HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances_2917ORDINANCE NO. 2917
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS AMENDING CHAPTER 15.54
OF THE REDLANDS MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES' 2015 MODEL WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE, AND RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 2724
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (Government Code
sections 65591-65599 (the "Act")), Executive Order No. B-29-15 (the "Executive Order"), and the
Act's 2015 implementing regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 23, section 490 et seq.
(the "Regulations"), if a City does not adopt the California Department of Water Resources
("DWR") 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance ("MWELO"), or a local Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance ("WELO") that is at least as effective in conserving water as the
2015 MWELO, by December 1, 2015, then the MWELO applies within the jurisdiction after
December 1, 2015, and has the same force and effect as if adopted by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of Redlands did not adopt the 2015 updated MWELO, or a qualifying
MWELO, by December 1, 2015, and the City was not enforcing and implementing the updated
2015 MWELO that automatically became effective consistent with the Act's Regulations and the
Executive Order; and
WHEREAS, upon discovering that it was not in full compliance with the Act, the City
immediately took steps to comply with the requirements of the 2015 MWELO, including filing
past due reports with DWR, providing notification to the public regarding coming enforcement of
the MWELO, and development of MWELO checklists to provide guidance in determining whether
a project is subject to the MWELO and guidance for achieving compliance with the MWELO;
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 15.54 of the Redlands Municipal Code, titled "Water Efficient
Landscape Requirements," is hereby deleted in its entirety, and rewritten to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 15.54
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS
SECTION:
15.54.010: Purpose
15.54.020: Applicability
15.54.030: Definitions
15.54.040: Provisions for New Constriction or Rehabilitated Landscapes.
15.54.050: Compliance with Landscape Documentation Package
15.54.060: Penalties
15.54.070: Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package
15.54.080: Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
15.54.090: Soil Management Report
15.54.100: Landscape Design Plan
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15.54.110: Irrigation Design Plan
15.54.120: Grading Design Plan
15.54.130: Certificate of Completion
15.54.140: Irrigation Scheduling
15.54.150: Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
15.54.160: Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis
15.54.170: Irrigation Efficiency
15.54.180: Recycled Water
15.54.190: Graywater Systems
15.54.200: Stormwater Management and Rainwater Retention
15.54.210: Public Education
15.54.220: Environmental Review
15.54.230: Provisions for Existing Landscapes
15.54.240: Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis
15.54.250: Water Waste Prevention
15.54.260: Effective Precipitation
15.54.270: Reporting
15.54.280: Evapotranspiration Table
15.54.290: Water Budget Calculation
15.54.300: Certificate of Completion
15.54.310: Prescriptive Compliance Option
15.54.010: PURPOSE:
A. The City Council of the city of Redlands finds:
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 enviromnent by cleaning
air and water, preventing erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing ecosystems
lost to development;
5. That landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be
water efficient;
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 the legislative findings, the purpose of the model ordinance codified in
this Chapter is to:
Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond
the conservation and efficient use of water;
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2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing
water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects by
encouraging the use of a watershed approach that requires cross -sector collaboration of
industry, government and property owners to achieve the many benefits possible;
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 local agencies and water purveyors to use economic incentives that promote
the efficient use of water, such as implementing a tiered -rate structure; and
7. Encourage local agencies to designate the necessary authority that implements and
enforces the provisions of the model water efficient landscape ordinance or its local
landscape ordinance.
C. Landscapes that are planned, designed, installed, managed and maintained with the
watershed based approach can improve California's environmental conditions and provide
benefits and realize sustainability goals. Such landscapes will make the urban environment
resilient in the face of climatic extremes. Consistent with the legislative findings and
purpose of this Chapter, conditions in the urban setting will be improved by:
1. Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating
organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth
that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and esthetic
benefits.
2. Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on
petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees
in urban areas.
3. Conserving water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater wherever possible
and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after
establishment.
4. Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal
trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and
efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
5. Protecting existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants,
climate adapted non -natives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilizing integrated pest
management with least toxic methods as the first course of action.
15.54.020: APPLICABILITY:
A. This Chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than
500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;
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2. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater
than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design
review;
3. Existing landscapes limited to sections 15.54.230, 15.54.240 and 15.54.250; and
4. Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new
and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to sections 15.54.080, 15.54.150 and
15.54.160; and existing cemeteries are limited to sections 15.54.230, 15.54.240 and
15.54.250.
B. For local land use agencies working together to develop a regional water efficient
landscape ordinance, the reporting requirements of the ordinance codified in this Chapter
became effective December 1, 2015, and the remainder of such ordinance a effective no
later than February 1, 2016.
C. Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may comply with
the performance requirements of this ordinance or conform to the prescriptive measures
contained in section 15.54.310, Appendix D.
D. For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site, any lot or
parcel within the project that has less than 2500 sq. ft. of landscape and meets the lot or
parcel's landscape water requirement (Estimated Total Water Use) entirely with treated or
untreated graywater or through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to section
15.54.310, Appendix D section (5).
E. This Chapter 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. Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the
public.
15.54.030: DEFINITIONS:
The terms used in this Chapter have the meanings set forth below:
APPLIED WATER: means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER: means a timing device used to remotely control
valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self -adjust and
schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather -based) or soil moisture data.
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.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: means the document required under Section 15.54.130.
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CERTIFIED IRRIGATION DESIGNER: means a person certified to design irrigation systems by
an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the
US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation designer certification program and
Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer program.
CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR: means a person certified to perform
landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization
or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor
certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
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
sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS: means community apartment projects, condominium
projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code Section 1351.
COMPOST: means the safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic
materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
CONVERSION FACTOR (0.62): means the number that converts acre -inches per acre per year to
gallons per square foot per year.
DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY: means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a
defined area.
DRIP IRRIGATION: means any non -spray 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.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT: means a project where the site is intentionally
altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION OR USABLE RAINFALL (EPPT): means the portion of total
precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
EMITTER: means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to
the soil.
ESTABLISHED LANDSCAPE: means 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 years
of growth.
ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD OF THE PLANTS: means the first year after installing the plant in
the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Typically,
most plants are established after one or two years of growth. Native habitat mitigation areas and
trees may need three to five years for establishment.
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ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU): means the total water used for the landscape as
described in Section 15.54.080.
ET ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (ETAF): means a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for
non-residential areas, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors
and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied
to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing (non -rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas
shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non -rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE: means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and
other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
FLOW RATE: means 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.
FLOW SENSOR: means an inline device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that
produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an
automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating
master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water
meter or submeter.
FRIABLE: means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a
minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted
material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN GUIDELINE: means guidelines from a local fire authority to
assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard
severity zone.
GRAYWATER: means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet
discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does
not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating
wastes. "Graywater" includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom
washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from
kitchen sinks or dishwashers (Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12).
HARDSCAPES: means any durable material (pervious and non -pervious).
HYDROZONE: means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs
and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non -irrigated.
INFILTRATION RATE: means 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: means species of plants not historically found in California that
spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive
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species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive
plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious
weeds database.
IRRIGATION AUDIT: means 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. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation
Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program or other U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency "Watersense" labeled auditing program.
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY(IE): means 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 irrigation
efficiency for purposes of this ordinance are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip
systems.
IRRIGATION SURVEY: means 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: means an analysis of water use data based on meter
readings and billing data.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: means a person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture in the state of California Business and Professions Code Section 5615.
LANDSCAPE AREA: means 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 non -pervious hardscapes, and other non -irrigated
areas designated for non -development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: means a person licensed by the state of California to construct,
maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE: means the documents required under Section
15.54.070.
LANDSCAPE PROJECT: means total area of landscape in a project as defined in "landscape area"
for the purposes of this Chapter, meeting requirements under 15.54.020.
LANDSCAPE WATER METER: means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point
that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record
water use.
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LATERAL LINE: means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
LOCAL AGENCY: means a city or county, including a charter city or charter county, that is
responsible for adopting and implementing this Chapter. The City is responsible for the
enforcement of this Chapter, including but not limited to, approval of a permit and plan check or
design review of a project.
LOCAL WATER PURVEYOR: means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or
private water company that provides retail water service.
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.
MAIN LINE: means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve
or outlet.
MASTER SHUT-OFF VALVE: is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which
controls water flow into the irrigation system. When this valve is closed water will not be supplied
to the irrigation system. A master valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a leaky station
valve.
MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA): means the upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 15.54.080. 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. MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF
x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
MEDIAN: is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that maybe implanted or planted with trees,
shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
MICROCLIMATE: means 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: means any surface mining operation with
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
MULCH: means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, or 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.
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NEW CONSTRUCTION: means, for the purposes of this ordinance, a new building with a
landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated
building.
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: means landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial
and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly. It also
includes portions of common areas of common interest developments with designated recreational
areas.
OPERATING PRESSURE: means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are
designed by the manufacturer to operate.
OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS or OVERHEAD SPRAY IRRIGATION
SYSTEMS: means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
OVERSPRAY: means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
PARKWAY: means the area between a sidewalk and the curb or traffic lane. It may be planted or
implanted, and with or without pedestrian egress.
PERMIT: means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or
rehabilitated landscapes.
PERVIOUS: means 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: is a factor, when multiplied by ETo,
estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the plant factor
range for very low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is
0.1 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 ordinance are derived from
the publication "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species". Plant factors may also be
obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as
approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
PROJECT APPLICANT: means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation
Package required under Section 15.54.070, 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: means a component which
automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
RECORD DRAWING or AS-BUILTS: means 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.
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RECREATIONAL AREA: means areas, excluding private single family residential areas,
designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds,
amphitheaters or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.
RECYCLED WATER, RECLAIMED WATER, or TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT WATER:
means treated or recycled waste water 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: means a standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day,
month, or year as represented in Appendix A, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a
large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool -season grass that is well watered. Reference
evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowances
so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
REGIONAL WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE: means a local Ordinance
adopted by two or more local agencies, water suppliers and other stakeholders for implementing a
consistent set of landscape provisions throughout a geographical region. Regional ordinances are
strongly encouraged to provide a consistent framework for the landscape industry and applicants
to adhere to.
REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE: means any relandscaping project that requires a permit, plan
check, or design review, meets the requirements of Section 15.54.020, and the modified landscape
area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: means landscapes surrounding single or multifamily homes.
RUN OFF: means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
flows from the landscape area. For example, run off may result from water that is applied at too
great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.
SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICE OR SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR: means a device that
measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation
event.
SOIL TEXTURE: means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA(SLA): means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled
water.
SPRINKLER HEAD or SPRAY HEAD: means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
STATIC WATER PRESSURE: means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water
is not flowing.
STATION: means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
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SWING JOINT: means 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.
SUBMETER: means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed
after the primary utility water meter.
TURF: means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool -season grasses. Bermudagrass,
Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm -
season grasses.
VALVE: means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
WATER conserving plant species: means a plant species identified as having a very low or low
plant factor.
WATER FEATURE: means 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: means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
WUCOLS: means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University
of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources 2014.
15.54.040: PROVISIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REHABILITATED
LANDSCAPES:
A. The City may designate by mutual agreement, another agency, such as a water purveyor,
to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this ordinance. Local agencies
may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity's specific responsibilities
relating to this ordinance.
15.54.050: COMPLIANCE WITH LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:
A. Prior to construction, the City shall:
Provide the project applicant with the ordinance and procedures for permits, plan
checks or design reviews;
Review the Landscape Documentation Package submitted by the project applicant;
Approve or deny the Landscape Documentation Package;
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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 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.
15.54.060: PENALTIES:
A. The City may establish and administer penalties to the project applicant for non-
compliance with the ordinance to the extent permitted by law.
15.54.070: ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACI{AGE:
A. The Landscape Documentation Package shall include the following six (6) elements:
1. Project information;
(a) date
(b) project applicant
(c) project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s))
(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
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(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;
6. Grading design plan.
15.54.080: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:
A. A project applicant shall complete the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet in Appendix
B which contains information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation efficiency,
and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to show that the
evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project does not exceed a
factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas, exclusive of Special
Landscape Areas. The ETAF for a landscape project is based on the plant factors and
irrigation methods selected. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance is calculated based
on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential
areas) and expressed as annual gallons required. The Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU)
is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape
design. ETWU must be below the MAWA.
In calculating the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use,
a project applicant shall use the ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration
Table in Appendix A. For geographic areas not covered in Appendix A, use data from
other cities located nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration zone, as found in
the CIMIS Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, Department of Water Resources,
1999.
B. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural researchers with
academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very
low water using plants, 0.1 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.
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3. All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as shown
in Appendix B.
4. ETAF for new and existing (non -rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not
exceed 1.0.
15.54.090: 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 shall 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.
(c) In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home
developments) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy
this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to I in
7 lots.
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 Certificate of Completion.
3. 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.
4. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying
implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the City with Certificate of
Completion.
15.54.100: LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN:
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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.
Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
1. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
2. Selection of water -conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native
plants;
3. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;
4. Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area; and
5. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
6. Selection of plants from local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
(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 Section
15.54.110(a)(2)(D).
(c) Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to
the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. Methods to
achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
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]; allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth;
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 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent
to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1 foot of vertical elevation
change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope
percent).
(e) High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited
in street medians.
(f) 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
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per Public Resources Code Sub -Sections 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire -prone plant
materials and highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan
guidelines.
