HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.1 ITEM 5.1
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS October 1, 2015
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SUBJECT: UPDATE TO THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE (WELD); INTRODUCTION OF THE INITIAL
DRAFT OF THE WELO ORDINANCE AND REVISED LANDSCAPE
DESIGN GUIDELINES; FILE#236-15-MISC
FROM: Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner
APPROVED: Suzanne Avila, Interim Planning Director rP `,4
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Review the Initial Draft of the updated Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO)
(Attachment 1) and the Draft Landscape Design Guidelines and Submittal Requirements
(Attachment 2) and provide comments and direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
In the early 1990s, the state adopted the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act
which included a Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for local agencies to
use as a guide to increase the efficiency of water resources allocated for landscape areas. On
September 28, 2006, Assembly Bill 1881 (AB 1881) was enacted into law requiring every city
and county to adopt the state's MWELO or an equivalent local water efficient landscape
ordinance by January 1, 2010. In response to the new law, the Town adopted Ordinance No. 520
establishing local water efficient landscape regulations (WELO) and codified the regulations
under Municipal Code Section 10-2.809.
Due to the ongoing drought conditions in the state, the Governor signed Drought Executive
Order B-29-15 on April 1, 2015 which mandated an update of the state's model ordinance. The
final version of the updated MWELO (Attachment 3) was approved by the California
Department of Water Resources on July 15, 2015 with implementation to begin on December 1,
2015. Initially, the Town is required to start reporting on implementation and enforcement of the
MWELO or its locally modified WELO for the period from December 1, 2015 to December 28,
2015. In subsequent years, all reporting will be for the calendar year.
Similar to the previous law, each local jurisdiction can choose to adopt the model ordinance or
adopt a locally modified version that is as equally effective as the state's version. On August 20,
2015, Mayor Pro Tern Harpootlian and Councilmember Waldeck presented the new regulations
to the City Council and on a 5-0 vote, the Council directed staff to amend its existing WELO to
comply with the new regulations.
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Draft WELO Ordinance
October 1,2015
Page 2 of 3
DISCUSSION
The updated state model ordinance includes several significant changes along with additional
definitions for specific WELO terms, landscape design and plan requirements, detailed
information on the types of plants, controllers and irrigation systems, and other requirements.
Staff has incorporated these requirements into the Initial Draft with existing text from the
Town's current WELO in(black text) and added text in red that includes all the State's language
(with modifications customized for the Town's purpose).
A general list of the changes is summarized below:
1) Requires compliance for new residential projects with landscape areas of 500 square
feet or more(the previous threshold was 5,000 square feet);
2) Requires compliance for existing and rehabilitated landscape projects with landscape
areas of 2,500 square feet (in conjunction with the approval of a site development
permit);
3) Requires a Soils Management Report;
4) Requires that the soils on the property where landscaping is to occur be made friable
(loosely compacted down to the minimum depth needed for planting);
5) Requires that compost be placed at a rate of 4 cu.yds. per 1,000 square feet of area and
up to a depth of 6 inches and a minimum 3 inch layer of mulch to all exposed plating
areas;
6) Requires that plans include the use of climate adapted plants requiring little or no water
in summer months;
7) Requires an average Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) plant
factor of 0.3 for 75%of the planting area;
8) Limits turf (ground cover surface of mowed grass) to a maximum of 25% of the
landscape area, does not allow turf planting on slopes greater than 25% if the toe of the
slope abuts impermeable hardscape, and prohibits turf in medians/parkways under 10
feet in width;
9) Requires automatic irrigation controllers with moisture sensor, subsurface irrigation on
areas less than 10 feet in width, dedicated landscape meters and flow sensors on
landscape areas over 5,000 square feet;
10) Submittal of Certificate of Completion, irrigation schedule, schedule of landscape and
irrigation maintenance;
11) Rainwater retention provisions; and
12) Reporting requirements for the Town
Staff has met several times with Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian and Councilmember Waldeck (the
City Council ad-hoc Committee for WELO) to review the administrative drafts of the WELO
update. Based on input from the ad-hoc committee, the majority of the new regulations have
been placed in a new document titled, "Landscape Design Guidelines and Submittal
Requirements." This document contains all the details required for designing landscape plans
and irrigation systems along with specifics for the types of plants to install, soil preparation and
mulching guidelines, irrigation soils management, irrigation scheduling and landscape
maintenance.
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Draft WELO Ordinance
October 1,2015
Page 3 of 3
In addition, the Town is amending the formula for determining each lot's Parcel Water Budget
(PWB),which is the upper limit of annual applied water purchased from the local water purveyor
for the parcel. The formula is being revised to reduce the PWB by 30 percent from the previous
formula in 2010. The state's model ordinance uses Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA) in determining the upper limit of annual applied water to established landscape areas
only. The PWB is an alternate calculation developed by the Town in 2010 to address total water
use on the property (personal use and landscaping). Based on staff's calculations, properties
with significant landscape areas (approximately % acre or greater) will find that the PWB figure
is the more restrictive. In any event, the ordinance is drafted to require the calculation of both
PWB and MAWA figures and to use the most restrictive amount in review and enforcement.
Staff has also developed a new "Penalty Section" at the end of the Ordinance which details the
amount of penalties that can be assessed for noncompliance.
It should also be noted that the Town cannot create regulations that are less restrictive than the
state's WELO.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance(WELO)
2. Draft Landscape Design Guidelines and Submittal Requirements
3. State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
4. Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
5. Sample Certificate of Completion
TEXT AMENDMENT KEY ATTACHMENT 1
Seems=Text deleted from the current WELO ordinance
Red Text= Modified text to address new state regulations
DRAFT WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING ORDINANCE (WELO)
10-2.809 Water Efficient Landscaping.
(a) Applicability. The provisions of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) shall
apply to the following:
(1) ' - . •e - - . - .. - ' -- - - -- -- - - -- -- - -
all e .. - -- • -
_ __ __ _ _ •_ _ _ - - - .- -: ; All new development projects requiring
a Site Development Permit; and
(2) -.e --- - -e -• - - •- -- _ ; - e Rehabilitated landscape projects
with an aggregated irrigated landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square
feet requiring a building or site development permit.
...
For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater
captured on-site, any parcel with an aggregated irrigated landscape area of 2,500
square feet or less and meets the parcel's landscape water requirement (Estimated
Total Water Use) entirely with graywater or rainwater captured on-site shall only be
subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
This ordinance shall not apply to:
(1) Registered local, State or Federal historical sites where landscaping establishes an
historical landscape style, as determined by any applicable public board or
commission responsible for architectural review or historic preservation;
(2) Ecological restoration or mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a
permanent irrigation system; or
(3) Community gardens or plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and
arboretums open to the public.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions are established for the purpose of this article. A
complete list of WELO definitions is included in the Town's adopted Landscape Design
Guidelines and Plan Submittal Requirements. The meaning and construction of words
and phrases is as follows:
Applied water means the water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
Certified professional means a certified irrigation designer, certified landscape irrigation
auditor, licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, licensed professional
engineer, or any other person authorized by the state to design a landscape, an irrigation
system, or authorized to complete a water budget.
Distribution uniformity means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a
defined area.
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Ecological restoration project means a project where the site is intentionally altered to
establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
Established landscape means the point at which plants in the landscape area have
developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after
one or two years of growth.
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape as
described in subsection (d)(2) of this section, "Landscape Water Use Calculation."
Evapotranspiration (ET) rate means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil
and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF) means a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for
non-residential areas, that when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant
factors and irrigation efficiency. The ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special
Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated
landscapes is 0.8.
Graywater means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet
discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes,
and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing,
manufacturing, or operating wastes. Graywater includes, but is not limited to, wastewater
from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry
tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
Hydrozone means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water
needs and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
Invasive plant species means species of plants not historically found in California that
spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources.
- —e• - ' - - •e •- • - - - - - - .. •- •-- -- - •- . Lists of
invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA
invasive and noxious weeds database.
Irrigation audit means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system
conducted by a certified professional. 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. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation
Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program or other U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency "Watersense" labeled auditing program.
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
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measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance are
0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems article is seventy(70) percent.
Irrigation survey means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an
irrigation audit and includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written
recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
Landscape area (LA) means all the irrigated planting areas, turf areas and water features
in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation.
Landscape project means the total area comprising the proposed irrigated landscape
area, as defined in this article.
Landscape water meter means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that
measures the flow of the water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to
record water use.
Local water purveyor means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, district or
private water company that provides retail water service.
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual applied
water for the established landscape area as specified in the Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheet (subsection d). It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration rate or
ETo (43 for the Los Altos Hills area), the conversion factor to gallons (.62), the ETAF (.55
for residential, .45 for non-residential), and the size of the landscape area (square feet).
The Estimated Total Water Use shall not exceed the MAWA. Special landscape areas
(SLA), 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.
MAWA = (43) (0.62) [ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
New construction means the construction of a new building or structure containing a
landscape or other new land improvement, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt
without an associated building.
Non-residential landscape means landscapes in commercial, institutional, and public
settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly.
Overspray means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
Parcel water budget (PWB) means the upper limit of annual applied water purchased
from the local water purveyor for the parcel as specified in subsection (c)of this section,
"Parcel Water Budget."
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Permit means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for the installation of new
or rehabilitated landscapes.
Pervious means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil.
Plant factor or plant water use factor is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the
amount of water needed by plants. The plant factor range for very low water use plants is
0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0.1 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.
Project applicant means the individual or entity requesting a permit or plan check from
the Town. A project applicant may be the property owner or designee.
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 and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four to seven
inch tall, cool season grass that is well watered. The ETo for Los Altos Hills, based on the
state's reference evapotranspiration table, is 43.0.
Rehabilitated landscape means any re-landscaping project that requires a building or
site development permit.
Runoff means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied
and flows from the irrigated landscape area.
Special landscape area (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants, recreation areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using
recycled water - - --- - - -. - - - -- - - -- - - -- - - -- , e-- - - ,
Turf means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses.
Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass,
and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
Water conserving plant species means a plant species identified as having a very low or
low plant factor.
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 are included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area.
Constructed wetlands that are not irrigated and stormwater retention basins are not water
features.
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WUCOLS means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources
_- - - - '-- - - •-•, 200014.
(c) Parcel Water Budget. All properties shall calculate a Parcel Water Budget (PWB) upon
submittal of a Site Development Permit. The PWB is calculated using the following
equation:
PWB = [(1.0-slope) (0.650:8) (43.0) (0.62) [0.554:7 x (An-MDA-OSC) + (0.450,3-x
SLA)] / 748] + 120
Where:
PWB = Parcel water budget(units per year)
Slope = Average slope of the parcel or lot as a percentage of 1.0 to the nearest
hundredth
0.65,8 = Water conservation factor
43.0 = Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) in Los Altos Hills, in inches/year
0.62 = Conversion factor(to gallons)
0.55,7 = ET adjustment factor(ETAF)
An = Net lot area (square feet)
MDA = Maximum development area. The maximum development area (in square feet)
allowed for the property.
OSC = Open space/conservation easements (square feet)
0.45,3 = Additional water allowance for SLA
SLA = Special landscape area (square feet)
748 = Number of gallons in a unit(100 cubic feet) of water
120 = Number of units for indoor water use per property per year, or as may be
modified by the Planning Director upon a demonstration of difficulty or
unnecessary hardship pursuant to subsection (f). Note: Not applicable if a
landscape/outdoor use meter is installed.
Example PWB calculation: 1-acre (43,560 sq. ft.) lot with 14% slope and 12,339 sq. ft. of
MDA and no special landscape area, conservation or open space easements:
PWB = [(1.0-0.14) x 0.650,8 x 43 x 0.62 x [0.550,7-x (43,560-12,339) + (0.450,3 x 0)]
/ 748] +120 = 462 656 units/yr
The following sections apply to all new landscape areas equal to or greater than 500
square feet or for rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area
equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
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(d) Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. A project applicant shall complete a Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet for all new landscape areas of 500 square feet or greater
or for rehabilitated landscape projects that are 2,500 square feet or larger. The worksheet
shall conform to the requirements in the Town's adopted Landscape Design Guidelines
and Plan Submittal Requirements (herein after referred to as Landscape Guidelines).
1) Landscape Water Use Calculation.
landscape project will need to purchase from its water purveyor. The landscape
water use calculation shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a licensed
by the State of California to design landscape and irrigation plans.
. £ • . .
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 (including turf).
b) All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone.
c) All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use included in
the water budget calculations.
c. Estimated total water use (ETWU) will be calculated using the following equation.
The sum of the ETWU calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed the parcel
water budget.
KJWU (43 0)( 0 62 ) PF x + SLA J 1748 f 190
Where:
ETWU - Estimated total water--u-se per year (units per year)
43.0 - Reference evapotranspiration in Los Altos Hills, in inches per year
0,62—=—GGRversion factor(to gallons)
PF - Plant factor from the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species
HA - Hydrozone area [high, medium, and low water use areas} (square feet)
SLA - Special landscape area (square feet)
IE - Irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.70)
718 - Number of gallons in a unit (100 cubic feet)of water
120 - Number of units for indoor water use per property per y ar, or as may be
._ . wee .
unnecessary hardship pursuant to subsection (f). Note: Not applicable if a
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TEXT AMENDMENT KEY
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., - ...
• —. • _. e. e e _ - e . -. .
a, * I. * III I e..* • _1 I . ! -
(e) Soil Management Report. A soil management report shall be completed by the project
applicant, or his/her designee, and shall conform to the requirements in the Town's
adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(f) Landscape Design, Soil Preparation and Mulching Criteria. The proposed landscaping
shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project. All
landscape designs, soil preparation techniques and mulching practices shall conform to
the requirements in the Town's adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(g) Landscape Plan Requirements. The landscape plans shall be prepared by, and bear
the signature of, a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any
other person authorized by the State of California to design a landscape and irrigation
plan. Native species and natural vegetation shall be preserved where feasible and native,
water conserving species are recommended. Landscape plans shall conform to the
requirements in the Town's adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(h) Irrigation Design Criteria. An irrigation system shall meet the requirements listed in this
section and the manufacturer's recommendations. Irrigation designs shall conform to the
requirements in the Town's adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(i) Irrigation Plan Requirements. Irrigation plans shall be included with the landscape plan
submittal and shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a licensed landscape
architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized by the State of
California to design an irrigation plan. Irrigation plans shall conform to the requirements in
the Town's adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(j) Grading Design Plan. A Grading Plan, meeting current Town standards and exceeding
the state requirements, shall be submitted with each landscape project.
(k) Certificate of Completion. The certification documentation shall be prepared by the
project landscape architect, irrigation designer, or landscape contractor and include the
following statement: "The landscape and irrigation system has been installed as specified
in the landscape design plan and complies with the criteria of the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance and the permit." Receipt of the certification documentation will begin
the twenty-four(24) month period described in subsection (f) of this section.
The Certificate of Completion shall include the following six (6) elements:
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1) Project information sheet that contains: date, project name and address,
applicant's name, telephone number and address, owner's name, telephone and
mailing address;
2) Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the
irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape
project has been installed per the approved Landscape Documentation Package;
a) where there have been significant changes made in the field during
construction, these "as-built" or record drawings shall be included with the
certification;
b) A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the
irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
3) Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller;
4) Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule;
5) Irrigation audit report; and
6) soil analysis report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation Package,
and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations.
The project applicant shall submit the signed Certificate of Completion to the local agency
for review and ensure that copies of the approved Certificate of Completion are submitted
to the local water purveyor and property owner or his or her designee.
Upon receipt of the signed Certificate of Completion from the project applicant the Town
shall approve or deny the Certificate of Completion. If the Certificate of Completion is
denied, the local agency shall provide information to the project applicant regarding
reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
(I) Irrigation Scheduling. All irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and
evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health.
Irrigation schedules shall conform to the requirements in the Town's adopted Landscape
Guidelines.
(m) Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule. A regular maintenance schedule
shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion and shall conform to the requirements
in the Town's adopted Landscape Guidelines.
(n) Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis. All landscape
irrigation audits shall be conducted by a local agency landscape irrigation auditor or a third
party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the
person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape
For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1,
2015, the local agency shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to,
irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with
the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
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(o) Recycled Water. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the
current and future use of recycled water. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be
designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws. Landscapes
using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor
for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(p) Graywater Systems. Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are
encouraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform
to the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable local
ordinance standards. Refer to § 490.1 (d)for the applicability of this ordinance to
landscape areas less than 2,500 square feet with the Estimated Total Water Use met
entirely by graywater.
(q) Stormwater Management, Well Water and Rainwater Retention. Implement
stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to
minimize runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration. Encourage the
use of stormwater for landscape irrigation. Well water and retained water does not count
toward the PWB or MAWA.
(r) Public Education.
1) The Town shall provide information to all planning and building department
applicants regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water
efficient landscapes.
2) Starting on January 1, 2012, the Town may, in conjunction with water purveyors,
develop and administer a voluntary program to audit water usage for existing
landscapes. (§ 1, Ord. 520, eff. October 16, 2010)
(s) Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis. This section
shall apply to all existing landscapes using water from a local purveyor that were installed
before December 1, 2015 and are over one acre in size.
1) For all landscapes that have a water meter, the local agency shall administer
programs that may include, but not be limited to, 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 Parcel Water Budget or 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).
2) For all landscapes that do not have a meter, the local agency shall administer
programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation
audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to
prevent water waste.
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3) All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation
auditor.
(t) Water Waste Prevention. Runoff is prohibited from leaving the target landscape area
due to low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto
adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally.
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.
(u) Reporting. The Planning Department shall report to the Department of Water Resources
by December 31, 2015 and then report annually by January 31s1 of each subsequent year.
The report shall address the following:
1) State that the Town is adopting a single agency ordinance and the date of adoption
or anticipated date of adoption;
2) State that the Town is using a locally modified Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(WELO), explain any differences between the Town's WELO and the state's Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), identify that the Town's WELO is it
at least as efficient as MWELO, and specify any exemptions;
3) State the entity responsible for implementing the ordinance. State number and types
of projects subject to the ordinance during the specified reporting period;
4) State the total area (in square feet or acres) subject to the ordinance over the
reporting period, if available;
5) Provide the number of new housing starts, new commercial projects, and landscape
retrofits during the reporting period;
6) Describe the procedure for review of projects subject to the ordinance;
7) Describe actions taken to verify compliance;
8) Describe enforcement measures;
9) Explain challenges to implementing and enforcing the ordinance; and
10) Describe educational and other needs to properly apply the ordinance.
(v) Deed Restriction. As a condition of approval for site development, a deed restriction shall
be recorded establishing the (PWB) and/or(MAWA) for the subject property.
(w) Penalties. Any responsible party violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with
any of the mandatory requirements of the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance, other
than administrative provisions thereof, shall be subject to a penalty of up to ten (10) times
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the applicable permit fee. Penalties shall be inclusive of all expenses incurred by the
Town associated with inspection, processing and enforcement of the WELO regulations.
Penalties shall be applicable two years after the installation of the landscape area.
The minimum penalty amount shall be proportional to the percentage that the user
exceeds their WAMA or PWB allocation (whichever is more restrictive) and shall be as
follows:
10% over water allocation = 1 x permit fee;
20% over water allocation = 2 x permit fee;
etc., up to...
100% or more over water allocation = 10 x permit fee
(x) Exceptions. The Planning Director shall have the discretion to grant exceptions to the one
hundred twenty (120) unit allocation for yearly indoor water use in cases where, due to
exceptional conditions involved, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter
would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships; provided, however, no such
exceptions shall be granted unless the Planning Director shall find that the granting of
such exception will not be contrary to the intent of the provisions of this chapter.
ty) - - • - • - - - - - - ! - . - ' " . e" . - .0.-- - - -- -• -mm-m -
this article shall submit a deposit or other security deemed satisfactory by the Planning
Director. Two (2) years after the certificate of completion is filed with the Town for any
Town the second year(months thirteen (13) through twenty four (2/1)following receipt of
purveyor. If the site water usage exceeds the calculated PWB, the deposit shall be held for
property owner shall provide the Town with the previous twelve (12) months (months
twenty five (25)through thirty six (36)) of water use and billing data from the subject
property's water purveyor. If the water usage still exceeds the estimated PWB, the deposit
shall be forfeited to the Town, in full. All Town staff time and materials expended to ensure
from a forfeited deposit shall be utilized to further the purposes of this section.
11
ATTACHMENT 2
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS LOSALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road Pl.°70h4011%
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Phone: (650) 941-7222 isibiffiev
www.losaltoshills.ca.gov CALIFORNIA
Landscape '
Design Guidelines and Submittal Requirements
Original 10/18/10 Revised 9/24/15
Article 8 of the Site Development Ordinance contains guidelines and regulations used to evaluate
landscape plans and includes the Town's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). The
purpose of WELO regulations is to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to
prevent waste by limiting the amount of water used to the amount reasonably required to
maintain landscaping that is beneficial to the Town and its residents. All new development
requiring a Site Development Permit through the Planning Department shall comply with WELO
including all landscape screening projects.
Landscaping shall be planted so that structures are unobtrusive from off-site views, in
conformance with the Site Development Ordinance. Landscape plans are usually required for
major additions and new residences, and may be required for minor projects. The Town requires
only the amount of landscaping needed to satisfy the requirements of Article 8 of the Site
Development Ordinance and the Town's landscape policy (see Resolution #88-86, attached).
The size of the structure, the types of materials and the proposed colors determine the amount of
required landscaping.
Landscape Screening Design Applications related to the screening of new structures or additions
are accepted for processing after the building is framed. Please schedule a pre-application
meeting with the project planner to review the required application materials, processing fees,
and obtain an application checklist.
It is important that a project representative attend the Site Development hearing all public
hearings related to landscape screening (Site Development Committee or Planning Commission)
to answer questions and to hear comments. Hearings are typically continued when a project
representative is not present.
Parcel Water Budget (PWB)
The Parcel Water Budget (PWB) is the upper limit of annual applied water purchased from the
local water purveyor for the parcel. All properties shall calculate a Parcel Water Budget (PWB)
upon submittal of a Site Development Permit using the following equation:
PWB = [(1.0-slope) (0.65) (43.0) (0.62) [0.55 x (An-MDA-OSC) + (0.45 x SLA)] / 748] + 120
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Where:
PWB = Parcel water budget (units per year)
Slope = Average slope of the parcel or lot as a percentage of 1.0 to the nearest
hundredth
0.65 = Water conservation factor
43.0 = Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) in Los Altos Hills, in inches/year
0.62 = Conversion factor(to gallons)
0.55 = ET adjustment factor(ETAF)
An = Net lot area(square feet)
MDA = Maximum development area. The maximum development area(in square feet)
allowed for the property.
OSC = Open space/conservation easements (square feet)
0.45 = Additional water allowance for SLA
SLA = Special landscape area (square feet)
748 = Number of gallons in a unit (100 cubic feet) of water
120 = Number of units for indoor water use per property per year, or as may be modified by
the Planning Director upon a demonstration of difficulty or unnecessary hardship
pursuant to subsection (y). Note: Not applicable if a landscape/outdoor use meter is
installed.
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
A project applicant shall complete a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (attached) for all new
landscape areas of 500 square feet or greater or for rehabilitated landscape projects that are 2,500
square feet or larger. The worksheet shall contain information on the plant factor, irrigation
method, irrigation efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then
made to show that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project
does not exceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas, exclusive
of Special Landscape Areas. The ETAF for a landscape project is based on the plant factors and
irrigation methods selected. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) is calculated
based on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential
areas) and expressed as annual gallons required. The Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) is
calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape design.
ETWU must be below the MAWA. The formula for calculating the MAWA for landscaped
areas is as follows:
MAWA = (ETo)(0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
In calculating the MAWA and ETWU, a project applicant shall use the ETo value for the local
area from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table.
Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
a) The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural researchers with
academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very
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low water using plants, 0.1 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 (including turf).
b) All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and temporarily
irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.
c) All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use included in the water
budget calculations.
d) ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed
1.0.
Landscape Design, Soil Preparation and Mulching Criteria
For the efficient use of water, the proposed landscaping shall be carefully designed and planned
for the intended function of the project. The following criteria shall be used in the design of all
landscape areas:
Plants
Plants shall be selected where the Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) in the landscape area
does not exceed the site's Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) or the Parcel Water
Budget (PWB), whichever is more restrictive. Landscaping that utilizes native, local, drought
tolerant species and preserves existing low water use vegetation is highly recommended. Plant
selection criteria is as follows:
a) Proposed plantings shall incorporate one or more of the following:
1) Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
2) Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native
plants;
3) Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;
4) Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area;
5) Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists; and
6) Selection of plants from local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines;
b) Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of
hydrozones with plants of mixed water use;
c) Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the
climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. Methods to achieve
this shall include one or more of the following:
1) Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account
temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate;
2) Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive
surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure [e.g., buildings,
sidewalks, power lines]; allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth
and
3) Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and
winter solar gain.
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d) Turf shall not exceed 25% of the total landscape area in residential areas (in
nonresidential areas turf is prohibited) and is not allowed on slopes greater than 25%,
where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape.
e) High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street
medians.
f) A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and
prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per
Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and
highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan guidelines.
g) The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant
Council, is not permitted.
Water Features
The following criteria shall be used when evaluating water features in a design plan:
a) Recirculating water systems shall be required;
b) Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features;
c) The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area
of the water budget calculation;
d) Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments
The following criteria shall be used in the preparation of on-site soils and for mulching
procedures:
a) Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable
condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this
requirement;
b) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report
and what is appropriate for the plants selected;
c) For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000
square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil.
Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from
adding compost and tilling;
d) A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of
planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding
applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and
other wildlife, up to 5 % of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated
insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such;
e) Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current engineering
standards;
0 The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet
the mulching requirement;
g) Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer shall take precedence
over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-consumer
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organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required where
prohibited by local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other applicable local
ordinances.
Other Landscape Design Criteria
Applicants should also consider the following additional criteria when preparing their landscape
plan:
a) No structures (including gateposts, columns, pillars and monument style mailboxes) are
allowed in road rights-of-way or pathways. The fencing requirements in the Zoning
Ordinance (Section 10-1.504) are also applied to gateposts, columns and pillars. Zoning
permits are required for any proposed fences or monuments.
b) Driveway columns or pillars may not exceed six feet in height (7'with lights). Only two
lights may be placed within setbacks.
c) Landscaping and sprinklers are not permitted in dedicated pathway easements, or within
five feet of pathways.
d) Placement of plants must be sufficiently distant form roads and pathways so as to not
cause future obstructions. Road rights-of-way generally extend beyond the paved surface
of the roadway.
e) Structures along Interstate 280 will require additional levels of landscape mitigation.
f) Outdoor lighting shall be placed so as to be unobtrusive to neighboring properties.
Lighting shall be down shielded and low wattage (the light source may not be visible
from off-site). Floods and uplights are discouraged. Other than two driveway lights,
lighting may not be located within setbacks.
Irrigation Design Criteria
Landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation (not areas that require temporary irrigation
solely for the plant establishment period) are required to have an irrigation system that meets all
the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturers' recommendations. The irrigation
system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation,
management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria
shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Design Plan. The design criteria for the irrigation
plans shall be as follows:
System
a) Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private
submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft. but
not more than 5,000 sq.ft. and for residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or
greater. A landscape water meter may be either a customer service meter dedicated to
landscape use provided by the local water purveyor or a privately owned meter or
submeter.
b) Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor
data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all
irrigation systems.
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c) If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified
irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required to ensure
that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's
recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
1) If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation
system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps,
or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the
irrigation system.
2) Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the water
supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow
measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not
available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at installation.
d) Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter
irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all
irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
e) Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be
required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize
water loss in case of an emergency(such as a main line break) or routine repair.
fj Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from
contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the applicable
local agency code (i.e.,public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.
g) Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction
are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5000 sq. ft. or
larger.
h) Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of
technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually
pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
i) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray,
or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as
adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
j) Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration
rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
k) The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape
design plan.
1) The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the
irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 492.4 regarding the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
m) All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American Society of Agricultural and Biological
Engineers'/International Code Council's (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 "Landscape Irrigation
Sprinkler and Emitter Standard, All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must
document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol
defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
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n) It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with the local
water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or
water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
o) In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water
infiltration into the root zone.
p) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless
otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
q) Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to
achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's
recommendations.
r) Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to
damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turfgrass.
s) Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point
drainage could occur.
t) Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
u) Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-permeable
surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may
include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area may be
planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous
material. These restrictions 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; or
3) the irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the
Landscape Documentation Package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to
irrigation system design criteria in Section 492.7 (a)(1)(IH). Prevention of overspray
and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
v) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a
precipitation application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be
modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part
of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion
will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation
audit.
w) No irrigation may be placed within rights-of-way.
Hydrozone
x) Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil
conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
y) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate
for the plant type within that hydrozone.
z) Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and
turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root
zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
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aa) Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and
high water use, may be allowed if:
1) plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses
and their plant factor; or
2) the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.
bb)Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.
cc) On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be
designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan,
designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this
valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table. This table can also assist with the
irrigation audit and programming the controller.
Soil Management Report
A soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as
follows:
a) Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
The soil analysis shall include:
• soil texture;
• infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;
• pH;
• total soluble salts;
• sodium;
• percent organic matter; and
• recommendations
In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home developments) a soil
sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement. Large
landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.
b) The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit the report to the Planning and
Building Department as part of the Landscape Plan Submittal Package.
c) The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely manner, to the professionals
preparing the landscape design plans and irrigation design plans to make any necessary
adjustments to the design plans.
d) The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying
implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the local agency with
Certificate of Completion.
Landscape and Irrigation Plan Requirements
The landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a licensed
landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized by the State of
California to design a landscape and irrigation plan. Native species and natural vegetation shall
be preserved where feasible and native, water conserving species are recommended.
The plans shall include the following information:
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a) Provide basic project information including the date, north arrow, scale (1"=20'),
applicant name, site address, total landscape area and turf area (square feet), water supply
and purveyor, project contacts and applicant's signature and date with the statement, "I
have complied with the criteria of the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance and applied
them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan.";
b) Provide a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet with the Parcel Water Budget (PWB),
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and the Estimated Total Water Use
(ETWU);
c) Soil management report;
d) Grading plan - a modified copy of the grading and drainage plan (from your site
development permit application) may be used. Final grades in five (5) foot maximum
contours if the lot averages over five (5) percent slope, and two (2) foot contours if less
than five(5)percent slope;
e) The entire site shall be shown, including all property lines, improvements, road rights-of-
way,pathways and easements;
f) Relation of roadway (pavement) to property lines and rights-of-way (label all streets
adjacent to the property);
g) Building footprint for residence and all other structures, decks, driveways and other
hardscape such as walkways, patios, pools and decking, and tennis courts (existing and
proposed development area) and all new and existing outdoor lighting;
h) Identify, in tabular form, all plants to be installed as part of the project. The table shall
include the following:
1) Symbol (representing the plant on the plan);
2) Common name and botanical name;
3) Container size;
4) Quantity;
5) Type (e.g., grass, succulent, vine, shrub, tree);
6) Size at maturity.
The plant list shall exclude plant types that increase wildfire susceptibility. In areas
designated wildland urban interface, the plan shall demonstrate that plants have been
selected from local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines and arranged to provide defensible
space for wildfire protection, in conformance with Public Resources Code Section 4291;
i) Label and identify each hydrozone as low water, moderate water, high water, or mixed
(low/moderate) water use, as defined by WUCOLS and place plants with similar water
use within the same hydrozone;
j) Identify recreation areas and Special Landscape Areas;
k) Identify all landscaping required for screening and erosion control pursuant to Section
10-2.802;
1) Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
m) Identify the type of mulch, application depth, and soil amendments
n) Identify all water features (and surface area), hardscape, and stormwater infiltration and
detention facilities;
o) Identify all applicable rainwater harvesting or catchment facilities;
p) Identify all applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s) of
distribution;
q) Location and size of separate water meters for landscaping;
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r) Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers,
main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches,
quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices;
s) Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;
t) Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating
pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;
u) Recycled water irrigation systems;
v) The following statement on the irrigation plan sheets: "I have complied with the criteria
of the Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance and applied them accordingly for the
efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan."
Irrigation Scheduling
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:
a) Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers;
b) 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;
c) 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;
d) Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each
of the following:
1) the plant establishment period;
2) the established landscape; and
3) temporarily irrigated areas.
e) Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:
1) irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
2) irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
3) number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
4) amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
5) application rate setting;
6) root depth setting;
7) plant type setting;
8) soil type;
9) slope factor setting;
10) shade factor setting; and
11) irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
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A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion and shall
include,but not be limited to:
a) Routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its
components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost, replenishing
mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and removing and
obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal
watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance;
b) Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components
or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency;
c) A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry
sustainable Best Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
Definitions
The following definitions are established and apply to landscape projects within the Town.
Applied water means the water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
Automatic irrigation controller means a timing device used to remotely control valves that
operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule
irrigation events using either evapotranspiration(weather based) or soil moisture data.
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.
Certified professional means a certified irrigation designer, certified landscape irrigation
auditor, licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, licensed professional
engineer, or any other person authorized by the state to design a landscape, an irrigation system,
or authorized to complete a water budget.
Compost means the safe and stable product of controlled biological decomposition of organic
materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
Distribution uniformity means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined
area.
Ecological restoration project means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish
a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
Established landscape means the point at which plants in the landscape area have developed
significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years
of growth.
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape as described
in subsection (d)(2) of this section, "Landscape Water Use Calculation."
Evapotranspiration (ET) rate means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and
other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF) means a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-
residential areas, that when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and
irrigation efficiency. The ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape
Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
Flow sensor means an inline device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that
produces a repeatable signal proportional to the rate at which water flows through the pipes.
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Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of
receiving flow signals and operating master valves. The flow sensor may also function as a
landscape water meter or submeter.
Friable means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum
depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material
will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
Fuel Modification Plan Guideline means guidelines from a local fire authority to assist
residences and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity
zone.
Graywater means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge,
has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not
present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating
wastes. Graywater includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom
washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from
kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
Hydrozone means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and
rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
Invasive plant species means species of plants not historically found in California that spread
outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Lists of invasive
plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious
weeds database.
Irrigation audit means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system
conducted by a certified professional. 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. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association's
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program or other U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency"Watersense" labeled auditing program.
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 irrigation efficiency
for purposes of this ordinance are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
Irrigation survey means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an
irrigation audit and includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written
recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
Landscape area (LA) means all the irrigated planting areas, turf areas and water features in a
landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation.
Landscape project means the total area comprising the proposed irrigated landscape area, as
defined in this article.
Landscape water meter means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that
measures the flow of the water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record
water use.
Local water purveyor means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, district or
private water company that provides retail water service.
Master shut-off valve is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which
controls water flow into the irrigation system.
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Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual applied water
for the established landscape area as specified in the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
(subsection d). It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration rate or ETo (43 for the
Los Altos Hills area), the conversion factor to gallons (.62), the ETAF (.55 for residential, .45 for
non-residential), and the size of the landscape area (square feet). The Estimated Total Water Use
shall not exceed the MAWA. Special landscape areas (SLA), 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.
MAWA= (43) (0.62) [ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
New construction means the construction of a new building or structure containing a landscape
or other new land improvement, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated
building.
Non-residential landscape means landscapes in commercial, institutional, and public settings
that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly.
Overspray means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
Parcel water budget (PWB) means the upper limit of annual applied water purchased from the
local water purveyor for the parcel as specified in subsection (d)(1) of this section, "Parcel Water
Budget."
Permit means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for the installation of new or
rehabilitated landscapes.
Pervious means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material
and into the underlying soil.
Plant factor or plant water use factor is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the
amount of water needed by plants. The plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0 to
0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0.1 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.
Project applicant means the individual or entity requesting a permit or plan check from the
Town. A project applicant may be the property owner or designee.
Rain sensor or rain sensing shutoff valve means a component which automatically suspends an
irrigation event when it rains.
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 and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four to seven inch tall, cool
season grass that is well watered. The ETo for Los Altos Hills, based on the state's reference
evapotranspiration table, is 43.0.
Rehabilitated landscape means any re-landscaping project that requires a building or site
development permit.
Runoff means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
flows from the irrigated landscape area.
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.
Special landscape area (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants,
recreation areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.
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Submeter means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape area that is
installed after the primary utility meter.
Turf means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu
grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season
grasses.
Water conserving plant species means a plant species identified as having a very low or low
plant factor.
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 are
included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands that are
not irrigated and stormwater retention basins are not water features.
WUCOLS means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources, 2014.
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Landscape Recommendations Guide
Prepared by
Environmental Design & Protection Committee
INTRODUCTION: LANDSCAPING GOAL
There are many factors that go into designing a landscape for a residence in a community like.
ours. The Town of Los Altos Hills remains one of the open country areas left in the congested,.
expanding cities of. the Bay Area. A great number of our homes border on the natural,
undeveloped areas which provide a visual backdrop for much of the San Francisco Peninsula.
