PC Resolution 2016-009PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2016 - 009
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 8 OF
THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE, AMENDING CHAPTER
13 (WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING) UPDATING THE
CITY'S WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
CASE NUMBER:
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2016-0002
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did on
the 14th day of June, 2016, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for review of a Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to amend Chapter 8.13 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as
identified by Title of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, said Zoning Ordinance Amendment has complied with the
requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970" (CEQA) as amended (Resolution 83-63). The Design and Development
Department has determined that the proposed amendment is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions -
General Rule, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this
action to have a significant effect on the environment, and individual development
plans will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed; and
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing
notice for this request in The Desert Sun newspaper on June 3, 2016, as prescribed by
the Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2006, Assembly Bill 1881, the Water Conservation
in Landscaping Act of 2006, was signed into law, requiring that every city in California
either adopt the State Model Water -Efficient Landscape Ordinance or a landscape
ordinance which is at least as effective in conserving water by January 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2010, the City of La Quinta, California, adopted City's
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Ordinance 476) consistent with AB 1881; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2015, the Governor of the State of California, Jerry Brown,
issued a Drought Response Plan, Executive Order B-29-15, declaring a statewide water
shortage emergency. The Executive Order called for the Department of Water
Resources to update the Model Ordinance through expedited regulation; if a local
Planning Commission Resolution 2016-009
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2016-0002
Applicant: City of La Quinta
Adopted: June 14, 2016
Page 2 of 3
agency does not adopt an updated ordinance, the agency is subject to the State's
model ordinance by statute. The deadline for local agencies working together to
develop a regional ordinance is February 1, 2016 to adopt an updated ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on July 15, 2015, the California Water Commission approved an
updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), developed to assure
consistency with AB 1881; and
WHEREAS, on November 24, 2015, the Coachella Valley Water District
approved an updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, developed in
collaboration with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, water agencies,
and Coachella Valley jurisdictions, to be used as regional Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance that satisfies the state requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City of La Quinta recognizes that reduction in water use in
landscaping will contribute significantly to conservation of our water resources, and
encourages the use of water -efficient landscaping and irrigation practices that are
suited to our desert climate; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony
and arguments, if any, of all interested persons wanting to be heard, said Planning
Commission did make the following mandatory findings to recommend approval of
said Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
1. Consistency with General Plan
The code amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan. The proposed amendments are supported by Policy SC -1.1a,
relating to the review of the landscape ordinance every two years, and update
as necessary to maintain consistency with State and CVWD standards.
2. Public Welfare
Approval of the code amendment will not create conditions materially
detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare. The amendment
allows for reduced parking standards and does not incorporate any changes
that affect the regulation and/or provision of public services, utility systems, or
other foreseeable health, safety and welfare considerations.
Planning Commission Resolution 2016-009
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2016-0002
Applicant: City of La Quints
Adopted: June 14, 2016
Page 3 of 3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
La Quinta, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the Findings of the
Planning Commission in this case.
SECTION 2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2016-0002, as set forth in attached Exhibit A, to the
City Council for the reasons set forth in this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta
Planning Commission held this 14th day of June, 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Blum, Fitzpatrick, Wright, and Vice Chairperson
Bettencourt
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairperson Wilkinson
ABSTAIN: None
PHILIP NETTENCOURT, Vice Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
W, 1. L - �'- I
GABRIEL PE Z, Pl ning Manager
City of La Quinta, California
EXHIBIT A
Chapter 8.13 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
8.13.010 Purpose and intent.
A.The purpose of this chapter is to establish effective water efficient landscape
requirements for newly installed and rehabilitated landscapes. It is also the
purpose of this chapter to implement the requirements of the California Code of
Regulations Title 23, Waters Division 2, Department of Water Resources Chapter
2.7, Model Efficient Landscaping Ordinance, and State of California Water
Conservation in Landscaping Act. Authority Cited: Section 65593, Government
Code, Reference: Sections 65591, 65593, 65596, Government Code.
B. It is the intent of the city council to promote water conservation through
climate appropriate plant material and efficient irrigation as well as to create a
city landscape theme through enhancing and improving the physical and natural
environment. (Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 § 3 (Exh. A)(part),
2003; Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 1993)
8.13.020 Definitions.
The words used in this chapter have the meanings set forth below:
"Application rate" means the depth of water applied to a given area, usually
measured in inches per hour. Also known as precipitation rate (sprinklers) or
emission rate (drippers/microsprayers) in gallons per hour.
"Applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to
the landscape.
"Automatic controller" means a mechanical or solid-state timer, capable of
operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application.
"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.
"Beneficial use" means water used for landscape evapotranspiration.
