Article V — Enforcement

The director shall enforce the provisions of the grading ordinance. (Prior code § 9.35.1901)

The director may suspend or revoke grading approval for good cause. In the event that a suspension or revocation is appealed to the construction codes advisory and appeals board, no work shall be performed pending appeal except as expressly authorized, in writing, by the director. (Prior code § 9.35.1902)

A. Whenever any work is being done in violation of the provisions of the grading ordinance or any other applicable law, ordinance, rule or regulation, the director may order the work stopped by serving written notice of such violation on any persons engaged in, doing, or causing such work to be done. Any such person shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the director to proceed with the work. If there are no persons present on the premises, the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place. The notice shall state the nature of the violation. Any person violating a stop work order shall be guilty of an infraction.

• B. Upon receipt of or knowledge of the existence of such stop work notice, the person performing the work shall:

1. Stop work immediately; and

2. Within twenty-four (24) hours, provide the director with a list of remedies which can be immediately undertaken to bring the work into compliance with this title; and

3. Within twenty-four (24) hours after acceptance of such remedies by the director, undertake at the violator's expense, such action as is necessary to bring the work into compliance with this title. 4. If engineering work is required to identify and define the proper course of action, as determined by the director, such work shall be provided by the violator at no cost to the city. (Prior code § 9.35.1903)

A. Any condition in violation of the grading ordinance is declared to be a public nuisance, subject to abatement in accordance with Title 8 of this code. In the event that the director determines that a violation has created a condition which is of such a nature to be imminently dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare, such condition may be abated in accordance with the summary abatement procedures set forth at Chapter 8.04, et seq. of this code.

The following conditions are declared to constitute an imminently dangerous condition:

1. When a violation has altered natural drainage patterns and has caused flooding to any downstream or upstream property; or

2. When a violation results in a condition which creates a drainage alteration such that upstream or downstream property may be flooded when weather conditions change and the owner, lessee, or licensee of the property on which the violation exists cannot be found; or

3. When a violation results in a hazard, requiring immediate correction for the preservation of the public health, safety, or welfare; or

4. When a violation results in a discharge or release of significant amounts of sediment which causes or threatens to cause flooding, property damage, or unsafe conditions.

• B. The costs incurred by city to abate any nuisance caused by a violation of the grading ordinance shall be assessed against the subject property as a lien or made a personal obligation to the owner of the property as provided in Chapter 8.04, et seq. of this code. Such costs may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

1. Engineering and design costs;

2. Contractor service bills or public employee wages at cost;

3. Administrative overhead and supervision based on ten (10) percent of all other costs incurred;

4. Interest which shall accrue and be billed at the rate of ten (10) percent of all unpaid amounts from the date of billing;

5. Attorney fees and costs.

C. The abatement procedures set forth in this section are cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies which are or may be available to city to correct or cause to be corrected any violation of the grading ordinance, or to abate a condition which is otherwise a public nuisance. (Prior code § 9.35.1904)

Any person violating any provision of the grading ordinance shall be guilty of an infraction. (Prior code § 9.35.1905)

The remedies provided herein are not exclusive, and are in addition to any other remedy or penalty provided by law for violation of the grading ordinance. (Prior code § 9.35.1906)

Whenever necessary to enforce the provisions of the grading ordinance, the director may enter the premises at all reasonable times to the extent authorized by law to perform any duty imposed by the grading ordinance. If such entry is refused, the director shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. (Prior code § 9.35.1907)

Chapter 15.92

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS

Sections:

15.92.010 Purpose. 15.92.020 Applicability. 15.92.030 Fee. 15.92.040 Definitions.

15.92.050 Landscape documentation package-Required. 15.92.060 Landscape documentation package-Submittal-Action by director.

15.92.070 Landscape documentation package-Application-Contents-Fee.

15.92.080 Water efficient landscape worksheet. 15.92.090 Soil management report. 15.92.100 Landscape design plan. 15.92.110 Irrigation design plan. 15.92.120 Grading design plan. 15.92.130 Certificate of completion. 15.92.140 Irrigation scheduling. 15.92.150 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.

