Division 6 — WATER CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY

25-32A.1: PURPOSE:

A. The city of Porterville has found:

1. That the waters of the Tule Subbasin are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing demands;

2. That the continuation of Porterville's economic prosperity is dependent on the availability of adequate supplies of water for future

uses;

3. That it is the policy of the city of Porterville to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this

valuable resource;

4. That landscapes are essential to the quality of life in Porterville 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. That landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can, and should be, water efficient; and

6. That 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 this division 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 through 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; and

5. Establish economic incentives that promote the efficient use of water, such as implementing a tiered rate structure.

C. Landscapes that are planned, designed, installed, managed and maintained with the watershed based approach can improve California's and Porterville'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 division, 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 aesthetic 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 gray water 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;

   5. Protecting existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted nonnatives and avoiding invasive plants; and

   6. Utilizing integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.2: APPLICABILITY:

A. This division shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:

1. New development 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;

3. Existing landscapes limited to sections 25-32A.20 and 25-32A.21 of this article; and

4. Cemeteries; recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited

to sections 25-32A.6, 25-32A.13 and 25-32A.14 of this article; and existing cemeteries are limited to sections25-32A.20 and 25-32A.21 of this article; and

5. All new commercial and/or industrial developments requiring building permits where the landscape area will be modified or

rehabilitated.

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 division or conform to the prescriptive measures contained in section 25-32A.23 of this article.

C. For projects using treated or untreated gray water 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's or parcel's landscape water requirement (estimated total water use) entirely with treated or untreated gray water or through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to subsection 25-32A.23B5 of this article.

D. This division does not apply to:

1. Registered local, state or federal 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 arboretums open to the public.

E. This division further applies to all properties within the city limits of the city of Porterville, as well as any property beyond the limits of the city of Porterville but that receives municipal water service from the city. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.3: DEFINITIONS:

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

APPLIED WATER: The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.

AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER: An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather based) or soil moisture data.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE: A safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: The document required under section 25-32A.11 of this article.

CERTIFIED IRRIGATION DESIGNER: A person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. environmental protection agency's WaterSense irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association's certified irrigation designer program.

CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR: A person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. environmental protection agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association's certified landscape irrigation auditor program.

CHECK VALVE OR ANTIDRAIN VALVE: A valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.

COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS: Community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code section 1351.

COMPOST: The safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.

CONVERSION FACTOR (0.62): The number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.

DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY: The measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.

DRIP IRRIGATION: Any nonspray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

ET ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (ETAF): A factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential areas that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two (2) major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT: A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION OR USABLE RAINFALL (Eppt): The portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.

EMITTER: A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

ESTABLISHED LANDSCAPE: The point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one or two (2) years of growth.

ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD OF THE PLANTS: The first year after installing the plant in the landscape or the first two (2) years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one or two (2) years of growth. Native habitat mitigation areas and trees may need three (3) to five (5) years for establishment.

ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU): The total water used for the landscape as described in section25-32A.6 of this article.

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE: The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.

FLOW RATE: The rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.

FLOW SENSOR: An in-line device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.

FRIABLE: A soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.

FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN GUIDELINE: Guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone.

GRAY WATER: Untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Gray water" includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. Health And Safety Code section 17922.12.

HARDSCAPES: Any durable material (pervious and nonpervious).

HYDROZONE: A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.

INFILTRATION RATE: The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES: Species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California invasive plant inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.

IRRIGATION AUDIT: An in depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. An irrigation audit includes, 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. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association's landscape irrigation auditor certification program or other U.S. environmental protection agency "WaterSense" labeled auditing program.

IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY (IE): The measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this division are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.

IRRIGATION SURVEY: An evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.

IRRIGATION WATER USE ANALYSIS: A review of water use data based on meter readings and billing data.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California Business And Professions Code, section 5615.

LANDSCAPE AREA: All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the maximum applied water allowance calculation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or nonpervious hardscapes, and other nonirrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: A person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.

LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE: The documents required under section 25-32A.5 of this article.

LANDSCAPE PROJECT: Total area of landscape in a project as defined in "landscape area" for the purposes of this division, meeting requirements under section 25-32A.2 of this article.

LANDSCAPE WATER METER: An in-line device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.

LATERAL LINE: The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.

LOCAL AGENCY: The city of Porterville. The city of Porterville is responsible for the enforcement of this division including, but not limited to, approval of a permit and plan check or design review of a project.

LOCAL WATER PURVEYOR: Any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water company that provides retail water service.

LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION: 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.

MAIN LINE: The pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.

MASTER SHUTOFF VALVE: An automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system. When this valve is closed water will not be supplied to the irrigation system. A master valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a leaky station valve.

MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA): The upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in section 25-32A.6 of this article. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment factor, and the

size of the landscape area. The estimated total water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Special landscape areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0. MAWA = (ETo)(0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1- ETAF) x SLA)].

MEDIAN: An area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

MICROCLIMATE: The climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.

MINED LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS: Any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the surface mining and reclamation act of 1975.

MULCH: Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and/or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

NEW CONSTRUCTION: For the purposes of this division, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

NONRESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: Landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly. It also includes portions of common areas of common interest developments with designated recreational areas.

OPERATING PRESSURE: The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

OVERSPRAY: The irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.

PERMIT: An authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.

PERVIOUS: Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

PLANT FACTOR OR PLANT WATER USE FACTOR: A factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this division, the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0.1 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this division are derived from the publication "Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species". Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California department of water resources (DWR).

PROJECT APPLICANT: The individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package required under section25-32A.5 of this article to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the local agency. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

RAIN SENSOR OR RAIN SENSING SHUTOFF DEVICE: A component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.

RECORD DRAWING OR AS BUILTS: A set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.

