Chapter 19.70 — LANDSCAPING

(a)

Determinations. The city council has determined the following:

(1)

Water is a valuable resource in limited supply in the state subject to increasing demand.

(2)

The city has set the goal of implementing measurements resulting in the more efficient use of water through landscaping and irrigation design.

(3)

Landscapes provide recreation areas, promote clean air and water, prevent erosion, and replace ecosystems displaced by development.

(4)

Landscape design, installation and maintenance shall be water-efficient.

(b)

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter shall be to:

(1)

Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to use water as efficiently as possible.

(2)

Establish criteria for designing, installing, and maintaining water-efficient landscapes in new projects.

(3)

Establish landscape design criteria for development projects.

(Code 1972, § 19.70.010)

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

Application rate means the amount of water applied to an area in one hour measured in inches per hour.

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.

Check valve or anti-drain valve means 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 when the system is off.

Conversion factor (0.62) means a number that converts the maximum applied water allowance from acre- inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year. The conversion factor is calculated as follows:

(325,829 gallons/43,560 square feet)/12 inches = (0.62)

325,829 gallons = one acre foot.

43,560 square feet = one acre.

To convert gallons per year to 100-cubic feet per year (a common billing unit for water), divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons = 100 cubic feet).

Emitter means a drip irrigation fitting that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

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

Establishment period means the first year after installing the plant in the landscape.

Estimated annual water use (EAWU) means the portion of the estimated total water use that is derived from applied water. The estimated annual water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA). Estimated annual water use may be the sum of the water used on system components recommended through the irrigation schedule. EAWU is used to estimate the total water use per year for a given hydrozone, and is calculated as follows:

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

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration (56.65 is a recent ETo rate for the city).

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.

Evapotranspiration (ETo) or reference evapotranspiration means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time. ETo is a standard measure of environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month or year. ETo is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well-watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. A recent annual ETo determined for the city is 56.65.

Flow rate means the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons per minute or cubic feet per second).

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

Invasive species are (e.g., plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically. Lists of invasive species are included within the Western Riverside County

Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) (incorporated by reference).

Landscape architect means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state (Government Code section 5615).

Landscape plans for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this chapter shall include the following items: planting plan, irrigation plan, soil management plan, and grading plan. A submittal package missing any one of these items will be deemed incomplete.

Landscaped area or LA means all of the planting areas, turf areas and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) calculation. Landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or impervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non- development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

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, drip lines, and bubblers. Low-volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

Maximum applied water allowance or MAWA means the upper limit of annual applied water allowed for the established landscaped area, and is calculated as follows:

(1)

For landscapes installed before January 1, 2010, the applicable MAWA (in gallons) =

(ETo)(0.62)(0.8)(LA)

(2)

For landscapes installed after January 1, 2010, the applicable MAWA (in gallons) =

(ETo)(0.62)[0.7 × LA + 0.3 × SLA]

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration.

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet.

LA is total landscape area (including the SLA) in square feet.

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.7 × LA + 0.3 × SLA]

For the purposes of determining the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. New irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, spray heads and rotors, etc.).

Rehabilitated landscapes means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, and/or would meet the requirements of 19.70.030(b).

Special landscape area (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, and publicly accessible areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses, where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high traffic activities.

Temporarily irrigated means 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.

Water intensive landscaping means a landscape with a WUCOLS plant factor of 0.7 or greater.

Water service area means an area where retail water services are provided by a local water purveyor. The water purveyor provides metering services and water use billing and shall be responsible for enforcement of this chapter. The city has three water service areas, two of its own, and the area encompassed by the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD).

WUCOLS means the publication entitled "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species" by the U.C. Cooperative Extension (1999 or most current version).

(Code 1972, § 19.70.020)

(a)

Intent. By adoption of these provisions, it is the intent of this chapter 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 construction 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)

Attain water-efficient landscape goals by requiring that landscapes not exceed a maximum water demand of 70 percent of its reference evapotranspiration (ETo) rate;

(6)

Eliminate water waste from overspray and/or runoff;

(7)

Achieve water conservation by raising the public awareness of the need to conserve water through education and motivation to embrace an effective water demand management program; and

(8)

Implement the requirements to meet the state of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act 2006 and the California Code of Regulations title 23, division 2, chapter 2.7.

