ORD 392
ORDINANCE NO. 392
r--
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 8.13 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2003-077
CITY OF LA QUINT A
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Assembly Bill 325 requires each city to adopt 3 Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance, or adopt the State model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance;
and
SECTION 2. A Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance will promote water
conservation and appropriate plant material to match the La Quinta theme and climate;
and
,....-
I SECTION 3. That Chapter 8.13, Water Efficient Landscaping, of the La Quinta
I Municipal Code, be amended as contained in the attached Exhibit "A"; and
SECTION 4. Environmental Determination. This Ordinance has compiled with·
the requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act
of 1970" in that the Community Development Department has determined that the
Amendments to the Municipal Code are exempt pursuant to Chapter 2.6, Section
21080 of the Public Resources Code, California Environmental Quality Act (CECA)
Statutes, and Section 1 5268, ministerial project, of the CEQA Guidelines.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta City Council held on this 2nd day of December, 2003, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
r--
I
Ordinance No. 392
Water Efficient Landscaping
Chapter 8.13 - La Quinta Municipal Code
Adopted: December 2, 2003
Page 2
ATTEST:
~-d á~JJ
JU . GREEK, CM , Ity Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
(City Seal)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
I
l
:-
I
Ordinance No. 392
Weter Efficient Landscaping
Chapter 8.13 - La Quinta Municipal Code
Adopted: December 2, 2003
Page 3
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE) ss.
CITY OF LA QUINT A )
I, JUNE S. GR~EK, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta, California, do hereby certify the
foregoing to þe a full, true, and correct copy of Ordinance No. 392 which was
introduced at a regular meeting on the 18th day of November, 2003, and was
adopted at a r~gular meeting held on the 2nd day of December, 2003, not being less
than 5 days after the date of introduction thereof.
I further certify that the foregoing Ordinance was posted in three places within the City
of La Quinta ~s specified in a Resolution of the City Council.
~~~
JUNE S. GRE~K, CMC, City Çlerk
City of La Quinta, California
r-
I
!
ì
~
EXHIBIT U A"
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING ORDINANCE
Sections:
0.00.010 Purpose and intent.
0.00.020 Definitions.
0.00.030 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes.
0.00.q40 Provisions for existing landscapes.
0.10.050 Fees for Initial review.and program monitoring.
0.10.060 Appeals.
"...-
0.00.010 PUrpose and Intent.
A. . The purpose of this ordinance is to establish effective water
. efficient landscape requirements for newly installed and rehabilitated.
landscapes. It is also the intent of this ordinance to implement the
requirements of the State of California Water Conservation in Landscaping
Act, Statutes of 1990, Chapter 1145 (AB 325).
B. It is the intent of the city council to promote water conservation
through climate appropriate plant material and efficient irri.gation as well as
to create a city landscape theme through enhancing and improving the
physical and natural environment.
I
I
0.00.020 Definitions.
The words used in this chapter have the meanings set forth below:
A. "Anti-drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve loca.ted under a
sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the
lower elevation sprinkler heads.
B. "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.
c. "Applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the
irrigation system to the landscape.
D. "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.
E. "8ackflow 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.
F. "Conversion faction (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 inches = (0.62)
325,851 gallons = one acre-foot
43,560 square feet = one acre
1 2 inches = one foot
To convert gallons per year to 1 00 cubic feet per year, the common
billing unit for water, divide gallons per year by' i 48. (748 gallons = 1 00
cubic feet)
G.. "Ecological restoration projeçt" means a project where the site is
intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
H. "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.
I. "Emitter" means drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly
from the system to the soil.
J. "Established landscape" means the point at which plants in the
landscape llave developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball.
K. "Establishment period" means the first year after installing the
plant in the landscape.
L." 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.
M~ "Estimated total water use" means the ånnual total amount of
water estimated to be needed to keep the plants in the landscaped area
healthy · It is based upon such factors as the local evapotranspiration rate,
the size of the landscaped area, the types of plants, and the efficiency of the
irrigation system.
N. "ET adjustment factor" means a factor of 0.6 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. A combined plant mix with a site-wide average
0.45 is the basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. The irrigation
efficiency for purposes of the ET adjustment factor is 0.75. Therefore, the
ET adjustment factor (0.6) = (0.45/0.75).
