CC Resolution No. 8807
81,054.5
RESOLUTION NO. 8807
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO ADOPTING
GUIDELINES FOR PLANT MATERIALS,
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PARAMETER AND MAINTENANCE, SOIL PREPARATION,
WATER FEATURES AND IRRIGATION DESIGN AND OPERATION
WHEREAS, on January 4, 1993, Ordinance No. 1615 adding Xeriscape IJln,¡.....pe procedures. Further, the
Planning Commission and City Council allow staff at their own discretion additions, deletions or modifications to
the Guidelines of this Ordin~nN!.
SECTION 1: PLANT MATERIALS
r Jlndscaping shall emphasize water conserving plant materials. New l~n'¡"""ping shall equal or ex<:eed
surrounding l~n'¡"""Ping in terms ofvisual quality, empbasizing varieties of material type, texture and color.
Section 1.1 Plantinll Zones: The project site should be classified into planting zones with planting materials
grouped according to the water use characteristics of these zones. The similar planting zones may overlap each
other where the respective planting zones have similar watering requiIements, or when planting zones with
differing watering requirements can be efliciently irrigated. Planting zones requiring the greatest degree of water
consumption should be sited for maximum scenic advantage.
Section 1.2 Ground Covers: In general, low growing shrubs and ground covers should be substituted for lawn on
slopes to retard runoff and increase on-site water retention.
Section 1.3 TurfTvDes: Turfvariety should be moderate water using variety such as tall, fescue Hybrids (Festuca
Arun'¡in~~ "Alta", "Falcon", "Rebel", "Jaguar") or Hard Fescue Hybrids "Fescue Durer" "Sca1dis", "Reliant",
"Tournament" ) rather than blue grass or ryegrass varieties.
Section 1.4 Water Con<elVÎl\lI Plants: New landscaping should use water conserving plant materials that are
native to or are adapted to a hot dry $I'mm..../cold wet winter climate. Non-nativcladapted varieties that require
large amounts of irrigation to survive the hot dry 'nm~ season should be avoided. A geocral1isting of native
and adopted plants species may be found in the fonowing sourtI:S:
Water Conservinll Plants ~nd r JlntI.......... for the Bav Area. published by the East Bay Municipal
Water District.
A LaDtI<=tinll Guide Native the Nah,,,,li7M Plants for Santa Çlara Countv. published by the Santa
Clara Valley Water District.
Snn~ Western Garden Book. Lane Publishing Company, Menlo Park.
Snn~ M¡o",,:rine Remint on drought tolerant plants, October 1976, Lane Publishing Company, Menlo
Park.
SECTION 2: LANDSCAPE DESIGN PARAMETERILANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Section 2.1 C.....t.. Sh~tI..· Trees should be planted to shade buildings; partial shade should also be provided to
planting beds that are by reducing water evaporation from these areas.
r .:ontl""'IpC areas shall be watered card'ulIy and completely maintained to ensun: adequate watering absorption and
retention. Landscape maintenance should include the fonowing:
Section 2.2 Parkinll Lot Trees: Trees to be located in parking areas should be ïnstaned in a l~ntI.....pe wen. The
minimum dimensions are to be 8 ft. by 16 ft. in order to provide adequate oxygen and water to the root zone, and to
prevent "heatburn" of the tree canopy. This l~ntI"""P" wen design can be acx:omplished by clustering four compact
parking spaces (with a 2 ft. vehicle overhang) 1Iemoen standard size parking spaœs.
Resolution No. 8807
Page -2-
January 4, 1993
Section 2.3 r Jlntl.."."" D",ina2C: r Jlntl"<'lpe areas should drain away from building, parking and public street
areas.
Section 2.4 Turf Areas: Turf should be provided in functional areas such as gathering places, athletic fields, etc.;
turf areas solely for the aesthetic purposes should be avoided.
Section 2.5 Curbs and Gutters: r .:ontl""'IpC areas should be separated from driveways and parking areas for a
poured-in-pIaœ, concrete curb or cwb-and-gutter to prevent water leakage to the pavement area.
Section 2.6 Turf CoveraIlC: Combine turf and/or water area: (i.e., pool, ponds, fountains) should be limited 25% of
landscape areas. For schools and public parks a higher percentage of turf may be allowed for playing in athletic
fields.
Section 2.7 Soecial Interest Ornaml!ntRl.~ In addition to turf, up to 10"Æ. of the planted area may be used for a
special interest ornamentals (annuals, perennials and bulbs) that are low water using plant species. Special interest
ornamentals should be located in the focal points of the project (i.e. by driveway entrances, building entries, etc.).
Section 2.8 Turf Slooe: Turf areas should not ex<:eed a 10% slope.
Section 2.9 Terracinll: Where appropriate, terracing should be used to discourage nmoIf from irrigated slope
areas.
Section 2.10 Minilt1um Turf Areas: The minimum tliml!n';on of any turf area should be IS ft. r JlntlCN\ )C areas
with tlimensions of less than 15 ft. should be planted with DOn turf materials.
Section 2.11 Small Area Alt~riws, Alternative planting materials for narrow l~ntI"""P" strips, traffic median
islands and slope areas should consist of water conserving plants, shrubs, ground covers and trees.
Section 2.12 TurflTree Seoaration: Turf should be separated from new trees to prevent over watering of the tree,
surface rooting, crown rot, and "girdling" of the tree trunk by maintenance equipment The minimum separation
should be from 3 to 5 ft. Ground cover, rocks and/or shrubs should be planted within this area.