RECREATIONAL AREA: Areas, excluding private single-family residential areas, designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.

RECYCLED WATER, RECLAIMED WATER, OR TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT WATER: Treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption.

REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION OR ETo: A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year as represented in section 25-32A.6 of this article, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four (4) to seven inch (7") tall, cool season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.

REGIONAL WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE: A local ordinance adopted by two (2) or more local agencies, water suppliers and other stakeholders for implementing a consistent set of landscape provisions throughout a geographical region. Regional ordinances are strongly encouraged to provide a consistent framework for the landscape industry and applicants to adhere to.

REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE: Any relandscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, meets the requirements of section 25-32A.2 of this article, and the modified landscape area is equal to, or greater than, two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: Landscapes surrounding single- or multi- family homes.

RUNOFF: Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.

SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICE OR SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR: A device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

SOIL TEXTURE: The classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.

SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA (SLA): An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.

SPRINKLER HEAD: A device which delivers water through a nozzle.

STATIC WATER PRESSURE: The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing.

STATION: An area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

SUBMETER: A metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter.

SWING JOINT: An irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak free connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent equipment damage.

TURF: A ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, red fescue, and tall fescue are cool season grasses. Bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass are warm season grasses.

VALVE: A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

WUCOLS: The "Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species" published by the University Of California cooperative extension, and the department of water resources, 2014.

WATER CONSERVING PLANT SPECIES: A plant species identified as having a very low or low plant factor.

WATER FEATURE: A design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.

WATERING WINDOW: The time of day irrigation is allowed. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.4: COMPLIANCE WITH LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:

A. Prior to construction, the zoning administrator or his designee 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, retain a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet for use in reporting as may be required.

B. Prior to construction, the project applicant shall:

1. Submit a landscape documentation package to the city prior to, or as a part of, the building permit submittal package.

C. Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the zoning administrator, the project applicant shall:

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

and

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. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.5: ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:

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 service is other than city of

Porterville;

g. Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package;

h. Project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property owner;

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. Water budget calculations:

(1) Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA);

(2) Estimated total water use (ETWU).

3. Soil management report;

4. Landscape design plan;

5. Irrigation design plan; and

6. Grading design plan. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.6: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:

A. A project applicant shall complete the water efficient landscape worksheet 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 ETo values

listed below, as excerpted from the reference evapotranspiration table in appendix A of the state model water efficiency landscape ordinance, 2015.

Annual Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
ETo

Porterville 1.2 1.8 3.4 4.7 6.6 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 52.0

B. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:

1. The plant factor used shall be from 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 the water efficient landscape worksheet.

4. ETAF for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.7: SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT:

A. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:

1. Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis 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 analysis shall include:

(1) Soil texture;

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

(3) pH;

(4) Total soluble salts;

(5) Sodium;

(6) Percent organic matter; and

(7) 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 percent (15%) will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to one in seven (7) lots.

2. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:

a. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the zoning administrator as part of the landscape documentation package; or

b. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the zoning administrator 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, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the zoning administrator with certificate of completion. (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.8: LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN:

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:

(1) Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

(2) Selection of water conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native plants;

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

(4) Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate

for the planting area; and

(5) Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.

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 25-32A.9A2d of this article.

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:

(1) 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;

(2) 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

(3) 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 percent (25%) where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty five percent (25%) means one foot (1') of vertical elevation change for every four feet (4') of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 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. The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California invasive plant council, is strongly discouraged.

g. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which includes 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.

h. Natural turf is prohibited in commercial and industrial zone districts. However, when the city council finds that a logical and

substantiated need exists for natural turf, e.g., for uses such as daycare centers or commercial recreation facilities, a conditional use permit may be approved with conditions specifying the reason natural grass is deemed necessary by the applicant, the allowed area of turf, and that all other water conservation requirements of this code are applied, regardless of the total landscape area.

i. Warm season grasses are the only approved natural turf for new installations.

2. Water Features:

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 are highly recommended.

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 25-32A.7 of this article).

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 inches (6") into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent (6%) organic matter in the top six inches (6") of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.

d. A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas,

creeping or rooting ground covers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to five percent (5%) 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 hydroseeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.

g. Organic mulch materials made from recycled or postconsumer products shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin

forest products unless the recycled postconsumer organic products are not locally available.

B. The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:

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

2. 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 nonpervious);

10. Identify location, installation details, and twenty four (24) 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 of Porterville 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 25-32A.18 of this article.

11. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies as discussed in section 25-32A.18 of this article and their

twenty four (24) hour retention or infiltration capacity;

12. Identify any applicable gray water 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 Business And Professions Code, section 832.27 of title 16 of the California code of regulations, and section 6721 of the Food And Agricultural Code.) (Ord. 1830, 11-17-2015)

25-32A.9: IRRIGATION DESIGN PLAN:

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 Water Code 535 applies) and residential irrigated landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet or greater. A landscape water meter may be either:

(1) A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the city of Porterville; or

(2) A privately owned meter or submeter.

b. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing nonvolatile 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.

(1) If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressure regulating devices

such as in-line pressure regulators, booster pumps, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.

(2) 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 shutoff 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. A project applicant shall refer to the applicable local agency code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.

g. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all nonresidential

landscapes and residential landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet or larger.

h. Master shutoff 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 shutdown features.

i. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where

irrigation water flows onto nontargeted areas, such as adjacent property, nonirrigated 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 25-32A.6 of this article 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. Through the project review process, or, if an applicable project is not subject to project review, during the building permit review

process, the public works director will provide information regarding 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 turf grass.

s. Check valves or antidrain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage could occur.

t. Areas less than ten feet (10') 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 inches (24") of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation

within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow nonspray 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:

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

(2) The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or

(3) 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 subsection A1i of this section. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

v. Slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding