ORD 220ORDINANCE 220
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.13 TO
TITLE 8, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, PERTAINING
TO WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING.
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 325 requires each city to adopt a Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance or adopt the State model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; and,
WHEREAS, a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance will promote water
conservation and appropriate plant material to match the La Quinta theme and climate;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, does
hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 8.13, Water Efficient Landscaping be added to Title 8, Building and
Construction of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as contained in the attached Exhibit "A".
Section 2. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION. This Ordinance has complied with the
requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970"
(County of Riverside Resolution 82-213 adopted by reference in City of La Quinta Ordinance
5) in that the Planning and Development Director has determined that this Ordinance is a Class
7 Categorical Exemption (maintenance of a natural resource) and that no further environmental
documentation is deemed necessary.
Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty days
after its adoption.
Section 4 POSTING. The City Clerk shall, within 15 days after passage of this Ordinance,
cause it to be posted in at least three public places designated by resolution of the City Council;
shall certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance; and shall cause this Ordinance and
its certification, together with proof of posting to be entered into the Book of Ordinances of the
City of La Quinta.
The foregoing Ordinance was approved and adopted at a meeting of the City Council of
the City of La Quints held on this 5th day of Jan. , 199 3, by the following vote:
ORDDRFT.025
AYES: Councilmembers
Mayor Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: (One Vacancy)
ABSTAIN: None
Bangerter, Perkins, Sniff and
(,x - � -,
JOHN NA, Major
City of La Quinta, California
G7
SAUNDRA L. JUHOLX, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
DAWN HONEYWELL, City Attorney
City of La Quinta, California
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EXHIBIT "A"
Ordinance 220
CHAPTER 8.13
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
Sections:
8.13.010
Purpose and Intent
8.13.020
Definitions
8.13.030
Provisions for New or Rehabilitated Landscapes
8.13.040
Provisions for Existing Landscapes
8.13.050
Fees for Initial Review and Program Monitoring
8.13.060
Appeals
8,13.010 PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish minimum water efficient landscape
requirements for a newly installed and rehabilitated landscapes. It is also the intent of this
Chapter to implement the minimum requirements of the State of California Water, Conservation,
and Landscaping Act, statutes of 1990, Chapter 1145 (AB 325).
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 La Quinta landscape theme through
enhancing and improving the physical and natural environment.
These provisions are supplementary and additional to the Subdivision, Zoning Regulations, and
Landscape Design Guidelines of the City of La Quinta and shall be read and construed as an
integral part of the regulations and controls established thereby.
8.13.020. DEFINITIONS.
The words used in this Ordinance have the meaning set forth below:
A. "Anti -drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve located under a sprinkler head to hold
water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads.
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B. "Application rate" means the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured
in inches 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. "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.
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
12 inches = one foot
To convert gallons per year to 100-cubic feet per year, the common billing unit for
water, divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons = 100 cubic feet.)
G. "Ecological restoration project" 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 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 have 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 Applied Water Use" means the portion of the estimated total water use that
is derived from applied water. The estimated applied water use shall not exceed the
maximum applied water allowance. The estimated applied water use may be the sum of
the water recommended through the irrigation schedule.
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Ordinance 220
M. "Estimated Total Water Use" means the annual 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 0.8 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 of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor
portion of this calculation. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of the ET Adjustment
Factor is 0.625.
Therefore, the ET Adjustment Factor (0.8) = (0.5/0.625).
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 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 non -irrigated. For example, a naturalized area 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 Ordinance is 0.625.
Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems.
T. "Landscape Irrigation Audit" means a process to perform site inspections, evaluate
irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules.
U. "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 non-
porous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area.
Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens are not included.
V. "Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
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Ordinance 220
W. "Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to
the valve or outlet.
X. "Water line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source
to the valve or outlet.
Y. "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" 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, and the size of the landscaped
area. The estimated applied water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water
allowance.
Z. "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.
AA. "Mulch" means any material such as gravel, small rocks, pebbles, decorative sand, bark,
straw or other material left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purpose
of reducing evaporation.
BB. "Operating pressure" means the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed to
operate, usually indicated at the base of a sprinkler.
CC. "Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means those with high flow rates (pop -ups,
impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.).