O. "Evapotranspiration" means the quantity· of water evaporated
from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time.
P. "Flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes
and valves (gallons per minute or cubic feet per second).
Q. "Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having
plan~s 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 ~rea planted with native vegetation that will not need
supplemental irrigation once established is a non irrigated hydrozone.
~
R. ·Infiltration rate· means the rate of water entry into the soil
expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour).
S. ·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 0.76. Greater irrigation efficiency can be
expected from well-designed and maintained systems.
T. ·Landscape irrigation auditM means a process to peñorm site
inspections, evaluate irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation
schedules.
u. ·Landscaped area M 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.
. V. ·Lateral IineM me'ans the water deliverY pipeline that supplies
wa~er to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve. .
W. ·Main IineM means the· pressurized pipeline that delivers water
from the water meter to the valve or outlet.
X. ·Service IineM means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water
from the water source to the water meter.
Y. ·Maximum applied water allowanceM means for design purposes,
the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area.
It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment
, factor, an~ the size of the landscaped area. The estimated applied water use
shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance.
z. . ·Mined-Iand reclamation projectsM means any suñace mining
operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface
Mining and Reclamation Act of 1976.
AA. ·MulchM 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.
, BS. ·Operating pressureM means the manufacturer's recommended
pressure at which a, system of sprinklers, bubblers, drippers or microsprayers
is designed to operate. '
CC ·Overhead 'sprinkler irrigation systemsM means those with high
flow rates (pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.)..
DD. ·OversprayM means the water which is delivered beyond the
landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other
nonlandscaped areas.
. EE. "Plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by reference
~vapotranspir8tion, estimates the .
r
t
!
;,
-
I
amount of water used by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, 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 0.35, for moderate water using
plants the range is 0.35 to 0.60 and for high water using plants, the range is
'0.60 to 0.90.
FF. -Rain sensing device- means a system which automa.tically shuts off
the irrigation system when it rains.
. GG. "Record ~rawing" 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.
HH. "Recreational area- means areas of active play or recreation such
as sports fields, school yards, picnic .grounds, or other areas with intense
foöt traffic.
II. "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.
JJ. "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 s.o that regional differences in climate
~an be accommodated. For purposes of this ordinance, the following ETo
zone map will be used(See attached).
KK. "Rehabilitated landscape- means any relandscaping 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
0.6 ET adjustment factor.
LL. "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.
MM. "Soil moisture sensing, device- means a device that measures the
amount of water in the soil.
NN. "Soil texture- means the classification of soil based on the
percentage of sand, silt and clay in the soil.
,00. "Sprinkler head" means a device which sprays water through a
nozzle.
~
I
I
PP. "Static water pressure" means the pipeline pressure when water
is not flowing.
QQ. ·Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of
~alves that .operates simultaneously.
RR. -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.
SSe "Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in th~
irrigation system.
IT. ·Water Conservation Concept Statement" means a one-page
checklist and a narrative summary of the project.
UU. "Water Feature" means any water applied to the landscape for
non-irrigation decorative purposes. Fountains, streams, ponds and lakes are
considered water features. Water' features use more water than efficiently
irrigated turfgrass 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.
W. "Recreational Turfgrass" means turfgrass that serves as a playing
suñace for sports and recreational activities. Athletic fields, golf courses,
parks and school playgrounds are all examples of areas hosting recreational
tuñgrass.
WW. ·Recreational TUrfgrass ET adjustment factor." means a factor of
0.82 -that, when applied to reference eva·potranspiration, 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. Therefo~e, the ET adjustment factor is 0.82 =
0.7/0.85.
Note: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597,
Government Code. (Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1993)·
r--
I
!
r-
¡
I
. 0.00.030' Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes.
A. Applicabnity.
.1 · Except as provided in subsection (AH3) of this section, this
section shall apply to: .
a. All new and rehabilitated landscaping for private, public,
~ommercial and governmental development projects that require a permit;
and
b. Developer-installed ,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. Resident homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family
residences
B. Landscape Documentation Packag~.
1 · Each landscape documentation package shall include the
following elements, which are described hi subsection C of this section.
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:
h. Soil analysis (optional);
i. Certificate of substantial completion. (To be submitted by
certified landscape designer, auditor or landscape architect after installation
of the project.)
2. Three copies of the landscape documentation package conforming
to this chapter shall be submitted to the city. No permit shall be issued until
the city reviews and approves the landscape documentation package. ' Prior
to preparation and sùbmission of the landscape documentation package, the
preliminary landscape design shall be approved by the planning commission.
3. A copy of the approved landscape documentation package 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.
4. Upon completion of construction, a copy of the water
conservation concept statement and the certificate of substantial completion
shall be sent by the project manager to the water management specialist of
the water district and city/county having jurisdiction.
C. . Elements of Landscape Documentation Package. ,
1. Water Conservation Concept Statement. Each landscape
docum~ntation package shall· include a cover sheet, referred to as the water
conservation statement similar to the following example. ~t serves as a
checklist to verify that the elements of the landscape documentation
package have been completed and has a n'arrative summary of the project.
:- ..~ ~ \, '.
!
I
¡
SAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT
Project Site: .
Case Number:
Project Location:
Landscape Architect/Irrigation Designer/Contractor:
Included in this project. submittal package. are: (Cleek to indicate completion)
1. Maximum Annual Applied Water Allowance:
Conventional Landscape: 100 cubic feet/year
+ . 'Recreational Turfgrass Landscape: 100 cubic
feet/year(if applicable).
Total Maximum Annual Applied Water Allowance: 100
cubic feet/year
,--
I
I
I
2. Estimated Annual Applied Water Use by Hydrozone:
Turfgrass: 100 cubic feet/year ,
Recreational Turfgrass: 100 cubic feet/year
Exotic Trees/Shrubs/Groundcovers: 100 cubic feet/year
Desert Plants: ' 1 00 cubic feet/year
Water features: 100 cubic feet/year
Other 100 cubic feet/year
3. Estimated Annual Total Water Use:
_ 100 cubic feet/year
4. Landscape Design Plan
5. Irrigation Design Plan
6. Grading Design Plan
7.. Soil Chemical Analysis (optional)
Description of Project: (Briefly describe the planning and design actions that
~re intended to achieve conservation and efficiency in water use.)
r--
Î
I
¡
I
Date:
Preparèd by:
1. The Annual Maximum Applied 'Water Allowance.
a. A project's annÙal maximum applied water allowance shall be
calculated using the following formula:
MAWA
= (ETo) (0.6) (LA) (0.62) where:
MAWA
ETo
0.6
LA
0.62
= Maximum applied water allowance (gallons per year)
- Reference evapotranspiration (ie 75.0 inçhes per year)
- ET adjustment factor.
Landscaped area (square feet)
= Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
b. An example calculation of the annual maximum applied· water
allowance is:
Project site: Landscape area of fifty thousand square feet in Zone #3a
of the Coachella Valley ETo Map.
MAWA = (ETo) (.6) (LA) (.62)
= (75.0 inches) (.6) (50;000 square feet) (.62)
Maximum applied water allowance = 1,395,000 gallons per year,
1,865 hundred-cubic-feet per year(billing units), 4.28 Acre Feet/Acre
per year or 51 .4" of water per year.
2. 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. The estimated annual total water use for each hydrozone is calculated
from the following formula:
EWU (hydrozones) = (ETo) (PF) (HA) (.62)/748
(in 100 cubic feet) (IE)
EWU (hydrozone) = Estimated water use (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference evapotranspiration (ie. ETo Zone 3a = 75.00
inches per year)
PF = Plant factor (see definitions)
HA = Hydrozone area (square feet)
(.62) = Conversion factor
(IE) = Irrigation efficiency (see definitions)
748 = Conversion to billing units (100 cubic feet)
r--
¡
!.
I
r--
I
,.--
!
i
!
1"
3.. Estimated Annual Total Water Use. A calculation of the
estimated annual total hydrozone water uS'e shall be submitted with the
landscape documentation package. 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.
4. Landscape, Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the
following requirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape
documentation package.
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 (ii), (iii) and (iv).