(g) The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive
Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
(h) 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.
Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments
(a) Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a
friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet
this requirement.
(b) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil
report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 15.54.090).
(c) For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per
1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches
into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil
are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
(d) A minimum three inch (Y) layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundeovers, or
direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for
beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5% of the landscape area may be left
without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design
plan as such.
(e) Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current engineering
standards.
(f) The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro -seeded applications shall
meet the mulching requirement.
(g) Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post -consumer shall take
precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled
post -consumer organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not
required where prohibited by local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other
applicable local ordinances.
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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 non -pervious);
10. Identify location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity of
any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on -site retention
and infiltration of stormwater. Project applicants shall refer to the City or regional
Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater technical
requirements. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape
design plan and examples are provided in Section 15.54.200.
11. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies as discussed in
Section 15.54.200 and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity;
12. Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s) of
distribution;
13. Contain 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
14. 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).
15.54.110: IRRIGATION DESIGN PLAN:
A. This section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation, not areas that
require temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use
of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the
manufacturers' 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 Doc>unentation Package.
1. System
(a) Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private
submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft.
but not more than 5,000 sq.ft. (the level at which Water Code 535 applies) and
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residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or greater. A landscape water meter may
be either:
1. A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water
purveyor; or
2. A privately owned meter or submeter.
(b) Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in
all irrigation systems.
(c) If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified
irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required 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 inline 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 local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
(e) 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.
(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 applicable
City code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.
(g) Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction
are required for all on non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5000 sq.
ft. or larger.
(h) Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of
technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually
pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
(i) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray,
or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non -targeted areas, such
as adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
0) Relevant information from.the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration
rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
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(lc) The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape
design plan.
(1) The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the
irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 15.54.080 regarding the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
(m)All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers'/International Code Council's (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014
"Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard, All sprinkler heads installed in
the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher
using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
(n) It is highly recommended that the project applicant or City 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.
(o) In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize
water infiltration into the root zone.
(p) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates,
unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
(q) Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed
to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's
recommendations.
(r) Swing joints or other riser -protection components are required on all risers subject to
damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turfgrass.
(s) Check valves or anti -drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point
drainage could occur.
(t) Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
(u) Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non -permeable
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:
1. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
2. The adjacent non -permeable 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 Section 15.54.110(a)(1)(I). Prevention of
overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
(v) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a
application 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.
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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, groundcovers,
and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of
the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
(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 (see Appendix B Section A). 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 public water supply;
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 15.54.180;
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 Agriculture Code.)
15.54.120: 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
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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 on to non -permeable 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 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.
15.54.130: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:
A. The Certificate of Completion (see Appendix C for a sample certificate) shall include the
following six (6) 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; 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;
(a) Where there have been significant changes made in the field during constriction,
these "as -built" or record drawings shall be included with the certification;
(b) A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the
irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
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3. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see Section 15.54.140);
4. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 15.54.150);
5. Irrigation audit report (see Section 15.54.160); and
6. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation Package, and
documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations (see Section
15.54.090).
B. The project applicant shall:
1. Submit the signed Certificate of Completion to the City 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 City 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 City shall provide information to the project applicant regarding
reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
15.54.140: 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.
2. 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.
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 (e.g., CIMIS) 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:
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(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;
0) Shade factor setting; and
(k) Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
15.54.150: 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;
auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and
dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost, replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning;
weeding in all landscape areas, and removing obstructions 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 or with components with greater efficiency.
D. A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable
Best Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
15.54.160: IRRIGATION AUDIT, IRRIGATION SURVEY, AND IRRIGATION WATER USE
ANALYSIS:
A. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by the City landscape irrigation auditor
or a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be
conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.
B. In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home
developments) an auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this
requirement.
C. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1, 2015,
as described in Section 15.54.050:
The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Certificate of
Completion to the City that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-
up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes
overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring
irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and
any other factors necessary for accurate programming;
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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.
15.54.170: IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY:
A. For the purpose of determining Estimated Total Water Use, average irrigation efficiency is
assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices.
15.54.180: RECYCLED WATER:
A. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future
use of recycled water.
B. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all
applicable local and State laws.
C. Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET
Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non -rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall
not exceed 1.0.
15.54.190: GRAYWATER SYSTEMS:
A. Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on -
site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the California Plumbing
Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable local ordinance standards. Refer to
Section 15.54.020 (D) for the applicability of this ordinance to landscape areas less than
2,500 square feet with the Estimated Total Water Use met entirely by graywater.
