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Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development›Chapter VII — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

§ 13-107. Irrigation requirements.

Costa Mesa Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Costa Mesa

  • (a) Irrigation and drip systems shall be provided in accordance with section 2.5 of the water efficient landscape guidelines. All landscaped areas as specified in the guidelines shall be provided with an approved irrigation system landscaped areas with an automatically time-controlled sprinkler system when the site is zoned commercial or industrial, or when the site is zoned residential and permits more than two dwelling units.

  • (b) Irrigation system: The irrigation and/or drip system shall consist of underground piped water lines with low water flow sprinklers and/or a drip or trickle irrigation system as specified in the guidelines. The system chosen shall be designed to provide adequate coverage to all plant material, existing and proposed. Water meter and line sizes shall be calculated from total water demand, which should be, at least, the sum of the maximum irrigation demand and all building demand. Due to varying irrigation requirements, separate control valves and/or sprinkler/emitter heads shall be used when shrubs and turf all appear on the same landscape plan. The irrigation system shall be designed so that overspray, runoff, and low-head drainage onto streets, sidewalks, windows, walls, and fences are minimized. Automatic systems for watering cycles shall be scheduled to maximize ground infiltration rates and further minimize runoff.

  • (c) Acceptable watering time: Landscaped areas should be watered consistent with the requirements of the applicable water district to provide maximum benefit to the plant material and to reduce unnecessary water loss through drift and evaporation.

  • (d) Reclaimed water systems: Irrigation systems for projects one acre or more in area shall use reclaimed water whenever such water is available to the site. The systems shall be subject to appropriate health standards and review by the applicable water agency.

  • (Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 99-13, § 2, 9-20-99; Ord. No. 10-2, § 3f., 2-2-10; Ord. No. 16-03, § 3, 3-1-16)

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▸ Contents — Costa Mesa Zoning Code
Costa Mesa Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 13 — Planning, Zoning and Development
    Overview
    1. Chapter I — IN GENERAL
    2. Chapter II — ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED
    3. Chapter III — PLANNING APPLICATIONS
    4. Chapter IV — CITYWIDE LAND USE MATRIX
    5. Chapter V — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    6. ▸ Chapter VII — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
      Overview
      1. § 13-101. Purpose.
      2. § 13-102. Definitions.
      3. § 13-103. General provisions and submittal requirements.
      4. § 13-104. Landscape plan objectives.
      5. § 13-105. Landscaping requirements.
      6. § 13-106. Required landscaping materials.
      7. § 13-107. Irrigation requirements.
      8. § 13-108. Landscape maintenance.
    7. Chapter VIII — SIGNS
    8. Chapter IX — SPECIAL LAND USE REGULATIONS
    9. Chapter X — NONCONFORMING USES, DEVELOPMENTS AND LOTS
    10. Chapter XI — SUBDIVISIONS
    11. Chapter XII — SPECIAL FEE ASSESSMENTS
    12. Chapter XIII — NOISE CONTROL
    13. Chapter XIV — OIL DRILLING
    14. Chapter XV — GROUP HOMES
    15. Chapter XVII — AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE

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