(b)

Applicability. The city has two water service areas, its own and the area encompassed by the eastern municipal water district (EMWD). Water-efficiency standards for landscaping shall apply as follows:

(1)

New or rehabilitated landscape projects throughout the city (city water service areas or EMWD service areas) are subject to the water-efficiency requirements of this chapter as follows:

a.

All new construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired ("owner-builder") in single-family and multi-family projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review as determined by the director of development services;

b.

All other landscape projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet subject to discretionary permits, plan checks, design reviews, and/or approvals as determined by the director of development services.

(2)

Existing properties with landscape areas within the city water service area are subject to the water- efficiency requirements of this chapter when:

a.

Properties with landscape areas are one acre or greater in size;

b.

Properties less than one acre in size are served by a dedicated landscape irrigation meter; or

c.

Existing properties with landscape areas installed before January 1, 2010, that are less than one acre in size, or not served by a dedicated landscape irrigation meter, are limited to an ETo factor of 0.8, and subject to water conservation enforcement by the water service provider.

(3)

Existing properties with landscape areas within the EMWD water service area are subject to the water- efficiency requirements of this chapter and the terms of EMWD's water service agreement, including, but not limited to, tiered rate pricing, any water shortage contingency plan, Water Use Efficiency Ordinance 72.24, and enforcement thereof. Landscapes installed before January 1, 2010, are limited to an ETo factor of 0.8.

(c)

CC&Rs. When covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) are required for any permit subject to this chapter, a condition of approval shall state the following:

(1)

The CC&Rs shall prohibit water-intensive landscaping and require low water use landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in connection with common area/open space landscaping. The CC&Rs shall not prohibit use of low-water use plants, nor prohibit the replacement of turf with less water intensive plant species.

(2)

The CC&Rs shall incorporate provisions addressing landscape irrigation system management and maintenance.

(3)

The chapter shall not apply to common areas or open space that is intended to remain natural.

(d)

Cemeteries. Cemeteries are recognized as having unique landscape needs. New, rehabilitated and existing cemeteries are required to comply with the landscape and maintenance protocol described in 19.70.050, if not a registered local, state or federal historical site.

(e)

Exemptions. The following projects or sites are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

(1)

Any project with a total landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet.

(2)

Registered local, state or federal historical sites.

(3)

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

(4)

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

(5)

Botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

(f)

Special landscape areas (SLA). The following specialized landscape areas are allowed an ETo factor of 0.8 when calculating MAWA:

(1)

Publicly accessible recreation areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing field;

(2)

Areas irrigated with recycled water;

(3)

Areas devoted to edible plants;

(4)

Where turf is needed for high traffic activities.

(Code 1972, § 19.70.030)

(a)

Landscape plan requirements.

(1)

An applicant proposing any new or rehabilitated landscape subject to this chapter shall prepare and submit complete landscape plans to the development services department for review and approval. No building permit shall be issued until the plans have been reviewed and approved by the development services department.

(2)

A copy of the approved landscaping and irrigation plans shall be provided to the applicant and the licensed landscape architect who prepared and stamped the plans.

(3)

Conceptual landscaping plans shall be submitted for review and preliminary approval with applications for administrative development plan review, development plan review, conditional use permit, specific plan, and other applications as determined by the development services director. Conceptual landscape plans shall include the following information at minimum:

a.

Planting plan.

b.

Plant palette.

c.

Water use estimates.

d.

Allowed water circulation.

(4)

The final landscape and irrigation plans shall be stamped by a state licensed landscape architect and shall include at a minimum the following:

a.

Landscape design plan.

b.

Irrigation design plan.

c.

Water quality management plan (WQMP) site design BMPs.

d.

Planting details (per the city's technical manual for landscape design), including, but not limited to:

Tree staking (double-staked).

Groundcover spacing.

Planting specifications (trees and shrubs).

Root barriers as necessary.

e.

Maintenance schedule.

f.

Approval block for city signatures.

(b)

Required landscape plan project information.

(1)

Date.

(2)

Applicant name and contact information.

(3)

Project owner and contact information.

