HomeMy WebLinkAbout30-Development Services
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REOUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
From: Valerie C, Ross, Director
Subject: An Ordinance of the City of San Bernardino
adding Chapter 17.07 to the Municipal Code as the
City of San Bernardino Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance,
Dept: Development Services
Date: December 9, 2009
MCC Date: December 21,2009
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
07/07/09 - Legislative Review Committee (LRC) recommended approval of the Water Wise
Landscape Program, pertaining to owner-occupied residential properties,
08/03/09 - Council adopted the Water Wise Landscape Program Ordinance as Chapter 17,06 of
the Municipal Code,
08/17/09 - Second reading, fmal adoption ofMC 1311, Water Wise Landscape Program.
12/07/09 - Council referred the proposed Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to LRC.
12/08/09 - LRC recommended approval of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Recommended Motion:
That the hearing be closed and that:
I. Said Ordinance be laid over for final adoption; and
2, The Development Services Department be directed to prepare an amendment to the
Landscaping Standards in Chapter 19.28 of the Development Code to reference and
conform to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance,
. (/. K#V
Valerie C. Ross
Contact person: Terri Rahhal, City Planner
Phone:
3330
Citywide
Supporting data attached:
Staff Report
Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount:
Undetermined
Source: (Acct. No,)
Acct. Description:
Finance:
Council Notes:
Agenda Item No. aD
12.-1/-01
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
STAFF REPORT
Subiect:
An Ordinance of the City of San Bernardino adding Chapter 17,07 to the Municipal Code as the
City of San Bernardino Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance,
Back!!:round:
A staff report outlining the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 (AB 1881, Laird)
and the implementation requirements of the State of California Department of Water Resources
(DWR) was distributed with the December 7, 2009 Council agenda. The Mayor and Common
Council referred the draft Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to the Legislative Review
Committee (LRC) for review and a recommendation.
The LRC reviewed the proposed Ordinance on December 8, 2009 and recommended the motion
provided on the agenda, with Committee Members Brinker and Shorett present.
Financial Impact:
In order to maintain a neutral financial impact on the City, it will be necessary for several
departments and agencies to cooperate in the implementation of new water efficient landscape
requirements, Plan review and inspection fees may be adjusted to fund required activities.
Enforcement of water waste regulations may be funded by fines or through a consumption-based
water rate structure,
Recommended Motion:
That the hearing be closed and that:
I. Said Ordinance be laid over for final adoption; and
2. The Development Services Department be directed to prepare an amendment to the
Landscaping Standards in Chapter 19.28 of the Development Code to reference and
conform to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance,
Exhibits:
1, Ordinance
Exhibit A: Chapter 17,07
2, Worksheet Examples and Sample Calculations
2
ORDINANCE NO.
1
2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADDING CHAPTER
17.07 TO THE SAN BERNARDINO MUNICIPAL CODE AS THE WATER EFFICIENT
3 LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE.
4
5 THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, Section 40(z) of the Charter of the City of San Bernardino vests the Mayor
9 to municipal affairs, subject only to the restrictions and limitations provided in the Charter or by
10 State law; and
11 WHEREAS, the State Legislature has found that the waters of the State of California are
12 oflimited supply, are subject to ever-increasing demands; and
13
WHEREAS, the State Legislature has also found that landscapes are essential to the
quality of life in California, by providing areas for active and passive recreation and as an
protection, and replacing ecosystems lost to development; and
WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution specifies that the right
to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served and
20 the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use; and
21
22
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65593(c) provides: "It is the policy of
the state to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this
23
valuable resource"; and
24
25
26
27
28
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65593(e) provides: "Landscape
design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be water efficient"; and
I
I;) /() 1/ O~
/'
...-H- -? ,-.,
1
2 WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of San Bernardino to promote water conservation
3 and to continually monitor and improve water conservation efforts to ensure effective protection
4 of water resources;
SECTION 1. The Mayor and Common Council hereby find that the above-stated
and 40(z) of the Charter of the City of San Bernardino.