"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 United States Environmental
Protection Agency WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and
Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
"Conversion factor (0.62)" means a number that converts the maximum applied
water allowance from acre -inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per
year. The conversion factor is calculated as follows:
(325,851 gallons/43,560 square feet)/12 = (0.62)
inches
325,851 gallons = one acre-foot
43,560 square feet = one acre
12 inches = one foot
To convert gallons per year to one hundred cubic feet per year, the common
billing unit for water, divide gallons per year by seven hundred forty-eight. (748
gallons =100 cubic feet)
"Desert landscape" means a desert landscape using native plants spaced to look
like a native habitat utilizing plants native to the southwestern United States and
northern Mexico or native to other desert regions of the world but adapted to the
Coachella Valley.
"Distribution uniformity" is a measure of how evenly sprinklers apply water. The
low -quarter measurement method (DULQ) utilized in the irrigation audit
procedure is utilized for the purposes of these criteria. These criteria assume an
attainable performance level of 75% DULQ for spray heads, 80% DULQ for rotor
heads and 85% DULQ for recreational turf grass rotor heads.
"Drip irrigation" means a method of irrigation where the water is applied slowly at
the base of plants without watering the open space between plants.
"Ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally
altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
"Effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" means the portion of total natural
precipitation that is used by the plants. Precipitation is not a reliable source of
water in the desert.
"Electronic controllers" are time clocks that have the capabilities of multi-
programming, water budgeting and multiple start times.
"Emission uniformity" is a measure of how evenly drip and microspray emitters
apply water. The low -quarter measurement method (EULQ) utilized in the
landscape irrigation evaluation procedure is utilized for the purposes of these
criteria. These criteria assume 90% DULQ for drippers, microsprays and pressure
compensating bubblers.
"Emitter" means drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly from the system
to the soil.
"Established landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have
developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball.
"Establishment period" means the first year after installing the plant in the
landscape.
"Estimated annual applied water use" means the portion of the estimated annual
total water use that is derived from applied water. The estimated annual applied
water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance.
"Estimated annual total applied water use" (total of all hydrozones) means the
annual total amount of water estimated to be needed by all hydrozones to keep
the plants and water features in the landscaped area healthy and visually
pleasing. It is based upon such factors as the local evapotranspiration rate, the
size of the landscaped area, the size and type of the water feature, the types of
plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system. The estimated annual total
applied water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance.
"ET adjustment factor" means a factor of 0.45 that, when applied to reference
evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major
influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape.
"Evapotranspiration" or "ET" means the quantity of water evaporated from
adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time.
"Flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves
(gallons per minute or cubic feet per second).
"Hardscape" means concrete or asphalt areas including streets, parking lots,
sidewalks, driveways and patios and decks.
"Head-to-head coverage" means one hundred percent sprinkler coverage of the
area to be irrigated, with maximum practical uniformity.
"High flow check valve" means a valve located under/in a sprinkler head to stop
the flow of water if the spray head is broken or missing.
"Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar
water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A
hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated. For example, a naturalized area
planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once
established is a nonirrigated hydrozone.
"Infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth
of water per unit of time (inches per hour).
"Irrigation efficiency" 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 minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes of
this chapter is 0.75 or 75 percent and .90 or 90 percent for drip systems.
"Landscape irrigation audit" means a process to perform site inspections,
evaluate irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules.
"Landscape architect" means a person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture as per the state of California Business and Professions Code, Section
5615.
"Landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the state of California to
construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape
systems.
"Landscaped area" means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways,
non -irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes such as decks and patios, and
other nonporous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the
landscaped area.
"Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the
emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
"Local water purveyor" means the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD).
"Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water
meter to the valve or outlet.
"Maximum applied water allowance" means for design purposes, the upper limit
of annual applied water for the established landscaped area, as specified in
Division 2, Title 23, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 7, Section492. It is
based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment factor,
and the size of the landscaped area. The estimated applied water use shall not
exceed the maximum applied water allowance.
"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 material such as gravel, small rocks, pebbles, decorative sand,
decomposed granite, bark, straw or other material left loose and applied to the
soil surface for the beneficial purpose of reducing evaporation.
"Native plants" means low water using plants that are indigenous to the
Coachella Valley and lower Colorado Desert region of California and Arizona.
"Operating pressure" means the manufacturer's recommended pressure at which
a system of sprinklers, bubblers, drippers or microsprayers is designed to operate.
"Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means those with high flow rates (pop -
ups, impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.).
"Overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the landscaped area,
wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas.
"Pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water
through the material and into the underlying soil.
"Plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by reference
evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used by plants. For purposes
of this chapter, the average plant factor of very low water using plants ranges
from 0.01 to 0.10, for low water using plants the range is 0.10 to 0.30, for
moderate water using plants the range is 0.40 to 0.60 and for high water using
plants, the range is 0.70 to 0.90. Reference: Water Use Classifications of
Landscape Species IV(WUCOLS IV).
"Pressure compensating (PC) bubbler" means an emission device that allows the
output of water to remain constant regardless of input pressure. Typical flow
rates for this type of bubbler range between 0.25 gpm to 2.0 gpm.
"Pressure compensating screens/devices" means small screens/devices inserted
in place of standard screens/devices that are used in sprinkler heads for radius
and high pressure control.