(4)

Project address including parcel and lot numbers.

(5)

Site information required by chapter 19.71.

(6)

Total landscape area in square feet.

(7)

Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private).

(8)

Water supply (e.g., potable, well, recycled). Use of recycled water is encouraged.

(9)

Applicant signature and date with statement "I agree to comply all requirements of this Ordinance and submit complete Landscape Plans."

(c)

Planting plan requirements.

(1)

The city's technical manual for landscape design shall be referenced for water use classifications of landscape species (WUCOLS) list, approved city street tree list, and landscape design details.

(2)

The "Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping" is hereby incorporated by reference to assist with developing water efficient landscapes.

(3)

Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climate, geologic and topographical conditions on the project site.

(4)

Plant types shall be grouped together according to their water, soil, sun and shade requirements, and relationship to buildings and available shade. Plants with different water needs shall be irrigated separately. Plants with the following classifications shall be grouped accordingly: high and moderate, moderate and low, low and very low. Deviation from these groupings shall not be permitted.

(5)

Designation of any special landscape area dedicated to recreation and publicly accessible areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing field; areas irrigated with recycled water; areas devoted to edible plants; or where turf is needed for high traffic activities.

(6)

Water features and pool regulations:

a.

Decorative water features shall use re-circulating water systems.

b.

Commercial/community-oriented facilities with pools and/or spas shall be equipped with covers to minimize evaporation when not in use.

c.

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

(7)

Areas to be accepted for maintenance by the city shall be clearly indicated by a concrete mow strip, wall or other element easily distinguished from adjacent landscaping. A concrete mow strip shall separate turf from other planting areas.

(8)

Trees are an essential element of landscape design and their inclusion shall be carefully considered and optimized. As opportunity permits, trees shall be planted to increase the urban canopy, cleanse the air, reduce the heat island effect and conserve energy. Trees for shade (deciduous and/or evergreen) shall be provided per chapter 19.71 for residential, commercial and industrial building sites, parking lots and in open space areas to maximize energy and water conservation.

(9)

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

(10)

Plant selection 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 Public Resources Code section 4291(a) and (b). Fire- prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches shall be avoided.

(11)

Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is encouraged.

(12)

Invasive species of plants shall be avoided, especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, and open spaces because of their potential to cause harm in to environmentally sensitive areas.

(13)

Exposed surfaces of non-turf areas within the developed landscape area shall be mulched with a minimum three-inch layer of organic material, except in areas with groundcover planted from flats where mulch depth shall be two inches.

(14)

Stabilizing organic mulching products shall be used on slopes.

(15)

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

(16)

Planting plans shall identify and site the following:

a.

New and existing trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and turf areas within the proposed landscape area;

b.

Planting legend indicating all plant species by botanical name and common name, spacing, and quantities of each type of plant by container size;

c.

Designation of hydrozones;

d.

Area, in square feet, devoted to landscaping with a breakdown of the total area by landscape hydrozones;

e.

Property lines, streets, and street names;

f.

Building locations, driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and other hardscape features;

g.

Appropriate scale and north arrow;

h.

Any special landscape areas;

i.

Type of mulch and application depth;

j.

Type and surface area of any water features;

k.

Type and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices;

l.

Planting specifications and details, including the recommendations from the soils analysis as applicable.

(17)

Planting plans shall be prepared using the following maximum applied water allowance (MAWA):

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.7 × LA + 0.3 × SLA]

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration.

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet.

LA is total landscape area (including the SLA) in square feet.

For the purposes of determining the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. New irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

(18)

Hydrozones shall be calculated according to estimated annual water use (EAWU). The EAWU for a given hydrozone is calculated as follows:

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

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration (56.65 is the evapotranspiration rate for the city, as measured in inches of water per year).

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.

Landscaping plans shall provide EAWU in the same units as the MAWA for each valve circuit in the irrigation hydrozone. The sum of all EAWU calculations shall not exceed the MAWA for the project.

The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor for low water use plants range from 0 to 0.3, for moderate water use plants range from 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water use plants range from 0.7 to 1.0.

The plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor, or the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used.

The surface area of a water features 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.