SECTION 5. The Mayor and Common Council hereby direct the Development Services
Department to implement the provisions of this Ordinance in the review and approval of
development plans for new landscaping or landscape rehabilitation, as detailed in Exhibit A.
2
incorporated herein.
3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADDING CHAPTER
1 17.07 TO THE SAN BERNARDINO MUNICIPAL CODE AS THE WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE.
2
3
4
5
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was duly adopted by the Mayor and
Common Council of the City of San Bernardino at a
meeting thereof, held
on the
6
7
day of
, 20_, by the following vote to wit:
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
NAYS
AYES
Council Members:
8 ESTRADA
9 BAXTER
10 BRINKER
11
12
13
14 JOHNSON
15 MC CAMMACK
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 Approved as to form:
24
25 JAMES F. PENMAN
City Attorney
~~ BY:JA.-. r' f~
28 III
III
SHORETT
KELLEY
City Clerk
The foregoing ordinance is hereby approved this _day of
,20_.
PATRICK J. MORRIS, Mayor
City of San Bernardino
4
EXHIBIT A
CHAPTER 17.07
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
17.07.010 Purpose and Intent
A. The purpose of this Chapter is to:
1. Promote the aesthetic and recreational values of landscapes, while
recognizing the need to invest water resources as efficiently as possible;
2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing and maintaining water
efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects;
3. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste
prevention in the irrigation of existing landscapes;
4. Implement water quality management practices that minimize storm water
and irrigation runoff, to achieve on-site infiltration and groundwater recharge;
5. Promote and encourage the use of low water use plants in landscapes;
6. Minimize the use of cool season turf;
7. Promote conservation of potable water by encouraging the use of recycled
water and water-conserving technology in landscape irrigation;
8. Promote public education about water conservation and water efficient
landscape irrigation.
B. The intent of this Chapter is to implement water efficient landscape regulations at
least as effective as the state model ordinance adopted pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65595.
17.07.020 Applicability
After January 1, 2010, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply as follows:
A. All provisions of this Chapter for planning, design, installation and management
of new landscapes shall apply to the following new construction and rehabilitation
landscape projects normally subject to building or landscaping plan review and permits:
1. Public agency projects and private development projects with a landscape
area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet;
2. Developer-installed single-family and multi-family residential projects with a
landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet in the aggregate.
3. Homeowner-installed and/or homeowner-hired single-family and multi-family
residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than
5,000 square feet;
1
EXHIBIT A
B. Limited Applicability. Existing landscapes, cemeteries and certain Special
Landscape Areas are exempt from some provisions of this Chapter, as follows:
1. Existing landscapes installed before January 1, 2010 and exceeding 1 acre in
area are subject only to water waste prevention and efficient irrigation
requirements of Sections 17.07.120 and 17.07.130.
2. New cemeteries or cemetery expansion projects exceeding 2,500 square feet
in landscape area shall be subject to the Water Efficient Landscape
worksheet requirement and the irrigation analysis and maintenance
requirements of Section 17.07.090 and Section 17.07.100.
3. New development or rehabilitation of landscapes including Special
Landscape Areas (SLA's), such as edible landscapes, landscapes irrigated
with recycled water, and active parks or sport field landscaping shall be
subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, except that the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance (MAWA) shall be adjusted to provide for adequate irrigation
of SLA's.
C. Exemptions. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the following
exempt landscapes:
1. Registered local, state or federal historical sites;
2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require permanent irrigation
systems;
3. Mined land restoration projects that do not require permanent irrigation
systems;
4. Botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
17.07.030 Landscape Design Standards and Planning Guidelines
For the efficient use of water, landscapes shall be carefully designed and planned to
thrive in local soil and climatic conditions and to suit the intended function of the project.
The following design guidelines shall also be considered in landscape planning:
A. Plant Selection:
1. Native plants and drought-tolerant species are encouraged to promote low-
maintenance, water efficient landscapes.
2. Any plant may be used in the landscape, provided that the EAWU (estimated
annual applied water use) does not exceed the MAWA (maximum annual
applied water allowance).
3. Plants with similar water use requirements shall be grouped together in
"hydrozones. whenever possible.
