.05 MCA-2010-01 Landscaping Ordinance OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORPE AVENliE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
(408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333 • plannin�cu�?ertino.org
CUPERTINCt
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. � Agenda Date: March 23, 2010
Application: MCA-2010-01
Applicant: City of Cupertino
Application Summary: Municipal Code Amendment to review and amend Chapter 14.15 of the
Cupertino Municipal Code relating to the Xeriscape Landscaping and Water Efficiency
Regulations
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recominends that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed Landscape Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the State's efforts to reduce water consumption throughout California, Governor
Schwarzenegger has called for a 20% reduction in per capita water use by 2020. For a brief
summary of the recent legislation adopted by the California State Legislature targeting outdoor
water use efficiency, see attachment 1.
Assembly Bill 1881, the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, which was signed
into law in September 2006 requires that local jurisdictions revise their ordinances to include
specific landscaping water conservation measures, by January 1, 2010. If local jurisdictions fail
to do so, a model ordinance developed by the California Department of Water Resources
(DWR) becomes adopted by default. Please see attachment 2 for the DWR Model Ordinance.
Due to the late release of the DWR model ordinance, the development of this draft ordinance
has been delayed beyond the January 1, 2010 statutory deadline. This delay has been
anticipated by both the City and DWR.
The City's current Xeriscape Ordinance (Chapter 14.15) was a result of the State's water
conservation mandate in 1992. The City is now updating the requirements to comply with the
new State water conservation requirements.
State Mandate
AB 1881 updated water-efficient landscaping statutes to require greater water savings and
broader applicability (including all residential development) than what had previously been
required. It directed the DWR to update the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance,
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and local jurisdictions to begin enforcing the state model or a comparable ordinance that is "at
least as effective".
AB 1881 consists of the following measures:
• Low water using plant choices
• Grouping of compatible plants into "hydrozones"
• Irrigation water budget component
• Demonstrably efficient irrigation systems, including sensors and automatic controllers
• Soil assessment and soil management
• Post-installation inspection and maintenance
• Landscape documentation package
• Limited exemptions
• Require irrigation audit of existing (pre-2010) landscapes larger than one acre.
City Participation in the Santa Clara County Working Group
In developing the new Landscape Ordinance, the City participated in a Santa Clara County
multi-agency working group, led by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, with participants
from local agencies (such as City of San Jose, City and County of Santa Clara, City of Palo Alto,
Stanford University, and Town of Los Gatos). Local water purveyors (such as San Jose Water
and California Water) were also invited to participate.
The working group had the following objectives:
• Review the State's model ordinance and other model Ordinances developed by other
regions in the State
• Adjust water conversation goals to accommodate local water supply and demands
• Tailor requirements to regional climate, topography, and development patterns
• Simplify and streamline the model ordinance for ease of understanding and implementation
• Promote a regional approach by standardizing the Ordinance framework for local
jurisdictions to adopt
• Ensure that the model ordinance complies with the State's requirements
The working group's model Ordinance (see attachment 3) includes the following options to
demonstrate water efficiency:
• Turf area limitation and low water use plant types (versus water budget calculation for all
projects)
• Water efficiency checklist to allow a simpler way of confirming compliance for smaller
projects.
However, in order to be at least as effective as the DWR Ordinance, the model Ordinance
reduces the minimum threshold to projects with 2,500 square feet�of landscaping instead of
projects with 5,000 square feet of landscaping stipulated in the DWR Ordinance. It also requires
a water-efficiency checklist to be filled out for all projects with less than 2,500 square feet of
landscaping. The specifics of the Ordinance are discussed later in the report.
Other Regional Model Ordinance
There is another model landscape Ordinance that has been developed under the jurisdiction of
the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA). BAWSCA represents cities,
water districts and private utilities generally located in San Mateo and Alameda County with a
few in Santa Clara County that purchases water from the San Francisco regional water system.
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The City of Cupertino is not a BAWSCA member. The Santa Clara County working group has
reviewed and considered the BAWSCA's model ordinance. In general, the BAWSCA's model
ordinance is more complex and more restrictive than both the State's requirement and the
model ordinance recommended by the Santa Clara working group.
