RAIN SENSING SHUTOFF DEVICE:

A component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.

RECORD DRAWING OR AS BUILTS:

A set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor or persons performing the landscape and irrigation system construction.

RECREATIONAL AREA:

Areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing surface.

RECYCLED WATER, RECLAIMED WATER, OR TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT WATER:

Treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption.

REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION OR ETo:

A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per month, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four (4) to seven inch (7") tall, cool season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. The ETo for the city of Lynwood in inches per month is as follows:

 

January

2.2

 

 

February

2.7

 

 

March

3.7

 

 

April

4.7

 

 

May

5.5

 

 

June

5.8

 

 

July

6.2

 

 

August

5.9

 

 

September

5.0

 

 

October

3.9

 

 

November

2.6

 

 

December

1.9

 

 

Annual total

50.1

 

REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE:

Any relandscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, meets the requirements of section 25-45-3 of this article, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, is fifty percent (50%) of the total landscape area, and the modifications are completed within one year.

RUNOFF:

Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.

SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT:

The applicant will need to obtain information and data on the condition of the soil which is in the area to be landscaped and to provide this information to the city in this report. The requirements of this report are identified in the city’s landscaped documentation package that will be provided by the city to applicants and the public.

SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICE OR SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR:

A device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

SOIL TEXTURE:

The classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.

SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA (SLA):

An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.

SPRINKLER HEAD:

A device which delivers water through a nozzle.

STATIC WATER PRESSURE:

The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing. The information about static water pressure can be obtained by contacting the respective local water purveyor, the city of Lynwood utility services division or the Park Water Company.

STATION:

A landscape area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

SWING JOINT:

An irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak free connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent equipment damage.

TURF:

A ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, red fescue, and tall fescue are cool season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass are warm season grasses.

VALVE:

A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

WUCOLS:

The “Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species” published by the University of California cooperative extension, the department of water resources and the bureau of reclamation, 2000.

WATER CONSERVING PLANT SPECIES:

A plant species identified as having a low plant factor. The city will provide to applicant and to the public upon request landscape documentation packages with various required forms, worksheets, charts, affidavit form and related information.

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:

See section 25-45-8 of this article for form and listing of information thereon. The city will provide to applicant and to the public upon request a landscape documentation package with various required forms, worksheets, charts, affidavit forms and related information. The city will provide compiled examples of worksheets.

WATER FEATURE:

A design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.

WATERING WINDOW:

The time of day irrigation is allowed. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-5 DELEGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION:

The city may designate another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this article. The city may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity’s specific responsibilities relating to this article. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-6 COMPLIANCE WITH LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:

A.    Prior to construction, the city shall:

1. Provide the project applicant with the ordinance, guidelines, information, 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 city.

C.    Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the city, 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 affidavit of completion/compliance;

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. #1623)

25-45-7 ENFORCEMENT:

A.    The city may establish and administer rules of enforcement to obtain compliance with the ordinance to the extent permitted by law. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-8 ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:

A.    The landscape documentation package shall include the following elements:

1. Project information:

a. Date.

b. Names, addresses, mailing addresses, telephone numbers of the project applicant and property owner if different from the applicant.

c. Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s)) and assessor parcel number.

d. Total landscape area (square feet).

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

f. 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.

g. Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package.

h. Project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property owner.

i. 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.

2. Water efficient landscape worksheet:

a. Hydrozone information table.

b. 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. #1623)

25-45-9 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:

A.    Worksheet Completion: A project applicant shall complete the water efficient landscape worksheet which contains two (2) sections:

1. A hydrozone information for the landscape project; and

2. A water budget calculation 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 value given in section 25-45-4 of this article.

B.    Water Budget Calculations: Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:

1. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges from 0 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.

2. 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.

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

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

C.    Maximum Applied Water Allowance: The maximum applied water allowance shall be calculated using the equation:

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

MAWA

=

Maximum applied water allowance (gallons per year)

ETo

=

See section 25-45-4 of this article

0.62

=

Conversion factor (to gallons)

0.7

=

ET adjustment factor (ETAF)

LA

=

Landscape area including SLA (square feet)

0.3

=

Additional water allowance for SLA

SLA

=

Special landscape area (square feet)

The ETo value to be used in these calculations is from section 25-45-4 of this article as given herein for planning purposes only. For actual irrigation scheduling, automatic irrigation controllers are required and shall use current reference evapotranspiration data, such as from the California irrigation management information system (CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.

D.    Estimated Total Water Use: The estimated total water use shall be calculated using the equation below. The sum of the estimated total water use calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed MAWA.

Where:

ETWU

=

Estimated total water use per year (gallons)

ETo

=

See section 25-45-4 of this article

PF

=

Plant factor from WUCOLS

HA

=

Hydrozone area (high, medium, and low water use areas) (square feet)

SLA

=

Special landscape area (square feet)

0.62

=

Conversion factor

IE

=

Irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.71)

(Ord. #1623)

25-45-10 SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT:

A.    In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:

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

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

b. The soil analysis may include:

(1) Soil texture;

(2) Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;

(3) pH;

(4) Total soluble salts;

(5) Sodium;

(6) Percent organic matter; and

(7) Recommendations.

2. 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 city as part of the landscape documentation package; or

b. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the city as part of the affidavit of completion/compliance.