"Qualified professional" means a person who has been certified by his or her
professional organization or a person who has demonstrated knowledge and is
locally recognized as qualified among landscape architects due to longtime
experience.
"Rain sensing device" means a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation
system when it rains.
"Record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings which show
significant changes in the work made during construction which are usually based
on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
"Recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields,
school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.
"Recreational turfgrass" means turfgrass that serves as a playing surface for
sports and recreational activities. Athletic fields, golf courses, parks and school
playgrounds are all examples of areas hosting recreational turfgrass.
"Recreational turfgrass ET adjustment factor" means a factor of 0.82 that, when
applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for the additional stress of high
traffic on recreational turfgrass and the higher irrigation efficiencies of long range
rotary sprinklers. These are the two major influences upon the amount of water
that needs to be applied to a recreational landscape. A mixed cool/warm season
turfgrass with a seasonal average of 0.7 is the basis of the plant factor portion of
this calculation. The irrigation efficiency of long range sprinklers for purposes of
the ET adjustment factor is 0.85. Therefore, the ET adjustment factor is 0.82 =
0.7/0.85.
"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; not intended for human consumption.
"Reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in
inches per day, month, or year, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a
large field of cool -season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration
is used as a basis of determining the maximum applied water allowances so that
regional differences in climate can be accommodated. For purposes of this
chapter, the most current edition of the Coachella Valley Water District's
Reference Evapotranspiration Table shall be referenced.
"Rehabilitated landscape" means any re -landscaping project whose choice of new
plant material and/or new irrigation system components is such that the
calculation of the site's estimated water use will be significantly changed. The
new estimated water use calculation must not exceed the maximum applied
water allowance calculated for the site using a 0.45 ET adjustment factor.
"Runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the planted area. For example, runoff may result from
water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate),
when there is a severe -slope or when water is misapplied to hardscapes.
"Service line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water
source to the water meter.
"Smart controller" means weather based or soil moisture based irrigation controls
that monitor and use information about environmental conditions for a specific
location and landscape (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, the plants' evaporation
and transpiration rates and, in some cases, plant type and more) to decide for
themselves when to water and when not to, providing exactly the right amount of
water to maintain lush, healthy growing conditions.
"Soil moisture sensing device" means a device that measures the amount of
water in the soil.
"Soil texture" means the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt
and clay in the soil.
"Sprinkler head" means a device which sprays water through a nozzle.
"Static water pressure" means the pipeline pressure when water is not flowing.
"Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operates
simultaneously.
"Turf"means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots.
Perennial and annual ryegrass are cool season grasses. Hybrid and common
Bermuda grass, are warm season grasses.
"Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
"Water conservation concept statement" means a one-page checklist and a
narrative summary of the project.
"Water feature" means any water applied to the landscape for nonirrigation
decorative purposes. Fountains, streams, ponds and lakes are considered water
features. Water features use more water than efficiently irrigated turf grass and
are assigned a plant factor value of 1.1 for a stationary body of water and 1.2 for
a moving body of water.
Note: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597, Government Code.
(Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 § 3 (Exh. A)(part), 2003; Ord. 220 § 1
(Exh. A)(part), 1993)
8.13.030 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes.
A. Applicability.
1. Except as provided in subsection (A)(3) of this section, this section shall
apply to:
a. All new construction and rehabilitated landscaping for private, public,
commercial and governmental development projects; and
b. All new construction and rehabilitated landscaping in single-family
tracts and multifamily projects.
2. Projects subject to this section shall conform to the provisions in this
section.
3. This section shall not apply to:
a. Single-family residential landscaping projects on individual lots/parcels
with a total project landscape area less than 2,500 square feet;
b. Homeowner -provided landscaping within individually -maintained patio
areas, courtyards, or private gardens at a condominium, townhome, or
similar multifamily project;
c. Turf-reduction/replacement landscaping projects, with no new or
expansion of existing landscaped area(s) involved;
d. Registered local, state, or federal historic sites;
e. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent
irrigation system;
f. Mined -land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent
irrigation system;
g. Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to
the public.
B. Final Landscaping Plan Application Submittal Requirements.
1. Each final landscaping plan submittal shall include the following elements:
a. Water conservation concept statement;
b. Calculation of the maximum applied water allowance;
c. Calculation of the estimated applied water use;
d. Calculation of the estimated total water use;
e. Landscape design plan;
f. Irrigation design plan;
g. Grading design plan; and
h. Soil analysis.
2. The final landscaping plan application shall be submitted to the city in
accordance with the requirements and information as stipulated on the city
application form. No city approval shall be issued until the city and the local
water purveyor have reviewed and accepted the landscape documentation
package. If applicable, the final landscape plan submittal shall substantially
conform to the project's preliminary landscape plan as approved for the
project.
3. A copy of the approved final landscaping plan submittal shall be provided
to the property owner or site manager along with the record drawings and
any other information normally forwarded to the property owner or site
manager.