2
EXHIBIT A
4. Turf areas should be minimal, limited mainly to active recreation areas and
small lawns. Where turf is used, it should not be planted on slopes greater
than 4:1, and warm season varieties are preferred.
5. Fire resistant plant species and fuel modification requirements shall be the
top priority for landscape design in high fire hazard areas.
6. Invasive plant species should be avoided, especially near natural areas, fuel
modification zones, parks and water bodies.
7. The use of mulch is encouraged to retain moisture.
8. Plant placement shall be planned to create shade in summer and permit solar
gain in winter.
9. Plant size and root characteristics at maturity should be considered in plant
selection and placement, to avoid damage to property or infrastructure.
B. Water Features:
1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for all decorative water features.
2. If available, recycled water should be used in decorative water features,
except pools and spas.
3. The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the MAWA calculation
with an evaporation rate equivalent to that of a high water use plant.
4. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
C. Content Requirements of Landscape Design Plans:
1. Each hydrozone shall be identified as a "low", "moderate", "high" or "mixed"
water use zone.
2. Landscape areas with unique water budget considerations, such as
recreation areas, areas dedicated to edible landscapes, and areas to be
irrigated with recycled water shall be delineated.
3. Areas planned for soil amendments, mulch application, surface water features
and hardscapes (pervious and impervious) shall be delineated with applicable
notes regarding installation and design.
4. On-site design measures for storm water quality management shall be
identified to demonstrate consistency with the corresponding Water Quality
Management Plan (WQMP).
17.07.040 Irrigation Requirements
A. All irrigation systems shall be designed and maintained to prevent runoff, over-
spray, low head drainage and other conditions of water waste. Soil types and infiltration
rates shall be considered when designing irrigation systems, and irrigation plans shall
be designed to meet specific water needs of each hydrozone, to maximize the efficiency
of the irrigation system.
3
EXHIBIT A
B. Dedicated (separate) landscape water meters shall be installed at new project
sites with landscape areas greater than 5,000 square feet, subject to concurrence of the
water purveyor.
C. The following equipment shall be required to control water waste in new irrigation
systems subject to this Ordinance:
1. Automatic irrigation controllers that utilize evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data to adjust the frequency and/or duration of irrigation in response to
changing weather conditions;
2. Rain sensors with automatic shut-off features;
3. Anti-drain check valves to prevent low-head drainage in sprinkler heads;
4. Pressure regulators as needed when the static water pressure exceeds the
maximum recommended operating pressure; and
5. Manual shut-off valves located as close as possible to the point of connection
to the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency or a
routine repair.
D. Irrigation Design Standards:
1. The irrigation system shall be designed and installed to conform to the project
water budget (MAWA), based on planting plans for the project hydrozones;
2. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within a 24-inch setback from any
non-permeable surface. Allowable irrigation within such setback areas may
include drip, drip line or other low flow, non-spray technology. The setback
may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch,
gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:
(a) the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff
occurs; or
(b) the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to
drain entirely to landscaping; or
(c) the irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology as part
of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates
compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance.
3. Slopes greater than 25% 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 irrigation designer specifies an altemative design or technology
as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates
that no excess runoff or erosion will occur. This demonstration shall be
confirmed by an irrigation audit.
E. The irrigation plan shall be prepared separate from the landscape planting plan,
but it shall be consistent with the planting plan and shall conform to all requirements of
this Ordinance.
4
EXHIBIT A
F. A Water Management Plan shall be prepared to accompany the irrigation plan, in
accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance. The Water Management Plan shall
describe the irrigation system in detail, identify parties responsible for maintenance of
the irrigation system, and set a plan and schedule for management of the system.
G. Recycled Water. Dual water distribution systems allowing irrigation with recycled
water are encouraged, and may be required to be installed on new construction sites, at
the discretion of the water purveyor, and subject to availability.