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

4. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the city with the affidavit of completion/compliance. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-11 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:

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

(1) Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

(2) Selection of water conserving plant and turf species;

(3) Selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;

(4) Selection of trees based on applicable city tree ordinance or tree shading guidelines; and

(5) Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.

b. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in subsection 25-45-12A2d of this article.

c. 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:

(1) 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;

(2) 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

(3) Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

d. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty five percent (25%) means one foot (1') of vertical elevation change for every four feet (4') of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).

e. 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 state of California Public Resources Code section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches.

f. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly discouraged.

g. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include 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.

2. Water Features:

a. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.

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

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

d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.

3. Mulch And Amendments:

a. A minimum two inch (2") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting ground covers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.

b. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.

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

d. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected.

B.    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. An affidavit containing the following statement:

I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan

and

13. Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape. (See sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, section 832.27 of title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and section 6721 of the Food and Agriculture Code.) (Ord. #1623)

25-45-12 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 five thousand (5,000) square feet to facilitate water management and are required for areas over five thousand (5,000) square feet.

b. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data 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.

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

(2) 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.

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

e. Manual shutoff 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.

f. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the city water and sewer ordinance for additional backflow prevention requirements.

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

h. 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.

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

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

k. The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in section 25-45-9 of this article regarding the maximum applied water allowance.

l. It is highly recommended that the project applicant 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.

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

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

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

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

q. Check valves or antidrain valves are required for all irrigation systems.

r. Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight feet (8') in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low volume irrigation system.

s. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within twenty four inches (24") of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow nonspray 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:

(1) The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or

(2) The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or

(3) 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 subsection A1h of this section. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

t. Slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) 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 the irrigation audit.

2. Hydrozone:

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

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

c. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, ground covers, and turf.

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

(1) Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor; or

(2) The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.

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

f. 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 the irrigation audit and programming the controller.

B.    The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:

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

2. 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;

3. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the water supply system;

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

5. Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in section 25-45-19 of this article;

6. The following statement:

I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan

and

7. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system. (See sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, section 832.27 of title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and section 6721 of the Food and Agricultural Code.) (Ord. #1623)

25-45-13 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 city 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 package shall contain the following affidavit: “I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading design plan” and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-14 AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLETION/COMPLIANCE:

A.    The affidavit of completion/compliance shall include the following elements:

1. Project information sheet that contains:

a. Date;

b. Project name;

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

d. Project address and location, assessor parcel number;

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

2. An affidavit by the owner and 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; where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction, these “as built” or record drawings shall be included with the certification;

3. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see section 25-45-15 of this article);

4. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see section 25-45-16 of this article);

5. Irrigation audit report (see section 25-45-17 of this article); 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 affidavit of completion/compliance of owner to the city for review;

2. Ensure that copies of the approved affidavit of completion/compliance are submitted to the local water purveyor.

C.    The city shall:

1. Receive the signed affidavit of completion/compliance from the project applicant;

2. Approve or deny the affidavit of completion/compliance. If the affidavit of completion/compliance is denied, the city shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-15 IRRIGATION SCHEDULING:

A.    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:

1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers and in accordance with the city water conservation ordinance.

2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled pursuant to the city water conservation ordinance unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from that allowed by 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.

3. 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 regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data or soil moisture sensor data.

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

a. The plant establishment period;

b. The established landscape; and

c. Temporarily irrigated areas.

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

a. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);

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

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

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

e. Application rate setting;

f. Root depth setting;

g. Plant type setting;

h. Soil type;

i. Slope factor setting;

j. Shade factor setting; and

k. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-16 LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:

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

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. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.

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. #1623)

25-45-17 IRRIGATION AUDIT, SURVEY, AND WATER USE ANALYSIS, AFTER JANUARY 1, 2010:

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

B.    For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1, 2010, as described in section 25-45-3 of this article:

1. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the affidavit of completion/compliance to the city 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 city 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. #1623)

25-45-18 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. #1623)

25-45-19 RECYCLED WATER:

A.    The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted as described in subsection B of this section.

B.    Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water purveyor 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 city rules and regulations, county of Los Angeles health department regulations, state of California department of public health regulations and of the purveyor of the recycled water.

D.    Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-20 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT:

A.    Stormwater management practices to 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 city public works department or local regional water quality control board for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans.

C.    Rain gardens, cisterns, and other landscape features and practices that increase rainwater capture and create opportunities for infiltration and/or on site storage are recommended. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-21 PUBLIC EDUCATION:

A.    Publications: 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 city.

1. The city will provide information to owners of new, developed properties and to owners of existing landscaped properties considering redevelopment of landscaped areas regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.

B.    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 article.

1. 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.

2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-22 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

The landscape project must comply with the California environmental quality act (CEQA), as appropriate. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-23 IRRIGATION AUDIT, SURVEY, AND WATER USE ANALYSIS, BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2010:

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 in the city that have a water meter, the city will administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that 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 in the city, that do not have a separate meter, the city will administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.

B.    All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-24 WATER WASTE PREVENTION:

A.    The city will endeavor to prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff from leaving the target landscape due to low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Enforcement rules to prohibit such conditions may be established by the city.

B.    Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if:

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

2. The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. (Ord. #1623)

25-45-25 EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION:

The city 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. #1623)

1

Code reviser’s note: Ord. #1623 included two sections, 25-45-5 and 25-45-23, with identical text. Section 25-45-5 has been editorially renamed. Original section 25-45-23 has been editorially omitted, with original sections 25-45-24 through 25-45-26 renumbered to 25-45-23 through 25-45-25.