Our goal in landscaping is to minimize the visual impact of the housing structures with plantings.
which blend with the natural beauty of our native surroundings.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
At the time of new construction, owners are required to present a plan for managing erosion on
slopes and for mitigating the impact or view of new structures from off-site. The purpose is to
keep the Town looking less urban, to preserve the soil and to retain the original contours as much
as possible. Future plantings and changes should continue with the same goals. The General
Plan calls for landscaping to create maximum compatibility of development with the natural
environment. As a general guideline, the Town recommends informal plantings. To achieve
this, plant in random or staggered groups of a variety of species rather than formal rows of
hedges. This method will avoid future difficulties in replacement if and when plants are killed
by gophers or other problems. Frequently plantings are used to conceal the view of a structure,
provide privacy, manage erosion or mitigate wind or noise. Trees are often the first thought but
remember trees grow tall and wide. The bottom branches die out and what was meant to be
hidden will become visible again. Additionally, our tree may now block your neighbor's view or
sunlight or interfere with utility lines, while it no longer serves your original purpose. Shrubs
may be a better answer. Most evergreen (non-deciduous) shrubs will top out below 20. feet and
continue for years to give privacy clear to the soil level.
Other design considerations are the water needs of the plants you select. Grouping plants
according to their water needs will improve their success. Water saving will be a big item of
consideration as the State's population increases in the future. Water supplies are finite and we
will all be required to minimize our use of landscape water in the near future. Lawns are the
biggest user of water, so try to have only the amount of lawn you really need for your family use
and use drought tolerant plants elsewhere. Some of the easiest drought tolerant plants are the
ones that evolved here naturally. These are our own native plants. (See Table 1: Native Plants)
Also, when designing you landscape, consider the site. Is it an exposed hill or a shady valley?
Use plants which are adapted to these conditions. .
In Los Altos Hills, the best time to plant is in the fall at the time the rains are beginning. The soil
is still warm, thereby allowing the roots to establish. The air is cooler so there won't be much
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top growth and the rains will do most of the watering for you. However, if the rains are
inconsistent, supplemental water will be needed. Fall planting will give your plants a head start
on early spring growth. If you miss the fall planting season, winter are spring are second best
and summer least favorable. The Sunset.Western Garden Book is a good source of information
for appropriate plantings for our climate. According to Sunset, our zone is 16. All plantings
should be chosen for their adaptability to this zone.
LIVING WITH CALIFORNIA OAKS
In Los Altos Hills, we are fortunate to have many native oaks. Oaks give us shade and shelter,.
increase our property values, create carefree beautiful landscapes and provide food for native
wildlife. Oaks are very low water and low maintenance trees. Unfortunately, inappropriate
landscaping, such as lawns or high water plantings, and construction practices can seriously
damage these trees. Often the damage is not evident till years later. As homeowners among
these beautiful trees we are in the best position to protect and enhance our native oak resources.
Careful planning and design can provide benefits for both people and oaks.
OAK ROOTS
The roots of mature oaks grow predominately within the upper 3 feet of soil. Most of the roots
responsible for uptake of water and minerals are concentrated within 18 inches of the surface.
Although the roots typically radiate well beyond the periphery of foliage (drip line), much of the
active root system is within the drip line. Roots are sensitive to environmental change such as
compacting, paving, grading and increased.moisture. In summer, oaks are dormant and do not
need water. During the warmer days of summer, water actually promotes the growth of soil
fungi which will kill the tree very slowly(over 5 or more years). Also, the tree needs oxygen in
the soil and too much water will displace the soil's oxygen.
ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN DAMAGE TREE ROOTS
SOIL COMPACTING-Frequent traffic (human, livestock, driving or parking of vehicles) within
the drip line squeezes soil particles together, eliminating natural air space thereby reducing
infiltration and storage of water and air.
PAVEMENT-Impermeable soil coverings restrict the amount of air, water and minerals available
to the roots thus impairing root growth and function.
GRADE CHANGES-This involves either the addition of removal of soil within the drip line.
Excavation(cut) can sever and expose roots. Addition(fill) can suffocate them.
TRENCHING-Trenches that.cut across the drip line cut essential roots. This impairs the tree's
ability to obtain water and essential elements which may cause death, die-back or gradual
decline.
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DRAINAGE CHANGES-Any change that causes water to collect around a tree, especially the
trunk, is harmful. Likewise, a grade change that diverts a source of water that the tree depends.
on may cause drought stress.
SOIL CONTAMINATION-Avoid storing and discarding harmful chemicals or materials such
as;herbicides,petroleum products,building materials or waste water near oaks.
LANDSCAPING-There are just a few California native plants that can be used in landscaping
oak gardens. See table 1: Native Plants *"d items. It is best to keep the area within the drip line
relatively open. Use plants as accents rather than ground covers. Select plants that tolerate
drought and plant no closer that 10 feet to the trunk. Avoid all planting under declining oaks.
OVER FEEDING-As a general rule, native oaks should not be irrigated. Frequent irrigation
displaces much of the oxygen in the soil. This can lead to reduced growth and vitality and
increased susceptibility to insects and diseases. One exception, however, is during drought
years. If the winter is unusually dry, supplemental deep watering in the spring or summer can
compliment natural rainfall. Water the soil from halfway between the trunk and the drip line to
10-15 feet beyond. Allow the water to penetrate 18-24 inches. This may take 4-6 hours and
should only be done one time per month.
MULCHING AND FERTILIZING-Keep soil surface mulched with 2-4 inches of natural leaf
litter, wood chips or gravel. Do not place directly against trunk. Under such conditions, healthy
oaks do no need added fertilizer. However, if leaf litter is regularly removed, you may need to
fertilize. The ideal time is in the spring. Broadcast over the tree's room zone, lightly water into
the soil, avoiding the area within 10 feet of the trunk. Use fertilizers high in Nitrogen (N) such
as calcium nitrate, ammonia sulfate, ammonia nitrate or urea. Complete fertilizers with nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium are more expensive and generally unwarranted.
PRUNING-Large old oaks are likely to need thinning and cabling. Avoid excessive pruning,
removing no more than 10-20% of the foliage in any one year. WARNING! Incorrect pruning
can lead to serious problems. Consult a professional arborist certified by the Western Chapter of
the International Society of Arboriculture.
DETECTING HEALTH PROBLEMS: SIGNS OF ADVANCED DECLINE OR DECAY
Thin, sparse foliage
Poor growth
Yellow,undersized leaves
Dead branches and limbs in upper canopy
Wilted,brown leaves during spring and summer
Many short shoots growing on trunk and branches
Mushrooms at tree base or on the roots in fall or early winter
Conks—shell-like mushrooms on trunk
Cavities in trunk
White, fan-shaped mats of fungus under the bark at soil line
Soft,punchy wood
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Wet, oozing areas on the bark
If any of these problems occur, residents should contact a certified arborist.
RIPARIAN HABITAT
The stream corridor, including the vegetation along the bank, is known as riparian habitat. This
high moisture environment supports a great diversity of plantsand wildlife. The corridor is an
invaluable natural resource that serves as a conduit for floodwater, replenishes surface and
ground water and contributes a host of aesthetic and recreational benefits. By protecting and
preserving this delicate area you can prevent or minimize erosion, preserve water quality,
contribute to the survival of fish and wildlife and help avoid flood damage. Your primary goals
along stream areas are to minimize erosion or contamination from adjacent properties and
preserve the natural state of the area by restoring any damaged areas with native plants. The
following guidelines will help protect and enhance your living stream.
Always use native plants (No invasive or non-native plants). (See Tablel: Native Plants) and
(Table 2: Invasive plants).
Keep pets and livestock away from the riparian area.
Never use fertilizers or pesticides near the riparian zone.
Protect existing vegetation and natural grades during construction.
Control erosion by protecting areas where flowing water meets bare soil. This may be
accomplished by reducing the speed or redirecting the water to vegetated areas or by replanting
with native ground cover.
Do not rake up leaf litter or prune native plants.
Do not dump yard wastes into stream area.
PROBLEMS IN THE HILLS
Our community because of its setting on the edge of natural areas has some special challenges.
Fire protection, erosion and flood control can be aided by the use of appropriate plantings. Our
abundant wildlife must be protected from poisonous plants and chemicals, but must also be
considered in plant selections that attract rodents, deer or raccoons.
EROSION AND FLOOR CONTROL
Soil stability can be promoted by avoiding and controlling water runoff. Limit the amount of
hardscape (asphalt, concrete and other impermeable pavement) to avoid rapid run-off of large
amounts of water. Landscape irrigation of a slope is equivalent to 25-60 inches of rainfall per
year. Over-watering, the cause of many slope failures, can equal 100 inches of rainfall per year
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when the winter rains are added. Use of drip or no irrigation would be recommended on any
slope.
When planting, avoid cutting into the bottom of the slope because what is above will likely be
washed_down. Disturb the soil as little as possible and use appropriate drought resistant plants.
with deep roots. Some native plants which will help are dwarf coyote bush, baccharis pilularis,.
some of the Ceanothus types, native bunch grasses, native roses and toyon. Natural and
constructed water courses such as creeks and drainage ditches must be kept free of debris. Any
areas of land that are disturbed during construction should be quickly re-vegetated; preferably
with native plants with deep roots.
FIRE PROTECTION
To prevent the likelihood or severity of wildfires, create a 30 foot fuel break area around your
home using vegetation that has low flammability and is low growing. Remove dead plants and
clean out dead material from your living plants in such a way so that it does not accelerate
erosion and flood potential. Trees should be kept a distance from any structure at least as wide
as the mature crown. Additionally large shrubbery under trees can created a fire ladder allowing
the flames to ignite the tree foliage. Pines,junipers, cypress and eucalyptus trees burn especially
fast and should not be planted near the house.
WATER CONSERVATION
Our climate is considered a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and a long dry period
from May to October. Supplemental watering should begin when the rains cease (this varies
from February to June but averages about May 1).
The plants that are the best adapted to do well on your sited are:the ones that are native to the
area closest to you. They are drought tolerant and they provide much needed wildlife value for
our birds,butterflies and other creatures. (See Table 1: Native plant list).
Minimize lawn area. Grass not only demands frequent watering but is easily destroyed by
tunneling animals such as gophers and moles. Instead'consider drought tolerant ground covers'
such as various species of ceanothus, a rock garden or a meadow of wildflowers. If lawn is
functionally required, use a drought tolerant species. The optimum landscape design for water
conservation would include no more that 1/3 high water use plantings, 1/3 moderate and 1/3 low
water use plantings.
INVASIVE PLANTS
Certain plants will invade into the surrounding countryside. Some invasive plants have gotten
loose into roadsides and native habitats. These plants which have been introduced into
California from other parts of the world have no natural enemies and spread rampantly into our
open space. There they crowd out native plants and become a monoculture. This has a serious
impact on our wildlife which depends on the natural variety for food and shelter. (See Table 2:
Invasive plants).
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POISONOUS PLANTS
Some plants are poisonous to people and livestock. No plant which is poisonous should be
allowed in any enclosure for an animal. Some of our common garden plants are poisonous if
eaten by children. Most notable is Oleander which is widely planted as a drought tolerant
ornamental shrub. Others include the Rhododendron family. (See Table 3: Poisonous plants).
COPING WITH WILDLIFE
We live in an urban/rural interface and as much as our plantings might attract the birds and
butterflies, they also attract rodents, deer and raccoons. To protect against gophers, place a 1
inch or less wire mesh basket in the planting hole. It is almost impossible to protect lawns
against moles and gophers, so take this into consideration in your overall landscape plan. Dense
ground covers such as ivy, vinca and the thickets of blackberries can harbor rats. Deer protection
is difficult. Much of what the deer will eat is variable and depends upon his degree of hunger.
There are some plants that deer consistently do not eat. These are mostly the spiny ones and
those with strong odors or fragrance but they adore plants in the rose family which includes
many stone fruits. If you need to protect specific plantings, i.e. vegetable gardens, the best
protection is fencing. Fences to keep deer away need to be 6 feet high or more. A double row of
fences of 4 feet high and 4 feet apart will also do the trick. However, then you have a weed
problem in the inter-space. At Hidden Villa, a sheep-run between the fences keeps the weeds
down. Fences require a building permit. Remember, however, that wildlife needs to migrate for
food and water so please leave open corridors through your property.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
New Plantings
Watering may be needed for at least the first two summers or until the plants:can make it on their
own. Water only sparingly after that, remembering about the growth of soil fungi during the
summer.
PRUNING AND TRIMMING
It is important to keep large trees correctly pruned to allow for safety and balance and prevent
storm damage. Consult a certified arborist. Maintain our shrubbery along pathways, roadways
and driveway intersections to allow proper visibility and accessibility. Also, remember your and
your neighbors scenic views can disappear when trees and shrubs are not kept properly trimmed.