DISCUSSION:
City Proposed Landscape Ordinance
The draft Cupertino Landscape Ordinance (see Model Resolution) is based on the Ordinance
framework developed by the Santa Clara County working group. Key components of the
ordinances are summarized as follows:
Applicabilih�:
The full extent of the proposed Ordinance would apply to new or rehabilitated landscape
installations larger than 2,500 sq. ft. when associated with any of the following:
• New residential or non-residential projects where a discretionary approval (plannuzg
application), grading permit or building permit is required
All projects, regardless of landscape area, are required to fill out a water-efficient checklist
(Appendix A to Draft Landscaping Ordinance) intended to educate/promote water efficiency
measures and ensure that some basic water conversation principles are followed. Please refer to
the Section 14.15.020 of the proposed Ordinance for the additional details on applicability.
One significant difference between the City's current Xeriscape Ordinance and the new State
requirements is that single family developments are no longer exempt from water conservation
requirements. The applicability of the new Ordinance to all other types of developments
remains the same as City's current Xeriscape Ordinance. However, the new Ordinance is set
up to reduce the regulations and requirements for single-family projects by providing property
owners an option to not prepare a water budget as is required by the DWR's model Ordinance.
Submittal Requirements:
For projects where landscape installation exceeds 2,500 sq. ft. in conjunction with a
discretionary approval, a grading permit or a building permit, the proposed Ordinance requires
the submittal of the following:
• Water-Efficient Design Checklist
• Landscape and Irrigation Design Plans
• Water Budget Calculations, if necessary
• Soil Analysis Report, if necessary
• Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule -
• Landscape Installation Report
For projects where landscape installation is 2,500 sq. ft. or less, applicants are only required to
submit the water-efficient checklist. They do have the option to select the water budget
alternative which would trigger the full submittal requirements.
Alternative Method of Demonstrating Water Efficiency
The proposed Ordinance differs from the DWR model Ordinance in that it allows all project
applicants the alternative to demonstrate landscape water efficiency by:
• Restricting turf and/ or high-water using plants;
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or
• Preparing a water budget
Maintenance and Monitoring
Water efficient landscapes are required to be maintained for the life of the project. Monitoring
for projects with landscape area larger than 2,500 sq. ft. is required for 30 months or for a longer
duration as specified as part of a condition of approval. Please see Section 14.15.090 of the
proposed Ordinance for more details.
Property owners are also required to enter into a maintenance agreement with the City, similar
to ones required by the Storm water C.3. requirements. This agreement informs current and
future property owners of their obligation to maintain the landscape and to ensure that the
landscape performs with the same level of water efficiency as demonstrated on the plans.
Changes between DWR Ordinance, SCVWD Model Ordinance and Proposed City Ordinance
Changes or differences to promote a more streamlined process and/or ease of implementation compared to
the DWR Ordinance
There are several differences between the DWR Ordinance and the City's proposed Ordinance.
Most of the changes proposed are to streamline the approval process and to minimize the
burden upon applicants.
These include additional alternatives such as:
� Preparation of a checklist to show compliance
• An option to prepare water budget or restrict plant-type
• Allowing applicants for small projects to self-certify compliance and installation of
landscaping as opposed to requiring certified professionals to certify every project
• Allow the installation of pools without requiring the preparation of a water budget
• Flexible submittal requirements to be tailored to the project site as necessary eliminating
cost and time for applicant (See Attachment 4, Table 1)
Another area where the proposed Ordinance differs from the DWR Ordinance is in the
applicability of the requirements. The DWR Ordinance is applicable to a smaller set of projects
with extensive submittal requirements, while the proposed Ordinance is applicable to a larger
set of projects with less burdensome requirements. Please see Attachxnent 4 Table 2 for a
� comparison of applicability of requirements between the DWR Ordinance and the proposed
City Ordinance.
The proposed Ordinance also uses the more flexible of the two alternatives to calculate how
much water is allowed to be used for purposes of a water budget. The DWR allows agencies to
adopt a more stringent formula for calculating the maximum allowable water ailowance. Staff
feels that the proposed Ordinance will be as stringent as the DWR Ordinance even if the more
lenient formula is used.
