Gustine Municipal Code Art. 2 Water Efficient Landscapes

Footnotes:

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State Law reference— Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, Government Code § 65591 et seq.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

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.

Estimated applied water use means the portion of the estimated total water use that is derived from applied water. The estimated applied water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance.

Estimated total water use means the annual total amount of water estimated to be needed to keep the plants in the landscaped area healthy. It is based upon such factors as the local evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscaped area, the types of the plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system.

Evapotranspiration means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time.

Hydrozone means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once it is established is a nonirrigated hydrozone.

Infiltration rate means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour).

Landscaped area means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, nonirrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes such as decks and patios, and other nonporous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens are not included.

Maximum applied water allowance means, for design purposes, the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in the following: MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62), where the maximum applied water allowance (in gallons per year) equals the reference evaportranspiration (50 inches per year) multiplied by the ET adjustment factor, the landscaped area (in square feet) and a conversion factor of 0.62 (to gallons per square foot).

Mulch means any material such as leaves, bark, straw or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purpose of reducing evaporation.

Recreational area means areas of active play such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.

Recycled water and reclaimed water means treated wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and not intended for human consumption.

Rehabilitated landscape means any relandscaping project that requires a permit.

Turf means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial rye grass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore paspalum, Saint Augustine grass Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm season grasses.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.02)

This article is intended to endorse and locally implement the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (Government Code § 65591 et seq.) by:

(1) Promoting the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest and other resources as efficiently as possible;

(2) Establishing a structure for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes in new projects; and

(3) Establishing provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for established landscapes.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.01)

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this article shall apply to:

(1) All new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects and private development projects that require a permit; and

(2) Developer-installed landscaping in single-family and multifamily projects.

(b) This article shall not apply to homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and multifamily projects.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.03)

(a) Plan preparation. A licensed landscape architect or a licensed landscaped contractor shall be employed in preparing the landscape and irrigation plans. Such plans shall calculate and specify the maximum applied water allowance, the estimated applied water use and the estimated total water use.

(b) Plant selection and grouping.

(1) Any plants may be used in the landscape, provided that the estimated applied water use recommended does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance and that the plants meet the specifications set forth in subsection (b)(2), (3) and (4) of this section.

(2) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.

(3) Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other provisions of this article.

(4) Although a reasonable number of growing seasons will be allowed for full plant coverage to develop, interim ground cover may be provided during this period. Interim ground cover includes rocks, gravel, wood mulch or other acceptable material. Mulches should be a minimum of three inches thick when used as an interim measure in nonground cover areas and a minimum of two inches thick in ground covers.

(5) Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone. Information about fire prone areas and appropriate landscaping for fire safety is available from the city fire department.

(c) Runoff and overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.

(d) Water features. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.

(e) Recreational areas. Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or school yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes may require water in addition to the maximum applied water allowance. A statement shall be included with the landscape design plan, designating recreational areas to be used for such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water above the maximum applied water allowance.

(f) Certification.

(1) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation audit or prior to the field observation.

(2) A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial completion to the city. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as designed, and that an irrigation audit has been performed, along with a list of any observed deficiencies.

(3) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a certificate of substantial completion and delivering it to the city.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.04)

The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies:

(1) Designation of hydrozones;

(2) Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf and other vegetation; planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated;

(3) Property lines and street names;

(4) Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas;

(5) Pools, ponds, water features, fences and retaining walls;

(6) Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevation, if applicable;

(7) Natural features including, but not limited to, rock outcroppings, existing trees, and shrubs that will remain;

(8) Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details;

(9) A calculation of the total landscaped area and the designation of recreational areas.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.05)

(a) Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones.

(b) The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from, but use the same format as, the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan described in section 6-2-35.

(c) The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify:

(1) The location and size of separate water meters for landscaping;

(2) The location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controller, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, 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 (psi) for each station;

(5) Recycled or reclaimed water systems as alternate irrigation water sources if supplied through a dual distribution system which conforms to the county health department standards;

(6) An annual irrigation watering schedule must be provided on irrigation drawings for a new plant establishment period, for the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas;

(7) Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional water is needed above the maximum applied water allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency);

(8) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data such as those from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different climates;

(9) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 am. to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high temperature.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.06)

All proposed landscaping and irrigation systems to be maintained by the city shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all of the requirements of this article.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.07)

(a) A regular maintenance schedule shall be included in landscape plan specifications and include the following:

(1) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to: checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; and weeding in all landscaped areas.

(2) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally specified materials or their equivalents.

(b) A schedule of landscape irrigation audits, for all but single-family residences, shall be submitted to the city with irrigation plan specifications and at a minimum:

(1) Comply with the California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document, which is hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, Department of Water Resources, Water Conservation Office (June 1990) version 5.5).

(2) Provide for landscape irrigation audits to be conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.08)

All existing landscaped areas to which the city provides water that are one acre or more, including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multifamily housing, schools, businesses, parks, and publicly owned landscapes shall have a landscape irrigation audit at least every five years. At a minimum, the audit shall be in accordance with the California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.09)

(a) Publications.

(1) The city will provide information to owners of all new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.

(2) Information about the efficient use of landscape water shall be provided to water users throughout the community.

(b) Model homes. At least one model home that is landscaped in each project consisting of eight or more homes shall demonstrate via signs and information, the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this chapter.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.10)

A landscaping and irrigation plan review and inspection fee shall be paid to the city clerk when the building permit is issued. The amount of the fee will be determined on a square foot basis. The landscape area of a project site totaling less than 10,000 square feet shall pay a flat fee as set by resolution. Landscaped areas totaling 10,000 square feet or more shall pay a flat fee as set by resolution. The fees for parks and recreation facilities and city maintained landscaping and irrigation systems will be determined by the city council on a case-by-case basis.

(Code 1966, § 6-9.11)

All landscaping installed in the City of Gustine shall additionally comply with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 California Code of Regulations, § 490 et seq.), as may be amended, if applicable. Nothing in this article is intended to exempt or excuse compliance with applicable state standards. In the event of a conflict between the requirements of this article and the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

(Ord. No. 503, § 1, 3-17-2020)