Chapter 14.24 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS

The intent of this chapter is to:

(1)

Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention.

(2)

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

(3)

Reduce the water demands from landscapes without a decline in landscape quality or quantity.

(4)

Retain flexibility and encourage creativity through appropriate design.

(5)

Ensure the attainment of water efficient landscape goals by requiring that landscapes serviced by potable water not exceed a maximum water demand of 55 percent or 0.55 of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo).

(6)

Ensure the attainment of water efficient landscape goals by allowing landscapes serviced entirely by recycled water to utilize 85 percent or 0.85 of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo).

(7)

Eliminate water waste from overspray and/or runoff.

(8)

Implement the requirements of the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act 2006, California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, and Executive Order B-29-15 issued by Governor Brown on April 1, 2015.

(9)

Promote water conservation in new residential subdivision landscapes by reducing the amount of natural turf (grass lawns) in the front yards of new homes to 30 percent of the landscape area if cool season turf grass is installed, by 50 percent if warm season turf grass is installed, and by promoting appropriate use of lower water use plants and inert materials for a sustainable landscape design. All areas of natural turf must meet the maximum applied water allowance as described in section 14.24.080, water budget.

(10)

Prohibit the new installation of natural turf grass in medians and parkways within and along city-maintained roads.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § A), 1-13-2016)

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

Backfilling. To refill an excavation, usually with excavated material.

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.

Check valve or anti-drain 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 the sprinkler heads or other irrigation device when the system is off.

Distribution uniformity or DU. The measure of the uniformity of irrigation water distributed over an area, typically expressed in a percentage and converted to decimal form for water use calculations.

Emitter tubing or subsurface emitter dripline. The application of irrigation water with a matched precipitation rate at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines containing factory-installed low- volume drip emitters equally spaced to apply small volumes of water when installed per manufacturers' recommendations at or near the root zone of plants.

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

Estimated annual water use or EAWU. The estimated total water use per year as calculated by the formula contained in section 14.24.080, water budget.

Functional turf. The turf areas to be publicly and privately accessible and dedicated as active play and recreation areas such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses; where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high foot traffic activities.

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

Invasive species. Non-indigenous species (e.g., non-native plants) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically. Lists of invasive species are included in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Said lists are hereby incorporated by reference.

Landscape architect. A person who holds a license or is registered to practice landscape architecture in the state of California.

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

Landscape water meter or submeter. A metering device to measure the amount of water applied to the landscape and that is installed after the primary water meter.

Local water purveyor. Any entity, including a public agency or private water company, that provides retail water service to customers in Eastvale.

Maximum applied water allowance or MAWA. The upper limit of annual applied water allowed for the established landscaped area as calculated by the formula contained in Section H, Water Budget.

Mulch. A layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil on the ground to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion, enrich the soil, inhibit/discourage weed growth, increase the rate of saturation, and reduce fluctuation in soil temperature. Mulch may be organic (such as bark mulch, wood chips) or inert (decomposed granite, gravel).

Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems. Systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., impulse sprinklers, spray heads and rotors) measured in gallons per minute.

Point source drip or point-to-point drip. The application type of irrigation water with a matched precipitation rate at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines with a dedicated field-installed low-volume emitter or emitters at each specific plant. The DU of this type of irrigation generally does not exceed approximately 90 percent, as measured in gallons per hour.

Potable water. Water that meets federal and state safe drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption and contact.

Reference evapotranspiration or ETo. A standard measurement of environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. The annual reference evapotranspiration number for Eastvale is 56.4 as taken from data provided by CIMIS weather station #44. For geographic areas not covered by the evapotranspiration zones map, data from nearby areas shall be used.

Rehabilitated landscape. Any re-landscaping of a project that requires a permit at the discretion of the City of Eastvale, provides water savings, revitalization, or the equivalent.

Special landscape area. An area of the landscape dedicated to edible plants, and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, or golf courses, where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high traffic activities. Cemeteries shall also be considered as special landscape areas. These areas shall be allowed 1.0 ETo.

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

Turf or turf grass or lawn. Species of warm or cool season grasses that form a dense mat of roots. Mowing may be provided on an irregular basis and creates a dense, even to somewhat even surface and increases the need for water regardless of season. Turf or turf grass or lawn does not include artificial turf.