Changes or difference that ma� be more stringent than the DWR or SCVWD Working Group's
Ordinance either for greater zvater efficienc�� or for consistenci� with current Cihj rules and policies
Staff is proposing some changes to the Regional Model Ordinance to ensure that the proposed
Ordinance is as effective as the DWR Model Ordinance. These changes include requiring:
• All pools and spas must have a cover - This is to offset the flexibility being allowed in the
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installation of pools and spas of up to 10% of the landscaped area without having to prepare
a water budget.
• Maintenance agreement/covenant to ensure that current and future property owners are
informed of the special landscaping and maintenance requirements.
Staff additionally proposes that the threshold for requiring a geo-technical review as part of a
proposed project be 30% to be consistent with the Residential Hillside (RHS) Ordinance. Please
refer to attachment 4, Table 3 for details.
Changes to improve layout and readabilihj
Other changes to the regional Ordinance include the addition of two clarifying defirutions,
elimination of repetitive language and restructuring of the ordinance to allow better readability.
Fiscal Impacts
The new Ordinance will require additional staff time to inform applicants, review projects and
ensure the projects are monitored adequately. However, in order to address concerns from the
public and to encourage "green practices," staff is not proposing new fees for planning
applications. However, Public Works staff is considering new fees to recover staff time related
to monitoring after projects are built.
Community Outreach Efforts
City wide notification for the public hearings on the Landscape Ordinance was provided in a
newspaper advertisement in the Cupertino Courier. Announcements have been made on the
City's website, the City Channel, the Cupertino Radio station (1670 AM) and in the Cupertino
Scene. Additional outreach efforts included a mailing to stakeholders in the development
community, including local architects and landscape architects, and notice to the Cupertino
Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Action Committee.
On March 10, 2010, a community workshop was held by City staff to provide information and
the community an opportunity to discuss any concerns or comments related to the ordinance.
Approximately six people were in attendance of the meeting including a representative from
Apple Computer, two local architects, a landscape architect, a local resident, and a
representative from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Comments from the community
meeting and staff comments on each are summarized as follows:
• Ensure that requirements are not changing much for commercial/non-residential development - the
new rules allow more flexibility and options to achieve water-efficiency that our current
Xeriscape Ordinance
• Possibl� exempt single famil� development - while this is not possible under the new DWR
rules, staff is recommending providing easy ways for single-family homes to achieve
conformance through a simple checklist and
• Concerns zuith the added process and fees associated zvith the new zvater conversation rules - staff is
not proposing new planning fees to review the landscape requirements. However, the
Public Works Department may be looking to add fees to ensure compliance with Section
14.15.090.
• Concerns zuith losing signature landscape features such as IaZVns and/or large trees along major
streets due to their zvater consumption level - water-efficient landscaping does not restrict
planting of large street trees and offers many options to introduce signature landscape
features.
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Environmental Consideration
CEQA Exempt (Section 15308)
Conclusion
The proposed Ordinance is determined to be as effective as the DWR Ordinance due to
increased water savings for the following reasons:
1. Applies to more projects than the DWR Ordinance. Therefore, more landscapes will be
designed to be water efficient than under the DWR Ordinance.
2. Limits the use of high water using turf area to 25 % of the irrigated area, unless a water
budget is prepared.
3. Requires that at least 80% of the plants in non-turf landscape areas, by default, be native
plants, low-water using plants, or no-water using plants, unless a water budget is prepared.
4. Includes the same parameters and values as the DWR Ordinance for' the development of
water budgets.
5. Includes landscape parameters, such as, establishing slope and width restrictions for turf,
limiting irrigation times, and establishing minimum mulch requirements, consistent with
the DWR Ordinance.
6. Is simpler and more streamlined compared to the DWR Ordinance making it easier for
applicants to comply and easier for the city to implement and enforce.
The intent of the proposed City Ordinance is to promote water conservation by ensuring that
the new landscape provisions are relatively easy and cost effective to implement by applicants.
The requirements have been designed to be such that they do not discourage or deter people
from incorporating water conservation measures on their projects.