17.07.050 Landscape Soil Management and Landscape Grading Requirements
A. Soil testing shall be performed after mass grading and prior to landscape
installation, to ensure the selection of plant materials that are suitable for the site. The
soil analysis shall be incorporated in a soil management plan, including the following:
4. A determination of soil texture, indicating the available water holding capacity;
5. An approximate soil infiltration rate, or a range of infiltration rates;
6. Measures of pH and total soluble salts; and
7. Soil management and amendment recommendations.
B. Grading of landscape areas shall be designed to minimize unnecessary soil
compaction, erosion and water waste. Landscape grading shall be designed to prevent
runoff, avoid disruption of natural drainage pattems and to support on-site infiltration of
storm water and irrigation for water quality management.
17.07.060 Landscape Plan Submittal Requirements
A Landscape Documentation Package prepared by a licensed landscape architect shall
be required for any new construction of landscape or landscape rehabilitation that is
normally subject to building or landscape plan review and permits. The landscape
Documentation Package shall contain the following elements:
A. Project information:
1. Date;
2. Project applicant;
3. Project address or location;
4. Total landscape area in square feet;
5. Project type (e.g. new, rehabilitated, public, private, developer or homeowner
installed, cemetery, park, etc.);
6. Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail
water purveyor;
7. Checklist of all documents in the Landscape Documentation Package;
5
EXHIBIT A
8. Contact information for the project applicant and property owner;
9. Applicant signature, dated with the statement, "I agree to comply with the
requirements of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and submit a
complete Landscape Documentation Package".
B. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. Worksheet examples, sample calculations
and the Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table for the City of San Bernardino are
available in the Development Services Department to guide preparation of required
elements of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet, including:
1. Hydrozone information table;
2. Water budget calculations:
(a) Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
(b) Estimated Total Water Use (ElWU);
C. Landscape design plan, prepared according to Section 17.07.030;
D. Irrigation design plan, prepared according to Section 17.07.040;
E. Soil management report, prepared according to Section 17.07.050 (A); and
F. Grading design plan, prepared according to Section 17.07.050 (B).
17.07.070 Compliance Documentation
A. Certificate of Completion. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or final
inspection for a new construction project or a landscape rehabilitation project, a
Certificate of Completion shall be submitted to the City, signed by a licensed landscape
architect to certify that:
1. The landscaping has been installed in conformance with the approved
planting and irrigation plans;
2. The automatic irrigation controller has been set according to the irrigation
schedule;
3. The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and
eliminate over-spray and runoff; and
4. A copy of the irrigation schedule has been given to the property owner.
B. Completed Landscape Documentation Packages and Certificates of Completion
shall be made available for review by the water purveyor. Sites found to be out of
compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance may be subject to landscape water
audits and compliance enforcement by the water purveyor.
6
EXHIBIT A
17.07.080 Irrigation Scheduling
A. For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed,
managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain
plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from
the local water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the
irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing
and system maintenance.
3. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be
paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference
evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the Estimated Total Water
Use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum
Applied Water Allowance (MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be
regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference
evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor data.
17.07.090 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
A. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular
maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion.
B. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine
inspection; adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating
and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all
landscape areas, and removing any obstruction to emission devices. Operation of the
irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system
maintenance.
C. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed
components or their equivalents.
D. A project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally-
friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance.
17.07.100 Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis
A. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape
irrigation auditor.
B. For new landscape construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed
after January 1, 2010:
7
EXHIBIT A
1. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the
Certificate of Completion to the City that may include, but is not limited to:
inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity,
reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow, and preparation
of an irrigation schedule;
2. The City or the water purveyor may conduct or require an irrigation water
use analysis, irrigation audit, or irrigation survey for compliance with the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA).
C. For existing landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2010 and are over
one acre in size, the City or the water purveyor may require irrigation water use
analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide
recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not
exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing landscapes. The Maximum
Applied Water Allowance for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8)
(ETo)(LA)(0.62). All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified
landscape irrigation auditor.
17.07.110 Irrigation Efficiency
A. For the purpose of determining Maximum Applied Water Allowance, average
irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. Irrigation systems shall be designed,
maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency
of 0.71.