C. Elements of Final Landscaping Plan Submittal.
1. Water Conservation Statement and Landscape Worksheet.
a. Water Conservation Concept Statement. Each landscape
documentation package shall include a cover sheet, referred to as the
water conservation statement, an example of which can be obtained
from either the planning department or the Coachella Valley Water
District. It serves as a checklist to verify that the elements of the
landscape documentation package have been completed and has a
narrative summary of the project.
b. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. Each landscape
documentation package shall include a water efficient landscape
worksheet, an example of which may be obtained from either the
planning department or the Coachella Valley Water District. The water
efficient landscape worksheet serves as a checklist to verify that the
elements of the landscape documentation package have been
completed and has a narrative summary of the project.
i. The water efficient landscape worksheet shall contain a
hydrozone information table and a water budget calculation for the
final landscaping plans. For the calculation of the maximum applied
water allowance and the estimated total water use, the project
applicant shall refer to the most current localized ETo value from the
Coachella Valley Water District's Reference Evapotranspiration
Table, a copy of which may be obtained from either the planning
department or the Coachella Valley Water District.
ii. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following
requirements:
(A) The plant factor used shall be from the "Water Use
Classifications of Landscape Species III" (WUCOLS III), prepared
by the University of California Cooperative Extension and
California Department of Water Resources. The plant factors
range from 0 to 0.3 for the low use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for
the moderate use plants, from 0.7 to 1.0 for the high use plants
and 1.1 to 1.2 for water features.
(B) All water features shall be included in the 1.1 to 1.2
hydrozone and temporary irrigated areas shall be included in
the low water use hydrozone.
2. The Annual Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
a. A project's annual maximum applied water allowance shall be
calculated using the following formula:
MAWA = [(ETo) (0..45) (LA) (0.62)1/(748) where:
MAWA = Maximum applied water allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference evapotranspiration (i.e., seventy-five inches per year)
0.45 = ET adjustment factor
LA = Landscaped area (square feet)
0.62
748
3
Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
Conversion Factor (to hundred cubic feet)
b. An example calculation of the annual maximum applied water
allowance is:
Project site: Landscape area of fifty thousand square feet in Zone No. 30
of the Coachella Valley ETo Map.
MAWA = [(ETo) (0.45) (LA) (0.641048)
= [(75.0 inches) (0.45) (50,000 square feet)
(0.62)1/(748)
Maximum = 1,162,500 gallons per year, 1,554 hundred cubic
applied feet per year (billing units), 3.56 acre feet/acre per
water year or 42.7 inches of water per year.
allowance
Estimated Annual Applied Water Use.
a. The annual estimated applied water use shall not exceed the
annual maximum applied water allowance.
b. A calculation of the estimated annual applied water use shall be
submitted with the landscape documentation package.
C. For the calculation of the maximum applied water allowance and
estimated total water use, the project applicant shall refer to the
localized ETo value on the current Coachella Valley ETo Map, prepared by
the Coachella Valley Water District.
d. The estimated annual total water use for each hydrozone is
calculated from the following formula:
ETWU (hydrozones) =
ETWU (hydrozone)
ETo
(ETo) (PF) (HA) (0.62)/748
(IE)
Estimated water use (hundred cubic feet)
Reference evapotranspiration
(i.e., ETo Zone 3a = seventy-five inches per
4. Estimated Annual Total Water Use. A calculation of the estimated
annual total hydrozone water use shall be submitted with the final
landscaping plan submittal. The estimated annual total water use for the
entire landscaped area equals the sum of the estimated annual water use
(EWU) of all hydrozones in that landscaped area.
5. Landscape Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following
requirements shall be submitted as part of the final landscaping plan
submittal.
a. Plant Selection and Grouping.
i. Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the estimated
annual applied water use recommended does not exceed the
maximum annual applied water allowance and that the plants meet
the specifications set forth in this section.
ii. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in
distinct hydrozones.
iii.Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their
adaptability to the climate, geologic, and topographical conditions
of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural
areas is encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged whenever it
is consistent with the other provisions of this chapter.
iv.A landscape design plan for projects in fire -prone areas shall
address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone
around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code
Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire -prone plant materials and highly
flammable mulches.
v. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly
discouraged. Applicants should consult the Invasive Plant Inventory
prepared by the California Invasive Plant Council prior to the
selection of any plant species for landscaping.
vi.Applicants shall consult the most current list of prohibited and
restricted plant species prepared by the Riverside County agricultural
commissioner prior to the selection of any plant species for
year)
PF
= Plant factor (see definitions)
LA
= Landscape Area area (in square feet)
(0.62)
= Conversion factor (to gallons per square
foot)
(IE)
= Irrigation efficiency (see definitions)
748
= Conversion Factor (to hundred cubic feet)
4. Estimated Annual Total Water Use. A calculation of the estimated
annual total hydrozone water use shall be submitted with the final
landscaping plan submittal. The estimated annual total water use for the
entire landscaped area equals the sum of the estimated annual water use
(EWU) of all hydrozones in that landscaped area.