Prepared by: Piu Ghosh, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Approved by:
,
a hao Aarti Shrivastava
City Planner Community Development Director
ATTACHMENTS:
Model Resolution(s)
Attachment 1- Summary of Legislation Affecting Outdoor Water Use
Attachment 2- California DWR Model Water Efficiency in Landscaping Ordinance
Attachment 3- Santa Clara Valley Water District member agencies Water Conservation
in Landscaping Regional Model Ordinance
Attachment 4- Applicability and Submittal Requirements Comparison
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MCA-2010-01
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
RESOLUTION NO.
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE ADOPTION OF THE
NEW CHAPTER 14.15, LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE, TO REPLACE THE EXISTING
CHAPTER 14.15, XERISCAPE LANDSCAPING
The Planning Commission recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the City of
Cupertino Municipal Code as shown in Exhibit A.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of 2010, at a Regular Meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Cupertino by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Aarti Shrivastava � Paul Broj�i �y, Chair -
Director of Community Development Planning Commission
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EXHIBIT A
Ordinance No. 10.x:XXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO ESTABLISHING NEW LANDSCAPING
REGULATIONS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA WATER CONSERVATION IN
LANDSCAPING ACT
THE CITY OF CUPERTINO ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Statement of Picrpose. This ordinance establishes new water-efficient landscaping
and irrigation requirements as mandated by the California Water Conservation in
Landscaping Act.
Section 2. Code Amendment. The following new Chapter 14.15 entitled "Landscape
Ordinance" replaces the current Chapter 14.15 entitled "Xeriscape Landscaping" of the
Cupertino Municipal Code, to read as shown in Attachment A.
Section 3. Severabilit��. Should any provision of this Ordinance, or its application to any
person or circumstance, be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
unlawful, unenforceable or otherwise void, that determination shall have no effect on
any other provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any other
person or circumstance and, to that end, the provisions hereof are severable.
Section 4. �ective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after adoption as
provided by Goverrunent Code Section 36937.
Section 5. Cerfi�'tcation. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance and shall give notice of its adoption as required by law. Pursuant to
Government Code Section 36933, a summary of this Ordinance may be published and
posted in lieu of publication and posting of the entire text.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the Cupertino City Council the day of
2010 and ENACTED at a regular meeting of the Cupertino City Council on this
of 2010 by the following vote: .
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
AB STAIN:
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ATTACHMENT A
Chapter 14.15
WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING
Section
14.15.010. Intent.
14.15.020. Applicability.
14.15.030. Definitions.
14.15.040. Landscape Project Subrnittal
14.15.050. Water-Efficient Design Elements
14.15.060. Water Sudget Calculation
14.15.070. Soil Analysis.
14.15.080. Landscape Installation Report
14.15.090. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
14.15.100. Audit of Existing Landscapes Larger Than One Acre
14.15.110. Public Education
14.15.120. Penalties
14.15.010. Intent.
The intent of this chapter is to reduce water waste in landscaping by promoting the use of
region-appropriate plants that require minimal supplemental irrigation, and by establishing
standards for irrigation efficiency. This chapter implements the California Water Conservation
in Landscaping Act of 2006.
14.15.020. Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to:
1. Projects identified in Table 14.15.020.
Table 14.15.020
Total
Landscape
T e of Permit Area Re uirement
Buildin Permits '
New home in R1, RHS or A1 <_ 2,500 s.f. Checklist - A endix A
zones > 2,500 s.f. Landsca e Pro'ect Submittal - Sec. 14.15.040
Develo ment Permit or Gradin Permit
New home in R1, RHS, A1 or R2 _< 2,500 s.f. Checklist - A endix A
Zones > 2,500 s.f. Landsca e Pro'ect Submittal - Sec. 14.15.040
Commercial, industrial, office, _< 2,500 s.f. Checklist - Ap endix.. A _
multi-family residential, public
and institutional ro'ect > 2,500 s.f. Landsca e Pro'ect Submittal - Sec.14.15.040
Any landscape installation or <_ 2,500 s.f. Checklist - A endix A
rehabilitation project > 2,500 s.f. Landsca e Pro'ect Submittal - Sec. 14.15.040
Water Budget Calculations - Sec. 14.15.060
New and rehabilitated > 0 s.f. Landscape Installation Report - Sec. 14.15.080
cemeteries
Landsca e and Irri ation Maintenance - Sec. 14.15.090
Existing and established > 1 acre water Budget Calculations - Sec. 14.15.060
landscapes, including cemeteries Audit of Established Landsca es - Sec. 14.15.110
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2. Any project, regardless of total landscape area, that is determined to have an impact due
to a unique geographical or environmentally sensitive location, including but not limited
to, projects proposed on slopes greater than 30%, in geo-hazard areas near riparian
corridors, creeks and or/waterways, the city may require a landscape project submittal.