17.07.120 Provisions for Existing Landscapes
A. The City or the water purveyor may enforce the requirements contained in this
Ordinance, and may assess penalties for water waste in existing landscapes
constructed prior to January 1, 2010.
17.07.130 Water Waste Prevention
A. Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation is prohibited. Runoff of
irrigation water into the public right-of-way, caused by low head drainage, broken
sprinkler heads, overspray, or other similar conditions shall be prohibited. Overspray or
runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or
structures shall be prohibited. Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be
modified if:
1. the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff
occurs; or
2. the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to
drain entirely to landscaping.
8
EXHIBIT A
17.07.140 Definitions
The terms used in this ordinance have the meaning set forth below:
(a) "applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.
(b) "automatic irrigation controller" means an automatic timing device used to remotely
control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule
irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.
(c) "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.
(d) "Certificate of Completion" means the document required under Section 17.07.070.
(e) "certified irrigation designer" means a person certified to design irrigation systems by
an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization, or other program
such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation designer
certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer program.
(f) "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 US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense
irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape
Irrigation Auditor program.
(g) "check valve" or "anti-drain valve" means a valve located under a sprinkler head, or
other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage
from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
(h) "common interest developments" means community apartment projects,
condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code
Section 1351.
(i) "conversion factor (0.62)" means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per
year to gallons per square foot per year
G) "drip irrigation" means any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission
devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems
are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone
of plants.
(k) "ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered
to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(I)"effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" (Eppt) means the portion of total
precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
(m) "emitter" means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the
system to the soil.
(n) "established landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have
developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established
after one or two years of growth.
(0) "establishment period of the plants" means the first year after installing the plant in
the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment.
Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth.
9
EXHIBIT A
(p) "Estimated Total Water Use" (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape
as described in Section 17.07.060(8).
(q) "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor of 0.7, 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. For purposes of the ETAF, the average irrigation efficiency is
0.71. Therefore, the ET Adjustment Factor is (0.7)=(0.5/0.71). ETAF for a Special
Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is
0.8.
(r) "evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil
and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
(s) "flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission
devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
(t) "hardscapes" means any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).
(u) "homeowner-provided landscaping" means any landscaping either installed by a
private individual for a single family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired
by a homeowner. A homeowner, for purposes of this ordinance, is a person who
occupies the dwelling he or she owns. This excludes speculative homes, which are not
owner-occupied dwellings.
(v) "hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water
needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
(w) "infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of
water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
(x)"invasive plant species" means species of plants not historically found in California
that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic
resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as
noxious species. "Noxious weeds" means any weed designated by the Weed Control
Regulations in the Weed Control Act and identified on a Regional District noxious weed
control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant
Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
(y) "irrigation audit" means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation
system conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit includes,
but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity or
emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and
preparation of an irrigation schedule.
(z) "irrigation efficiency" (IE) means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially
used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance is
0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained
systems.
(aa) "irrigation survey" means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed
than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection,
system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation
system.
10
EXHIBIT A
(bb) "irrigation water use analysis" means an analysis of water use data based on meter
readings and billing data.
(cc) "landscape architect" means a person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture in the state of California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.
(dd) "landscape area" means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation.
The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks,
driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-
pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development
(e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
(ee) "landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the state of California to
construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape
systems.
(ff) "Landscape Documentation Package" means the documents required under Section
17.07.060.
(gg) "landscape project" means total area of landscape in a project as defined in
"landscape area" for the purposes of this ordinance, meeting requirements under
Section 17.07.020.
(hh) "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
(ii) "local agency" means a city or county, including a charter city or charter county, that
is responsible for adopting and implementing the ordinance. The local agency is also
responsible for the enforcement of this ordinance, including but not limited to, approval
of a permit and plan check or design review of a project.
OJ) "local water purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or
private water company that provides retail water service.
(kk) "low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low pressure
through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip
lines, and bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply
small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
(II) "main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source
to the valve or outlet.
(mm) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 17.07.060(B).