• 15.92.160 Irrigation audit, irrigation survey, and irrigation water use analysis.

15.92.170 Irrigation efficiency. 15.92.180 Recycled water. 15.92.190 Graywater systems. 15.92.200 Stormwater management and rainwater retention. 15.92.210 Model homes. 15.92.220 Provisions for existing landscapes. 15.92.230 Effective precipitation. 15.92 Appx. A Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) table.

• 15.92 Appx. B Sample water efficient landscape worksheet.

• 15.92 Appx. C Sample certificate of completion.

15.92 Appx. D Prescriptive compliance option.

A. On April 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued Executive Order No. B-29-15 directing the California Department of Water Resources to update the state's model water efficient landscape ordinance. Local agencies, consistent with the Department's regulations and the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (California Government Code Section 65591 et seq.), must, by December 1, 2015, adopt the model ordinance (as set forth in Chapter 2.7 of Division 2 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations) or a water efficient landscape ordinance that is, based on evidence in the record, at least as effective in conserving water as the model ordinance.

B. The Legislature, in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, has made the following findings:

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

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

3. It is the policy of the state to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource;

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

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

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

C. Consistent with these legislative findings, the purpose of this chapter is to comply with the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act by adopting an ordinance based on the provisions of the updated model water efficient landscape ordinance issued by the California Department of Water Resources, that:

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

2. Establishes a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects;

3. Establishes provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes over one acre in size;

4. Promotes water efficiency by setting a maximum applied water allowance as an upper limit for water use and reducing water use to the lowest practical amount; and

5. Is consistent with landscape ordinances of neighboring local and regional agencies. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. This chapter applies to all of the following landscape projects:

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

3. Existing landscapes as described in Section 15.92.220; and

4. Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, regulation of new and rehabilitated cemeteries is limited to Sections 15.92.080, 15.92.150, and 15.92.160; and regulation of existing cemeteries is limited to Section 15.92.220.

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 chapter or conform to the prescriptive measures contained in Appendix D.

C. For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of landscape and meets the lot or parcel's landscape water requirement (estimated total water use) entirely with treated or untreated graywater or through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to Appendix D Section (5).

D. This chapter 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. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A landscape documentation package application fee, to pay the city's administrative costs to process the application, is established and imposed pursuant to the terms of this chapter. The city council shall establish the fee amount by resolution. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• As used in this chapter: "Appendix A" means Appendix A, Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix B" means Appendix B, Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix C" means Appendix C, Sample Certificate of Completion, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix D" means Appendix D, Prescriptive Compliance Option, set out at the end of this chapter.

ppendix A, Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix B" means Appendix B, Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix C" means Appendix C, Sample Certificate of Completion, set out at the end of this chapter. "Appendix D" means Appendix D, Prescriptive Compliance Option, set out at the end of this chapter.

"Landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.

"Landscape documentation package" means the documents required under Section 15.92.070.

"Landscape project" means total area of landscape in a project as defined in "landscape area."

"Landscape water meter" means an inline 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" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.

"Local water purveyor" means the city of Sacramento, or any other public or private entity that provides retail water service.

"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.

• "Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.

• "Master shut-off valve" is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point that 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)" means the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 15.92.080. 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" is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

• "Microclimate" means 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" means any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

• "Mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, 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" means, for the purposes of this chapter, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

• "Nonresidential landscape" means 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" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

• "Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" or "overhead spray irrigation systems" means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors). "Overspray" means the irrigation water that is delivered beyond the target area.

• "Parkway" means the area between a sidewalk and the curb or traffic lane. It may be planted or unplanted, and with or without pedestrian egress. "Permit" means an authorizing document issued for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.