5. Landscape Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following
requirements shall be submitted as part of the final landscaping plan
submittal.
a. Plant Selection and Grouping.
i. Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the estimated
annual applied water use recommended does not exceed the
maximum annual applied water allowance and that the plants meet
the specifications set forth in this section.
ii. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in
distinct hydrozones.
iii.Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their
adaptability to the climate, geologic, and topographical conditions
of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural
areas is encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged whenever it
is consistent with the other provisions of this chapter.
iv.A landscape design plan for projects in fire -prone areas shall
address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone
around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code
Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire -prone plant materials and highly
flammable mulches.
v. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly
discouraged. Applicants should consult the Invasive Plant Inventory
prepared by the California Invasive Plant Council prior to the
selection of any plant species for landscaping.
vi.Applicants shall consult the most current list of prohibited and
restricted plant species prepared by the Riverside County agricultural
commissioner prior to the selection of any plant species for
landscaping. Restricted plant species shall be approved or cleared by
the agricultural commissioner and obtained from an authorized
local supplier.
vii. The architectural guidelines of a common interest
development, which include community apartment projects,
condominiums, property owners associations, 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.
vii. Annual color plantings shall be used only in areas of high
visual impact and must be irrigated with drip, microirrigation or
other systems with efficiencies of 90 percent or greater. Otherwise,
drip irrigated, perennial plantings should be the primary source of
color.
b. Water Features.
i. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.
ii. Water features shall be appropriately sized and designed for
functional and recreational purposes in conjunction with
recreational amenities, placed at a location visible from adjacent
residential or commercial uses, and serve a functional purpose such
as stormwater retention, interactive play, irrigation storage, and/or
wildlife habitat.
iii.All water features shall be replenished by a nonpotable water
supply unless otherwise conditioned or approved by the planning
commission. Where available, recycled water shall be used as a
source for decorative water features.
iv.Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water
use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
C. Landscape Design Plan Specifications. The final landscaping plans
shall be designed in accord with the requirements of the local water
purveyor. The landscape design plan shall be drawn on thirty-six inch by
twenty-four inch project base sheets at a scale that accurately and
clearly identifies:
i. Designation of hydrozones, including the total estimated annual
applied water use for each major plant group hydrozone and water
feature hydrozone (if water features have been approved);
ii. Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf and other
vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants
labeled by botanical name, common name, water use classification,
container size, spacing and quantities of each group of plants
indicated;
iii.Property lines, tract name, tract number or parcel number, and
street names;
iv.Streets, driveways, walkways and other paved areas;
v. Pools, ponds, water features, fences and retaining walls;
vi.Existing and proposed buildings and structures including
elevation, if applicable;
vii. Location of all overhead and underground utilities;
viii. Natural features including but not limited to rock
outcroppings, existing trees and shrubs that will remain;
ix.Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any
other applicable planting and installation details;
x. A calculation of the total landscaped area; and
xi.Designation of recreational turf areas.
d. Design and Placement of Turf.
i. Turf shall be placed within functional and accessible recreational
areas. Turf placement is discouraged at locations adjacent to
perimeter streets and sidewalks and those locations having limited
visibility and/or pedestrian activity.
ii. All typical landscaping plans for prototypical residential units
(tract homes) shall include a no -turf option.
iii.Long, narrow or irregularly shaped turf areas shall not be designed
because of the difficulty in irrigating uniformly without overspray
onto hardscaped areas, streets, and sidewalks. Landscape areas less
than ten feet in width shall not be designed with turf. Turf will be
allowed in these areas only if irrigation design reflects the use of
subsurface irrigation or a surface flow/wick irrigation system.
iv.Turf areas irrigated with spray/rotor systems must be set back at
least twenty-four inches from curbs, driveways, sidewalks or any
other area that may result in runoff of water onto hardscape. An
undulating landscape buffer area created by the setback shall be
designed with rocks, cobble or decomposed granite and/or can be
landscaped with drip irrigated shrubs/accents or covered with a
suitable groundcover.
v. Turf is prohibited on slopes greater than twenty-five percent
where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape
and where twenty-five percent means one foot of vertical elevation
change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x
100 = slope percent).
vi.Turf grass coverage shall be limited to no more than fifty percent
of any project's total landscaped area.
vii. Turf grass is prohibited in perimeter landscape areas of new
residential and -nonresidential developments.
e. Design and Placement of Groundcover and Mulch.
L The use of a soil covering mulch or a mineral groundcover of a
minimum three-inch depth to reduce soil surface evaporation is
required around trees, shrubs, and on nonirrigated areas. The use of
boulders and creek stones shall be considered to reduce the total
vegetation area. These areas should have enough shade to avoid
reflected or retained heat.
ii. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
iii.Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to
recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the
plants selected.
f. Stormwater Best Management Practices.
L The landscaping plans shall identify the location and installation
details of any applicable stormwater best management practices
that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater.