It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor, and
the size of the landscape area. The Estimated Total Water Use shall not exceed the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Special Landscape Areas, including recreation
areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and
vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA
with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.
(nn) "microclimate" means the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with
the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure,
plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.
(00) "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.
11
EXHIBIT A
(pp) "mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or
inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left loose
and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation,
suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.
(qq) "new construction" means, for the purposes of this ordinance, a new building with a
landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an
associated building.
(rr) "operating pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system
are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
(ss) "overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means systems that deliver water through
the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
(tt) "overspray" means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
(uu) "permit" means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new
construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
(w) "pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through
the material and into the underlying soil.
(ww) "plant factor" or "plant water use factor" is a factor, when multiplied by ETo,
estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the
plant factor range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.3, the plant factor range for
moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use
plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this ordinance are derived from the Department
of Water Resources 2000 publication "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species".
(xx) "precipitation rate" means the rate of application of water measured in inches per
hour.
(yy) "project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape
Documentation Package required under Section 17.07.060, to request a pennit, plan
check, or design review from the City. A project applicant may be the property owner or
his or her designee.
(zz) "rain sensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" means a component which
automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
(aaa) "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.
(bbb) "recreational area" means areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports
fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing surface.
(ccc) "recycled water", "reclaimed water", or "treated sewage effluent water" means
treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as
landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human
consumption.
(ddd) "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in
inches per day, month, or year as represented in the sample materials referenced in
Section 17.07.060(B), 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 the basis of detennining the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
12
EXHIBIT A
(eee) "rehabilitated landscape" means any re-Iandscaping project that requires a permit,
plan check, or design review, meets the requirements of Section 17.07.020, and the
modified landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet, is 50% of the
total landscape area, and the modifications are completed within one year.
(fff) "runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water
that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when
there is a slope.
(ggg) "soil moisture sensing device" or "soil moisture sensor" means a device that
measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an
irrigation event.
(hhh) "soil texture" means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt,
and clay.
(iii)"Special Landscape Area" (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to
edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water
and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where
turf provides a playing surface.
(jjj) "sprinkler head" means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
(kkk) "static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure
when water is not flowing.
(III) .station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate
simultaneously.
(mmm) .swing joint" means an irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free
connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any
direction and to prevent equipment damage.
(nnn) "turf' means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses.
Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass,
and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
(000) "valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
(ppp) "water conserving plant species" means a plant species identified as having a low
plant factor.
(qqq) "water feature" means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic
or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains,
artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The
surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the
landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment or
stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water
treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject
to the water budget calculation.
(rrr) "watering window" means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
(sss) 'WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published
by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water
Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation, 2000.
13
EXHIBIT 2
WORKSHEET EXAMPLES AND SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
(1) The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.3 for low
water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high
water use plants.
(2) All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrazone and temporarily irrigated
areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.
(3) All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as described
below.
(4) ETAF for Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(c) Maximum Applied Water Allowance
The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the equation:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
The example calculations below are hypothetical to demonstrate proper use of the equations and
do not represent an existing andjor planned landscape project. The ETo values used in these
calculations are from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix A, for planning
purposes only. For actual irrigation scheduling, automatic irrigation controllers are required and
shall use current reference evapotranspiration data, such as from the California Irrigation
Management Information System (CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.
(1) Example MAW A calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Fresno, CA with an
irrigated landscape area of 50,000 square feet without any Special Landscape Area (SLA= 0, no
edible plants, recreational areas, or use of recycled water). To calculate MAW A, the annual
reference evapotranspiration value for Fresno is 51.1 inches as listed in the Reference
Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix A.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
MAW A = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons)
0.7 = ET Adjustment Factor (ET AF)
LA = Landscape Area including SLA (square feet)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
MA WA = (51.1 inches) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) + (0.3 x 0)]
= 1,108,870 gallons per year
To convert from gallons per year to hundred-cubic-feet per year:
= 1,108,870/748 = 1,482 hundred-cubic-feet per year
(100 cubic feet = 748 gallons)
(2) In this next hypothetical example, the landscape project in Fresno, CA has the same ETo
value of 51.1 inches and a total landscape area of 50,000 square feet. Within the 50,000 square
foot project, there is now a 2,000 square foot area planted with edible plants. This 2,000 square
foot area is considered to be a Special Landscape Area.
