Chapter 15.11 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE STANDARDS FOR NEW AND REHABILITATED

The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the conservation and efficient use of water, and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource by regulating landscape design, installation, and maintenance consistent with the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, California Government Code Section 65591 et seq.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

A.

The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to the following projects:

New Construction projects with any Landscape Area that require a Building Permit pursuant to the provisions of Title 24 of this Code or Development Permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 20.100 of Title 20 of this Code; or

Rehabilitated Landscape Projects with a total Landscape Area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet that require a Building Permit pursuant to the provisions of Title 24 of this Code or a Development Permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 20.100 of Title 20 of this Code.

B.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A above, the requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to:

Registered Historic Sites;

Ecological Restoration Projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

Hydraulic Mulch seeding (hydroseeding) for erosion/sedimentation control projects where a permanent irrigation system is not required;

Mined-Land Reclamation Projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

Community gardens, and existing plant collections as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public; and

The commercial cultivation of agricultural products including, but not limited to, products from farms, orchards, production nurseries, and forests.

Rear Yard New Construction projects of single-family dwellings that do not exceed five hundred (500) square feet of total Landscape Area.

C.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A above, only Sections 15.11.920, 15.11.1030 and 15.11.1040 shall apply to New Construction and Rehabilitated Landscape Projects within a cemetery.

D.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A above, the provisions of Sections 15.11.970, 15.11.980 and 15.11.990 shall not apply to Landscaped Areas only requiring temporary irrigation solely for the plant Establishment Period.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

Part 2 - DEFINITIONS

The definitions set forth in this Part shall govern the application and interpretation of this Chapter.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Anti-Drain Valve" or "Check Valve" means a Valve located under a Sprinkler Head to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation Sprinkler Heads.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation Package, as part of an application for a Development Permit or a Building Permit.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Application Rate" means the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Applied Water" means the water supplied to the Landscape Area by the irrigation system.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Automatic Irrigation Controller" is a timing device used to remotely control Valves that operates an irrigation system. Automatic Irrigation Controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Backflow Prevention Device" means a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Bubbler" means an irrigation head that delivers water to the root zone by flooding the planted area, usually measured in gallons per minute. Bubblers exhibit a trickle, umbrella, or short stream pattern.

(Ord. 30765.)

"Building Permit" means a permit required for New Construction pursuant to the provisions of Section 24.02.100 of Chapter 24.02 of Title 24 of this Code.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Certificate of Completion" means the document specified in Section 15.11.1050.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Certified Irrigation Designer" means 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, or the Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer program.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor" means 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Check Valve" or "Anti-Drain Valve" means a Valve located under a Sprinkler Head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from Sprinkler Heads when the sprinkler is off.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Compost" means the safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.310, which pertained to conversion factor (0.62) and derived from Ord. 29243.

"Development Permit" means any permit issued pursuant to Chapter 20.100 of Title 20 of this Code, with the exception of a sidewalk café permit issued pursuant to Part 12 of Chapter 20.100.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Director" means the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Distribution Uniformity" means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Drip Irrigation" means any non-spray 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Ecological Restoration Project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Effective Precipitation" or "Usable Rainfall (Eppt)" means the portion of total precipitation that becomes available for plant growth.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Emitter" means a Drip Irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Established Landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one (1) or two (2) years of growth, but native habitat mitigation area and trees may need three (3) to five (5) years for establishment.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Establishment Period" means the first year after installing plants in the landscape, or the first two (2) years, if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one (1) or two (2) years of growth.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.400, which pertained to estimated total water use (ETWU) and derived from Ord. 29243.

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.410, which pertained to evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) and derived from Ords. 29243, 29671.

"Flow Rate" means 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Flow Sensor" means an inline 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. A Flow Sensor connected to an Automatic Irrigation Controller may also function as a Landscape Water Meter or Submeter.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Friable" means 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.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Fuel Modification Plan Guideline" means guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Graywater" means 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. "Graywater" 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.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Hardscapes" means any durable material (Pervious and non-Pervious).

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Hydrozone" means a portion of the Landscape Area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. A Hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

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

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

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

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Irrigation Audit" means 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.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Irrigation Efficiency (IE)" means 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 Chapter is 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for Drip Irrigation systems.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Landscape Architect" means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the State of California, pursuant to California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615, as may be amended.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Landscape Area" means all the planting areas, and Water Features in a landscape design plan. The Landscape Area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other Pervious or non-Pervious Hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

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

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Landscape Documentation Package" means the documents required under Section 15.11.910.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Landscape Project" means the total area of landscape in a project as defined in "Landscape Area" under Section 15.11.500 for purposes of this Chapter, that meets the applicability requirements set forth in Section 15.11.020.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"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.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Lateral Line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the Emitters or sprinklers from the Valve.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Local Water Purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, city and county, or private water company that provides retail water service.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"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 Irrigation, 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Main Line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the Valve or outlet.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Master Shut-off Valve" is an automatic Valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system. When the Master Shut-off Valve is closed water will not be supplied to the irrigation system. A Master Shut-off Valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a leaky Station Valve.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.580, which pertained to maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) and derived from Ord. 29243.

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.585, which pertained to median and derived from Ord. 29671.

"Mined-Land Reclamation Projects" mean any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, as may be amended.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, Compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Native Plant" means a plant that is part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in California or local geographic region.

(Ord. 30765.)

"New Construction" means, for the purposes of this Chapter, a new building or structure with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Non-Residential 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.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Operating Pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Systems" means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the target area.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

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

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Plant Factor" is a factor, when multiplied by the Reference Evapotranspiration ("ETo," measured in inches per year), estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this Chapter, the Plant Factor range for very low water use plants is 0.0 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" ("WUCOLS") as may be amended. 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).

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Precipitation Rate" means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Rear Yard" means the same as defined in Section 20.200.1460, or as later amended.

(Ord. 30765.)

"Record Drawing" or "As-Builts" means 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Recreational Area" means areas, excluding private single-family residential areas, designated for active play, recreation, or public assembly, in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheater, or golf courses, tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Recycled Water" means treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for non-potable uses including landscape irrigation and Water Features. This water is not intended for human consumption.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Rehabilitated Landscape" means any landscaping project that requires a Development Permit or a Building Permit where the modified Landscape Area is equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)

"Residential Landscape" means landscapes surrounding single-family or multifamily homes.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Registered Historic Site" means sites and/or structures and/or buildings that are either designated City landmarks, California Historical Landmarks, or listed in the California Register of Historical Places.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"Runoff" means 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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Soil Moisture Sensor" means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also initiate or suspend an irrigation event.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Soil Texture" means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

Editor's note— Ord. 30765, § 6, adopted May 17, 2022, repealed § 15.11.750, which pertained to special landscape area (SLA) and derived from Ords. 29243, 29671.

"Sprinkler Head" means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Static Water Pressure" means the pipeline or Local Water Purveyor's water supply pressure when water is not flowing.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Station" means an area served by one Valve or by a set of Valves that operate simultaneously.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Submeter" means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter.

(Ords. 29671, 30765.)

"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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Turf" means a ground cover surface of mowed, natural grass.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Water Conserving Plant Species" means a plant species identified as having a low Plant Factor.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"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.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Watering Window" means the time of the day irrigation is allowed.

(Ords. 29243, 30765.)

"Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS)" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources 2014, as may be amended.

(Ords. 29243, 29671, 30765.)