Shafter Zoning Code § 10.390 Water Efficient Landscape Requirements

1. Purpose and Intent

Water is an increasingly limited and costly resource. It is the intent of this Section to establish a water conservation plan to reduce water consumption in the landscape environment. Pursuant to AB 325, the City has set the goal of implementing measures resulting in the more efficient use of water through landscaping and irrigation design. This may be achieved through the use of drought tolerant material, reduced turf areas and various irrigation technologies. Public and private landscaping projects shall adhere to the goal of water efficiency with limited exception.

General Development Standards

10-54

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

CHAPTER 10

2. Applicability

All developer installed landscaping projects shall be subject to the provisions of this Section including landscaping projects installed on areas with a slope higher than four (4) feet as well as landscaping projects associated with the following land uses: commercial, industrial, multiple family and condominium developments, private parks, greenbelts, open space and all public landscaping.

3. Model Home Requirement

At least one model home in a subdivision of eight or more single family lots shall demonstrate through its landscape design, signs and written information the principles of water efficient landscaping. Written information shall be provided to homebuyers on the design, materials, installation and maintenance of the water efficient landscape.

4. Exceptions

The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section:

• a. Development projects with new landscaping area less than 2,500 square feet installed within any 12 month period.

• b. Residential landscaping and irrigation installed by individual property owners or their agents.

• c. Landscaping renovations and irrigation retrofits.

• d. Minor additions to and replacement or repair of existing irrigation system.

• e. Cemetery landscaping.

• f. Sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• g. Tenant improvements.

5. Procedure

   • a. Per Assembly Bill 1164, The City shall not prohibit the installation of drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic grass, or artificial turf on residential property, but may impose reasonable restrictions on the type of drought tolerant landscaping provided the restrictions do not (1) substantially increase the cost of installing, (2) effectively prohibit the installation, or (3) significantly impede the installation;

   • b. Landscaping projects subject to the provisions of this Section shall be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval. Landscape projects submittals shall include a water conservation concept statement summarizing the water efficiency measures and shall be signed by a California registered landscape architect or

General Development Standards

10-55

CHAPTER 10

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

contractor, a certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field.

• c. All landscape and irrigation plans must fully address water conservation according to the City of Shafter Landscaping Guidelines.

  • d. Where feasible, the use of reclaimed water, including, but not limited to, dual distribution systems, is encouraged subject to all health standards and regulations.

  • e. All landscape projects shall be evaluated according to an objective point system. Points shall be awarded for each water saving component of the plan as provided in this Section. A minimum of 80 points must be attained in the landscape planting category and 120 points in the irrigation category, for a total of 200 points for landscape project approval and permit issuance.

6. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Title, for purposes of the approval of landscaping projects submitted pursuant to this Section, the following point values which correspond to specific landscaping and irrigation techniques shall apply:

• Points allocated on a percentage basis

• ** Points allocated on a reverse percentage basis

General Development Standards

10-56

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

CHAPTER 10

General Development Standards

10-57