1
EXHIBIT 2
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
MAW A = (51.1 inches) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) + (0.3 x 2,000 square feet)]
= 31.68 x [35,000 + 600] gallons per year
= 31.68 x 35,600 gallons per year
=1,127,808 gallons per year or 1,508 hundred-cubic-feet per year
(d) Estimated Total Water Use.
The Estimated Total Water Use shall be calculated using the equation below. The sum of the
Estimated Total Water Use calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed MAW A.
ETWU = (ETO)(0.62{ PF ~HA + SLA)
Where:
ETWU = Estimated Total Water Use per year (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
PF = Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Section 17.07.140(ww))
HA = Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion Factor
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.71)
(1) Example ETWU calculation: landscape area is 50,000 square feet; plant water use type, plant
factor, and hydrozone area are shown in the table below. The ETo value is 51.1 inches per year.
There are no Special Landscape Areas (recreational area, area permanently and solely dedicated
to edible plants, and area irrigated with recycled water) in this example.
Plant Hydrozone
Plant Water Factor Area (HA) PFxHA
Hvdrazone Use Type(s) (PF)* (square feet) (SQuare feet)
1 High 0.8 7,000 5,600
2 High 0.7 10,000 7,000
3 Medium 0.5 16,000 8,000
4 Low 0.3 7,000 2,100
5 Low 0.2 10,000 2,000
Sum 24,700
*Plant Factor from WUCOLS
{24,700 )
ETWU=(51.1)(0.62 +0 = 1,102,116 gallons per year
0.71
Compare ETWUwith MAWA: For this example MAWA = (51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) + (0.3 x
0)] = 1,108,870 gallons per year. The ETWU (1,102,116 gallons per year) is less than MAW A
(1,108,870 gallons per year). In this example, the water budget complies with the MA WA.
2
EXHIBIT 2
(2) Example ETWU calculation: total landscape area is 50,000 square feet, 2,000 square feet of
which is planted with edible plants. The edible plant area is considered a Special Landscape Area
(SLA). The reference evapotranspiration value is 51.1 inches per year. The plant type, plant
factor, and hydrozone area are shown in the table below.
Plant Hydrozone
Plant Water Factor Area (HA) PF x HA
Hvdrozone Use Tvoe(s) (PF)* (square feet) (square feet)
1 High 0.8 7,000 5,600
2 High 0.7 9,000 6,300
3 Medium 0.5 15,000 7,500
4 Low 0.3 7,000 2,100
5 Low 0.2 10,000 2,000
Sum 23,500
6 SLA 1.0 2,000 2,000
*Plant Factor from WUCOLS
ETWU = (51.1)(0.62)(23,500 + 2,000)
0.71
= (31.68) (33,099 + 2,000)
= 1,111,936 gallons per year
Compare ETWU with MAW A. For this example:
MA WA = (51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) + (0.3 x 2,000)]
= 31.68 x [35,000 + 600]
= 31.68 x 35,600
=1,127,808 gallons per year
The ETWU (1,111,936 gallons per year) is less than MAWA (1,127,808 gallons per year). For
this example, the water budget complies with the MAW A.
3
EXHIBIT 2
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table for the City of San Bernardino.
Annual
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dee ETo
SAN BERNARDINO
COUNTY
City of San Bernardino 2.0 2.7 3.8 4.6 5.7 6.9 7.9 7.4 5.9 4.2 2.6 2.0 55.6
* The values in this table were derived from:
I) California Irrigation Management Infonnation System (CIMIS);
2) Reference EvapoTranspiration Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California Dept of Water
Resources 1999; and
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
(1987) Bulletin 1922,4) Detennining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension UC Division of
Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426
Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and n is a required element of the Landscape Oocumentalion Package.
Plea.. complete all sections (A and B) of the worksheet.