15.54.200: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND RAINWATER RETENTION:
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 rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged.
B. Project applicants shall refer to the City or Regional Water Quality Control Board for
information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements.
C. All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention
and infiltration. Refer to section 15.54.100(A)(3).
D. It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture and infiltration
capacity that is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e. roof and paved
areas) from either: the one inch, 24-hour rain event or (2) the 85th percentile, 24-hour rain
event, and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state or
federal regulation.
E. It is recommended that storm water projects incorporate any of the following elements to
improve on -site storm water and dry weather runoff capture and use:
• Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain to
vegetated areas.
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• Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof and concrete
driveways.
• Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or blocks,
pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
• Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas
to maximize site water capture and reuse.
• Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems.
• Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins and drywells to capture storm water and
dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
• Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and
filter pollutants.
15.54.210: 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 community.
The City shall provide information to owners of permitted renovations and new, single-
family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management, and
maintenance of water efficient landscapes based on a water budget.
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 ordinance.
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. Signage shall include information about the site
water use as designed per the local ordinance; specify who designed and installed the
water efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use approaches to landscaping
such as using native plants, graywater systems, and rainwater catchment systems.
Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining
water efficient landscapes.
15.54.220: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
A. The City must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as
appropriate.
15.54.230: PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES:
A. The City may by mutual agreement, 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.
25
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15.54.240: IRRIGATION AUDIT, IRRIGATION SURVEY, AND IRRIGATION WATER USE
ANALYSIS:
A. This section, 15.54.240, shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before
December 1, 2015 and are over one acre in size.
1. For all landscapes in 15.54.240 (A) that have a water meter, the City shall 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 15.54.240 (A), that do not have a meter, the City shall 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.
15.54.250: WATER WASTE PREVENTION:
A. Local agencies shall 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, non -irrigated areas,
walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions
shall be established locally.
B. Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff maybe modified if:
1. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
2. The adjacent non -permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to
landscaping.
15.54.260: EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION:
A. The City may consider Effective Precipitation (25% of annual precipitation) in tracking
water use and may use the following equation to calculate Maximum Applied Water
Allowance:
MAWA = (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.55 x LA) + (0.45 x SLA)] for residential areas.
MAWA = (ETo - EPPT) (0.62) [(0.45 x LA) + (0.55 x SLA)] for non-residential areas.
15.54.270: REPORTING:
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A. The City shall report on implementation and enforcement by December 31, 20t 5. The City
is responsible for administering this Chapter and shall report on their updated ordinance,
while those agencies developing a regional ordinance shall report on its existing ordinance.
Those agencies crafting a regional ordinances shall also report on their new ordinance by
March 1, 2016. Subsequently, reporting for all agencies will be due by January 31 st of each
year. Reports shall be submitted to the Department of Water Resources.
B. The City shall address the following:
1. State whether the City has adopted a single agency ordinance or a regional agency
alliance ordinance, and the date of adoption or anticipated date of adoption.
2. Define the reporting period. The reporting period shall commence on December 1,
2015 and the end on December 28, 2015. For local agencies crafting regional
ordinances with other agencies, there shall be an additional reporting period
commencing on February 1, 2016 and ending on February 28, 2016. In subsequent
years, all local agency reporting will be for the calendar year.
3. State if using a locally modified Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELD) or the
MWELO. If using a locally modified WELO, how is it different than MWELO, is it at
least as efficient as MWELO, and are there any exemptions specified?
4. State the entity responsible for implementing the ordinance.
5. State number and types of projects subject to the ordinance during the specified
reporting period.
6. State the total area (in square feet or acres) subject to the ordinance over the reporting
period, if available.
7. Provide the number of new housing starts, new commercial projects, and landscape
retrofits during the reporting period.
8. Describe the procedure for review of projects subject to the ordinance.
9. Describe actions taken to verify compliance. Is a plan check performed; if so, by what
entity? Is a site inspection performed; if so, by what entity? Is a post -installation audit
required; if so, by whom?
10. Describe enforcement measures.
11. Explain challenges to implementing and enforcing the ordinance.
12. Describe educational and other needs to properly apply the ordinance.
15.54.280: EVAPOTRANSPIRATION TABLE:
Appendix A
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table.
