Sec. 37.116. - Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to this article:

Automatic irrigation controller means an automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers shall schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (ETo) (weather-based) or moisture sensor data.

Building permit means a permit to engage in a certain type of construction on a specific location.

Certified landscape irrigation auditor means a person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other accredited certification program.

Developer means a person who seeks or receives permits for or who undertakes land development activities' who is not a single-family homeowner. Developer includes a developer's partner, associate, employee, consultant, trustee or agent.

Director means the person designated by the city manager to direct the activities of the development services department including planning, building, and engineering services or anyone to whom the director has designated or hired to administer or enforce this article.

Discretionary permit means any permit requiring a decision making body to exercise judgment prior to its approval, conditional approval or denial.

Estimated total water use (ETWU) means the estimated total water use in gallons per year for a landscaped area.

ET adjustment factor (ETAF) means a factor that when applied to reference ETo, adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiency, two (2) major influences on the amount of water that is required for a healthy landscape.

Evapotranspiration (ETo) means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time period. "Reference evapotranspiration" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year and is an estimate of the ETo of a large field of four-inches to seven-inches tall, cool season turf that is well watered. Reference ETo is used as the basis of determining the MAWA so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.

Grading means any importation, excavation, movement, loosening or compaction of soil or rock.

Hardscape means any durable surface material, pervious or non-pervious.

Homeowner-provided landscaping means landscaping installed either by a private individual for a single- family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner.

Hydrozone means a portion of the landscape area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.

Invasive species means species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and may damage environmental or economic resources.

Irrigation audit means an inspection which includes an in depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. An irrigation audit may include, but is

not limited to, inspection, system tune up, system test with distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow and preparation of an irrigation schedule.

Irrigation efficiency means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.

Landscaped area means an area with outdoor plants, turf and other vegetation. A landscaped area includes a water feature either in an area with vegetation or that stands alone. A landscaped area may also include design features adjacent to an area with vegetation when allowed under Section 37.128. A landscaped area does not include the footprint of a building, decks, patio, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot or other hardscape that does not meet the criteria in Section 37.128. A landscaped area also does not include an area without irrigation designated for non-development such as designated open space or area with existing native vegetation.

Landscape design manual means the manual, approved by the City of Oceanside that establishes specific design criteria and guidance to implement the requirements of this article.

Landscape development manual means the manual, approved by the City of Oceanside that establishes specific design criteria, guidance, and construction details to implement the requirements of this article and development within the City of Oceanside.

Licensed means licensed by the State of California.

Low head drainage means a sprinkler head or other irrigation device that continues to emit water after the water to the zone in which the device is located has shut off.

Low volume irrigation means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low volume emitters such as drip lines or bubblers.

Mass grading means the movement of soil per the grading ordinance.

Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) means the maximum allowed annual water use for a specific landscaped area based on the square footage of the area, the ETAF and the reference ETo.

Mulch means an organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature or prevent soil erosion.

Overspray means the water from irrigation that is delivered outside an area targeted for the irrigation and makes contact with a surface not intended to be irrigated.

Pervious means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into underlying soil.

Plant factor means a factor when multiplied by the ETo, estimates the amount of water a plant needs.

Public water purveyor means a public utility, municipal water district, municipal irrigation district or municipality that delivers water to customers.

Recycled water means waste water that has been treated at the highest level required by the California Department of Health Services for water not intended for human consumption. "Territory treated recycled water," means water that has been through three (3) levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Runoff means water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscaped area.

Special landscaped area means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible plants, an area irrigated with recycled water, or an area dedicated as turf area within a park, sports field or golf course where turf provides a passive or active recreational surface.

Subsurface irrigation means an irrigation device with a delivery line and water emitters installed below the soil surface that slowly and frequently emit small amounts of water into the soil to irrigate plant roots.

Transitional area means a portion of a landscaped area that is adjacent to a natural or undisturbed area and is designated to ensure that the natural area remains unaffected by plantings and irrigation installed on the property.

Turf means a groundcover surface of mowed grass.

Water feature means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. A water feature includes a pond, lake, waterfall, fountain, artificial streams, spa and swimming pool. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices are not water features.

WUCOLS III means Water Use Classification of Landscape Species and refers to the Department of Water Resources 1999 publication or the most current version.

(Ord. No. 10-OR0412-1, § 1, 5-26-2010)