(19)

Reference is made to the technical manual for landscape design for the (PF) value of a specific plant; the irrigation efficiency (IE) value for the various types of irrigation heads or emitters; the AE value of a control system; and other supplementary details on conforming to requirements that are a part of this chapter.

(20)

Planting and irrigation plans shall be drawn at the same size and scale.

(21)

Planting and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect licensed by the state.

(d)

Irrigation design plan requirements.

(1)

The "Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping" (Guide) is hereby incorporated by reference to assist the applicant in designing, constructing, and maintaining an efficient irrigation system.

(2)

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

(3)

The applicant/developer for a project in the eastern municipal water district (EMWD) shall contact EMWD prior to irrigation system design to determine the availability of recycled water or potable water service. If EMWD determines that potential service will be furnished with recycled water, the landscape and irrigation plans shall be designed in accordance with EMWD requirements for recycled water systems.

(4)

All irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, over-spray, low-head drainage and other similar conditions where water flows off site onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walk, roadways, or structures. Irrigation systems shall be designed, constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve as high an overall efficiency as possible. 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 which automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to changing weather conditions, unless the use of the property would otherwise prohibit use of a timer.

(6)

Water systems for common open space areas shall use non-potable water, if approved facilities are made available by the water purveyor. Provisions for the conversion to a non-potable water system shall be provided within the landscape plan. Water systems designed to utilize non-potable water shall be designed to meet all applicable standards of the state regional water quality control board, the county health department and EMWD.

(7)

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

(8)

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 at the installation.

(9)

The capacity of the irrigation system shall not exceed:

a.

The capacity required for peak water demand based on water budget calculations;

b.

Meter capacity; or

c.

Backflow preventer type and device capacity.

(10)

Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer.

(11)

In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.

(12)

Non-turf areas on slopes greater than 25 percent shall be irrigated with drip irrigation or other low volume irrigation technology.

(13)

Long, narrow, or irregularly shaped areas including turf less than eight feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low-volume irrigation technology.

(14)

Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface. There are no restrictions on the irrigation system type if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no overspray and runoff occurs.

(15)

Overhead irrigation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

(16)

All irrigation systems shall be equipped with the following:

a.

A smart irrigation controller as defined in subsection (d)(5) of this section;

b.

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

c.

Anti-drain check valves installed at strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage;

d.

A manual shut-off 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 or routine repair;

e.

A pressure regulator when the static water pressure is above or below the recommended operating pressure of the irrigation system;

f.

Backflow prevention devices; and

g.

Riser protection components for all risers in high traffic areas.

(17)

Dedicated landscape meters shall be required for all projects greater than 2,500 square feet.

(18)

Irrigation plans shall identify and site 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.

b.

The areas irrigated by each valve;

c.

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

d.

Static water pressure at POC;

e.

Location and size of water meters, service laterals, and backflow preventers;

f.

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;

g.

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

h.

Precipitation rate (inches per hour) for each overhead spray circuit;

i.

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

j.

Irrigation system details for assembly and installation;

k.

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; and

l.

Irrigation plans shall contain the following statement, "I agree to comply with the criteria of this chapter and to apply them for the efficient use of water in the Irrigation Design Plan."

(19)

For each valve, two irrigation schedules shall be prepared identifying the specific water needs of the plants and turf throughout the calendar year: One for the initial establishment period of six months, and one for the established landscape.

(20)

Irrigation plans and planting plans (subsections (c) and (d) of this section) shall be drawn at the same size and scale.

(21)

Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate evapotranspiration (ETo) data from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to determine the appropriate levels of water application for this climate. A local weather station is located at UC Riverside (wwwcimis.water.ca.gov/).

(22)

Irrigation system for areas to be accepted for maintenance by the city shall have a centralized control system or controllers that can be programmed and that measure soil moisture and evapotranspiration rates associated with centrally controlled systems.

(e)

Soil management plan requirements.

(1)

After mass grading, the project applicant or his designee shall:

a.

Perform a preliminary site inspection;

b.

Determine the appropriate level of soil sampling and sampling method needed to obtain representative soil samples;

c.

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

d.

Obtain appropriate soil samples.

(2)

The project applicant or his designee shall submit soil samples to laboratory for analysis and recommendation. The soil analysis may include:

a.