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Appendix A - Reference Eva otrans iration To
Table*
Counq and City
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
AugSe
Oct
Nov
Dee
Annual
ETo
PLUMAS
Portola
0.7
0.9
1.9
3.5
4.9
5.9
7.3
5.9
4.3
2.7
0.9
0.5
39.4
Quincy
0.7
0.9
2.2
3.5
4.9
5.9
7.3
5.9
4.4
2.8
1.2
0.5
40.2
RIVERSIDE
Beaumont
2.0
2.3
3.4
4.4
6.1
7.1
7.6
7.9
6.0
3.9
2.6
1.7
55.0
Blythe
2.4
3.3
5.3
6.9
8.7
9.6
9.6
8.7
6.9
5.0
3.0
2.2
71.4
Cathedral City
1.6
2.2
3.7
5.1
6.8
7.8
8.7
7.8
5.7
4.0
2,1
1.6
1 57.1
Coachella
2.9
4.4
6.2
8.4
10.5
11.9
12,3
10A
8.9
1 6.2
3.8
2.4
1 88.1
Desert Center
2.9
4.1
6.4
8.5
11.0
12.1
12.2
11.1
9.0
6.4
3.9
2.6
90.0
Elsinore
2.1
2.8
3.9
4.4
5.9
7.1
7.6
7.0
5,8
3.9
2.6
1.9
55.0
Indio
3.1
3.6
6.5
8.3
10.5
11.0
10.8
9.7
8.3
5.9
3.7
2.7
83.9
La Quints
2.4
2.8
5.2
6.5
8.3
8.7
8.5
7.9
6.5
4.5
2.7
2.2
66.2
Mecca
2.6
3.3
5.7
7.2
8.6
9.0
8.8
8.2
6.8
5.0
3.2
2.4
70.8
Oasis
2.9
3.3
5.3
6.1
8.5
8.9
8.7
7.9
6.9
4.8
2.9
2.3
68.4
Palm Desert
2.5
3.4
5.3
6.9
8.7
9,6
9.6
8.7
6.9
5.0
1 3.0
2.2
71.6
Palm Springs
2.0
2.9
4.9
7.2
8.3
8.5
11.6
8.3
7.2
5.9
2.7
1.7
71.1
Rancho California
1.8
2.2
3.4
4.8
5.6
6.3
6.5
6.2
4.8
3.7
2.4
1.8
49.5
Rancho Mirage
2A
3.3
5.3
6.9
8.7
9.6
9.6
8.7
6.9
AO
3.0
2.2
71.4
Ripley
2.7
3.3
5.6
7.2
8.7
8.7
8.4
7.6
6.2
4.6
2.8
2.2
67.8
Salton Sea North
2.5
3.3
5.5
7.2
8.9
9.3
9.2
8.5
6.8
5.2
3.1
2.3
71.7
Temecula East 11
2.3
2.4
4.1
4.9
6A
7.0
7.8
7.4
5.7
4.1
2.6
2.2
56.7
Thermal
2A
3.3
5.5
7.6
9.1
9.6
9.3
8.6
7.1
5.2
3.1
2.1
1 72.9
Riverside UC
2.5
2.9
4.2
5.3
5.9
6.6
7.2
1 6.9
5.4
1 4.1
1 2.9
2.6
56.4
Winchester
2.3
2.4
4A
4.9
6.4
6.9
7.7
7.5
6.0
3.9
2.6
2.1
56.9
SACRAMENTO
Fair Oaks
1.0
1.6
3.4
4.1
6.5
7.5
8.1
7.1
5.2
3.4
1.5
1.0
50.5
Sacramento
1.0
1.8
3.2
4.7
6.4
7.7
8.4
7.2
5.4
3.7
1.7
0.9
51.9
Twitchell Island
1.2
1.8
3.9
5.3
7A
8.8
9.1
7.8
5.9
3.8
1.7
1.2
57.9
SAN BENITO
Hollister
1.5
1.8
3.1
4.3
5.5
5.7
6.4
5.9
5.0
3.5
1.7
1.1
1 45.1
San Benito
1.2
1.6
3.1
4.6
5.6
1 6.4
1 6.9
6.5
1 4.8
1 3.7
1 1.7
1.2
47.2
San Juan Valley
1.4
1.8
3.4
4.5
&0
6.7
7.1
6.4
5.0
3.5
1.8
1.4
49.1
SAN BERNARDINO
Baker
2.7
3.9
6.1
8.3
10.4
11.8
12.2
11.0
8.9
6.1
3.3
2.1
86.6
Barstow NE
2.2
2.9
5.3
6.9
9.0
10.1
9.9
8.9
6.9
4.9
2.7
2.1
71.7
Big Bear Lake
1.8
2.6
4.6
6.0
7.0
7.6
8.1
7.4
5A
4.1
2.4
1.8
58.6
Chino
2.1
2.9
3.9
4.5
5.7
6.5
7.3
7.1
5.9
4.2
2.6
2.0
54.6
Crestline
1.5
1.9
3.3
4.4
5.5
6.6
7.8
7.1
5.4
3.5
2.2
1.6
50.8
Lake Arrowhead
1.8
2.6
4.6
6.0
7.0
7.6
8.1
7.4
5.4
4.1
2.4
1.8
58.6
Lucerne Valley
2.2
2.9
5.1
6.5
9.1
11.0
11.4
9.9
7.4
5.0
3.0
1.8
75.3
Needles
3.2
4.2
6.6
8.9
11.0
12.4
12.8
11.0
8.9
6.6
4.0
2.7
92.1
Newberry Springs
2.1
2.9
5.3
8.4
9.8
10.9
11.1
9.9
7.6
5.2
3.1
2.0
78.2
San Bernardino
2.0
2.7
3.8
4.6
5.7
6.9
7,.9
7.4
5.9
4.2
2.6
2.0
55.6
Twentynine Palms
2.6
3.6
5.9
7.9
10.1
11.2
11.2
10.3
8.6
5.9
3.4
2.2
82.9
Victorville
2.0
2.6
4.6
6.2
7.3
8.9
9.8
9.0
6.5
4.7
2.7
2.1
66.2
SAN DIEGO
Chula Vista
2.2
2.7
3A
3.8
4.9
4.7
5,.5
4.9
4.5
3.4
2.4
2.0
44.2
Escondido SPV
2.4
2.6
3.9
4.7
5.9
6.5
7.1
6.7
5.3
3.9
2.8
2.3
54.2
Miramar
2.3
2.5
3.7
4.1
5.1
5.4
6.1
5.8
4.5
3.3
2.4
2.1
47.1
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WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSNEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and It Is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)