Section 2.13 Turf Tree r..,itl..Hl1es: Trees should not be planted in a turf area; lawns generally need some
exposure, and prolong .hRtIillg raises their roots closer to the surface. A small number of trees may be placed in
turf area "islands" which consist of 8 ft. - 16 ft. radius of open soil measured from the tree trunk. The surface
mulch should be added to the soil area as wen.
Section 2.14 Berm Tree PI.............: Where berms are used, trees should be ïnstaned on the "toe" of the berm slope
rather than on the berm "crown". On the front side, trees should be instaned in curb-side tree wens or larger
planting areas. Street and project trees should be planted in the triangu1ar pattern to shade the pedestrian sidewalk
and project berm areas.
Section 2.15 Berm Slooes: Berm slopes should not exceed 250/..
Section 2.16 TurfMaintl!Mnœ: De-thatch and aerate Iawns regularly to promote deep healthy roots.
Section 2.17 MowinII r .....Ilth: Mow cool season grasses to a minimum height of 2 to 3 inches from grade.
Section 2.18 Mulchinll' Mulch Ipntl"""P" areas regularly to reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperatures and
discourage weeds.
Section 2.19 F..rriH7inll: Apply fertilizer adequately, but do not overfertilize. Plant materials are less able to
tolerate dry conditions when overfertilized.
Resolution No. 8807
Page -3-
Janwuy 4, 1993
SECTION 3: SOIL PREPARATION
Cupertino soils are predominately clay and clay loam. These soils retain water well, but drain poorly and have
little natural irrigation. Thus, clay soils tend to compact natura11y and prevent aeration of the plants rooted
therein.
Section 3.1 Soil Test: Site specific soil tests should be performed as part of the design preparation process.
Section 3.2 Soil AmentltneTlts: Soil should be amended to improve infiltration, water retention and structure.
Loose compost with sand or tanbarlt is p.d'.:u..d to ensure adequate irrigation. For water intensive plants, 50-70";"
of the planting zone should be amended with loose compost. For less water intensive plants, compost amendment
of the plant hole only is genera11y sufficient.
Section 3.3 Soil Additives: Mulch should be placed on top of soil and worked into the surface. Mulch will hold
irrigation water where it is applied for a longer time than will exposed soil.
SECTION 4: WATER FEATURES
Water features lose water to evaporation, bottom seepage, plumbing leakage and "wind-<:arry" for spray and mist-
type fountains. Decorative water features, especially spray and mist-type fonnt~in.. are discouraged. Functional
water features may be allowed provided that the water feature is integral to a required or desired project function
and/or operation. Evaporation from still water can equal the evapotranspiraton from turf. There are two types of
water features:
1. Decorative water features typically include reflective pools and ponds, spray and mist-type fountains. They
function only as a visual feature and are typically single water users in that they do not reuse or capture other
irrigation or storm water runoft; nor is there wastewater reused for other project operations.
2. Functional water features provide a visual amenity and are integral to a required or desired project operation.
Examples include: swimming pools or other recreational amenities for poitt..ntial projects; water falls and
"puddling" type fountains to create "white noise, " holding ponds for HV AC equipment water.
Section 4.1 Water Linin",,: An water features should have impermeable 1inings.
Section 4.2 Decorative Water Trade-OffiI: For purely decorative water features which do not include a spray or
mist-type fountain, 0.5 sq. ft. of turf will be subtracted from the project's turf area allowance for each square foot of
water area. If the decorative water feature includes a spray or mist-type fountain, 1 sq. ft. of turf area will be
subtracted for each 1 sq. ft. of water area.
Section 4.3 Functional Water Trade-OffiI: For functional water features, the maximum allowed turf area will not
be reduced.
Section 4.4 Pool Covers: To reduce water or loss due to evaporation, swimming pools or spas located outdoors
should be covered when not used.
Section 4.5 Fountain and Droullh..: Decorative fountains may not be operated during the periods of drought as
declared by City Council Resolution.
SECTION 5: IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNIOPERATION
Traditiona1ly, spray heads have been the most common irrigation application devices used in Cupertino landscape
schemes. Spray head systems can irrigate a variety of plant zones effectively if the control clock is properly
managed, and the watering schedule matcbes the irrigation exposure period to the plant zone absorption rate.
Resolution No. 8807
Page -4-
January 4,1993
Low volume sprinkler heads, drip emitters and bubbler emitters should be used to irrigate landscape areas less than
8 ft. wide. Low volume sprinkler head emit less than 0.85 inches per hour precipitation.
A plant's water need is determined by the rate of evapotranspiration (ET) for the l~nd.....pe area. ET is the amount
of water that evaporates from the soil plus the amount that transpires through the plant leaves. ET varies by the
type of plant, air teruperature, wind and solar exposure and soil type.
The eflicient operation of irrigation equipment will not be subject to City inspection after the final building
inspection and occupancy certification phase. However, owners of the completed irrigation system should maintain
it to assure adequate watering of land"",?, areas. Owners are further encouraged to include the fonowing
components of an orvni7-"C1 maintenance plan:
Section '.1 Automatic Controners: Irrigation should be controned by an automatic c:ontroner having multi
programming capabilities. The fonowing c:ontroner irrigation schedule is generally appropriate for plant zones
with various water needs characteristics:
Turf area:
Water intensive plants:
Established plant zones:
Drought tolerant plant zones:
Every third day
Every fourth day
Twice per month
Once per month
Section '.2 Valve Service TvDes: Each irrigation valve should service only land.....pïng materials of similar short-
term and long-term watering needs as wen as similar plant types, activity areas, wind exposure, sun exposure,
focus areas in the micro-c1imates created within a project.