IRRIGATION
When using automatic or manual irrigation do not over-water creating run-off orflooding to
adjacent properties. Use drip system irrigation or a soaker hose whenever possible to avoid
erosion and conserve our valuable water resources.. Also, remember to change automatic timers.
as seasonal weather changes.. because of fluctuating high water pressure in some areas, a
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pressure regulator valve should be installed on your landscape watering system to prevent,
ruptured pipes.
WEED CONTROL
The fire district will ask you to control weed growth. Here are some recommendations to handle
this often overwhelming problem. The following list is in order of preference and environmental
sensitivity.
1. Mowing, string or blade trimming and grazing
2. Layers of chip mulch
3. Glyphosate sprays such as "Roundup" in open areas or "Rodeo" near water courses.
Read the label carefully first and follow directions explicitly.
4. Plowing and discing will cause soil erosion from wind and water. It has also been.
responsible for fires (from sparks off engine or hitting rocks). Timing of turning the
soil is important. If seed has already formed and dropped,rototilling will only replant
seed for next year's weeds.
COMPOSTING
Composting your yard waste at home can produce valuable nutrients for your garden while
decreasing the impact on landfills. Classes are available monthly in Los Altos for Los Altos
Hills residents
HERITAGE TREES
Los Altos Hills has a Heritage Tree Program, and the so designated coastal live oak at Town Hall
is a fine example of such a tree. We are looking for other outstanding California Native trees
that could be honored in our town. Property owners with such a tree are encouraged to contact
the Town Hall office and let us now. The Environmental Design and Protection Committee with
the help of an arborist will examine and consult on the tree. If there tree is suitable and healthy,
an award will be given and the tree will be identified as a Heritage Tree of Los Altos Hills.
GARDENS DISPLAYING DROUGHT TOLERANT AND NATIVE PLANTINGS
Sunset Magazine Gardens in Menlo Park
Yerba Buena Nursery—Demonstration Garden
Woodside Library
Guadalupe Gardens in San Jose
Alameda County Water District
University of California at Berkeley Botanic Garden
Tilden Botanic Garden in Berkeley
U.C. Santa Cruz Arboretum
DeAnza College Environmental Studies Area
San Mateo Garden Center
Gamble Gardens in Palo Alto
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HELPFUL.REFERENCE BOOKS
California Native Trees & Shrubs for Garden & Environmental Use in Southern California and
Adjacent Areas-Lee W. Lenz & John Dourley, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont,
CA, 1981.
Growing California Native Plants, Marjorie G. Schmidt, 1980.
Hillsborough Water Use Classification of Landscape Species, Version 1, January 1993. On file
in Los Altos Hills Town Hall.
Homeowner's Guide to Fire and Watershed Management at the Chaparral/Urban Interface, Klaus
W.H. Radtke, National Foundation for Environmental Safety, Inc., 2210 Wilshire Blvd., Suite
#184, Santa Monica, CA, 90403, 1982.
Landscape Plants for Western Regions, Bob Perry, Land Design Publishing, Claremont, CA
91711, 1996.
Living Among the Oaks, A Management Guide for Landowners, University of California
Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Program, Berkeley, CA, (415 642-2360).
Living More Safely in the Chaparral/Urban Interface, Klaus W.H. Radtke, U.S.D.A. General
Technical Report PSW-67, 1983.
Selected California Native Plants in Color, Saratoga Horticulture Foundation, Barrie D. Coate,
Editor, 1980.
Streamside Planting Guide for San Mateo and Santa Clara County Streams, Coyote Creek
Riparian.Station, P.O. Box 1027, Alviso, CA 95002, (408 262-9204).
Sunset Western Garden Book, Lane Publishing Company(manyadditions available).
Success List of Water Conserving Plants, Saratoga Hotline Foundation, 1983.
Successful Perennials for the Peninsula, A Selection by Member of Western Horticulture
Society, 1989.
Water-Conserving Plants and Landscapes for the Bay Area, East Bay Municipal Utility District,
1990.
TABLE 1:
NATIVE PLANTS
These native plants grow wild in or near Los Altos Hills and will grow easily in your garden.
TREES
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Botanical Name Common Name Foliage
Acer macrophyllum Big-leaf Maple deciduous
Aesculus calironica California Buckeye early deciduous
Arbutus menziesii Madrone evergreen
Lithocarpus desiflora Tanbark Oak evergreen
Plantanus racemosa Western Sycamore deciduous
Populus fremontii Fremont Cottonwood deciduous
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir evergreen
Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak evergreen
Quercus chrysolepis Canyon Oak evergreen
Quercus douglassi Blue Oak deciduous
Quercus kelloggii California Black Oak deciduous
Quercus lobata Valley Oak deciduous
Sambucus caerulea Mexican Elderberry deciduous
Sequoia sempervirens Coast Redwood evergreen
Torreya californica California Nutmeg evergreen
Umbellularia californica California Bay evergreen
SHRUBS
Botanical Name Common Name Foliage
Amelanchier pallida Serviceberry deciduous
Arctostaphylos andersonii* Heart-leaved Manzanita evergreen
Arctostaphylos glauca* Big-berried Manzanita evergreen
Arcrtostaphylos Manzanita Dr. Hurd evergreen
Baccharis pilularis* Dwarf Coyote Bush evergreen
Ceanothus cuneatus* Common Buck Brush evergreen
Ceanothus thyrsiflours* Blue Brush evergreen
Ceanothus (many species)
Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud deciduous
Cercocarpus betuloides* Mountain Mahogany evergreen
Cornus californica' Creek Dogwood deciduous
Cornus grabata Brown Dogwood deciduous
Corylus cornuta californica California Hazelnut deciduous
Dendromecon rigida* Bush Poppy evergreen
Diplacus aurantiacus Mimulus*Sticky Monkey Flower shrubby perennial
Fremontodendron* Flannel Bush evergreen
Garrya elliptica Coast Silktassel evergreen
Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon evergreen
Holodiscus discolor Cream Bush deciduous
Lepechinia calycina Pitcher Sage evergreen aromatic
Lonicera involucrate Hairy Honeysuckle evergreen
Mahonia pinnatta* Shinyleaf Barberry evergreen
Malacothamnus arcuatus Northern malacothamnus evergreen
Myrica californica Wax Myrtle evergreen
Oemlaria cerasiformis Oso Berry deciduous
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Physocarpus capitus Pacific Ninebark deciduous
Prunus ilicifolia* Hollyleaf Cherry evergreen
Rhamnus californica* Coffeeberry evergreen
Ribes aureum* Golden Currant deciduous
Ribes sanguieum Red Flowering Currant deciduous
Ribes Speciosum Fuchia Flowering Gooseberrydeciduous
Rosa californica* California Rose deciduous
Salvia leucophylla Purple Sage deer proof
Salvia sonomensis* Sage perennial
Symphoricarpos albus Common Snowberry deciduous
Symphoricarpos mollis Creeping Snowberry deciduous
Trichostemma lanatum Wooly Blue Curls evergreen
Low Growing Native Plants
Botanical Name Common Name Foliage
America maritima Sea Pink evergreen
Clarkia ameona(Godetia) Farwell-to-Spring annual
Eriogonum fasciculatum* California Buckwheat evergreen
Eriogonum grande* Red Buckwheat evergreen
Eschscholzia calironica California Poppy annual
Heuchera sanguinea Coral Bells evergreen
I. douglasiana, innominata Pacific Coast Iris evergreen
Zauchneria California Fuchsia deciduous
(epilobium canum)
NATIVE GRASSES
Botanical Common Foliage
Name Name
Elymus Blue lyme perennial/sun
glaucus grass
Festuca California grasses/shade
californica Fescue
Melica grasses/shade
torreyana
Nessella nodding needle bunching/sun
cernua grass
Nessella purple needle bunching/sun
pulchra grass
* Native plants for under oak trees
TABLE.#2:
Invasive Plants
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These are plants which seed themselves into wild areas and which will eventually crowd out..
native plants and reduce natural foods for our birds, insects and other animals. Please avoid
planting these and try to remove existing plants where possible.
Botanical Name Common Name
Ailanthus Tree of Heaven
Arundo donax Giant Reed
Cortaderia jubata Pampus Grass
Cotoneaster spp. Cotoneaster
Cytisus French, Scotch or Spanish Broom
Eucalyptus globulus . Blue Gum Eucalyptus
Hedera canariensis Algerian Ivy
Pennisetum Fountain Grass
Pyracantha spp. Pyracantha
Rubus procerus Himalayan Blackberry
Tamarix Tamarisk
Vinca major Periwinkle
*Also included are any non-native plants which have berries or which spread by rhizomes.
It is especially important to keep the above plants from entering waterways.
TABLE#3:
Poisonous Plants
These must be kept out of animal enclosures along pathways.
Arrowgrass
Black Henbane
Black Locust
Bladder Pod
Bluebonnet*
Blue-green Algae
Boxwood
Bracken Fern
Broomcorn
Burr Clover*
Buckeye*
Castor Bean*
Cheeseweed
Cherry Laurel*
Choke Cherry*
Climbing Bittersweet
Cockleburr*
Coffeebean*
Landscape Design Guidelines and Plan Submittal Requirements Screening
Page 26
Corn Cockle
Cotalaris*
Coyote Tobacco*
Creeping Ivy*
Curly Dock*
Death Cammas
Desert Tobacco
Ergot
Fanwood
Fiddleneck
Fitweed
Flax*
Goatweed
Golden Corydalis*
Grimsel
Ground Ivy*
Groundsel
Horse Nettle
Horsetail*
Indian Hemp
Ivy Bush*
Jasmine*
Jeruselum Cherry*
Jimson Weed
Johnson Grass*
Johnswort
Klamanth Weed
Knapweed
Knotweed
Lambkill
Lantana*
Larkspur*
Laurel*
• Laurel Cherry
Lily of the Valley*
Locoweed
Mallow*
Milkweed
Nightshade*
Oaks*
Oleanders*
Old Man in Spring
Pennygrass
Pigweed*
Plum Tree*
Poison Hemlock*
Landscape Design Guidelines and Plan Submittal Requirements Screening
Page 27
Privet Hedge*
Purple Sesband
Rabbit Bush or Brush
Ragweed*
Rattlebox
Rayless Goldenrod*
Raywort*
Rough Pea
Russian Knapweed
St. Johnswort*
Seasbane
Senecio
Sneezeweed
Sorghum
Sour Dock*
Staggergrass
Star of Bethlehem*
Star Thistle
Stink Grass
Tansy
Teaweed
Tree Tabacco*
Vetch
Water Hemlock*
Wold Cherries
Yew*
(* Plants used for landscaping around homes along driveways and:.fence lines)
Published by Spur Magazine, June 1990.
ATTACHMENT 3
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
S_e�iae ,, 2009
July 9, 2015 (Draft to California Water Commission)
1
California Code of Regulations
Title 23.Waters
Division 2.Department of Water Resources
Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
§490. Purpose.
(a)The State Legislature has found:
(1)that the waters of the state are of limited supplyand are,subject to ever increasing demands;
(2) that the continuation of California's economic prosperity is dependent on the availability of
adequate supplies of water for future uses;
(3)that it is the policy of the State to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and to
prevent the waste of this valuable resource;
(4) that landscapes are essential to the quality of life in California by providing areas for active
and passive recreation and as an enhancement to the environment by cleaning air and water,
preventing erosion,offering fire protection, and replacing ecosystems lost to development;and
(5) that landscape design, installation, maintenance and management can and should be water
efficient; and
(6) that 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 the right does
not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use.
(b)Consistent with these legislative findings,the purpose of this model ordinance is to:
(1) promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond the
conservation and efficient use of water; landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water
and other resources as efficiently as possible;
(2) establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water
efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects by encouraging the use of a
watershed approach that requires cross-sector collaboration of industry, government and property
owners to achieve the many benefits possible;
(3) establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing
landscapes;
(4) use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance as an
upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount;
(5)promote the benefits of consistent landscape ordinances with neighboring local and regional
agencies;
(6) encourage local agencies and water purveyors to use economic incentives that promote the
efficient use of water, such as implementing a tiered- rate structure; and
(7) encourage local agencies to designate the necessary authority that implements and enforces
the provisions of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or its local landscape
ordinance.
(c) Landscapes that are planned, designed, installed, managed and maintained with the watershed based
approach can improve California's environmental conditions and provide benefits and realize
sustainability goals. Such landscapes will make the urban environment resilient in the face of climatic
extremes. Consistent with the legislative findings and purpose of the Ordinance, conditions in the urban
setting will be improved by:
(1) Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating
organic matter that increases water retention. and promoting productive plant growth that leads
to more carbon storage, oxygen production. shade!habitat and esthetic benefits.