• "Pervious" means 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" is a factor that, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this chapter, 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 chapter 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. "Project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package required under Section 15.92.070 to request a permit, plan check, plan review, or design review from the city. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

chers from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources. "Project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package required under Section 15.92.070 to request a permit, plan check, plan review, or design review from the city. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

"Rain sensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" means a component that automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains. "Record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings that show significant changes in the work made during construction and that are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor. "Recreational area" means 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" means treated or recycled waste water 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" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year as represented in Appendix A, and 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 allowances so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. "Rehabilitated landscape" means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, plan review, or design review, meets the requirements of Section 15.92.020, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet. "Residential landscape" means landscapes surrounding single or multifamily homes. "Runoff" means water that 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" means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event. "Soil texture" means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay. "Special landscape area (SLA)" means 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" or "spray head" means a device that delivers water through a nozzle. "Static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing. "Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously. "Swing joint" means 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. "Submeter" means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter. "Turf" means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses. "Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. "Water conserving plant species" means a plant species identified as having a very low or low plant factor. "Water feature" means 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" means the time of day irrigation is allowed. "WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources, 2014. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

No person shall construct or install a new landscape project or rehabilitated landscape project unless a landscape documentation package for the project has been approved by the director. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. Prior to construction of a landscape project, the project applicant shall submit a completed landscape documentation package to the director.

• B. Prior to construction of a landscape project, the director shall:

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

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

• C. Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the director, the project applicant shall:

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

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

3. Submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. The landscape documentation package shall include the following six elements:

1. The following project information:

• a. Date of application;

• 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, private well) and the local water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well;

• g. Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package;

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

i. Applicant signature and date with statement: "I agree to comply with the requirements of Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.92 and submit a complete landscape documentation package." 2. The project's water efficient landscape worksheet, including the: a. Hydrozone information table; and b. Water budget calculations, including: i. The maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), and ii. The estimated total water use (ETWU); 3. A soil management report; 4. A landscape design plan; 5. An irrigation design plan; and 6. A grading design plan. B. The package shall be accompanied by payment of the nonrefundable landscape document package application fee. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2) 15.92.080 Water efficient landscape worksheet. A. A project applicant shall complete the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet in Appendix B, that contains information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to show that the 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 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 from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix A.

• 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. The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very low water using plants, from 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 Appendix B. 4. ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

15.92.090 Soil management report. To reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, the project applicant, or the project applicant's designee, shall complete, submit, and implement a soil management report as provided in this section.

A. Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations, in accordance with the following:

1. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants. 2. The soil analysis shall include: a. Soil texture; b. Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table; c. pH; d. Total soluble salts; e. Sodium; f. Percent organic matter; and g. Recommendations. 3. In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments) a soil sampling rate of one in seven lots or approximately fifteen (15) percent will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to one in seven lots. B. The project applicant, or the project applicant's designee, shall comply with one of the following:

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

3. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the city as part of the certificate of completion.

C. 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.

D. The project applicant, or the project applicant's designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the city with the certificate of completion. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.

1. Plant Material.

a. Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the estimated total water use in the landscape area does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following: i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; ii. Selection of water-conserving plant, tree, and turf species, especially local native plants; iii. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;

does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following: i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; ii. Selection of water-conserving plant, tree, and turf species, especially local native plants; iii. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;

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. Irrigation System.

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

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

ii. A privately owned meter or submeter.

b. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems. c. If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance. i. If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system. ii. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow reading of the water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at installation. d. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain. e. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair. f. Backflow prevention devices approved by the director and in compliance with Section 13.04.240 of this code shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system. g. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all on nonresidential landscapes and residential landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet or larger. h. Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features. i. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.

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

k. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan. l. The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 15.92.080 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 (ASA-BE/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. The project applicant shall consult with the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.

tter 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. The project applicant shall consult with the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.

o. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone. p. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations. q. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations. r. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turfgrass. s. Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage could occur. t. Areas less than ten feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray. u. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within twenty-four (24) inches of any non-permeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if: i. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or ii. The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or iii. The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria in subsection (A)(1)(i). Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit. v. Slopes greater than twenty-five (25) percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding three-fourths inch per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit. 1. Hydrozone. a. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use. b. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone. c. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree. d. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water use, may be allowed if: i. The plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor; or ii. The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations. e. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted. f. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix B, Section A). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller. B. The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:

be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix B, Section A). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller. B. The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:

1. The location and size of separate water meters for landscape; 2. The location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices; 3. The static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;

2. The flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;

3. The recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 15.92.180; 6. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 15.92 of the Sacramento City Code and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan"; and

4. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system. (See Sections

5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.) (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package. A grading plan prepared by a civil engineer that meets the minimum criteria specified in this section and submitted pursuant to Chapter 15.88 (Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control) satisfies this requirement.