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 sitfit. 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. Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone.
InfQrmation about fire prone areas and appropriate landscaping for fire safety
,is available from the fire marshal.
b. Water Features.
i. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.
c. Landscape Design Plan Specifications. The landscape design plan
shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly
identifies:
i. Designation of hydrozones;
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 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· elevatiol), 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;
xi. Designation of recreational areas.
5. Irrigation Design Plan. An irrigation design plan meeting the following
conditions shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation
package.
a. Irrigation Design Criteria.
i. Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be
considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be
designed to avoid runoff, low-head drainage, overspray, or other similar
conditions where water flows· onto adjacent property, non irrigated areas,
walks, roadways or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules,
including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match
application' rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff. Special
attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes and to avoid overspray in
planting areas with a width less than ten feet.
No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in median strips
or islands
ii. Irrigation Efficiency. For the purpose of determining the maximum
applied water allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75. Mixed
irrigation system types shall be designed, maintained and managed to meet
or exceed an average of 0.75 efficiency.
iii. Equipment.
(A) Water Meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed
for all projects except for single-family homes or any project with a
I~ndscaped area of less than twenty five hundred square feet.
(B) Controllers. Automatic control systems (solar or electric) shall be
required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all
aspects of the design. Mechanical irrigation controllers are prohibited.
(C) Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall be
irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants
with similar water use shall be used in that area.
(D) Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to
prevent low-head drainage.
(E) Sprinkler Heads. Heads shall have application rates appropriate to
the plant water use requirements within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler
heads shall be selected for proper area coveragt;t, application rate, matched
precipitation rate nozzles, operating pressure, adjustment capability and ease
of maintenance. ' .
(F) Scheduling Aids: Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. It is required that
soil moisture sensing devices be installed on all turfgrass sites exceeding 1.0
acres(43,560 square feet) of planted area.
(G) Scheduling Aids: ET 0 Controllers. It is recommended that ET 0
.controllers be considered for installation on all sites.
¡o-
I
I
(H) Equipment in Publicly Maintained Areas. Irrigation .equipment in
areas which mayor will be maintained by the city shall conform to
specifications .of the city.
(I) Emitters. Emitters shall have application rates appropriate to the
plant water use requirements within each control valve circuit. Emitters shall
be selected for specific area coverage (individual plants), application rates,
operating pressure, adjustment capability and ease of maintena'nce.
, , b. Recycled Water.
i. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution
systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled
water, unless . a written exemption has been granted as described in the
following subsection ii.
. . ii. Irrigation sy~tems shall make use of recycled water unless a written
~xemption has been granted by the water district having jurisdiction, stating
that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not
be available in the foreseeable future.
iii. Recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in
accordance with all local and state codes and· be applicable to all of the
provisions of this ordinance.
c. Irrigation Design Plan Specifications. Irrigation systems shall be
designed to be consistent with hydrozones. The irrigation design plan shall
be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from, but use the
same format as, the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as
that used for the landscape design plan. ' The irrigation design plan shall
accurately and clearly identify:
i. Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape;
ii. Location; type, and size of all components of the irrigation system,
including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler
heads, moisture sensing devices, rain' switches, quick couplers, and
backflow prevention devices;
iii. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the water supply;
iv. Row rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and
design operating pressure (psi) for each station;
v. Recycled water irrigation systems.
6. Grading Design Plan. Grading design plans satisfying the city/county
grading ordinance and the following conditions shall be submitted as part of
the landscape documentation package.
a. A grading design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall
be separate from but use the same format as the landscape design plan.
b. The grading' design plan shall indicate finished configurations and
elevati~ns of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes,
. drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade. ,
7. Soil Analysis.
r--
i
i
¡
I
-
a. A soil analysis satisfying the following conditions should be submitted
as part of the landscape documentation package:
i. Determination of, soil texture, indicating the available water holding
capacity.
ii. An approximate soil infiltration rate (either) measured or derived from
soil texture/infiltration rate tables. A range of infiltration rates shall be noted
where appropriate.
iii. Measure of pH and total soluble salts.