2
(2) Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on
petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees in urban
areas.
(3) Conserving water by capturing andreusing rainwater and graywater wherever:possibleand
selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment.
(4) Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips,
selecting recycled and locally sourced :materials, and using. compost, mulch and efficient
irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
(5) Protecting existing_habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate
adapted non-natives and avoiding invasive,plants. Utilizing integrated pest management with
least toxic methods as the first course of action.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65593, Government Code.Reference: Sections 65591, 65593, 65596,
Government Code.
§490.1 Applicability
(a) After January 1, 2010 December 1, 2015, and consistent with Executive Order No. B-29-15,this
ordinance shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
(1)new development projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500
square feetrequiring a building:or landscape permit.plan check or design.review;
(2)rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than
2.500 square feet requiring a.building or landscapepermit,plan check, ordesign review;
(1)new construction and rehabilitated landscapes for publicagency.projects and private
building or landscape permit,plan check or design review; . .
and multifamily projectswith a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet
single family and multi family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or
LII
review;
(3) (1)existing landscapes limited to,Sections 493,493.1 and 493.2; and
(4)(3)cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries,new and
rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to Sections 492.4, 492.11 and 492.12; and existing
cemeteries are limited to Sections.493,493.1 and 493.2.
(b)For local land use agencies working together to develop a regional water efficient landscape
ordinance, the reporting requirements of this,ordinance shall become effective December 1. 2015 and
the remainder of this ordinance shall be effective no later than February 1.2016.
(c)Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may comply with the
performance requirements of this ordinance or conform to the prescriptive measures contained in Appendix
D.
(d)For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site,any lot or parcel within
the project that has less than 2500 sq. ft of landscape and meets the lot or parcel's landscape water
requirement(Estimated Total Water Use)entirelywith treated.or untreated graywater or through stored
rainwater captured on site is subject only to Appendix D section(5).
(be)This ordinance does not apply to:
(1)registered local, state or federal historical sites;
(2) ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
3
(3)mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
(4) existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open tothe public.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§491. 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 are.able to self-adjust and 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 492.9.
(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, aprofessional 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 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) "compost"*means"-the safe 'and stable:product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic
materials that is beneficial to plant'growth..
(ii) "conversion factor (0:62)"Means the'number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons
I per square foot per year.
(k) "distribution:uniformity" means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined
area.
Gl) "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 neat the root zone of plants.
(km) "ecological restoration project"means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a
defined, indigenous,historic"ecosystem;
(In) "effectiveprecipitation",.or.`usable'rainfall"'(Eppt) means the portionof:total precipitation which
becomes available for plant growth:
(mo) "emitter"means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the
soil.
(np) "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.
(eg) "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.Native habitat mitigation areas and trees may need three to
five years for establishment.
(pr) "Estimated Total Water Use" (ETWU)means the total water used for the landscape as described in
Section 492.4.
4
(q}s) "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor of 0.70.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-
residential areas, 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
ET Adjustment Factor is (0.7)—(0.5/0.71 . The ETAF for a new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special
Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
(rt) "evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other
surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
(su) "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.
(v) "flow sensor" means an inlinedevice installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that
produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic
irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This
combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.
(w) "friable" means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum
depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be
allowed to spread unimpeded.
(x)"Fuel Modification Plan Guideline"means guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents
and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone.
(y) "graywater".means untreated wastewater that has:not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has
not been affected by:infectious..contaminated,or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat
from contamination by :unhealthful processing,• manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Graywater"
includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes
washing machines, :and laundry:_tubs. .but..does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers. Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12.
(tz)"hardscapes"means any durable material(pervious and non-pervious).
. ••b . ..• . . . . . • . - .. . . . : . ... . . • ..
speculative homes,which are-net owner ecexpied dwellings.
(aa)(v) "hydrozone"means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and
rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
(bb)( ) "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).
(cc) (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
•. '. . . -- . •. .. .. -.• , • . . •-- • - _ . . ! 'b
District noxious weed control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant
Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
(dd) (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. The audit must be
conducted'in a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Certification program.or other U.S..Environmental Protection Agency "Watersense" labeled auditing
program.
(ee) (2) "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
5
of irrigation system characteristics . and management practices. The minimum average irrigation
efficiencyies for purposes of this ordinance are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
is 0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems.,
(ff) (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.
(gg) (bb) "irrigation water use analysis" means a review of water use data based on meter readings and
billing data.
(hh)(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.
(ii) (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
includefootprintsof 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).
(jj)(ee)"landscape contractor"means a person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain,
repair,install, Or subcontract`the development of landscape systems:
(kk)(€f)"Landscape Documentation Package"means the documents required under Section 492.3.
(11)(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 490.1.
(mm) "landscape water meter" means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that
measures the flow of water intothe irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.
(nn)(hh)"lateral line"means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers
from the valve. .
(oo)(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:
Spp)(jj)"local water purveyor"means any entity,including a public agency, city, county, or private
water company that provides retail water service.
(qq)(14)"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.
(rr)(11)"main line"means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve
or outlet.
(ss) "master shut-off valve" is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls
water flow into.the.irrigation`system: .When this valve is closed,water will not be-supplied to the
irrigation system. A master valve will greatly reduce any water loss due-to a leaky station.valve.
(tt)(mm)"Maximum Applied Water Allowance"(MAWA)means the upper limit of annual applied
water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 492.4. 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.MAWA= (ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF x LA)+((1-ETAF)x SLA)'.
(uu) "median"is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees,
shrubs.perennials, and ornamental grasses.
6
(w)( "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.
(ww) (oo) "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.
(xx)(pp)"mulch"means any organic material such as leaves,bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, and or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for.
the beneficial purposesof reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and
preventing soil erosion.
(yy)(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.
(zz e)"non-residential landscape" means landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial and public
settings that may have-areas designated.for recreation or public assembly. It also.includes portions of
common areas of common interest developments with designated recreational areas.
(aaa) (rr) "operating pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are
designed by the manufacturer to operate.
(bbb)(ss)"overhead sprinkler irrigation systems"means systems that deliver water through the air(e.g.,
spray heads and rotors).
(ccc)(t)"overspray"means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
(ddd)(BI)"permit"means an authorizing document issued by local.agencies for new construction or
rehabilitated landscapes.
(eee)(vv)"pervious"means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil.
(fff) (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 very low
water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 90.1 to 0.3, the plant factor
range for moderate water useplants 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". Plant factors may.also be obtained
from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the
California Department of WaterResources (DWR).
(xx) "pr- ':• . •: . -" -- s..thwato of application of water measured in inches per hour.
(ggg)(yy)"project applicant"means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation
Package required under Section 492.3 to request a permit,plan check, or design review from the local
agency.A project applicantmaybe the property owner or his or her designee. -
(hhh) (zz) "rain sensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" .means a component which automatically
suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
(iii) (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.
(jjj). (bbb) "recreational area" means areas, excluding private single family residentialareas,dedicated
designated to for active play, recreation or public assembly such as in parks, sports fields, picnic
grounds, amphitheaters and or golf courses tees, fairways.roughs, surrounds and greens.
(kkk) (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.
(111)(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, oryearas
represented in Appendix A Section 195.1, 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
7
the basis of determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowance so that regional differences in climate
can be accommodated.
(mmm)Regional Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance"means a local Ordinance adopted by two or
more local agencies,water suppliers and other stakeholders for implementing a consistent set of
landscape provisions throughout a geographical region.Regional ordinances are strongly encouraged to
provide a consistent framework for the landscape industry and applicants to adhere to.
(nnn)(eee)"rehabilitated landscape"means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit,plan
check,:or design review,meets the requirements of Section 490.1, arid the modified landscape area is
equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet. ' !°. • .- - • •• - •: • • • - ••--• • ••- • -
(000)"residential landscape"means landscapes surrounding single or multifamily homes.
(pop) ( ff) "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.
(qqq) g,g) "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.
(rrr)(labia)"soil texture"means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
(sss)(iii)"Special Landscape Area" (SLA)means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants,recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water and
playing surface.
(ttt)(jjj)"sprinkler head"means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
(uuu)(kkk) "static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is
not flowing. "
(vvv)On)"station"means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
(www)(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.
(xxx) "submeter"means`a metering,device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed
after the primary utility water meter.
(yvy) (film) "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.
(zzz)(eee)-"valve"means a device used to Control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
(aaaa)(ppp)"water conserving plant species"means a plant species identified as having a very low or
low plant factor.
(bbbb){qgq)"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 storthwater best management practices that'are'not irrigated and used solely for water
treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and,therefor; are not subject to the water
budget calculation.
(cccc) rE)"watering window"means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
(dddd) (sss)"WUCOLS"means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension;and the Department of Water Resources
2014.
8
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Sections 65592, 65596,
Government Code.
§ 492. Provisions for New Construction or Rehabilitated Landscapes.
(a)A local agency may designate by mutual agreement, another agency, such as a water purveyor, to
implement some or all of the requirements contained in this ordinance. Local agencies may collaborate
with water purveyors to define each entity's specific responsibilities relating to this ordinance.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.1 Compliance with Landscape Documentation Package.
(a)Prior to construction,the local agency shall:
(1)provide the project applicant with the ordinance and procedures for permits,plan checks, or
design reviews;
(2)review the Landscape Documentation Package submitted by the project applicant;
(3) approve or deny the Landscape Documentation Package;
(4)issue a permit or approve the plan.check or design review for the project applicant; and
(5)upon approval of the Landscape Documentation Package, submit a copy of the Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the local water purveyor.
(b)Prior to construction,the project applicant shall:.
(1) submit a Landscape Documentation Package to the local agency.
(c)Upon approval of the Landscape Documentation Package by the local agency, the project applicant
shall: .
(1)receive a permit or approval of the plan check or design review and record the date of the
permit in the Certificate of Completion;
(2) submit a copy of the approved Landscape Documentation Package along with the record
drawings, and any other information to the property owner or his/her designee; and
(3) submit a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the local water purveyor.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code.Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.2 Penalties.
(a)A local agency may establish and administer penalties to the project applicant for non-compliance
with the ordinance to the extent permitted by law.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.3 Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(a)The Landscape Documentation Package shall include the following six(6) elements:
(1)project information;
(A) date
(B)project applicant
(C)project address (if available,parcel and/or lot number(s))
(D)total landscape area (square feet)
(E)project type(e.g.,new, rehabilitated,public,private, cemetery, homeowner-installed)
(F)water supply type (e.g.,potable, recycled,well) and identify the local retail water
purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well
(G) checklist of all documents in Landscape Documentation Package
(H)project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property
owner
9
(I) applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the requirements
of the water efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete Landscape
Documentation Package".
(2)Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet;•
• (A)water budget calculations
1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance(MAWA)
.• 2.Estimated Total Water Use(ETWU)
(3)soil management report;
(4)landscape design plan; •
(5)irrigation design plan; and
(6) grading design plan.
•
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595,Government Code.Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.4 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
(a)A project applicant shall complete the Water-Efficient Landscape Worksheet in Appendix B which
contains information blithe plant factor,irrigation method,irrigation efficiency, and area associated
with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to show'that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor
(ETAF) for the landscape project does not exceed a factor of 0:55 for residential areas arid 0.45•for non-
residential areas, exclusive of Special Landscape Areas. The ETAFfor'a landscape project is based on
the plant factors and irrigation methods selected. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance is calculated
based on the maximum ETAF allowed(0:55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential`areas) and
expressed as annual gallons required. The Estimated Total Water Use(ETWU) is calculated based on
the plants used and irrigation method selected:for the landscape design. ETWU must be below the
MAWA. two sections(sec sample worksheet in Appendix B): •
(1) a hydrozone information table(-ee Appendix B, Section A) for the landscape.project, and
calculation of the • • - •
(1)In calculating the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use, a
project'applicanfshall use the ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in
Appendix A. For geographic areas not covered in Appendix A,use data from other cities located
nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration zone, as found in the CIMIS Reference
Evapotranspiration Zones Map, Department of Water Resources, 1999.
(b)Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements: •
(1)_The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural researchers with academic
institutions or-professional associations "as 'approved-by"the California`Department of Water
Resources (DWR). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very low water using plants, 0.1 to
0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 6.6 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 hydrozone 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_sh'own in
Appendix B described below:
(4)ETAF for new and existing(non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
The Maximum Applied Water Al1oWance shall be calculated using the equation:
MAWA—(ETo) (0.62) [(0.70.5 x LA) (0.3 x SLA)]
10
(CIMIS), other equivalent data, or:soil moisture sensor data.