Hydroaone #
(Planting
Description°
Plant
Factor(PF)
Irrigation
Method!)
Irrigation
Efficiency
(IE)°
ETAF
(PFIIE)
Landscape
Area(sq, ft.)
ETAF x Area
Estimated Total
Water Use
(ETWU)°
Regular Landscape Areas
Totals
(A)
(B)
Special Landscape Areas
1
t
1
Totals
(C)
(D)
ETWU Total
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA)
'Hydrozone filmondng Description
E.g
1.) front lawn
2.) low wafer use plantings
3.) medium wafer use planting
efrriga ion Method °Irrigation Efficiency
overhead spray 0.75 for spray head
or drip 0.81 for drip
'MA WA (Annual Gallon Alto wed) = (Eta) ( 0.62) ( (ETAF x LA)
+ ((I-ETAF) x SLA)J
where 0.62 is a conversion factor that converts acre -
Inches per acre per year to gallons per square fool per
year, LA is the total landscape area in square feet, SLA
is the total special landscape area in square feet,
and ETAF is .55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-
residential areas.
ETAF Calculations
Regular Landscape Areas
Total ETAF x Area
(a)
Total Area
(A)
Average ETAF
B + A
All Landscape Areas
Total ETAF x Area
(B+D)
Total Area
(A+C)
Sitewide ETAF
(B+D)+(A+C)
°ETWU (Annual Gallons Required) _
Eta x 0.62 x ETAF x Area
where 0.62 is a conversion
factor that converts acre.
inches per acre per year to
gallons per square foot per
year.
Average ETAF for Regular Landscape Areas must
be 0.55 or below for residential areas, and 0.45 or
below for non-residential areas.
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15.54.300: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:
Appendix C
Sample Certificate of Completion
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certificate is filled out by the project applicant upon completion of the landscape project.
PART 1. PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Date
Project Name
Name of Project Applicant
Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title
Emall Address
Company
Street Address
City
State
Zip Code
Project Address and Location:
Street Address
Parcel, tract or lot number, if available.
City
Latitude/Longitude (optional)
State
Zip Code
Property Owner or his/her designee:
Name
Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title
Email Address
Company
Street Address
City
State
21p Code
Property Owner
"I/we certify that I/we have received copies of all the documents within the Landscape Documentation Package
and the Certificate of Completion and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in
accordance with the Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule."
Property Owner Signature
Date
Please answer the questions below:
1. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was submitted to the local agency
2. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was approved by the local agency
3. Date that a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (including the Water Budget Calculation) was
submitted to the local water purveyor
31
L\Ordinances\Nos 2900-2999 in Word\2917 Adopting 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ord nanecdocx
Measurement
Test Procedure
Required or
Optional*
Input power, Lumen
IES LM-79 (2008) with additional requirements provided
Required
output, Lumens per
in 80 Fed. Reg. 39665-39666 (July 9, 2015) §430.23(dd) and
Watt, Correlated
Appendix BB to Subpart B of Part 430.
