Chapter 17.74 — WATER EFFICIENCY

modified

A.

The state legislature has found that:

1.

The waters of the state are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing demands;

2.

The continuation of California's economic prosperity is dependent on the availability of adequate supplies of water for future uses;

3.

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.

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

5.

Landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be water efficient; and

6.

Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution specifies that the right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use.

B.

Consistent with these legislative findings, the purpose of the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is to:

1.

Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of water;

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 this chapter 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; and

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.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

This chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:

1.

New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than five hundred (500) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;

2.

Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review; and

3.

Existing landscapes limited to Sections 17.74.220, 17.74.230, and 17.74.240 of this chapter.

B.

Any project with an aggregate landscape area of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or less may comply with the performance requirements of this section or conform to the prescriptive measures contained in Table 17.74-5.

C.

For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet 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 Table 17.74-5 Section E. This section does not apply to:

1.

Registered federal, state or local 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 arboreta open to the public.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

17.74.030 - Provisions for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.

modified

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 section. Local agencies may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity's specific responsibilities relating to this chapter.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

Prior to construction, the city shall:

1.

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

2.

Review the landscape documentation package submitted by the project applicant;

3.

Approve or deny the landscape documentation package;

4.

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

5.

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

B.

Prior to construction, the project applicant shall submit a landscape documentation package to the city.

C.

Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the city, the project applicant shall:

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

2.

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

3.

Submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

The city may establish and administer penalties to the project applicant for non-compliance with the ordinance to the extent permitted by law.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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; and

i.

Applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the requirements of the water efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete landscape documentation package."

2.

Water efficient landscape worksheet:

a.

Hydrozone information table;

b.

Water budget calculations:

i.

Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA); and

ii.

Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU).

3.

Soil management report;

4.

Landscape design plan;

5.

Irrigation design plan; and

6.

Grading design plan.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

A project applicant shall complete the water efficient landscape worksheet in Table 17.74-2, 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 nonresidential 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 nonresidential 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.

1.

In calculating the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use, a project applicant shall use the Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) values found in Table 17.74-1. Since the City of El Monte is not included in the list, it shall use data from other cities located nearby and in the same ETo.

B.

Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:

1.

The plant factor used shall be from Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (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.

3.

All special landscape areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as shown in Table 17.74-2.

4.

ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant as follows:

1.

Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analyses 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 analyses shall include:

i.

Soil texture;

ii.

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

iii.

pH;

iv.

Total soluble salts;

v.

Sodium;

vi.

Percent organic matter; and

vii.

Recommendations.

c.

In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home developments) a soil sampling rate of one in seven (7) lots or approximately fifteen (15) percent will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to one in seven (7) lots.

2.

The project applicant 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 shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the city with certificate of completion.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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:

i.

Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

ii.

Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native plants;

iii.

Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;

iv.

Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area;

v.

Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists; and

vi.

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 subsection 17.74.100(a)(2)(D) of this chapter.

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:

i.

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;

ii.

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

iii.

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

d.

Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty-five (25) percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty-five (25) percent means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four (4) feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run × 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 per subsections 4291(a) and (b) of the California Public Resources Code. Avoid fireprone 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 developments, 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 Feature.

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 shall be used when pool or spa is not in use to minimize the loss of water due to evaporation.

3.

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 17.74.080 of this chapter).

c.

For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four (4) cubic yards per one thousand (1,000) square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six (6) inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six (6) percent organic matter in the top six (6) inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.

d.

A minimum three-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to five (5) percent 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.

B.

The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:

1.

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

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, and installation details, and twenty-four-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 17.74.190 of this chapter;

11.

Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies, as discussed in Section 17.74.190 of this chapter and their twenty-four-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 California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code).

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

17.74.100 - Irrigation design plan.

modified

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 documentation package.

1.

System.

a.

Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all nonresidential irrigated landscapes of one thousand (1,000) square feet but not more than five thousand (5,000) square feet (the level at which California Water Code 535 applies) and residential irrigated landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet or greater. A landscape water meter may be either:

i.

A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water purveyor; or

ii.

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.

i.

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

ii.

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

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. The project applicant shall refer to Section 13.08.040 (Backflow Prevention Devices) of Title 13 (Public Services) of the EMMC for additional backflow prevention requirements.

g.

Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all on nonresidential landscapes and residential landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet 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.

j.

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

k.

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

l.

The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 17.74.070 of this chapter 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 twenty-four (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:

i.

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

ii.

The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or

iii.

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 subsections A.1.h. and A.1.i. above. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

v.

Slopes greater than twenty-five (25) percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an 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.

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:

i.

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

ii.

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 Table 17.74-2). 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 17.74.170 of this chapter;

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 California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agricultural Code).

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

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

1.

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

a.

Height of graded slopes;

b.

Drainage patterns;

c.

Pad elevations;

d.

Finish grade; and

e.

Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.

2.

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

a.

Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain 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.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

The certificate of completion (see Table 17.74-4 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 construction, 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.

3.

Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see Section 17.74.130 of this chapter).

4.

Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 17.74.140 of this chapter).

5.

Irrigation audit report (see Section 17.74.150 of this chapter); and

6.

Soil analysis report, if not submitted with landscape documentation package, and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations (see Section 17.74.080 of this chapter).

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 Community Development Director shall:

1.

Receive the signed certificate of completion from the project applicant; and

2.

Approve or deny the Certificate of Completion. Community Development Director decisions regarding this chapter are appealable to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission's decisions shall be final. Refer to Section 17.10.100 (General Regulations—Ability to Appeal) of this title for additional information.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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 ETo, 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 ETo data (e.g. California Irrigation Management Information System (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:

a.

Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);

b.

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

c.

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

d.

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

e.

Application rate setting;

f.

Root depth setting;

g.

Plant type setting;

h.

Soil type;

i.

Slope factor setting;

j.

Shade factor setting; and

k.

Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

17.74.140 - Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.

modified

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 and 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 or environmentallyfriendly practices for all landscape maintenance activities.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

17.74.150 - Irrigation audit, irrigation survey, and irrigation water use analysis.

modified

A.

All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a 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 one in seven (7) lots or approximately fifteen (15) percent will satisfy this requirement.

C.

For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects, the following shall occur as described in Chapter 17.152 (General Definitions) of this title:

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; and

2.

The city shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the maximum applied water allowance.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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 state and local laws.

C.

Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The Estimated Total (ET) Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16 of the California Plumbing Code and any applicable local ordinance standards. Refer to Section 17.74.020.D. of this chapter for the applicability of this section to landscape areas less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet with the estimated total water use met entirely by graywater.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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 subsection 17.74.090.A.3. of this this chapter.

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:

1.

The one inch, twenty-four-hour rain event; or

2.

The 85[th ] percentile, twenty-four-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable federal, state, regional or local regulation.

E.

It is recommended that stormwater projects incorporate any of the following elements to improve on-site stormwater and dry weather runoff capture and use:

1.

Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain to vegetated areas.

Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof and concrete driveways.

3.

Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.

4.

Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.

5.

Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems.

6.

Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins and drywells to capture stormwater and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.

7.

Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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.

1.

The city's Water Division and other water suppliers/purveyors for 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 section:

1.

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

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

The city must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as appropriate.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

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 section. Local agencies may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity's specific responsibilities relating to this section.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

This section 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 this subsection 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).

For all landscapes in subsection A.1. above that do not have a meter, the local agency shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.

B.

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

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

The city 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, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally.

B.

Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if:

1.

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

2.

The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

The city may consider effective precipitation (twenty-five (25) percent of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate maximum applied water allowance: MAWA = (ETo−Eppt) (0.62) [(0.55 × LA) + (0.45 × SLA)] for residential areas. MAWA = (ETo−EPPT) (0.62) [(0.45 × LA) + (0.55 × SLA)] for nonresidential areas.

(Ord. No. 3053, § 3(Exh. A), 5-14-2025)

modified

A.

The city is responsible for administering this chapter and submitting an annual report to the California Department of Water Resources on January 31[st ] of each year.

B.

The city's annual report shall address the following:

1.

Define the reporting period. The reporting period shall commence on January 1[st ] of each year and end on December 31[st ] of each year.

2.

State if the city is using a locally modified Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) or the MWELO. If the city is using a locally modified WELO, state how it differs from MWELO, is at least as efficient as MWELO and whether there are any exemptions specified.

3.

State the entity responsible for implementing this chapter.

4.

State number and types of projects subject to this chapter during the specified reporting period.

5.

State the total area (in square feet or acres) subject to this chapter over the reporting period, if available.

6.

Provide the number of new housing starts, new commercial projects, and landscape retrofits during the reporting period.

7.

Describe the procedure for review of projects subject to this chapter.

8.

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?

9.

Describe enforcement measures.

10.

Explain challenges to implementing and enforcing the ordinance.

Describe educational and other needs to properly apply this chapter.

C.

List of Worksheets and Tables.

1.

Table 17.74-1—Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo).

2.

Table 17.74-2—Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.

3.

Table 17.74-3—ETAF Calculations.

4.

Table 17.74-4—Sample Certificate of Completion.

a.

Part 1: Project information sheet.

b.

Part 2: Certification of installation according to the landscape documentation package.

c.

Part 3: Irrigation schedule.

d.

Part 4. Schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance.

e.

Part 5: Landscape irrigation audit report.

f.

Part 6: Soil management report.

5.

Table 17.74-5—Sample Certificate of Completion.

a.

Part A: Submitting a landscape documentation package.

b.

Part B: Incorporating compost.

c.

Part C: Plant materials.

d.

Part D: Turf areas.

e.

Part E: Irrigation systems.

f.

Part F: Nonresidential projects with landscape areas greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet.

Table 17.74-1—Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)[18]

Notes:

18 The values in this table were derived from: (1) California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS); (2) Eto Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air and Water Resources and California Dept. of Water Resources 1999; (3) Eto for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987) Bulletin 1922; and (4) Determining Daily Eto, Cooperative Extension UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426.

Table 17.74-2—Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet

This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package. Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo): _______

Notes:

19 Hydrozone #/Planting Description e.g. front lawn, low water use plantings and medium water use planning.

20 Irrigation Method—Overhead spray or drip

21 Irrigation Efficiency—0.75 for spray head/0.81 for drip

22 ETWU (Annual Gallons Required) = ETo × 0.62 × ETAF × Area. Where 0.62 is a conversion factor that converts acre-inches per year to gallons per square foot per year.

23 MAWA (Annual Gallons Allowed) = (ETo)(0.62)[(ETAF × LA) + ((1-ETAF) × SLA)]. Where 0.62 is a conversion factor that converts acre-inches per acre per year, to gallons per square foot per year, LA is the total landscape area in square feet, SLA is the total special landscape area in square feet, and ETAF is 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential areas.

Table 17.74-3—ETAF Calculations

Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report per Section 17.74.030 of this

chapter.

Notes:

24 This certification is filled out by the project applicant upon completion of the landscape project.

Table 17.74-5—Sample Certificate of Completion