(1)Example A1AWA calculation feria residential landscape project: a hypothetical landscape
• _ l ate __
Landscape Area-(SLA-0,no edible plants,recreational areas, or use of recycled water).To
listed in the Reference EvapotranspiratienTal3le in Appendix A.
MAWA—(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA)+ (0.3 x SLA)}
—.• • • — \, • • _ . L. _
ETo —Reference Evapotranspiration(inches per year)
0.62 —Conversion Factor(to gallons)
0.7 —ET Adjustment Factor.(ETAF)
0.3 —Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA — Special Landscape Area(square feet)
— 1,108,870 gallons per year
— 1,103,870/718 -182 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
Ili - _ Y. III -
foot ar a is considered to be a Special Landscape Area.
MAWA—(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
-31.68 x [35,000_+ 600] gallons per year
—31.68 x 35,600_gallons per year
—1,127,808_gallons'per year or 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 hydrazones shall not exceed MAWA.
PF xHA l
FTLVTT (FTo)(0.62)( IE +SL_4 {
Where:
ETWU—Estimated Total Water Use per year(gallons)
ETo —Reference Evapotranspiration(inches)
PF —Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Section 191)
SLA — Special Landscape Area(square feet)
0.62 — Conversion Factor
11
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.:
I. •
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,"
•. -
.: , ;1. ..
co O O O .. „ . O O O
"CD g c)
,. . Ute" ,: ..I. 1• - ,.
•
•
e
0
DO
C.) C:.) 'i C:.
41 •••, • ••• 0 ,/ i. ,.C) I • 40 OP
•A • .. O O' - O
o . .I.. ..• lit
•
u .
•
•
•
. _ i I i
,
444 l 1 0
• '" ' ..
411) n n • :o o :e "n 4noo414
• 40
•
•
III 4
O ..
C) v, O n' .. 1
40
o • •. •
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Oil
4.
0 0 � .r n - .r �' o •. .. a ,.
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ID
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a u
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• e.- !.7 x 50,000).+ (073--x-27000)1
—31.68 x[35,000+600].
—31.68 x 35,600
— 1,127,S08gallons.per.year
example,the water budget complies with the MAWA.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.5 Soil Management Report.
(a) In order to reduce runoff andencourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be
completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:
(1) Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
(A) Soil sampling shall be conducted inaccordance with laboratory protocol, including
protocols regarding adequate samplingdepth for the intended plants.
(B)The soil analysis may shall include:
1. soil texture;
2. infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate
table;
3.pH;
4. totalsoluble salts;
5. sodium;
6.percent organic matter; and
7. recommendations
(C)In projects with multiple landscape installations (Le.production home
developments) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15%will satisfy this
requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample ata rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.
(2)The project applicant, or,his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:
(A)If significantmass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted
to the local agency as part of the Landscape Documentation Package;.or
(B) If significant mass grading is planned,the soil analysis report shall be submitted to
the local agency as part of the Certificate of Completion.
(3)The soil analysis report shall be made available, in:a timely manner,to the professionals
preparing the landscape design plans:and irrigation design plans to make anynecessary
adjustments to the design plans.
(4)The project applicant, or his/her designee,shall submit documentation verifying . .
implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the local agency with Certificate of
Completion.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code.Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.6 Landscape Design Plan.
(a) For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended
function of the project. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted
as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(1)Plant Material
(A)Any plant may be selected for the landscape providing the Estimated Total Water
Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.To
13
encourage the efficient use of water,the following is highly recommended Methods to
achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
1.protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
2. selection of water-conserving plant,tree and turf species, especially local native
plants; ..
3. selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest
resistance;
4. selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area; and
5. selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
6. selection of plants from local.Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
(B)Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use,with the exception
of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section 492.7(a)(2)(D).
(C)Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the
climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the`project site:To encourage the
-- . - , - - , -- .-b ' . _ . . - . .... .- Methods to achieve water
efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
1:use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account
temperature,humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate;
2. recocnize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e.,mature plant size, invasive
surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure [e.g., buildings,
sidewalks,power lines]: allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth
and
3. consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade
and winter solar gain.
(D)Turf is not allowed onslopes greater than 25%where the toe of the slope is adjacent
to an impermeable hardscape and where 25%means 1 foot of vertical elevation change
for every 4 feet of horizontal length(rise divided by run x 100=slope percent).
(E)High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in
street medians.
(F)(E)A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety
and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per
Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and(b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and
highly flammable mulches.Refer to the local Fuel Modification.Plan guidelines.
(G)(F)The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species, such as those listed by the
California Invasive Plant Council,is strongly discouraged.
(H).(G)The architectural guidelines of a common interest development,•which include
community apartment projects, condominiums,planned developments, and stock
cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting
the useof low-water use plants as a group.
(2)Water Features
(A)Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
(B)Where available,recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water
features.
(C) Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area
of the water budget calculation.
(D)Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
(3) Soil Preparation,Mulch and Amendments
14
(A)Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a
friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this
requirement.
(B) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil
report and what is appropriate for:.the plants selected(see Section 492.5).
(C)For landscape installations,compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per
1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the
soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from
adding compost and tilling.
(D)(A)A minimum twe three inch(23") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed
soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or
direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for
beneficial insects and other wildlife,up to 5 % of the landscape area may be left without
mulch.Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
(E)(B) Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current
engineering standards.
(D (C)The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall
meet the mulching requirement.
(G)Organicmulch materials made from recycledor post-consumer shall take precedence
over inorganic materials or virgin forestproducts unless the recycled post-consumer
organic products arenot locally available. Organic mulches are not required where
prohibited by local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other applicable local
ordinances.
(D) Soil amendments shall be incerporated according to recommendations of the soil
(b)The landscape design plan,at a minimum, shall:
(1) delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
(2)identify each hydrozone as low,moderate,high water, or mixed water use. Temporarily
irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water
budget calculation;
(3)identify recreational areas;
(4)identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
(5)identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
(6)identify type of mulch and application depth;
(7) identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
(8)identify type and surface area of water features;
(9) identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);
(10) identify location=installation details, and 24-hour-retention or infiltration capacity of any
applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration
of stormwater. Project applicants shall refer to the local agency or regional Water Quality
Control Boardforinformation on any applicable stormwater technical requirements. Stormwater
best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include,
but arc not limited to: are provide in Section 492.16.
ground;
(B) constructed wetlands and,retention pondsthat retain water, handle excess flow, and
filter pollutants; and
(C)pervious or porous surfaces (e.g.,permeable pavers or blocks,pervious or porous
15
(11) identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies(e.g.,rain gardens,
cisterns, etc_) as discussed in Section 492.16 and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity;
(12) identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s) of
distribution;
(13)(12)contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and
applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan' ; and
(14)(13)bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect,licensed landscape contractor, or
any other person authorized to design a landscape, (See Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641,5641.1,
5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code,
Section 832.27 of Titlel6 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food
and Agriculture Code.)
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596,Government Code
and Section 1351,Civil Code.
§492.7 Irrigation Design Plan.
(a)This section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation,not areas that require
temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use of water,an irrigation
system shall meet all'the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturers' recommendations.
The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper
installation,management, and maintenance.'An irrigation design plan meeting the following design
criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(1) System
(A)Dedicated Landscape water meters.defined as either a dedicated water service meter
or private submeter, - - - - •• - •- - -• - .- ••• - •••• ===
. . ' .b . ...b--- . shall be installed for all non-residential
irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft. but not more than 5,000 sq.ft. (the level at which
Water'Code 535 applies)-and residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or greater. A
landscape water meter may be either:
1. a customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water
purveyor; or
2. a privately owned meter or submeter.
(B)Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in
all irrigation systems.
(C)If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified
irrigation devices,the installation of a pressure regulating device is-required The
irrigation systems shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission
device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range'for optimal
performance:
1. If the static pressure is above'or below:the required dynamic pressure of the
irrigation system,pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators,
booster pumps,or other devices shall beinstalled to meet the required dynamic
pressure Of the irrigation system.
2. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the
water supply shall be measured at the point of connection.These pressure and
flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements
are not available at the design stage,the measurements shall be conducted at
installation.
16
(D) Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter
irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all
irrigation systems, as,appropriate for local climatic conditions.Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
(E)Manual shut-off valves(such as a gate valve,ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be
required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize
water loss in case of an emergency(such as a main line break) or routine repair.
(F)Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from
contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the applicable
local agency code(i.e.,public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.
(G)1440 Ft-low sensors that detect and report high flow,conditions created by system
damage or malfunction are recommended required for all on non-residential landscapes
and residential landscapes of 5000 sq. ft. or larger.
(H)Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of
technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually
pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
kI (H)The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted
areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas,hardscapes,roadways, or structures.
(I)(I)Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and
infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
(K)(J)The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the
landscape design plan.
(L)( )The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet,at a minimum,the
irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 492.4 regarding the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
(M)All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American
National Standards Institute(ANSI)standard,American Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers'/Intemational Code Council's'(ASABE/ICC) 802-2014"Landscape
Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard,All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape
must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol
defined in ASABE/ICC,802-2014. .
(N).(L)It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with
the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply
system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
(0)(M)In mulched planting areas,the use of low volume irrigation is required to
maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
(P) (N)Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation
rates,unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
(Q)(9)Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be
designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's
recommendations.
(R) (P)Swing joints or other-riser-protection components are required on all risers
subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turf2rass.
(S)(Q)Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems on all
sprinkler heads'where low point drainage could occur.
(T)(R)Narrow or irregularly shaped ar as,including turf, Areas less than teneight($10)
feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low volume
irrigation system. other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
17
(U)(S)Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-permeable
surface.Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may
include drip, drip line,or other low flow'non-spray technology. The setback area may be
planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch;gravel; or other porous
material.These restrictions 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; or
3.the irrigation designer specifies an alternative design'or technology, as part of
the Landscape Documentation Package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence
to irrigation system design criteria in Section 492.7 (a)(1)`II4). Prevention of
overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
(_V) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a
precipitation application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour.This restriction may be
modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part
of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion
will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation
audit.
(2)Hydrozone
(A)Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil
conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
(B) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is
appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
(C)Where feasible,trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers,
and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the
root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
(D)Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate
;and high water use,may be allowed if:
1.plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water
uses and their plant factor; or
2. the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.
(E)Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.
(F) On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan,hydrozone areas shall be
designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan,
designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this
valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix B Section A).This
tablecanalso assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller.
(b)The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:
(1)location and-size of separate water-meters for landscape;
(2)location,type and size of all componentsof the irrigation system, including controllers,main
and lateral lines,valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices,rain switches, quick couplers,
pressure regulators, 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(pressure per square inch)for each station;
(5)recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 492.14;
(6)the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them
accordingly forthe efficient use of water in the irrigation design,plan'; and
(7)the signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed
landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system. (See Sections
18
5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the
Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of
Regulations, and Section 6721 of.the Food and Agricultural Code.)
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.8 Grading Design Plan.
(a)For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion,
runoff, and water waste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation
Package.A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local agency permits
satisfies this requirement.
(1)The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished
configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
(A)height of graded slopes;
(B) drainage patterns;
(C)pad elevations;
(D) finish grade; and •
(E) stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
(2)To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that project applicants:
(A) grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does
not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes;
(B) avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and
(C) avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
(3)The grading design plan shall contain the followingstatement: "I have complied with the
criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the
grading design plan" and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code.Reference::Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.9 Certificate of Completion.
(a)The Certificate of Completion(see Appendix C for a sample certificate) shall,include the following
six(6) elements:
(1)project information sheet that contains:
(A) date;
(B)project name;
(C)project applicant name,telephone, and mailing address;
(D)project address and location; and
(E)property owner name, telephone, and mailing address;
(2)certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan,the signer of the irrigation
design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project has been installed per
the approved Landscape Documentation Package;
(A)where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction,
these"as-built" or record drawings shall be included with the certification;
(B)A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation
controller for subsequent management purposes.
(3)irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller(see Section 492.10);
(4)landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 492.11);
(5)irrigation audit report(see Section 492.12); and
(6)soil analysis report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation Package, and
documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations (see Section 492.5).
19
(b)The project applicant shall:
(1) submit the signed Certificate of Completion to the local agency for review;
(2) ensure that copies of the approved Certificate of Completion are submitted to the local water
purveyor and property owner or his or her designee.
(c)The local agency shall:
(1)receive the signed Certificate of Completion from the project applicant;
(2) approve or deny the Certificate of Completion. If the Certificate of Completion is denied,the
local agency shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or
other assistance.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.10 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.