Water-intensive landscaping. A landscape with a WUCOLS IV plant factor of 0.61 or greater and categorized as high or between high and moderate.

WUCOLS. The publication used as a general guide entitled "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species IV" by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Water Use Efficiency Program, California Center for Urban Horticulture (CCUH), University of California, Davis, and University of California Cooperative Extension (2014 or most current WUCOLS version).

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § B), 1-13-2016)

(1)

The water-efficient landscape requirements contained in this chapter shall be applicable to:

a.

All rehabilitated landscapes associated with multi-family residential uses (excluding single-family projects) with a total landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet which require a permit and/or approval by the City of Eastvale.

b.

All new landscapes associated with residential uses (including single-family and multi-family projects) which require a permit and/or approval.

c.

All new and rehabilitated landscapes associated with nonresidential uses (commercial, business park, industrial uses, parks, etc.) which require a permit and/or approval by the City of Eastvale.

(2)

In the event covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) are required for any permit subject to this chapter, the following conditions shall be incorporated into any project approval:

a.

Prohibit the use of water-intensive landscaping in common area/open space area.

b.

Require the use of appropriate low to medium water use plants materials for landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in connection with common area/open space landscaping.

c.

Require the CC&Rs to incorporate provisions concerning landscape irrigation system management and maintenance.

(3)

This chapter shall not be construed as requiring landscaping of common areas or open space that is intended to remain natural.

(4)

CC&Rs shall not prohibit the use of low water plants or the replacement of turf with less water intensive plant species.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § C), 1-13-2016)

The following uses and/or projects are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

(1)

Registered local, state, or federal historical sites.

(2)

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

(3)

Mined land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.

(4)

Botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § D), 1-13-2016)

(1)

Any new or rehabilitated landscape that is designated for recycled water use shall consult with the appropriate local water purveyor early in the development review process to ensure that future recycled water facilities meet the projected demand and that the aforementioned plans when submitted comply with the applicable standards, approvals, and implementation requirements of this chapter, the local water purveyor, and any applicable maintenance entity.

(2)

Planting plans, irrigation design plans, and soils management plans shall be reviewed by a licensed or registered landscape architect at the City of Eastvale to ensure that all plan components adhere to the requirements of this chapter.

(3)

Planting plans and irrigation design plans including landscape concept plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect licensed by the State of California. The licensed landscape architect shall sign the plans verifying that the plans comply with this chapter. Any plans submitted without the signature of a licensed or registered landscape architect shall not be accepted for review.

(4)

Approved plans for use during construction shall be signed by the landscape architect or representative of the City of Eastvale.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § E), 1-13-2016)

(1)

The City of Eastvale Community Development Director or his/her designee shall have the right to enter upon the project site at any time before, during, and after installation of the landscaping to conduct inspections for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

(2)

The City of Eastvale or the community development director shall have the discretion to interpret and determine suitable compliance based on the intent of this chapter.

(3)

If the local water purveyor has stricter requirements than called for in this chapter, the project applicant is responsible for contacting the water purveyor to determine what the requirements are and for designing the plans to those requirements. The city will work with the project applicant to implement the water purveyor's requirements.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § F), 1-13-2016; Ord. No. 23-22, § 1, 2-8-2023)

(1)

New natural turf grass lawns are discouraged but not prohibited in the front yard for any new residential subdivisions. The use of natural turf (grass lawns) in the front yards of new homes shall be limited to:

a.

Thirty percent of the landscape area if cool season turf grass is designed or 50 percent if warm season turf grass is designed.

(2)

Landscapes shall include appropriate use of lower water use plants and inert materials for a sustainable landscape design.

(3)

New natural turf grass in medians and parkways within and along city-maintained roads is prohibited, unless deemed appropriate by the city.

(4)

Plant types shall be grouped together by their water, soil, sun, and shade requirements and in relationship to the buildings. Plants with different water needs shall be irrigated separately, unless provisions for different irrigation applications within a hydrozone can be effectively demonstrated.

(5)

Planting areas shall be grouped in relation to moisture control zones based on similarity of water requirements (e.g., turf separate from shrub and groundcover, full sun exposure areas separate from shade areas, top of slope separate from toe of slope).

(6)

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

(7)

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

(8)

Plant selection for projects in high fire hazard areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4291 and Riverside County Fire Department Ordinance No. 695. Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches shall be avoided.