Section 5.3 Match Rates: Irrigation heads and emitters should have matched precipitation rates within each
control valve circuit
Section 5.4 Irrill3tion Head S1"'cinll: Space spray irrigation heads evenly, with their "throw" radius generously
overlapped. Overlap for turf area should be 1000/0; for ground cover areas, 75%.
Section 5.5 Drin Emitters: Drip emitters are the most eflicient means ofwatering shrubs, but requiJe sophisticated
knowledge to maintain. Use of drip emitter systems in 1arge projects with capable main'~nce personnel is
encouraged. However, spray heads can be used to irrigate shrubs in areas over 8 ft. wide if appropriately managed.
Section 5.6 Tree Irrill3tion: Trees should be irrigated with bubbler heads.
Section 5.7 Circuit Valve Controners: Each circuit valve should have individual flow and IRSSUR control to
prevent spray heads from misting and p..tltllillg
Section 5.9 ¡lain Senmn.. Device: Use rain sensing devices with automatic sprinkler systems to avoid redundant
irrigation activity. Single family residential projects are exempt from this requirement
Section 5.10 Moisture s..n""",: Moisture sensing devices should be located in all turf areas, and at the high and
low point of bermed turf areas in order to control irrigation cycles according to specific irrigation requirements,
and to avoid overwatering.
Section 5.11 Run-off Irrill3lÏon ManR""",,,,,t· Irrigation run-off should be conected in an on-site retention system
and released back to planted areas, rather than be allowed to run-off to the storm drain network.
Section 5.12 Check Valves: Serviceable check valves should be ïnstaned where elevation differential may cause
low head drainage.
Section 5.13 PoD-Un SDrinklers: "Pop-up" sprinklers located in turf areas should have at least a 4 inch pop-up
height above the turf area.
Resolution No. 8807
Page -5-
Janwuy4,1993
Section 5.14 Water Audits: Perform watering audits seasona1ly during the first year after Ilndscaping instanation,
and at least annua1ly once plantings are established.
For turf areas, examine soil, depth of rooting and water penetration by using the sampling tube (a device that
remove soil cores for close e"amination). If moisture depths ex<:eeds 6 to 8 inches for turf, water more frequently
for shorter periods. If moisture depth falls short, increase watering time.
Section 5.15 Waterinll Hours: Generally, landscaping should not be irrigated during the daylight hours. The
actua1 irrigation schedules should be set by a plant zone water requirements, described in this ordinance and should
be adjusted based on the observations of the actua1 ET rates and other conditions identified during the annual water
audit
Section 5.16 Water SV<tl!m Ch...,Ir-UD: Check sprinkler systems regularly for leakage, worn and damaged heads,
poor coverage and overspray. Clean, adjust or replace hardware as D~Sruy to maintain the design efliciency of
the system:
1. Instan a screenI"Y" filter at the point of connection and clean it regularly. A drip system should
have its own fine mesh "Y" filter as wen.
2) Flush an 1atera11ines regularly to avoid loss of system pressure. Use regular chlorination to
flush buildup ofbiologica1 material from drip system components.
3) Operate each valve from the controner to ensun: that it is functioning properly.
INTRODUCED AND ENACTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino on this 4th day
of Janwuy, 1993 by the fonowing vote:
Ym
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Members of the City Council
Dean, Goldman, Sorensen, Szabo
None
Koppel
None
APPROVED:
/s/ Nick Szabo
Mayor
City of Cupertino
ATTEST:
/s/ Dorothy Cornelius
City Clerk
1'......--.
t
The City of Cupertino
Landscape
The Xeriseape
xe-r•ie \. zir- 1:; zer- \aq7: Characterized by; rek:trot to, or fi a
requiring only a small amount of moisture <a plant> ....
Irrigation
r •
inance
Approved Under
City Council Ordinance 1615
and Resolution 8807
Adopted January 19, 1993
14.15.010
Chapter 14.15 B. Consistent with the legislative findings the
purpose of this chapter is to:
XERISCAPE LANDSCAPING 1. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes
while recognizing the need to invest water and other
Sections: resources as efficiently as possible;
14.15.010 Purpose. 2. Establish a structure for designing,installing,
14.15.020 Definitions. and maintaining water-efficient landscapes in new
14.15.030 Applicability. projects;
14.15.040 Exception—Exemption. 3. Establish provisions for water management
14.15.050 Provision for new and practices and water waste prevention for established
rehabilitated landscapes. landscapes. (Ord. 1615 (part), 1993)
14.15.060 Appeal.
14.15.070 Violation—Penalty. 14.15.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
14.15.010 Purpose. _ "Anti-drain valve" or "check valve" means a
The City Council adopted Resolutions 1587 and valve located under a sprinkler head to hold water
8387 to establish water rate increases and restric- in the system so it minimizes drainage from the
dons for the conservation of water with a specific lower elevation sprinkler heads.
goal of reducing water consumption. In an effort to "Application rate" means the depth of water
conserve landscape irrigation water,these landscape applied to a given area, usually measured in inches
and irrigation design perimeters are prepared. In per hour.
addition,these guidelines will provide more specific "Applied water"means the portion of water sup-
direction for project developers and consultants plied by the irrigation system and the landscape.
preparing landscaping plans as well as city staff and "Automatic controller"means mechanical or solid
commission/council members who will review these state timer capable of operating valve stations to set
plans. The guidelines are intended to be long-term the days and length of time of a water application.