8. Certification.
8. A lice-nsed landscape architect, designer of record or designated city
staff shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of
substantial completion to the city. The certificate shall specifically indicate
that plants were in~talled as specified, that the irrigation system was
installed as designed, and that an irrigation audit has been peñormed, 'along
with a list of any observed deficiencies. .
b. Certification shall be accomplished by completing a certificate of
substantial completion and delivering it to the city, to the retail water
sup~lier, and to the owner of record. A sample of such a form, which shall
be provided by the city is:
r
I
!
!
.
EXAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTÄNTIAL COMPLETION
Project Site:
Projêct Number:
Project Location:
Preliminary Project Documentation Submitted: (Check indicating submittal)
1. Total Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
_ (100 cubic feet per year)
,2. Estimated Applied Water Use by Hydrozone:
Turfgrass: 100 cubic feet/year
Recreational Turfgrass: 1 00 cubic feet/year
Exotic Trees/Shrubs/Groundcovers: 100 cubic feet/year
Desert Plants: 100 cubic feet/year
Water features: 100 cubic feet/year
Other 1 00 cubic feet/year
3. Estimated Total Water Use:
_ (100 cubic feet per year)
ro-
¡
r
¡
4. Landscape Design Plan
5. Irrigation Design Plan
6. Grading Design Plan
7. Soil Analysis (optional)
.' Post-Installation Inspection: (Check indicating substantial completion)
A. Plants installed as $pecified
B. Irrigation system installed as designed
_ dual distribution system for recycl~d water
_ minimum run-off or oversprsy
,Project submittal package and a copy of this certification has been
provided to owner/manager and local water agency..
r--
¡
¡
EXAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION(Page #2)
Comments:
I/we certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract
documents:
Contractor
State License Number
Signature
Date
I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been
substantially completed in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform
with the approved plans and specifications.
Landscape Architect
State License Number
or Designer of Record
or Designated City Staff
Signature
Date
I/we c"rtify that I/we have received all of the contract documents and that it
is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with
the contract documents.
Ow~'er
Signature
Date
Note: Authority cited: Section _, Government Code. Reference: Section
_, Government Code.
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 minute$ per cycle), suggested number of cycles
per day, and frequency of irrigation for the station; and
(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
10:00 p.m. 'and 5:00 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 dathatching 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
mai'ntaining water efficient landscapes.
Note: Authority cited: Section , Government Code. Reference:
Section . (Ord. _ § 1 (Exh. _) (part), _)
--- .--..~.~.-
~.... --.---......- - ---- --- --
______ ___ u_ __ __ _
-------
0.00.040 Provisions for existing landscapea.
A. Water Management. All existing landscaped areas which exceed 1.0
acre(43,560 square feet), 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 for a minimum of 2
consecutive years.' At a minimum, the audit shall be conducted by a
certified landscape irrigation auditor and shall be in accordar;1ce 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, overs pray , 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 72 hours of notification. Penalties for
violation of these prohibitions shall be established.
Note: Authority cited: Section _, Government Code. Reference:
Section _, Government Code. (Ord. _ § _ (Exh. _) (part), ~)
0.00.050 Fee. for initial review and program monitoring(Optional).
The following fees are deemed necessary to review landscape
documentation packages and monitor landscape irrigation audits and shall be
imposed on the subject applicant, property owner or designee.
A. A landscape documentation package review fee will be due at the time
initial project application submission to the planning and development
department.
B. If a landscape documentation package is not submitted prior to the
start of landscape construction work, for those persons required to submit a
package, a late submittal fee of twice the review fee shall be required.
C. The city council, by resolution, shall establish the amount of the above
fees ir. accordance with applicable law. (Ord. 220 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1993)
0.00.060 Appeal..
Decisions made by the planning and development director or public works
director may be appealed by an applicant, property owner(s), or designee(s)
of ¡1ny applicable project to the planning commission and thereafter the city
council by an application in writing to the planning and development directDr
and city clerk of the city council respectively within fifteen days from the
date of notification of decision. (Ord. _ § _ (Exh. _) (part), _)
0.00.070 Effective Date.
This, ordinance will become effective on . All plans
approved after are subject to the provisions of this ordinance.
--~_.__...._-
- .-,.....-. -.--
----