(9)

Any plant species that has the potential of being considered invasive shall be avoided, especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, conservation areas/reserves, and other open space areas, because of the potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas.

(10)

All exposed surfaces of non-turf areas (soil area) within the landscape area shall be covered with a minimum of three-inch layer of mulch.

(11)

Mulching products used on slopes shall aid in slope stability.

(12)

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

(13)

Decorative water features shall use recirculating water systems.

(14)

Where available, recycled water shall be used as the source for irrigation.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § G), 1-13-2016)

Accurate and complete water budget calculations using one maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) for the entire project and one estimated annual water use (EAWU) formula for each hydrozone shall be provided.

(1)

Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA).

a.

Formula for projects serviced by potable water sources and required not to exceed 55 percent or 0.55 ETo:

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.55 × LA + 0.55 × SLA]

b.

Formula for projects serviced entirely by recycled water sources and required not to exceed 85 percent or 0.85 ETo:

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[ 0.85 × LA+0.85 × SLA]

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration, local to the project. SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet. LA is total landscape area (including the SLA) in square feet.

c.

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

(2)

Estimated annual water use (EAWU).

a.

EAWU for a given hydrozone shall be calculated as follows:

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

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration PF is plant factor. HA is hydrozone area in square feet. IE is irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.71). SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet.

b.

EAWU (in the same units as MAWA) shall be provided for the sum of all valve circuits in the irrigation hydrozone. The sum of all EAWU hydrozone calculations shall not exceed the MAWA for the project.

(3)

The following plant factors from WUCOLS shall be used as a guide:

a.

Low water use plants range from 0 to 0.39.

b.

Moderate water use plants range from 0.4 to 0.6.

c.

High water use plants range from 0.61 to 1.0.

(4)

Plant factor calculations shall be based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor or the factor of the higher water using plant used.

(5)

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

(6)

Water systems for common open space areas shall use nonpotable water if approved facilities are made available by the local water purveyor. Provisions for a nonpotable water system shall be provided in the irrigation design plan. Water systems designed to utilize nonpotable water shall be designed to meet all applicable standards of the appropriate Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County Health Department.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § H), 1-13-2016)

(1)

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

(2)

All irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low head drainage, and other similar conditions where water flows off-site on to adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures.

(3)

Irrigation systems shall be designed, constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve high overall irrigation efficiency as possible.

(4)

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.

(5)

Landscaped areas shall be provided with a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to real-time weather conditions, or historical weather data, unless the use of the property would otherwise prohibit use of a timer.

(6)

Additional water conservation technology may be required, where necessary, at the discretion of the City of Eastvale.

(7)

Water systems for common open space areas shall use nonpotable water, if approved facilities are made available by the water purveyor.

a.

Provisions for the conversion to a nonpotable water system shall be provided in the landscape plan.

b.

Water systems designed to utilize nonpotable water shall be designed to meet all applicable standards of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County Health Department.

(8)

Separate valves shall be provided for separate water use planting areas so that plants with similar water needs are irrigated by the same irrigation valve.

(9)

Trees located in planter areas that do not have dense planting or widespread irrigation distribution should be placed on separate irrigation valves from other plants (hydrozoned) with either low-flow spray heads measured in gallons per hour, bubblers, or drip emitters.

(10)

All installations shall rely on highly efficient state-of-the-art irrigation systems to eliminate runoff and maximize irrigation efficiency as required by the city.

(11)

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

(12)

The capacity of the irrigation system shall not exceed:

a.

The capacity required for peak water demand based on water budget calculations within the required water window.

b.

Meter capacity.

c.

Backflow preventer type and device capacity.

d.

A velocity of five feet per second for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and seven feet per second for copper and brass materials.

(13)

Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates and be pressure regulated, unless otherwise directed by the City of Eastvale.

(14)

Within inert mulched planting areas, the use of point source drip irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.

a.

In three-inch organic mulched planting areas where slopes are less steep than 2:1:

The use of emitter tubing irrigation or point source drip irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.

Low water use plants that require overhead spray, as approved by the City of Eastvale, may be exempted from this requirement but shall be grouped, spaced, and hydrozoned independently on overhead spray.

Drip irrigation shall be installed under the mulch.

If grading conditions require increased stability not obtainable through low volume drip methods, overhead irrigation will be permitted with proper justification at the discretion of the City of Eastvale.