SECTION A. HYDROZONE INFORMATION TABLE
Please complete the hydrozone table(s) for each hydrozone. Use as many tables as necessary to provide
the square footage of landscape area per hydrozone.
Hydrozone* Zone or Irrigation Area %of
Valve Method- ISo.Ft.l Landscaoe Area
Total 100%
* Hydrazone
HW = High Water Use Plants
MW = Moderate Water Use Plants
LW = Low Water Use Plants
**In1ga11on Method
MS = ~spray
S = Spray
R = Rotor
B= Bubbler
D=Drip
o = Other
4
EXHIBIT 2
SECTION B. WATER BUDGET CALCULATIONS
Section 81. Maximum ADDlled Water Allowance IMAWAI
The projecfs Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using this equation:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration from Appendix A (inches per year)
0.7 = ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
LA = Landscaped Area includes Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA = Portion of the landscape area identified as Special Landscape Area (square feel)
0.3 = the additional ET Adjustment Factor for Special Landscape Area (1.0. 0.7 = Q.3)
Maximum Applied Water Allowance =
gallons per year
Show calculations.
Effective PreclDltatlon IEDDtI
If considering Effective Precipitation, use 25% of annual precipitation. Use the following equation to
calculate Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
MAWA= (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA))
Maximum Applied Water Allowance =
gallons per year
Show calculations.
5
EXHIBIT 2
Section 82. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWUI
The project's Estimated Total Water Use is calculated using the following formula:
ETWU=(ETO)(O.62{PF:eHA +SLA)
where:
E1WU
ETo
PF
HA
SLA
0.62
IE
= Estimated total water use per year (gallons per year)
= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
= Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Definitions)
= Hydrazone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet)
= Special Landscape Area (square feet)
= Conversion Factor (to gallons per square foot)
= Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.71)
Hydramne T_ for CaIcuI8tIIIg ETWU
Please complete the hydrozone table(s). Use as many tables as necessary.
Plant Water Plant Area (HA) PF x HA
Hvdrozone Use Tvee/sl Factor /PFI / SQuare feet) / SQuare feet)
Sum
SLA
Estimated Total Water Use =
nallons
Show calculations.
6
EXHIBIT 2
Sample Certificate of Completion.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certificate is filled out by the project applicant upon completion of the landscape project.
PART 1. PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Date
Project Name
Name of Project Applicant Telephone No.
Fax No.
nle Email Address
Company Street Address
City State I Zip Code
Project Address and Location:
Street Address Parcel, trad or lot number, if available.
City Lat~udelLong~ude (optional)
State I Zip Code
Property Owner or hislher de.lgn.e:
Name Telephone No.
Fax No.
nle Emall Address
Company Street Address
City State I Zip Code
Property Owner
"I/we certify that l/we have received copies of all the documents within the Landscape Documentation
Package and the Certificate of Completion and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is
maintained in accordance with the Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule.'
Property Owner Signature
Date
Please answer the questions below:
1. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was submitted to the local agency
2. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was approved by the local agency
3. Date that a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (including the Water Budget
Calculation) was submitted to the local water purveyor
7
EXHIBIT 2
PART 2. CERTIFICATION OF INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO THE LANDSCAPE
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
"I/we certify that based upon periodic sije observations, the work has been substantially completed in
accordance with the ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the
criteria and specifications of the approved Landscape Documentation Package.'
Signature" Date
Name (print) Telephone No.
Fax No.
nle Email Address
license No. or Certification No.
Company Street Address
City State I Zip Code
.Signer of the landscape design plan, signer of the irrigation plan, or a licensed landscape contractor.
PART 3. IRRIGATION SCHEDULING
Attach parameters for setting the irrigation schedule on controller per ordinance Section 17.07.080.
PART 4. SCHEDULE OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
Attach schedule of Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance per ordinance Section 17.07.090.
PART 5. LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDIT REPORT
Attach Landscape Irrigation Audit Report per ordinance Section 17.07.100.
PART 6. SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
Attach soil analysis report, if not previously submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package per
ordinance Section 17.07.050(A).
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report per
ordinance Section 17.07.050(A)
8