Soil texture;

b.

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

c.

pH;

d.

Total soluble salts;

e.

Sodium; and

f.

Recommendations.

(3)

The project applicant or his designee shall prepare documentation describing the following:

a.

Soil type;

b.

Identification of limiting soil characteristics;

c.

Identification of planned soil management actions to remediate limiting soil characteristics; and

(4)

The soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations shall be submitted to the city pursuant to the requirements of subsection (h)(3) of this section.

(f)

Grading design plan requirements, as applicable.

(1)

The landscape plans shall include rough/precise grade elevations prepared for the project by a licensed civil engineer.

(2)

Rough grading plans shall include water quality management plan (WQMP) BMPs such as basins, swales, and permeable surfaces other than green landscape.

(g)

Landscape irrigation and maintenance. This section applies to all landscape projects subject to this chapter. The "Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping" (Guide) is hereby incorporated by reference to promote water use efficiency.

(1)

Two irrigation schedules shall be prepared: One for the initial establishment period of six months, and one for the established landscape, which incorporates the specific water needs of the plants and turf throughout the calendar year. The irrigation schedule shall take into account the particular characteristics of the soil; shall be continuously available on site to those responsible for the landscape maintenance; and shall 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.

(2)

A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted to the development services director, property owner, and water purveyor, with the certificate of completion (subsection (h)(3) of this section). A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection, adjustments, and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, weeding in all landscape areas and removing any obstruction to irrigation devices.

(3)

Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or equivalent.

(4)

All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this chapter.

(5)

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

(h)

Landscape plan check process.

(1)

As part of the land development process and prior to construction, the city shall:

a.

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

b.

Review the landscape plans submitted by the project applicant;

c.

Approve or reject the landscape plans; and

d.

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

(2)

For all landscape projects subject to this chapter, the project applicant shall submit complete landscape plans prior to construction for review and approval by the director of development services. Planting plans, irrigation plans, soils management plans and grading plans shall be reviewed to ensure that all components adhere to the requirements of this chapter. A licensed landscape architect shall sign to verify the plans comply with this chapter. Any plans submitted without the appropriate signature shall not be accepted for review.

(3)

A certificate of completion shall be completed and signed by a licensed landscape architect prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection for a project subject to this chapter. The certificate of completion and a regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted to the development services director certifying that the landscaping has been completed in accordance with the approved landscape plans (planting, irrigation, soil management, and grading design) for the project. The certificate of completion shall contain the following information:

a.

Date;

b.

Project information;

c.

Project name;

d.

Project applicant name, telephone, mailing address;

e.

Project address and location;

f.

Property owner name and mailing address;

g.

Prior to backfilling, evidence that the party responsible for irrigation installation conducted a preliminary field inspection of the irrigation system (evidence of field inspection shall be attached);

h.

The landscaping has been installed in conformance with the approved planting and irrigation plans;

i.

Irrigation audit report performed by a certified irrigation auditor after project installation (audit report shall be attached);

j.

The smart irrigation controller has been set according to the irrigation schedule;

k.

The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and eliminate overspray and runoff;

l.

Verification that a copy of the approved complete landscape plans, irrigation schedule, and maintenance schedule has been provided to the property owner and the local water purveyor (either EMWD or city); and

m.

Verification that the maintenance schedule has been provided to the development services director.

(4)

At minimum, all landscape irrigation audits shall comply with the "Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training Manual" (2004 or most current) and shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.

(5)

The development services director or his 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.

(Code 1972, § 19.70.040)

(a)

Restrictions. The following water conservation measures are intended to avoid water waste, are effective at all times, and are permanent.

(1)

Limits on watering hours. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or

device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. Overhead irrigation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

(2)

No excessive water flow or runoff. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.

(3)

No washing down hard or paved surfaces. Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, a low- volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used, or a low-volume high pressure water broom.

(4)

Obligation to fix leaks, breaks or malfunctions. Excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than seven days, is prohibited.

(b)

Landscape meter requirements.

(1)

A separate dedicated meter is required for new landscape areas greater than or equal to 2,500 square feet.

(2)

The efficient use of water shall be considered in the design of any new landscape area. The MAWA will be calculated for customers that request a new account using the formula in section 19.70.040(c).