Stormwater best management practices are strongly encouraged in
the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited
to:
(A) Infiltration beds, swales, and basins, that allow water to
collect and soak into the ground;
(B) Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain
water, handle excess flow, and filter pollutants;
(C) Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or
blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff;
and
(D) Any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies
used (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.).
ii. All stormwater best management practices identified on the final
landscaping plans shall be prepared by the landscape architect in
conjunction with the engineer of record preparing the water quality
management plan, grading plans, and other related engineering
plans.
6. Irrigation Design Plan.
a. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all
the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturer's
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 criteria shall be submitted as part of the final landscaping plan
submittal.
b. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects
except single-family homes with a landscape area less than 5,000
square feet. Landscape meters for single family homes with a landscape
area over 5,000 square feet may be served by a permanent service
connection provided vu the Coachella Valley Water District or be a
privately owned submeter installed at the irrigation point of connection
on the customer service line. When irrigation water is from a well, the
well shall be metered. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on
project base sheets. It should be on separate pages from, but use the
same format as, the landscape design plans. The irrigation system
specifications shall accurately and clearly identify the following:
i. Specifications for Irrigation Design.
(A) Control valves, manufacturer's model number, size and
location;
(B) Irrigation head manufacturer's model number, radius,
operating pressure, gallons per minute/gallons per hour
(gpm/gph) and location;
(C) Piping type, size and location;
(D) Power supply/electrical access and location;
(E) Plan scale and north arrow on all sheets;
(F) Irrigation installation details and notes/specifications;
(G) Graphic scaling on all irrigation design sheets;
(H) The irrigation system shall be automatic, constructed to
discourage vandalism, and simple to maintain. Irrigation
equipment shall be screened from view when installed adjacent
to pedestrian areas and public rights-of-way;
(I) All equipment shall be of proven design with local service
available;
(J) Control valves shall be rated at two hundred psi;
(K) Visible sprinklers near hardscape shall be of pop up design;
(L) All heads should have a minimum number of wearing
pieces with an extended life cycle;
(M) Sprinklers, drippers, valves, etc., must be operated within
manufacturer's specifications;
(N) 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 mainline break) or routine
repair;
(0) High flow sensors that detect and report high flow
conditions created by system damage or malfunction where a
dedicated landscape irrigation meter is required;
(P) The following statement "I have complied with the criteria
of the ordinance and have applied them accordingly for the
efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan" shall be
identified on the irrigation plans and include the landscape
architect's signature.
ii. Specifications for Irrigation Efficiency. The minimum irrigation
efficiency shall be seventy-one percent. Greater irrigation
efficiencies are expected from well-designed and maintained
systems. The following are required:
(A) Design spray head and rotor head stations with
consideration for worst wind conditions. Close spacing and low -
angle nozzles are required in high and frequent wind areas
(Coachella Valley Water District ETo Zone No. 5).
(B) Spacing of sprinkler heads shall not exceed manufacturer's
maximum recommendations for proper coverage. The plan
design shall show a minimum of seventy-five percent
distribution uniformity.
(C) Only irrigation heads with matched precipitation rates shall
be circuited on the same valve.
(D) Valve circuiting shall be designed to be consistent with
hydrozones.
(E) Individual hydrozones that mix plants that are moderate
and low water use may be allowed if the plant factor calculation
is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses
and their plant factor, or if the plant factor of the higher water
using plant is used for the calculations.
(F) Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use
plants shall not be permitted.
(G) 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. This table
can assist with pre -inspection and final inspection of the
irrigation system, and programming the controller.
iii.Irrigation System Design.
(A) Point of connection or source of water and static water
pressure;
(B) Meter location and size (where applicable);
(C) Pump station location and pumping capacity (where
applicable);
(D) Reduced pressure backflow prevention devices shall be
installed behind meter at curb by the district;
(E) Show location, station number, size and design gpm of
each valve on plan;
(F) Smart controller details shall be specified for all projects.
This includes climate based or sensor based controllers, which
can automatically adjust for local weather and/or site
conditions;
(G) High flow check valves shall be installed in or under all
heads adjacent to street curbing, parking lots and where
damage could occur to property due to flooding, unless
controllers with flow sensor capabilities are specified that can
automatically shut off individual control valves when excess
flow is detected;
(H) Pressure compensating screens/devices shall be specified
on all spray heads to reduce radius as needed to prevent
overthrow onto hardscape and/or to control high pressure
misting;
(I) All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff onto
hardscape from low head drainage, overspray and other similar
conditions where water flows onto adjacent property,
nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways or structures;
(J) Rotor type heads shall be set back a minimum of four feet
from hardscape;
(K) The use of drip, microirrigation or pressure compensating
bubblers or other systems with efficiencies of ninety percent or
greater is required for all shrubs and trees. Small, narrow (less
than eight feet), irregularly shaped or sloping areas shall be
irrigated with drip, microspray or PC (pressure compensating)
bubbler heads;
(L) Trees in turf areas shall be on a separate station to provide
proper deep watering.
iv.Street Median Irrigation System Design.
(A) No overhead sprinkler irrigation system shall be installed in
median strips or in islands.