policy,irrespective of prevailing climatic conditions. "Backflow prevention device" means a safety
By following these criteria, the City will be better device used to prevent pollution or contamination
prepared for periods of low precipitation and water of the water supplied due to the reverse flow of
shortage that may occur in the future. This chapter water from the irrigation system.
is adopted based on the following findings: "Cemetery" means a burial ground for burying
A. The State Legislature has found: the dead.
1. That the limited supply of state waters is sub- "Ecological restoration project" means a project
ject to ever increasing demands; intentionally altered to establish a defined indige-
2. That California's economic prosperity de- nous, historic ecosystem.
pends on adequate supplies of water; "Effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall"
3. The State policy promotes conservation and means the portion of total precipitation that is used
efficient use of water; by the plants. Precipitation is not a reliable source
4. The landscapes provide recreation areas, of water, but can contribute to some degree toward
cleaner air and water, prevent erosion, offer fire the water needs of the landscape. For the purpose
protection and replace ecosystems displaced by of this document,"effective precipitation"is twenty-
developments; five percent of local annual mean precipitation.
5. That the landscape design installation and "Emitter"means drip irrigation fittings that deliv-
maintenance can and should be water efficient. er water slowly from the system to the soil.
(Cupertino 12-96) 376-2
14.15.020
"Established landscape"means the point at which "Landscape architect compliance statement"
plants in the landscape have developed roots into the means a one-page check list and a narrative sum-
soil adjacent to the root bulb. mary of the project as shown in Appendix A of the
"Establishment"means the first year after install- ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the
ing the plant in the landscape. office of the City Clerk.
"Estimated applied water use" means the portion "Landscaped area" means the parcel area less
of the estimated total water use that is derived from building pad(s), driveway(s) and parking area(s).
applied water.The estimated applied water use shall Planted areas,water bodies,patios,decks,walkways
not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. and natural areas are included in the concept of
"Estimated total water use" means the annual landscape area.
total amount of water estimated to be needed to "Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline
keep the plants in the landscaped area healthy. It is that supplies water from the water source to the
based upon such factors as the local evapotrans- valve or outlet.
piraton rate, the size of the landscaped area, the "Local mean precipitation"means the Department
types of plants and the efficiency of the irrigation of Water Resource twenty-year historical rainfall
system. data.
"ET adjustment factor" means a factor of 0.8, "Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that
that, when applied to referenced evapotranspiration, delivers water from the water source to the valve or
adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, outlet.
two major influences upon the amount of water that "Maximum water allowance" means the upper
needs to be applied to the landscape. A combined limit of annual water use for the established land-
plant mix with the site-wide average of 0.5 is the scaped area. It is based on the area's reference
basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. evapotranspiration,the ET adjustment factor,and the
The irrigation efficiency proposed of the ET adjust- size of the landscape area. The amount of water
ment factor is 0.625. recommended on an annual basis in the irrigation
"Evapotranspiration"means the quantity of water schedule shall not exceed the maximum water al-
evaporated from adjacent soils surfaces and tran- lowance. The MWA formula is as follows:
spired by plants during a specific time. MWA = (ETo)(0.8)(LA)(0.62)
"Flow-rate" means the rate in which water flows MWA=Maximum Water Allowance(gallons per
through pipes and valves (gallons per minute or year)
cubic feet per second). ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per
"Infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry year)
into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit 0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor
of time (inches per hour). LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
"Irrigation efficiency"means the measurement of 0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons/sq.ft.)
the amount of water beneficially used divided by the "Mulch"means any material such as leaves,bark,
amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is straw or other materials left loose and applied to the
derived from measurements and estimates of irriga- soil surface to reduce evaporation.
tion system characteristics and management practic- "Operating pressure"means the pressure at which
es. The minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes a system of sprinklers is designed to operate,usually
of this chapter is 0.625.Greater irrigation efficiency indicated at the base of the sprinkler.
can be expected from well designed and maintained
systems.
"Landscape architect"means a certified landscape
professional licensed by the State of California.
376-2a (Cupertino 12-96)
•
14.15.020
"Overhead sprinkler irrigation system" means "Run-off' means water which is not absorbed by
those with high flow rates (pop-ups, impulse sprin- the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
kiers, rooters, etc.) flows from the area.For example,run-off may result
"Overspray" means the water which is delivered from water that is applied at too great a rate (appli-
beyond the landscape area, wetting pavements, cation rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there
walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas. is a severe slope.
"Planting zones" means the zones identified for "Soil moisture sensing device"means device that
or by the sunset planting guide as being planting measures the amount of water in the soil.
areas which are defined by water requirements for "Soil texture" means the classification of soil
plant types, when in sun, exposure, public street based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the
visibility, project activity, focus and use areas, re- soil.
gional climate, type of project, established design "Sprinkler head" means a device which sprays
patterns on adjacent or nearby development, micro- water through a nozzle.
climates created within the project. "Station" means an area served by one valve or
"Rain sensing device" means a system which by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
automatically shuts off the irrigation system when "Turf' means a surface layer of earth containing
it rains. a mowed grass with its root. Annual bluegrass,
"Record drawing" or "as builts" means a set of Kentucky bluegrass,perennial ryegrass,Red fescue,
reproducible drawings which show significant and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda
changes in the work made during construction grass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore paspalum, St.
which are usually based on drawings marked up in Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are
the field and other data furnished by the contractor. warm-seasoned grasses.