(15)

Slopes greater than or equal to 4:1 shall be irrigated with an irrigation system measured in gallons per hour or with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an approved alternative design or technology as part of the landscape documentation required to be submitted pursuant to this chapter and if there is a clear demonstration that no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed using an irrigation audit.

(16)

Long-narrow or irregularly shaped landscaped areas including functional turf areas less than ten feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low-volume irrigation technology measured in gallons per hour.

(17)

Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface and decomposed granite walking trails or paths. There are no restrictions on the irrigation system type if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing, other than decomposed granite.

(18)

For the purpose of design, overhead irrigation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ten- hour water window).

(19)

All irrigation systems shall be equipped with the following:

a.

A smart irrigation controller as required in section 14.24.090, Irrigation Design Requirements.

b.

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

c.

Anti-drain check valves installed at strategic points on sloped sites to minimize or prevent low head drainage.

d.

A manual shut-off valve installed as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply to minimize water loss in case of an emergency or routine repair.

e.

A mainline pressure regulator when the static water pressure is 15 percent above the recommended operating pressure of the irrigation system.

f.

Pressure regulation within each valve circuit and each spray head to establish optimal operating pressure per manufacturers' recommendations.

g.

Backflow prevention devices within a lockable cage or enclosure or other anchoring device to prevent theft.

Risers shall not be used in high traffic areas.

(20)

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

(21)

Irrigation design shall identity the following:

a.

Hydrozones.

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

A hydrozone information table shall be prepared for each hydrozone.

Each hydrozone shall be identified by a low, medium, or high priority designation in the event of a drought or water budgeting event as determined by the local water purveyor.

b.

Areas irrigated by each valve.

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

Static water pressure at POC.

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

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

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

Precipitation rate (inches per hour) for each irrigation circuit or irrigation component.

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

Irrigation system details and specifications for assembly and installation.

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

(22)

For each valve, two irrigation schedules shall be prepared:

a.

One for the initial establishment period of three months.

b.

One for the established landscape, which incorporates the specific water needs of the plants and functional turf throughout the calendar year.

(23)

Irrigation schedule shall:

a.

Take into account the particular characteristics of the soil.

b.

Be continuously available on-site to those responsible for landscape maintenance.

c.

Contain specifics as to optimum run time and frequency of watering, and irrigation hours per day.

The schedule currently in effect shall be posted at the controller.

(24)

An irrigation controller that includes a seasonal adjustment function is encouraged to be utilized to satisfy the longer run times required for the establishment period irrigation schedule.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § I), 1-13-2016)

A soil management analysis may be deemed necessary by the city.

(1)

After mass grading, the project applicant shall:

a.

Perform a preliminary site inspection.

b.

Determine the appropriate level of soil sampling and sampling method needed to obtain representative soil sample(s), typically one test per every 25,000 square feet of landscaped area.

c.

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

d.

Obtain appropriate soil sample(s).

(2)

Soil sample(s) shall be submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis and recommendation. The soil analysis shall include:

a.

Soil texture.

b.

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

c.

pH level.

d.

Total soluble salts.

e.

Sodium.

f.

Macro-nutrients.

g.

Micro-nutrients.

h.

Soil analysis recommendations, including humate. All fertilizer and amendment products shall be organic fertilizer products.

(3)

Documentation describing the following shall be provided:

a.

Soil type.

b.

Identification of limiting soil characteristics.

c.

Identification of planned soil management actions to remediate limiting soil characteristics.

The soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations shall be submitted to the City for landscape construction and for long-term recommendations.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § J), 1-13-2016)

(1)

A regular maintenance schedule shall be provided on the landscape construction drawings (with the exception of single-family residences or tract homes) by the landscape architect.

(2)

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

(3)

Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the original equipment manufacturers' installed components or equivalent/improved quality components.

(4)

Replacement of plants shall be done with the originally approved plant species, unless approved by the City of Eastvale.

(5)

Information shall be provided to owners of new single-family residential homes by the builder regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.

(Ord. No. 16-01, § 5(Exh. A, § K), 1-13-2016)

As applicable, all persons and/or entities subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 CCR, Division 2, chapter 2.7) shall comply with Sections 492.6(a)(3)(B), (C), (D), and (G), of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, as amended September 15, 2015, and as it may be amended in the future.

(Ord. No. 22-02, § 3, 2-9-2022)