DD. "Overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting
pavements, walks, structures, or other non -landscaped areas.
EE. "Plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by reference evapotranspiration,
estimates the amount of water used by plants. For purposes of this Ordinance, the
average plant factor of low water using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3, for average water
using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6 and for high water using plants the range is 0.7 to
1.0 (list of plants and factors on file in the Planning and Development Department).
FF. "Rain sensing device" means a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation system
when it rains.
GG. "Record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings which show
significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based
on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
HH. "Recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, school
yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.
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N. "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
four- to seven-inch tall, 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 Ordinance 87.6 inches shall be used. ETo based on historical data, extrapolated
from 12 months normal year ETo Maps and University of California publication 21426.
KK. "Rehabilitated landscape" means any relandscaping project that requires a permit.
LL. "Run off" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the area. For example, run off may result from water that is
applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a
severe slope.
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.
PP. "Static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when
water is not flowing.
QQ. "Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate
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 Bermudagrass, are
warm season grasses.
SS. Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
TT. "Water Conservation Concept Statement" means a one page checklist and a narrative
summary of the project.
NOTE: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597, Government Code.
8.13.030. PROVISIONS FOR NEW OR REHABILITATED LANDSCAPES.
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Ordinance 220
A. Applicability.
1. Except as provided in Section 8.13.030(A) (3), this section shall apply to:
a.) All new and rehabilitated landscaping for private development projects that
require a permit; and,
b.) Developer -installed landscaping in single family tracts and multi -family
projects.
2. Projects subject to this section shall conform to the provisions in Section
8.13.030.
3. This section shall not apply to:
a.) Homeowner provided landscaping at single family and multi -family
projects;
b.) Cemeteries;
c.) Registered historical sites;
d.) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system;
e.) Mined land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system; or,
f.) Any project with a landscaped area less than 20,000 square feet.
g.) Individual owner or contractor constructed single family residences when
not in conjunction with more than three residences at the same time.
B. Landscape Documentation Package
1. 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
submission of the landscape documentation package, the preliminary landscape
design shall be approved by the Design Review Board.
2. 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.
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Ordinance 220
3. A copy of the Water Conservation Concept Statement and the Certificate of
Substantial Completion shall be sent by the project manager to the Coachella
Valley Water Districts Water Management Specialist.
4. East landscape documentation package shall include the following elements, which
are described in Section 18.13.030 (C).
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.) Irrigation Schedules
h.) Maintenance Schedule
i.) Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
j.) Grading Design Plan
k.) Soil Analysis (optional)
1.) Certificate of Substantial Completion. (To be submitted after installation
of the project.)
C. Elements of Landscape Documentation Package
1. Water Conservation Concept Statement. Each landscape documentation package
shall include a cover sheet, referred to as the Water Conservation Statement
similar to the following example. It serves as a check list to verify that the
elements of the landscape documentation package have been completed and has
a narrative summary of the project.
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SAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT
Project Site: Case Number:
Project Location:
Landscape Architect/Irrigation Designer/Contractor:
Included in this project submittal package are:
(Check to indicate completion)
1. Maximum Annual Applied Water Allowance:
100 cubic feet/year
2. Estimated Annual Applied Water Use:
100 cubic feet/year
3. Estimated Annual Total Water Use:
100 or cubic feet/year
4. Landscape Design Plan
5. Irrigation Design Plan
6. Irrigation Schedules
7. Maintenance Schedule
8. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
9. Grading Design Plan
10. Soil Analysis (optional)
Description of Project:
(Briefly describe the planning and design actions that are intended to achieve conservation and
efficiency in water use.)
Date: Prepared by:
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Ordinance 220
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) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (87.6 inches per year)
0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
b.) An example calculation of the Annual Maximum Applied Water
Allowance is:
(L) Project site: Landscape area of 50,000 sq. ft. in La Quinta.