(B) Median islands or strips shall be designed with either a drip
emitter to each plant or subsurface irrigation. PC bubblers are
acceptable for trees only.
(C) High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7
to 1.0 are prohibited in street medians.
v. Drip Irrigation Design.
(A) The drip system must be sized for mature -size plants.
(B) The irrigation system should complete all irrigation cycles
during peak use in about twelve hours. Normally, each irrigation
controller should not have more than four drip stations that
operate simultaneously.
(C) Field -installed below -ground pipe connections shall be
threaded PVC or glued PVC. Surface laid hose and tubing is not
allowed. Microtube distribution is not allowed unless
emitter/manifold is installed in an access box. Microtubing must
be buried at least six inches below grade and the end of
microtubing must be secured by a stake. The maximum length
of microtubing must be specified on the plan to be ten feet or
less.
(D) Proportion gallons per day per plant according to plant size.
The following sizing chart is for peak water use. The low to high
end of the range is according to the relative water requirements
of the plants. The low end is for desert natives and the high end
is for medium water use type plants.
Size of Plant
Large trees (over 30 -foot diameter)
Medium trees (about 18 -foot diameter)
Small trees/large shrubs (9 -foot diameter)
Medium shrubs (3.5 -foot diameter)
Small shrubs/groundcover
Gallons Per
Day
58+ to 97+
21 to 35
6to10
0.8 to 1.3
0.5 or less
(E) Plants with widely differing water requirements shall be
valved separately. As an example, separate trees from small
shrubs and cactus from other shrubs. Multiple emitter point
sources of water for large shrubs and trees must provide
continuous bands of moisture from the root ball out to the
mature drip line plus twenty percent of the plant diameter.
(F) Most plants require fifty percent or more of the soil volume
within the drip line to be wetted by the irrigation system.
vi.Recycled Water Specifications.
(A) When a site has recycled water available or is in an area
that will have recycled water available as irrigation water, the
irrigation system shall be installed using the industry standard
purple colored or marked "Recycled Water Do Not Drink" on
pipes, valves and sprinkler heads.
(B) The backup groundwater supply (well water or domestic
water) shall be metered. Backup supply water is only for
emergencies when recycled water is not available.
(C) Recycled water users must comply with all county, state
and federal health regulations. Cross connection control shall
require a six-inch air gap system or a reduced pressure backflow
device. All retrofitted systems shall be dye tested before being
put into service.
(D) Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source
for decorative water features.
(E) Sites using recycled water are not exempted from the
maximum water allowance, prescribed water audits or the
provisions of these criteria.
(F) A recycled water checklist shall be submitted upon
submittal of the first plan check of the final landscape plan
submittal, an example of which may be obtained from the
planning department or Coachella Valley Water District.
vii. Nonpotable Irrigation Water Specifications.
(A) When a site is using nonpotable irrigation water that is not
recycled water (from an on-site well, Bureau of Reclamation
irrigation lines, or from canal water) all hose bibs shall be loose
key type and quick coupler valves shall be of locking type with
non -potable markings or signs to prevent possible accidental
drinking of this water.
(B) Sites using nonpotable irrigation water are not exempted
from the maximum annual applied water allowance, prescribed
water audits or the provisions of these criteria.
7. Groundwater Water Specifications. Sites using groundwater irrigation
water from wells are not exempted from the maximum annual applied water
allowance, prescribed water audits or the provisions of these criteria.
8. Grading Design Plan.
a. For efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be
-designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A landscape
grading plan shall be submitted as a part of the final landscaping plan
submittal package. A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil
engineer in coordination with the landscape architect satisfies this
requirement.
b. The grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and
elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes,
drainage patterns, pad elevations, finish grade, and stormwater
retention improvements, if applicable.
C. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended
that project applicants:
i. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within
property lines and does not drain on to nonpermeable hardscapes;
ii. Avoid disruption of natural discharge drainage patterns and
undisturbed soil; and
iii.Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
d. The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: "I
have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them
accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading plan."
e. Slopes greater than twenty-five percent shall not be irrigated with
an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per
hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies
an alternative design or technology, as part of the final landscaping plan
submittal, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur.
Prevention of runoff must be confirmed during an irrigation audit.
f. All grading must retain normal stormwater runoff and provide for
an area of containment. All irrigation water must be retained within
property lines and not allowed to flow into public streets or into the
public right-of-way. Where appropriate, a simulated dry creek bed may
be used to convey storm drainage into retention areas. A drywell shall be
installed if the retention basin is to be used as a recreational area.
g. Avoid mounded or sloped planting areas that contribute to runoff
onto hardscape. Sloped planting areas above a hardscape area shall be
avoided unless there is a drainage swale at toe of slope to direct runoff
away from hardscape.
h. Median islands must be graded to prevent stormwater and excess
irrigation runoff.