"Recreational area" means areas of active play or "Valve" means a device used to control the flow
recreation such as sports fields, school yards,picnic of water in the irrigation system. (Ord. 1615 (part),
grounds or other areas with intense foot traffic. 1993)
"Recycled water," "reclaimed water," or"treated
sewage effluent water" means treated or recycled 14.15.030 Applicability.
wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses, A. Except as provided in Section 14.15.040,this
such as landscape irrigation,not intended for human chapter shall apply to:
consumption. 1. All new and rehabilitated landscaping in any
"Referenced evapotranspiration or ETo" means zoning district, conceptual zoning plan area or spe-
a standard measurement of environmental meter cial district that requires public review by the Archi-
which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given tectural Site Approval Committee or Planning Corn-
in inches per day, month or year and is an estimate mission or City Council. (Ord. 1615 (part), 1993)
of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four-to-
seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well wa- 14.15.040 Exception—Exemption.
tered. Referenced evapotranspiration is the maxi- This chapter shall not apply to:
mum applied water allowances so that regional A. New or renovated landscape areas compris-
differences in climate can be accommodated. ing less than two thousand five hundred square feet.
"Registered historic sites" means a property for- Areas in this category shall submit a landscape plan
mally designated by the Secretary of the Interior as to be approved by the Director of Community De-
having National or State historic significance. velopment and that complies with the addendum
"Rehabilitation of rehabilitated landscape"means guidelines of the ordinance codified in this chapter:
any relandscaping project that requires a permit. B. Cemeteries;
C. Registered historical sites;
376-3 (Cupertino 4-94)
•
14.15.040
D. Ecological restoration projects that do not system plans will be subject to City staff review in
required a permanent irrigation system; conjunction with specifications and plans for issu-
E. The Planning Commission may permit up to ance of a building permit. The conceptual zoning
ten percent of all plantings to be nondrought tolerant plans must include the following:
varieties as long as they are grouped together and 1. All property lines and street names;
can be irrigated separately; 2. Location of all existing and proposed build-
F. The City may allow departures from this ings;
chapter for school yards and public parks and adja- 3. Location of all existing and proposed walks,
cent to thematic streetscapes, such as those estab- driveways, fences,pools, ponds, water features and
lished under the North DeAnza Boulevard conceptu- retaining walls;
al plan or Stevens Creek Boulevard conceptional 4. All existing landscaping proposed to be re-
zoning plan, given the number of years that have moved;
gone into establishing the landscape boulevard set- 5. Calculations showing the turf area, water
backs and their unique contribution to Cupertino area, shrub/tree area, area for annuals and of turf
civic identity. The City shall attempt to apply the slopes steeper than ten percent;
guidelines elsewhere on these sites to achieve the 6. Details of spray,ground cover,shrub and tree
highest possible degree of water savings in the irrigation installation;
overall design; 7. Identification of plant zones;
G. Single-family residences located in an (R-1) 8. Location type and size of all existing and
zoning district. (Ord. 1637 (part), 1993; Ord. 1630 proposed plants, including turf.
(part), 1993; Ord. 1615 (part), 1993) C. The final landscape planting and irrigation
system plans must include all the information con-
14.15.050 Provision for new and tained in the conceptual zoning plans and the fol-
rehabilitated landscapes. lowing additional information:
Conceptual landscape planting and irrigation 1. Landscape architect compliance statement
system design plans will be submitted for City re- (Appendix A of the ordinance codified in this chap-
view prior to issuance of building permits. The ter and on file in the office of the City Clerk);
plans for both the landscape area and irrigation 2. Calculation of the maximum applied water
systems should be designed under the direction of allowance (twenty-three gallons per square foot
and be certified by a State of California licensed multiplied by the landscape area in square feet
landscape architect. The plans are to be scaled and Based upon the Cupertino ETo of forty-five inches
dimensioned accurately, and shall be reviewed in per year);
accordance with the following directions: 3. Calculation of the estimated applied water
A. For projects located in zoning districts which use;
require Planning Commission review,the conceptual 4. Calculation of the estimated total water use;
landscape planting/irrigation system design plan 5. Landscape design plan;
shall be approved by the Planning Commission. 6. Irrigation design plan:
B. For projects located in planned development a. Location, type and size of all irrigation corn-
zoning districts, or within the geographic limits of ponents, including water meter(s),
an area governed by a specific plan or conceptual b. Static water pressure at the point of connec-
zoning plan, the conceptual landscape plant- tion, gallons per minute,
ing/irrigation system design plan shall be approved c. Precipitation rates and gallons per minute for
by the Planning Commission as part of the defini- all control valve circuits,
five development plan for the overall project. Re- d. Required operating pressure for each valve
view of the final landscape planting and irrigation circuit;
(Cupertino 4-94) 376-4
14.15.050
7. Irrigation schedules to: 14.15.070 Violation—Penalty.
a. Establish new plant material, Any person who violates the provision of this
b. Maintain plant material after the first year for chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and upon
spring and fall seasons, conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in
c. Maintain plant material for the summer sea- Chapter 1.12 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
son after the first year, (Ord. 1615 (part), 1993)
d. Length of time the system will run for each
valve circuit,
e. Days that the system will operate for each
program,
f. Starting times of the irrigation schedules,
g. Estimated rates of water absorption and run-
off for each landscape/irrigation zone,
h.' Estimated water consumption for turf, shrub
and tree areas and for the entire landscape plan;
8. Maintenance schedules;
9. Landscape irrigation audit schedule;
10. Soil analysis (type and quantity of soil
amendment and mulch to be added to project soils).
D. The plans shall not require more water use
than the maximum applied water allowance.