Color Temperature,
Duv, Color
Rendering Index,
Power Factor
Lumen Maintenance
IES LM-84 (2014) and TM-28 (2014) with additional
Required
and Time to Failure
requirements provided in 80 Fed. Reg. 39665-39667 (July
9, 2015), §430.23(dd) and Appendix BB to Subpart B of
Part 430.
Standby Power
IEC 62301(2011) with additional requirements provided
Required
in 80 Fed. Reg. 39667 (July 9, 2015) and with the following
additional requirements for connected LED lamps:
(A) Ensure that the lamp is connected to only one
network type and the lamp is in Network Mode
(i) If lamp has ability to connect to multiple
networks, only one network shall be
tested, and the network selected for
testing shall be selected using the
following prioritization:
1. Wi-Fi
2. ZigBee
3. ANT
4. Bluetooth
5. RF
6. Wired
7. Other
(B) Measure standby power as described in section
5.3.2 of IEC 62301 (2011) for a total period of no
less than 60 minutes.
(i) Standby power shall be measured at a
lamp that is a distance of 10 meters (+/-
0.5 meters) from the hub, or wireless
controller if no hub exists. If connection
is not possible at this distance, conduct
testing within 1 meter of the maximum
connection distance.
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15.54.310: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE OPTION:
Appendix D
Prescriptive Compliance Option
A. This appendix contains prescriptive requirements which may be used as a compliance
option to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
B. Compliance with the following items is mandatory and must be documented on a landscape
plan in order to use the prescriptive compliance option:
1. Submit a Landscape Documentation Package which includes the following elements:
(a) Date
(b) Project applicant
(c) Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s))
(d) Total landscape area (square feet), including a breakdown of turf and plant
material
(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) Contact information for the project applicant and property owner
(h) Applicant signature and date with statement, "i agree to comply with the
requirements of the prescriptive compliance option to the mwelo".
2. Incorporate compost at a rate of at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a
depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contra -indicated by a soil test);
3. Plant material shall comply with all of the following;
(a) For residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or
no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 75% of the plant area
excluding edibles and areas using recycled water; For non-residential areas, install
climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or no summer water (average
WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 100% of the plant area excluding edibles and areas
using recycled water;
(b) A minimum three inch (Y) 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.
4. Turf shall comply with all of the following:
(a) Turf shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area in residential areas, and there shall
be no turf in non-residential areas;
(b) Turf shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of 1 foot vertical
elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length;
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(c) Turf is prohibited in parkways less than 10 feet wide, unless the parkway is adjacent
to a parking strip and used to enter and exit vehicles. Any turf in parkways must be
irrigated by sub -surface irrigation or by other technology that creates no overspray
or runoff.
5. Irrigation systems shall comply with the following:
(a) Automatic irrigation controllers are required and must use evapotranspiration or
soil moisture sensor data and utilize a rain sensor.
(b) Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose programming data in
the event the primary power source is interrupted.
(c) Pressure regulators shall be installed on the irrigation system to ensure the dynamic
pressure of the system is within the manufacturers recommended pressure range.
(d) Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be
installed as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply.
(e) All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the ANSI
standard, ASABEIICC 802-2014. "Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter
Standard," All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must document a
distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in
ASABEIICC 802-2014.
(f) Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with
subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
6. For non-residential projects with landscape areas of 1,000 sq. ft. or more, a private
submeter(s) to measure landscape water use shall be installed.
C. At the time of final inspection, the permit applicant must provide the owner of the property
with a certificate of completion, certificate of installation, irrigation schedule and a
schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance.
Section 2. The Mayor shall sign this ordinance and the City Clerk shall certify to the
adoption of this ordinance and shall cause it, or a summary of it, to be published once in the
Redlands Daily Facts, a newspaper of general circulation within the City, and thereafter, this
ordinance shall take effect as provided by law.
Mayor, City of Redlands
ATTEST:
INFNpow/,,��
34
[:IOrdinances\Nos 2900-2999 in Word12917 Adopting 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.doex
1, Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk, City of Redlands, hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance
was duly adopted by the City Council at the regular meeting thereof, held on the 19th day of January
2021, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Barich, Tejeda, Davis, Guzman -Lowry; Mayor Foster
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Je e Donaldson, City Clerk
35
LlOrdinances\Nos 2900-2999 in Word12917 Adopting 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.docx