9. Soil Analysis.
a. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a
soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or
their designated agent, as follows:
L Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and
recommendation; -
ii. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory
protocol, including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for
the intended plants;
iii.The soil analysis shall include:
(A) Determination of soil texture, indicating the available water
holding capacity,
(B) An appropriate soil infiltration rate (either) measured or
derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables. A range of
infiltration rates shall be noted where appropriate,
(C) Measure of pH, total soluble salts, and percent organic
matter;
iv.The soil analysis report shall be submitted to the city as part of the
final landscaping plan;
v. The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely
manner, to the professionals preparing the landscape design plans
and the irrigation plans to make any adjustments to the design
plans;
vi.The project applicant or his or her designated agent shall submit
documentation verifying implementation of the soil analysis report
recommendations to the local agency with the certificate of
completion prior to final inspection.
10. Certification. An approval stamp and/or signature block from the
Coachella Valley Water District and Riverside County agricultural
commissioner shall be identified on the final landscaping plans. Approval of
final landscaping plans from any outside agencies, if necessary, shall be
obtained by the applicant prior to final approval of the plans by the planning
director.
D. Public Education.
1. Publications.
a. The city, county or water district will, upon request, provide
information to the public regarding the design, installation, and
maintenance of water efficient landscapes.
b. Information about the efficient use of landscape water shall be
provided to water users throughout the community.
C. The landscape architect will provide a site-specific landscape
irrigation package for the homeowner or irrigation system operator. The
package will include a set of drawings, a recommended monthly
irrigation schedule and a recommended irrigation system maintenance
schedule.
d. Irrigation Schedules. Irrigation schedules satisfying the following
conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape irrigation
package:
i. An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules
shall be required for the plant establishment period, for the
established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas. The
irrigation schedule shall:
(A) Include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number
of cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for the station;
(B) Provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet)
recommended on a monthly and annual basis;
(C) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate
the use of evapotranspiration data such as those from the
California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS)
weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for
different climates;
(D) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled
between ten p.m. and five a.m. to avoid irrigating during times
of high wind or high temperature.
e. Maintenance Schedules. A regular maintenance schedule
satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the
landscape documentation package:
i. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A
regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to
checking, adjusting, cleaning and repairing equipment; resetting the
automatic controller, aerating and dethatching turf areas;
replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; and weeding in all
landscaped areas.
ii. Repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally
specified materials or their approved equivalents.
2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
E. Approval of Landscaping.
1. Final landscaping plans shall be approved by the planning director.
Median landscaping plans located within private streets and public rights-of-
way shall be reviewed by the public works department and approved by the
planning director.
2. Planning staff shall field inspect all completed landscaping for
compliance with the approved final landscaping plans and site development
permit. Public works staff shall inspect all median landscaping for compliance
with the approved final landscaping plans.
3. Prior to inspection, the landscape architect shall provide the planning
department a copy of the official certificate of completion. The certificate of
completion shall include all of the following:
a. Project information identifying the project's location, date of
installation, and contact information for all persons involved;
b. 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 final
landscaping plans;
C. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller. A
diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the
irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes;
d. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule;
e. Irrigation audit report (if applicable);
f. Soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation
of soil report recommendations; and
g. Any additional project information required by the city or local
water purveyor.
4. Final certificates of occupancy may be authorized for issuance once the
final landscaping plans have been approved, a certificate of completion has
been submitted, and the landscaping and irrigation installation has been
inspected and approved by both the city and the local water purveyor.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65593, 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section
65593, 65596, 64497. (Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 § 3 (Exh.
A)(part), 2003; Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 1993)
8.13.040 Provisions for existing landscapes.
A. Water Management. All existing landscaped areas, including golf courses,
green belts, common areas, multifamily housing, schools, businesses, public
works, parks, and cemeteries may be subject to a landscape irrigation audit at the
discretion of the water purveyor if the water purveyor has determined that the
annual maximum applied water allowance has been exceeded. At a minimum,
the audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor and shall
be in accordance with the California Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the
entire document which is hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape
Irrigation Audit Handbook, Department of Water Resources, Water Conservation
Office (June, 1990, Version 5.5)).
B. Water Waste Prevention. Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape
irrigation including run-off, low -head drainage, overspray, or other similar
conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks,
roadways, or structures shall be prohibited. All broken heads and pipes must be
repaired within seventy-two hours of notification. Penalties for violation of these
prohibitions shall be in accord with administrative citation guidelines as outlined
in Section 1.09.020.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597,
Government Code. (Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 § 3 (Exh. A)(part),
2003; Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 1993)
8.13.050 Appeals.
Decisions made by the planning director or public works director may be appealed by
an applicant, property owner(s), or designee(s) of any applicable project to the
planning commission and thereafter the city council by an application in writing to the
planning director and city clerk of the city council respectively within fifteen days from
the date of notification of decision. (Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 §
3 (Exh. A)(part), 2003; Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 1993)
8.13.060 Effective date.
The ordinance codified in this chapter will become effective on August 17, 2016. All
plans approved after August 16, 2015 are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 476 § 1, 2010; Ord. 452 § 1, 2008; Ord. 392 § 3 (Exh. A)(part), 2003)