E. A copy of the approved landscape documen-
tation package shall be provided to the property
owner or site manager along with the record
drawings and any other information normally for-
warded to the property owner and site manager.
F. City Council Resolution No. 8807 shall be
referred to for guidelines on plant materials, land-
scape design parameters and maintenance,soil prep-
aration, water features and irrigation design and
operation. (Ord. 1637(part), 1993; Ord. 1630(part),
1993; Ord. 1615 (part), 1993)
14.15.060 Appeal.
Any person who is aggrieved by any action taken
by any City body or official may appeal, by filing
a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within
fourteen calendar days. Such appeal shall be heard
by the City Council which may affirm, amend, or
reverse the order, or take other action deemed ap-
propriate. The Clerk shall give written notice of the
time and place of the hearing to the appellant and
any other person requesting notice. In conducting
the City Council shall not be limited by the techni-
cal rules of the evidence. (Ord. 1615 (part), 1993)
377 (Cupcnino 12-96)
APPENDIX A
Chapter 14.15 [] [] 14. All sprinkler heads have serviceable
check valves where elevation deferen-
APPENDIX A tial will cause low head drainage
[] [] 15. Sprinkler system designed for head-
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT COMPLIANCE to-head coverage
STATEMENT [] [] 16. Controller has multiple programming,
repeat cycle capability,flexible calen-
Landscape architects certifying statement for dar program and monthly irrigation
compliance with landscaping/irrigation guidelines. schedule
Installation address: [] [] 17. Controller set to water between 5:00
Installation completion date: p.m. and 10:00 a.m. and equipped
Water provider: with rain shut-off device
Landscape architect (print name): [] [] 18. Monthly irrigation schedule given to
Parcel size: landscape manager :and/or mainte-
Land use: nance contractor
[] [] 19. Water budget included with plans
Yes No (If "no," attach explanation) (annual)
[] [] 1. Minimum 90% of all plantings are [] [] 20. Total water usage does not exceed the
drought tolerant maximum allowed water allowance
[] [] 2. Turf limited to functional areas; turf
and water features less than 25% of I hereby certify that the above information is
total landscape area accurate in compliance with the landscape standards
[] [] 3. Minimum turf area dimension= 15 ft. of the City of Cupertino's outline in this section.
[] [] 4. Special ornamentals less than 10% of Landscape Architect:
landscape area Date:
[] [] 5. Terracing/sloped areas in confor- AFFIX STAMP HERE
mance
[] [] 6. Drainage routed away from buildings;
on-site retention of irrigation water
included
[] [] 7. Tree/turf separation in tree islands per
ordinance
[] [] 8. Soft additives/amendments provided
in accordance with attached narrative
explanation
[] [] 9. Water features designed/equipped per
Section 9 of this ordinance
[] [] 10. Soil mulch added where appropriate
(noted on diagram)
[] [] 11. Planting soils delineated on plan
[] [] 12. Sprinkler heads have matched precipi-
tation rates within each control valve
[] [] 13. Precipitation rates for a given circuit
do not exceed soil absorption rates
(Cupertino 12-96) 378
81,054.5
RESOLUTION NO. 8807
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO ADOPTING
GUIDELINES FOR PLANT MATERIALS,
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PARAMETER AND MAINTENANCE, SOIL PREPARATION,
WATER FEATURES AND IRRIGATION DESIGN AND OPERATION
WHEREAS, on January 4, 1993, Ordinance No. 1615 adding Xeriscape Landscape procedures. Further, the Planning
Commission and City Council allow staff at their own discretion additions, deletions or modifications to the Guidelines
of this Ordinance.
SECTION 1: PLANT MATERIALS
Landscaping shall emphasize water conserving plant materials.New landscaping shall equal or exceed surrounding
landscaping in terms of visual quality,emphasizing varieties of material type,texture and color.
Section 1.1 Planting Zones: The project site should be classified into planting zones with planting materials grouped
according to the water use characteristics of these zones. The similar planting zones may overlap each other where the
respective planting zones have similar watering requirements, or when planting zones with differing watering
requirements can be efficiently irrigated. Planting zones requiring the greatest degree of water consumption should be
sited for maximum scenic advantage.
Section 1.2 Ground Covers: In general, low growing shrubs and ground covers should be substituted for lawn on slopes
to retard runoff and increase on-site water retention.
Section 1.3 Turf Types: Turf variety should be moderate water using variety such as tall, fescue Hybrids (Festuca
Arundinacea "Alta", "Falcon", "Rebel", "Jaguar") or Hard Fescue Hybrids "Fescue Durer" "Scaldis", "Reliant",
"Tournament")rather than blue grass or ryegrass varieties.
Section 1.4 Water Conserving Plants:New landscaping should use water conserving plant materials that are native to or
are adapted to a hot dry summer/cold wet winter climate. Non-native/adapted varieties that require large amounts of
irrigation to survive the hot dry summer season should be avoided. A general listing of native and adopted plants
species may be found in the following sources:
- Water Conserving Plants and Landscapes for the Bay Area,published by the East Bay Municipal
Water District.
- A Landscaping Guide Native the Naturalized Plants for Santa Clara County,published by the Santa
Clara Valley Water District.
- Sunset Western Garden Book,Lane Publishing Company,Menlo Park.
- Sunset Magazine Reprint on drought tolerant plants,October 1976,Lane Publishing Company,Menlo
Park.
SECTION 2: LANDSCAPE DESIGN PARAMETER/LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Section 2.1 Create Shade: Trees should be planted to shade buildings; partial shade should also be provided to planting
beds that are by reducing water evaporation from these areas.