(3)

Prior to the issuance of a meter, the new customer shall calculate the EAWU for each landscape area using the formula provided in section 19.70.040(c). For the new meter to be issued, the EAWU shall be reviewed by the local water purveyor to ensure the water budget for the landscape area does exceed the MAWA calculated under this chapter.

(4)

New accounts that must comply with equivalent or more stringent water use efficiency measures imposed by another jurisdiction (the state, public utility companies, etc.), do not need to comply with the

requirements of this section, but may need to provide information about the landscape area to the local water purveyor.

(c)

Enforcement. Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation shall be prohibited. The city employs random irrigation audits and/or irrigation surveys to ensure the landscape area meets the applicable MAWA to ensure water is being used efficiently in its water service areas. Within the EMWD water service area, existing landscaped properties are subject to EMWD's tiered rate water budget and water conservation enforcement procedures.

(1)

Existing landscapes including green belts, common areas, multi-family housing, schools, businesses, parks, cemeteries, and publicity owned landscapes are subject to review of water usage. For landscapes installed before January 1, 2010, the applicable MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)(0.8)(LA).

a.

If water bills indicate that the facility is using less than or equal to the maximum applied water allowance for that project site, no action is necessary.

b.

If water bills indicate that the facility is using more water than the maximum applied water allowance, the irrigation system shall be reviewed and fine tuned to the greatest extent feasible to increase efficiency of the system.

(2)

Within both the city and EMWD water service areas warnings, correction notices (notice of violation), citations and/or penalties (including fees) may be issued for any violation of this chapter.

(Code 1972, § 19.70.050)

This section shall serve as a guideline only, and additional requirements may be appropriate for special or unique projects, or as determined by the director of development services. Reference is made to chapter

(a)

Inspections for privately maintained landscaping. Upon approval of the landscape plans, the development services department shall provide the applicant with one set of the approved plans to be kept on the project site for inspection purposes. For privately maintained areas, a minimum of three landscape inspections shall be conducted by the city, as follows:

(1)

Upon the installation of the irrigation equipment, when trenches are open and the system can be pressurized to 150 pounds-per-square-inch for four hours;

(2)

After soil preparation, at the time the plant materials are positioned and ready to plant; and

(3)

At the time plant materials are fully installed and the irrigation system is functional.

(b)

Inspections for publicly maintained landscaping. Upon approval of the landscape plans, the development services department will provide the applicant one set of the approved plans to be kept on the project site for inspection purposes. For areas to be accepted for maintenance by the city, a minimum of four landscape inspections shall be conducted by the city, as follows:

(1)

Upon the installation of the irrigation equipment, when trenches are open and the system can be pressurized to 150 pounds-per-square-inch for four hours;

(2)

After soil preparation, at the time the plant materials are positioned and ready to plant;

(3)

At the time plant materials are fully installed and the irrigation system is functional. Any equipment, devices, lighting, pumps and appurtenances must be fully functional at the time of the third inspection. When the third inspection is approved and finalized by the city's landscape architect, a one-year period of maintenance will be required prior to the fourth inspection.

(4)

The fourth inspection will take place a minimum of one year after obtaining approval of the third inspection. This time period will be extended if the improvements are not maintained at a high standard as required during the year. When the fourth and final inspection is approved and finalized by the city's landscape architect, the city will accept the improvements for maintenance. The following shall be provided before the fourth inspection can be approved and finalized by the city's landscape architect and the public works department:

a.

A set of city approved "as-builts" on Mylar.

b.

A landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule shall include the checking, routine inspection, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; resetting and adjusting the automatic controllers; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning and weeding in all landscaped areas.

c.

A maintenance schedule for non-landscaped areas shall include the checking, routine inspection, adjustment, painting, replacement and repair of lighting; playground equipment; monument areas and signage; and other appurtenances.

d.

The landscape plan check application and water budget agreement entered into with eastern municipal water district or the city, along with a copy the most recent monthly water budget statement for landscape meters as provided by EMWD or the city.

e.

Meter and account information for all utilities.

f.

Equipment, warranties, keys, manuals and software.

(Code 1972, § 19.70.070; Ord. 1265, 2-2010)