MAWA = (ETo) (.8) (LA) (.62)
= (87.6 inches) (.8) (50,000 sq. ft.) (.62)
Maximum Applied Water Allowance = 2,172,480 gallons per year
or 2904 hundred -cubic -feet per year (2,172,480/748 = 2904)
c.) Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks,
playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or school yards where turf
provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes are
considered recreational areas and may require water in addition to the
Maximum Annual Applied Water Allowance. A statement shall be
included with the landscape design plan, designating recreational areas to
be used for such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional
water above the Annual Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
3. 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. It may be
calculated by summing the amount of water recommended in the irrigation
schedule.
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Ordinance 220
4. Estimated Annual Total Water Use.
a.) A calculation of the Estimated Annual Total Water Use shall be submitted
with the Landscape Documentation Package. The Estimated Annual Total
Water Use may be calculated by summing the amount of water
recommended in the irrigation schedule or may be calculated from a
formula such as the following:
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.
EWU (hydrozones) = (ETo) (PF) (HA) (.62048
(in 100 cu. ft.) (IE)
EWU (hydrozone) = Estimated Water Use (gallons per year)
ETo =
Reference Evapotranspiration (87.6 inches per year)
PF =
Plant factor (see definitions)
IM =
Hydrozone area (square feet)
(.62) =
Conversion factor
(IE) =
Irrigation efficiency (see definitions)
748 =
Conversion to billing units (100 cu. ft.)
5. 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.
(1). 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 (2)., (3). and (4).
(2). Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in
distinct hydrozones.
(3). Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability
to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site.
Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is
encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged wherever it is
consistent with the other provisions of this Ordinance.
(4). Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire
prone. Information about fire prone areas and appropriate
landscaping for fire safety is available from the Fire Marshal.
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b.) Water Features.
(1). Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.
(2). Pool and spa covers are encouraged.
c.) Landscape Design Plan Specifications. The landscape design plan shall
be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly
identifies:
(1). Designation of hydrozones.
(2). Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other
vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants
labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing,
and quantities of each group of plants indicated.
(3). Property lines and street names.
(4). Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
(5). Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls.
(6). Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevation
if applicable.
(7). Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings,
existing trees, shrubs that will remain.
(8). Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any
other applicable planting and installation details.
(9). A calculation of the total landscaped area.
(10). Designation of recreational areas.
6. 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.
(1). 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 condition where water flows onto
adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or
structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including
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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,
and in median strips.
No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in
median strips.
(2). Irrigation Efficiency. For the purpose of determining the
maximum applied water allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed
to be 0.625. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and
managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency.
(3). F4uipmen .
Water Meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed
for all projects except for single family homes or any project with
a landscaped area of less than 20,000 square feet unless otherwise
required by the Coachella Valley Water District.
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.
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. Anti -
drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to
minimize or prevent low -head drainage.
Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent
application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads
shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate,
operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.
Rain Sensing Override Devices. Rain sensing override devices
shall be required on all irrigation systems.
Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. It is required that soil moisture
sensing devices be utilized where appropriate as determined by
CVWD.
Equipment in publicly maintained areas. Irrigation equipment in
areas which may or will be maintained by the City shall conform
to specifications of the City.
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Ordinance 220
Emitters. Emitters shall have consistent application rates within
each control valve circuit. Emitters shall be selected for specific
area coverage (individual plants), application rates, operating
pressure, adjustment capability and ease of maintenance.
b.) Recycled water.
(1). 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 (b.) (2).
(2). Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a
written exemption has been granted by CVWD, stating that
recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and
will not be available in the foreseeable future.
(3). The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and
operated in accordance with all local and State codes.
(4). Sites using 50 % recycled water or greater are exempted from the
maximum water allowance and mandatory water audits every five
years.
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:
(1). Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape.
(2). 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.
(3). Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water
supply.
(4). Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour),
and design operating pressure (psi) for each station.
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(5). Recycled water irrigation systems.
7. Irrigation Schedules. Irrigation schedules satisfying the following conditions shall
be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
a). 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.
b.) The irrigation schedule shall:
(1). Include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of
cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station; and,
(2). Provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet)
recommended on a monthly and annual basis.
c.) The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated
in the Estimated Annual Total Water Use calculation plus water needed
for any water features, which shall be considered as a high water using
hydrozone.
d.) Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be
highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional
water is needed above the Maximum Annual Applied Water Allowance
because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency).
e.) 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.
f.) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 10:00
P.M. and 9:00 A.M. to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high
temperature.