Landscape areas shall be watered carefully and completely maintained to ensure adequate watering absorption and
retention. Landscape maintenance should include the following:
Resolution No. 8807 January 4, 1993
Page-2-
Section 2.2 Parking Lot Trees: Trees to be located in parking areas should be installed in a landscape well. The
minimum dimensions are to be 8 ft. by 16 ft. in order to provide adequate oxygen and water to the root zone, and to
prevent "heatburn" of the tree canopy. This landscape well design can be accomplished by clustering four compact
parking spaces(with a 2 ft. vehicle overhang)between standard size parking spaces.
Section 2.3 Landscape Drainage: Landscape areas should drain away from building,parking and public street areas.
Section 2.4 Turf Areas: Turf should be provided in functional areas such as gathering places, athletic fields, etc.; turf
areas solely for the aesthetic purposes should be avoided.
Section 2.5 Curbs and Gutters: Landscape areas should be separated from driveways and parking areas for a poured-in-
place,concrete curb or curb-and-gutter to prevent water leakage to the pavement area.
Section 2.6 Turf Coverage: Combine turf and/or water area: (i.e., pool, ponds, fountains) should be limited 25% of
landscape areas. For schools and public parks a higher percentage of turf may be allowed for playing in athletic fields.
Section 2.7 Special Interest Ornamentals: In addition to turf, up to 10% of the planted area may be used for a special
interest ornamentals(annuals, perennials and bulbs)that are low water using plant species. Special interest ornamentals
should be located in the focal points of the project(i.e. by driveway entrances,building entries,etc.).
Section 2.8 Turf Slope:Turf areas should not exceed a 10%slope.
Section 2.9 Terracing: Where appropriate,.terracing should be used to discourage runoff from irrigated slope areas.
Section 2.10 Minimum Turf Areas: The minimum dimension of any turf area should be 15 ft. Landscape areas with
dimensions of less than 15 ft.should be planted with non turf materials.
Section 2.11 Small Area Alternatives: Alternative planting materials for narrow landscape strips, traffic median islands
and slope areas should consist of water conserving plants,shrubs,ground covers and trees.
Section 2.12 Turf/Tree Separation:Turf should be separated from new trees to prevent over watering of the tree, surface
rooting,crown rot, and "girdling" of the tree trunk by maintenance equipment. The minimum separation should be from
3 to 5 ft. Ground cover,rocks and/or shrubs should be planted within this area.
Section 2.13 Turf Tree Guidelines: Trees should not be planted in a turf area; lawns generally need some exposure, and
prolong shading raises their roots closer to the surface. A small number of trees may be placed in turf area "islands"
which consist of 8 ft.- 16 ft. radius of open soil measured from the tree trunk. The surface mulch should be added to the
soil area as well.
Section 2.14 Berm Tree Placement: Where berms are used, trees should be installed on the "toe" of the berm slope
rather than on the berm "crown". On the front side, trees should be installed in curb-side tree wells or larger planting
areas. Street and project trees should be planted in the triangular pattern to shade the pedestrian sidewalk and project
berm areas.
Section 2.15 Berm Slopes:Berm slopes should not exceed 25%.
Section 2.16 Turf Maintenance: De-thatch and aerate lawns regularly to promote deep healthy roots.
Section 2.17 Mowing Length: Mow cool season grasses to a minimum height of 2 to 3 inches from grade.
Section 2.18 Mulching: Mulch landscape areas regularly to reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperatures and
discourage weeds.
Section 2.19 Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer adequately,but do not overfertilize. Plant materials are less able to tolerate dry
conditions when overfertilized.
Resolution No. 8807 January 4, 1993
Page-3-
SECTION 3: SOIL PREPARATION
Cupertino soils are predominately clay and clay loam. These soils retain water well, but drain poorly and have little
natural irrigation. Thus, clay soils tend to compact naturally and prevent aeration of the plants rooted therein.
Section 3.1 Soil Test: Site specific soil tests should be performed as part of the design preparation process.
Section 3.2 Soil Amendments: Soil should be amended to improve infiltration, water retention and structure. Loose
compost with sand or tanbark is preferred to ensure adequate irrigation. For water intensive plants, 50-70% of the
planting zone should be amended with loose compost. For less water intensive plants, compost amendment of the plant
hole only is generally sufficient.
Section 3.3 Soil Additives: Mulch should be placed on top of soil and worked into the surface. Mulch will hold
irrigation water where it is applied for a longer time than will exposed soil.
SECTION 4: WATER FEATURES
Water features lose water to evaporation, bottom seepage, plumbing leakage and "wind-carry" for spray and mist-type
fountains. Decorative water features, especially spray and mist-type fountains, are discouraged. Functional water
features may be allowed provided that the water feature is integral to a required or desired project function and/or
operation. Evaporation from still water can equal the evapotranspiration from turf. There are two types of water
features:
1. Decorative water features typically include reflective pools and ponds, spray and mist-type fountains. They
function only as a visual feature and are typically single water users in that they do not reuse or capture other
irrigation or storm water runoff,nor is there wastewater reused for other project operations.
2. Functional water features provide a visual amenity and are integral to a required or desired project operation.
Examples include: swimming pools or other recreational amenities for residential projects; water falls and
"puddling"type fountains to create "white noise,"holding ponds for HVAC equipment water.
Section 4.1 Water Linings: All water features should have impermeable linings.