(4) Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each of
the following:
(A)the plant establishment period;
(B)the established landscape; and
(C)temporarily irrigated areas.
(5) Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:
(A) irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
(B) irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
(C)number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
(D) amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
(E) application rate setting;
(F)root depth setting;
(G)plant type setting; ' ' '
(H) soil type;
(I) slope factor.setting; '
(J) shade factor setting; and
(K) irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.11 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.
20
(b)A regular maintenance schedule shall include,but not be limited to, routine inspection; auditing,
adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas;
topdressing with compost,replenishing mulch; fertilizing;pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and
removing and obstructions 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
equivalentsor with components with greater efficiency.,
(d)A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable Best
Practices or environmentally friendly practices for overall all landscape maintenance activities.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government.Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.12 Irrigation Audit,Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
(a)All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a local agency landscape irrigation auditor or a
third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person
who designed the landscapeor installed the landscape
(b)In large projects or projects with multiplelandscape installations(i.e,production home
developments) an auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approxirately 15%will satisfy this requirement.
(b)f)For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1,
2010December 1, 2015,as described in Section 490.1:
(1)the project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Certificate of Completion
to the local agency 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, including configuring irrigation controllers with application
rate, soil types,plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate`
pro gramining:
(2)the local agency shall administer programs that may include,but not be limited to, irrigation
water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.13 Irrigation Efficiency.
(a) For the purpose of determining Maximum Applied Water Allowance Estimated Total Water Use,
average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.751for overhead spray.devices and 0.81 for drip
system devices. .--b. . --- .. . •b. :. . .. . .. . . . -- . , • -
�b
widen average landscape irrigation efficiency of 0.71.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.14 Recycled Water.
(a)The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of
recycled water,unless a written exemption has been granted as-descried in Section 192.11(b).
(e) (b)All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all
applicable local and State laws.
(d)(c)Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas.The ET Adjustment
Factor for new and existing(non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
21
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596,Government Code.
§492.15 Graywater Systems.
(a) Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site
landscape'irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the California Plumbing Code(Title
24.Part 5. Chapter 16) and any applicable local ordinance standards. .Refer to § 490.1 (d) for the
applicability.of this ordinance to landscape areas less than 2,500 square feet with the Estimated Total
Water Use met entirely by graywater.
§492.165 Stormvater Management and Rainwater Retention.
(a) Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges
groundwater and improves water`quality. Implementing stormwater best management practices into the
landscape and grading design plans tomii,imze runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and
infiltration are encouraged.' '
(b)Project applicants shall refer to the local agency or Regional Water Quality Control Board for
information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements ordinances and stormwater
management plan:;.:
(c)All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and
infiltration.Refer to § 492.6(a)(3).
(d)It is'strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture and infiltration capacity that
is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e. roof and paved areas) from either: the one
inch,24-hour rain event or(2)the 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as
required by V applicablelocal,'regional,'state or federal regulation:
(e)It is recommended that storm water projects incorporate any of the following elements to improve
on-site storm water and dry weather runoff capture and use:
• Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain to vegetated areas.
• Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas,roof and concrete driveways.
• Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel,permeable pavers or blocks,pervious or
porous concrete)that minimize runoff.
• Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to
maximize site water capture and reuse.
• Incorporate rain gardens. cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems.
• Incorporate infiltration beds, swales,basins and drywells to capture storm water and dry weather
runoff and increase percolation:into the soil.
• Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water,equalize excess flow, and filter
pollutants.
(c)Rain gardens,cisterns, and.other landscapes features and practices that increase rainwater capture
Note: Authority,Cited:.Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.176 Public Education.
(a) Publications. Education is a critical component to promote the efficient use of water in landscapes.
The use of appropriate principles of design,installation,management and maintenance that save water is
encouraged in the community.
(1)A local agency or water supplier/purveyor shall provide information to owners of permitted
renovations and new single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation,
management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes based on a water budget.
22
(b) Model Homes. All model homes shall be landscaped and that are landscaped shall use signs and
written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this
ordinance.
(1) Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape
featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and others that contribute to the
overall water efficient theme. Signage shall include information about the site water use as
designed per the local ordinance; specify who designed and installed the water efficient
landscape; and demonstrate low-water use approaches to landscaping such as using native plants,
graywater systems, and rainwater.catchment systems.
(2) Information shall,be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water
efficient landscapes
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government.Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§492.187 Environmental Review.
(a)The local agency must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), as
appropriate.
Note: Authority cited: Section 21082,Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21080, 21082,Public
Resources Code. .
§ 493. Provisions for Existing Landscapes.
(a) A local agency may.by.mutual agreement, designate another agency such as a waterpurveyor,to
implement some or all of the requirements contained in this ordinance. Local agencies may collaborate
with water purveyors to define each entity's;specific responsibilities relating to this ordinance.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§493.1 Irrigation Audit,Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
I (a) This section, 493.1, shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2-40
December 1,-2015 and are over one acre in-size.
(1)For all landscapes in 493.1(a) that have a water meter,the local agency shall administer
programs that may include,but not be limited to,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).
(2) For all landscapes in 493.1(a),that do not have a meter,the local agencyshall administer
programs that may include, but not be limited to,irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to
evaluate,water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.
(b)All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 493.2 Water Waste Prevention.
(a) Local agencies shall prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by
prohibiting runoff from leaving the target landscape due to low head drainage,overspray, or other
similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways,
parking lots, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally.
(b)Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if:
23
(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.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§494. Effective Precipitation.
(a)A local agency may consider Effective Precipitation(25%of annual precipitation)in tracking water
use and may use the following equation to calculate Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
MAWA=(ETo -Eppt) (0.62) [(0. 70.55 x LA) +(040.45 x SLA)]for residential areas.
MAWA=(ETo -Eppt) (0.62) 1(0.45 x LA)+(0.55 x SLA)1 for non-residential areas.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
495. Reporting.
(a)Local agencies shall report on implementation and enforcement by December 31,2015. Local
agencies responsible for administering individual ordinances shall report on their updated ordinance,
while those agencies developing a regional ordinance shall report in their existing ordinance.Those
agencies crafting a regional ordinances shall also report on their new ordinance by March 1,2016.
Subsequently,reporting for all agencies will be due by January 31st of each year. Reports should be
submitted as follows.
(b)Local agencies are to address the following:
(1) State whether you"are adopting a single agency ordinance or a regional agency alliance
Ordinance, and the date of adoption or anticipated date of adoption.
(2) Define the reporting period. The reporting period shall commence'on December 1, 2015
and the end on December 28, 2015. For local agencies crafting regional ordinances with
other agencies, there shall be an additional reporting period commencing on February 1,
2016 and ending on February 28.2016. In subsequent years, all local agency reporting
will be for the calendar year.
(3) State if using a locally modified Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance(WELO) or the
MWELO. If using'a locally modified WELO,how is it different than MWELO, is it at
least as efficient as MWELO, and are there any exemptions specified?
(4) State the entityresponsible for implementing the ordinance.
(5) State number and types of projects subject to the ordinance during the specified reporting
period. -
(6) State thetotal area(in square feet or acres) subject to the ordinance over the reporting
period:if available:
(7) Provide the number of new housing starts,new commercial projects, and landscape
retrofits during the reporting period.
(8) Describe the procedure for review of projects subject to the-ordinance.
(9) Describe actions taken to verify compliance. Is a plan check performed; if so,by what
entity?Is a site inspection performed; if so,by what entity? Is a post-installation audit
required if so,by whom?
(10) Describe enforcement measures.
(11) Explain challenges fo implementing and enforcing the ordinance:
(12) Describe educational and other needs to properly apply the ordinance.
24
ATTACHMENT 4
taxAmPiLt for R e�s;�'iicl�e�n t;l i l L a; celsc: ;t�.e
Appendix B—Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)
Hydrozone# Plant Irrigation Irrigation ETAF Landscape ETAF x Area Estimated Total
!Planting Factor(PF) Methodb Efficiency (PF/IE) Area(sq,ft,) Water Use
Descriptions (IE)c (ETWU)e
Regular Landscape Areas
` r r "+'ti, rN 's x 1 r'S•s�u. Er x7 wd. 1 .rU- ,r-z s s - -y f Y�9a
1 kiF t lawn�� 41.4)746105:ih t
0 8 � , overhead r 0 75 200 r2 J ,214 ya X6615 4 t
�,. ..rl r -• ZT�25 ";11=a.T,i -f a'�.z.t,}s z s__ .F_ � -�- at
-'�--c" , spray b' ,a �.!'X'' , ,F.' -fi r .u- l�tr14` e`4si
z...s...z�..r_.. # ..r..r..:r-t&v._,.f ,. _-.. a+_t�r.�,-*F- _.. s5':.t - ., r`a,�,�,�..,.� ._�.�
�:'F 3'�$'tiv U`v*++ 1i'"aiSu.:..f � � -��[xtft- ,: �+l` 5 7 Y, -s. .t ly 7 5 t?'Yb �'�'S' 4 rt mY',ya
2 Low water use �0 2 fi , ;A drlp f�� i0y81 -ih #k�25� 550 , 5 .. -
� `'� `�� rf� u � 137 5=Y� �� 4262 5�k�-�- ��:�
x 7=, _'" g arlIV. - ,s .i� z .y�, d `! .y,,,. �--i s�.3�]a'4" ?` t3 'mss t e.,i z�-b R a;
,. �:�r ,� ,.�,.,-:. ;.t� �. ,.�...�� s�- z,� s.._T �� ��.�.L. �: �,�5� >_ ���t
y,. z- .. $u" f ar ,"xc 7 - S se �. �-�. -lti- 9 .�F +�b+r�. tf�45'55M-41f4811570-MA-04-2 aFr'd.'. r7, .t ..;F: "c �:
3 Medtum water 0 5 }drlp t 0 81 - 62 � t250 a 55 4805 -M
.;s1. .- ,s 7.50 - h -j '6.-� £, ,, `s ``- r. of -- s y�``,` 4, r' .y r i>.� :?1`:
_.use plantings,.? � � :,. � n.n � � r���n � 4s
.r.._e.. .:...;.^-. �.Fv., -1x :se:li'. .fin r-,s..c . _..,!:._._ 1�.... a-_ -If4v:�"s.���rs-
Totals 100}0 _la .:,'F,-T.!-51yer5-4142wR
Special Landscape Areas
a} :iL c t wsb Agwk
;.f.7^ .. :;}k ..:hssg;tg:._. ' j.,;vitV
Totals A; f{V r , x 5 _`
ETWU Total s-15,-683 �;�
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance(MAWA)e 50 7— `t--M3
aHydrozone It/Planting Description 'Irrigation Method ®Irrigation Efficiency dETWU(Annual Gallons Required)E.g overhead spray 0.75 for spray Eto x 0.62n ETAF x Area
q )
1.)front lawn or drip 0.81 for dripwhere F x r conversion
2.)low water use plantings when that0.6 is a-inches
3.)medium water use plantingper
acre per year to gallons per
eMAWA(Annual Gallons Allowed)=(Eto)(0.62)1(ETAF x L4) square foot per year.
+ ((1-ETAF)x SLA)J
where 0.62 is a conversion factor that acre-inches per
acre per year to gallons per square foot per year,LA is
the total landscape area in square feet,SLA is the total
special landscape area in square feet,
and ETAF is.55 or residential areas and 0.45 for non-
residential areas.
ETAF Calculations
Regular Landscape Areas
Total ETAF x Area 506.5 Average ETAF for Regular Landscape Areas must
Total Area 1000 be 0.55 or below for residential areas, and 0.45 or
below for non-residential areas.
Average ETAF 0.51
All Landscape Areas
Total ETAF x Area 506.5
Total Area 1000
Sitewide ETAF 0.51
ATTACHMENT 5
Appendix C—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.
Title Email Address
Company Street Address
City State Zip Code
Project Address and Location:
Street Address Parcel,tract or lot number,if available.
City Latitude/Longitude(optional)
State Zip Code
Property Owner or his/her designee:
Name Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title Email Address
Company Street Address
City State Zip Code
Property Owner
"I/we certify that I/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
PART 2. CERTIFICATION OF INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO THE LANDSCAPE
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
"I/we certify that based upon periodic site 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.
Title Email Address,
License No.or Certification No.
Company Street Address
City State 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 492.10.
PART 4. SCHEDULE OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
Attach schedule of Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance per ordinance Section 492.11.
PART 5. LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDIT REPORT
Attach Landscape Irrigation Audit Report per ordinance Section 492.12.
PART 6. SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
Attach soil analysis report,if not previously submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package per ordinance
Section 492.65.
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report per ordinance
Section 492.65.