8. Maintenance Schedules. A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following
conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:
a.) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular
maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking,
adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic
controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch;
fertilizing; pruning, and weeding in all landscaped areas.
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Ordinance 220
b.) Repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally specified
materials or their approved equivalents.
9. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules. A schedule of landscape irrigation audits,
for all but single family residences, satisfying the following conditions shall be
submitted to the City as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
a.) At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State of California
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document, which is
hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Handbook (June, 1990) version 5.5 [formerly Master Auditor Training].)
b.) The schedule shall provide for landscape irrigation audits to be conducted
by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years.
10. Grading Design. Grading design plans satisfying the City of La Quinta
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
elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes,
drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade.
11. SQih.
a.) A soil analysis satisfying the following conditions should be submitted as
part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(1). Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic
matter.
(2). 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.
(3). Measure of pH and total soluble salts.
b.) A mulch of at least two inches shall be applied to all planting areas except
turf.
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12. Certification.
a.) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation
system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape
irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation by the City. (See
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook as referenced in Section
8.13.030(c)(9)(A)).
b.) A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer,
or other licensed or certified professional in a related field shall conduct
a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial
completion to the City of La Quinta. The certificate shall specifically
indicate that plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system
was installed as designed, and that an irrigation audit has been performed,
along with a list of any observed deficiencies.
c.) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a Certificate of
Substantial Completion and delivering it to the City of La Quinta, to the
retail water supplier, and to the Owner of Record. A sample of such a
form, which shall be provided by the City is:
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SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Project Site: _
Project Location:
Project Number:
Preliminary Project Documentation Submitted: (check indicating submittal)
1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
(100 cubic feet per year)
2. Estimated Applied Water Use:
(100 or cubic feet per year)
3. Estimated Total Water Use:
(100 or cubic feet per year)
4. Landscape Design Plan
5. Irrigation Design Plan
6. Irrigation Schedules
7. Maintenance Schedule
8. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
9. Grading Design Plan
10. Soil Analysis (optional)
Post -Installation Inspection: (Check indicating substantial completion)
A. Plants installed as specified
B. Irrigation system installed as designed
dual distribution system for recycled water
minimal run-off or overspray
C. Landscape Irrigation Audit performed
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Ordinance 220
Project submittal package and a copy of this certification has been provided to
owner/manager and local water agency.
Comments:
I/we certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract documents:
Contractor Signature Date State License Number
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 Signature Date State License Number
or Irrigation Designer/Consultant
or Licensed or Certified Professional in a Related Field
I/we certify 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.
Owner Signature Date
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597,
Government Code.
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Ordinance 220
d.) Public Education.
(1). Publications.
(a). The City of La Quinta will, upon request, provide information to
owners of all new, single family residential homes 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.
(2). Model Homes. At least one model home that is landscaped in each
project consisting of eight or more homes shall demonstrate via signs and
information, the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this
Ordinance.
(a). Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water
efficient landscape and featuring elements such as hydrozones,
irrigation equipment, and others which contribute to the overall
water efficient theme.
(b). Information shall be provided about designing, installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 64497.
Section 8,13.040. PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES.
A. Water Mana eg�ment. All existing landscaped areas which use ground water and are over
60,000 square feet, including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multi -family
housing, schools, businesses, parks, and cemeteries shall have a landscape irrigation audit
at least every five years unless granted an exemption by CVWD. At a minimum, the
audit 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, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures shall
be discouraged. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597,
Government Code.
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Ordinance 220
Section 8,13,050. FEES FOR INITIAL REVIEW AND PROGRAM MONITORING.
Fees for the purposes of meeting obligations under this Chapter, 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. The project owner/developer must cause a Landscape Irrigation Audit to be completed
by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. No City fees will be due for the review of
the audit by the Planning and Development Department.
C. 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.
The City Council, by resolution, shall establish the amount of the above fees in
accordance with applicable law.
Section 8.13.060. APPEALS.
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 any applicable project to
the Planning Commission and thereafter the City Council by an application in writing to the
Planning and Development Director and City Clerk of the City Council respectively within
fifteen (15) days from the date of notification of decision.
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