Section 4.2 Decorative Water Trade-Offs: For purely decorative water features which do not include a spray or mist-
type fountain, 0.5 sq. ft. of turf will be subtracted from the project's turf area allowance for each square foot of water
area. If the decorative water feature includes a spray or mist-type fountain, 1 sq. ft. of turf area will be subtracted for
each 1 sq. ft.of water area.
Section 4.3 Functional Water Trade-Offs: For functional water features, the maximum allowed turf area will not be
reduced.
Section 4.4 Pool Covers: To reduce water or loss due to evaporation, swimming pools or spas located outdoors should
be covered when not used.
Section 4.5 Fountain and Droughts: Decorative fountains may not be operated during the periods of drought as declared
by City Council Resolution.
SECTION 5: IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN/OPERATION
Traditionally, spray heads have been the most common irrigation application devices used in Cupertino landscape
schemes. Spray head systems can irrigate a variety of plant zones effectively if the control clock is properly managed,
and the watering schedule matches the irrigation exposure period to the plant zone absorption rate.
Resolution No. 8807 January 4, 1993
Page-4-
Low volume sprinkler heads, drip emitters and bubbler emitters should be used to irrigate landscape areas less than 8 ft.
wide. Low volume sprinkler head emit less than 0.85 inches per hour precipitation.
A plant's water need is determined by the rate of evapotranspiration (ET) for the landscape area. ET is the amount of
water that evaporates from the soil plus the amount that transpires through the plant leaves. ET varies by the type of
plant,air temperature,wind and solar exposure and soil type.
The efficient operation of irrigation equipment will not be subject to City inspection after the final building inspection
and occupancy certification phase. However, owners of the completed irrigation system should maintain it to assure
adequate watering of landscape areas. Owners are further encouraged to include the following components of an
organized maintenance plan:
Section 5.1 Automatic Controllers: Irrigation should be controlled by an automatic controller having multi
programming capabilities. The following controller irrigation schedule is generally appropriate for plant zones with
various water needs characteristics:
Turf area: Every third day
Water intensive plants: Every fourth day
Established plant zones: Twice per month
Drought tolerant plant zones: Once per month
Section 5.2 Valve Service Types: Each irrigation valve should service only landscaping materials of similar short-term
and long-term watering needs as well as similar plant types, activity areas, wind exposure, sun exposure, focus areas in
the micro-climates created within a project.
Section 5.3 Match Rates: Irrigation heads and emitters should have matched precipitation rates within each control
valve circuit.
Section 5.4 Irrigation Head Spacing: Space spray irrigation heads evenly, with their "throw" radius generously
overlapped. Overlap for turf area should be 100%; for ground cover areas,75%.
Section 5.5 Drip Emitters: Drip emitters are the most efficient means of watering shrubs, but require sophisticated
knowledge to maintain. Use of drip emitter systems in large projects with capable maintenance personnel is encouraged.
However,spray heads can be used to irrigate shrubs in areas over 8 ft.wide if appropriately managed.
Section 5.6 Tree Irrigation: Trees should be irrigated with bubbler heads.
Section 5.7 Circuit Valve Controllers: Each circuit valve should have individual flow and pressure control to prevent
spray heads from misting and puddling.
Section 5.9 Rain Sensing Device: Use rain sensing devices with automatic sprinkler systems to avoid redundant
irrigation activity. Single family residential projects are exempt from this requirement.
Section 5.10 Moisture Sensors: Moisture sensing devices should be located in all turf areas, and at the high and low
point of bermed turf areas in order to control irrigation cycles according to specific irrigation requirements, and to avoid
overwatering.
Section 5.11 Run-off Irrigation Management: Irrigation run-off should be collected in an on-site retention system and
released back to planted areas,rather than be allowed to run-off to the storm drain network.
Section 5.12 Check Valves: Serviceable check valves should be installed where elevation differential may cause low
head drainage.
Section 5.13 Pop-Up Sprinklers: "Pop-up" sprinklers located in turf areas should have at least a 4 inch pop-up height
above the turf area.
Resolution No. 8807 January 4, 1993
Page-5-
Section 5.14 Water Audits: Perform watering audits seasonally during the first year after landscaping installation, and at
least annually once plantings are established.
For turf areas, examine soil,depth of rooting and water penetration by using the sampling tube(a device that remove soil
cores for close examination). If moisture depths exceeds 6 to 8 inches for turf, water more frequently for shorter
periods. If moisture depth falls short, increase watering time.
Section 5.15 Watering Hours: Generally, landscaping should not be irrigated during the daylight hours. The actual
irrigation schedules should be set by a plant zone water requirements, described in this ordinance and should be adjusted
based on the observations of the actual ET rates and other conditions identified during the annual water audit.
Section 5.16 Water System Check-Up: Check sprinkler systems regularly for leakage, worn and damaged heads, poor
coverage and overspray. Clean,adjust or replace hardware as necessary to maintain the design efficiency of the system:
1. Install a screen/"Y" filter at the point of connection and clean it regularly. A drip system should
have its own fine mesh"Y" filter as well.
2) Flush all lateral lines regularly to avoid loss of system pressure. Use regular chlorination to
flush buildup of biological material from drip system components.
3) Operate each valve from the controller to ensure that it is functioning properly.
INTRODUCED AND ENACTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino on this 4th day of
January, 1993 by the following vote:
Vote Members of the City Council
AYES: Dean, Goldman, Sorensen, Szabo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Koppel
ABSENT: None
APPROVED:
/s/ Nick Szabo
Mayor
City of Cupertino
ATTEST:
/s/ Dorothy Cornelius
City Clerk
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