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

• a. Height of graded slopes;

• b. Drainage patterns;

• c. Pad elevations;

• d. Finish grade; and

• e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.

2. The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.92 and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading design plan" and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law.

• B. The project applicant shall comply with any additional requirements specified in Chapter 15.88 and any regulations or other requirements adopted to implement or administer Chapter 15.88. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. A certificate of completion in substantial conformance with Appendix C shall include the following six elements:

1. Project information sheet that contains:

• a. Date,

• b. Project name,

• c. Project applicant name, telephone, and mailing address,

• d. Project address and location, and

• e. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address; 2. Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project has been installed per the approved landscape documentation package; a. Where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction, these "as-built" or record drawings shall be included with the certification,

• b. A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes;

3. The irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see Section 15.92.140); 4. The landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 15.92.150); 5. The irrigation audit report (see Section 15.92.160); and 6. The soil analysis report (if not submitted with the landscape documentation package) and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations (see Section 15.92.090). B. The project applicant shall: 1. Submit the signed certificate of completion to the city for review; and 2. Ensure that copies of the approved certificate of completion are submitted to the local water purveyor and property owner or designee. C. The director shall approve or deny the certificate of completion. If the certificate of completion is denied, the director shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria: 1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers. 2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled in accordance with the requirements of Article XI of Chapter 13.04 (Outdoor Water Conservation). 3. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention shall be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the ETWU. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to the MAWA. Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data or soil moisture sensor data. 4. Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted with the certificate of completion for each of the following: a. The plant establishment period; b. The established landscape; and c. Temporarily irrigated areas. 5. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply: a. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation); b. Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff); c. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff; d. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis; e. Application rate setting; f. Root depth setting; g. Plant type setting; h. Soil type; i. Slope factor setting; j. Shade factor setting; and k. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the certificate of completion.

B. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and removing obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.

C. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.

D. A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable best practices for all landscape maintenance activities. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a city landscape irrigation auditor or a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.

B. In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments), an auditing rate of one in seven lots or approximately fifteen (15) percent will satisfy this requirement.

• C. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1, 2015, as described in Section 15.92.020:

1. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the certificate of completion to the city that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting over-spray or run off that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming;

2. The director shall develop and administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the maximum applied water allowance. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

For the purpose of determining estimated total water use, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.

• B. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.

C. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. (Ord. 20150038 § 2)

Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to Chapters 16 and 16A of Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

A. Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration, which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged.

• B. Project applicants shall comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 13.16 of this code and any regulations or other requirements adopted to implement or administer Chapter 13.16.

• C. All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration as required by Section 15.92.100(A)(3).

• D. It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture and infiltration capacity that is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e. roof and paved areas) from either: (1) the one inch, twenty-four (24) hour rain event; or (2) the 85th percentile, twenty-four (24) hour rain event, or additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state, or federal regulation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

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

A. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and others that contribute to the overall water efficient theme. Signage shall include information about the site water use as designed in accordance with this chapter; specify who designed and installed the water efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use approaches to landscaping such as using native plants, gray-water systems, and rainwater catchment systems.

B. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

• A. This section applies to existing landscapes over one acre in size that were installed before December 1, 2015.

B. For existing landscapes that have metered water service, the city may conduct or may require the property owner to provide irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the MAWA for existing landscapes. The MAWA for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8)(ETo)(LA)(0.62).

C. For existing landscapes that do not have metered water service, the city may conduct or may require the property owner to provide irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to prevent water waste.

• D. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. (Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)

The director may consider effective precipitation (twenty-five (25) percent of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equations to calculate maximum applied water allowance:

• A. For residential areas: MAWA= (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.55 x LA) + (0.45 x SLA)]; or

• B. For nonresidential areas: MAWA= (ETo-EPPT) (0.62) [(0.45 x LA) + (0.55 x SLA)].

(Ord. 2015-0038 § 2)