B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
1. Registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes an
historical landscape style, as determined by the City Council;
2. Surface mine reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
3. Ecological restorarion projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
4. Community gardens or plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums
open to the public; or
5. Any commercial cultivation of agricultural products; including, but not lunited to
products of farms, orchards, production nurseries and forests.
14.15.030. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply, unless it is apparent from the
context that a different meaning is intended.
Applied water: The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
Automatic irrigation controller: An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves
that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation
events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.
Backflow prevention device: 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 irrigation designer: 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 Associatiori s Certified Irrigation Designer program.
Certified landscape irrigation auditor: A person certified to perform landscape irrigation
audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other
program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor
certification program and Irrigation Associatiori s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
, program.
Certified professional: 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.
Conversion factor: The number (0.62) that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per
square foot per year.
Ecological restoration project: A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a
defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
Effective precipitation (Eppt) or usable rainfall: The portion of total precipitation which
becomes available for plant growth.
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Established landscape. 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.
Establishment period of plants: 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.
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU): The total water used for the landscape as described in
Section 14.15.060.
Evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF): A factor of 0.7, that, when applied to reference
evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency. ETAF for a special
landscape area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
Evapotranspiration rate: The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other
surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
Hardscape: Any constructed feature in a landscape built of concrete, stone, wood, or other such
non-pervious or pervious durable material, including, but not limited to, patios, wallcways,
and retaining walls.
Hydrozone: A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A
hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
Invasive plant species: Species of plants, listed in the invasive plant inventory of the California
Invasive Plant Council (IPC), that have been identified as invasive to areas within the IPC-
delineated Central West (CW) region.
Irrigation audit: 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.
Irrigation efficiency (IE): The measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided
by the amount of water applied. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of
this Chapter is 70%.
Irrigation survey: 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.
Landscape architect: A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in
California as further defined by the California Business and Professions Code Section 5615.
Landscape area: All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape
installation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures,
sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or
non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development
(e.g., open spaces and existing wildland or native vegetation).
Landscape contractor: A person licensed by the State of California to construct, maintain,
repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
Landscape project: An undertaking of landscape design and installation on a particular area of
land. A landscape project may be associated with an individual lot, a building project, or a
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multi-phased development. It may also be a larger, comprehensive landscape scheme that
is not coupled with an individual building project.
Lateral line: The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from
the valve.
Low water use plant: A plant species whose demonstrated water needs are compatible with
local climate and soil conditions such that regular supplemental irrigation is not required to
sustain the plant after it has become established. Species classified as "very low water use"
and "low water use" by "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species" (WUCOLS),
having a regionally adjusted plant factor of 0.0 through 0.3, shall be considered low water
use plants.
Low-volume irrigation: The application of irrigation water through a system of tubing or
lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines and bubblers specifically
designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants. Certain
rotary emitters designed to provide highly efficient water distribution may also be included
in this definition, at the discretion of the Director of Community Development.
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA): The upper limit of annual applied water for
the established landscaped area calculated using the formula specified in Section 14.15.090.
Mined-land reclamation projects: Any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan
approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
Mulch: Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite, left loose and applied to the soil
surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating
soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.
Native plant: A plant indigenous to a specific area of consideration. For the purpose of this
Chapter, the term refers to plants indigenous to the coastal ranges of central and northern
California, and more specifically to such plants that are suited to the ecology of the present
or historic natural coxnmunity in the project's vicinity. .
Noxious weed: Any weed designated by the weed control regulations in the Weed Control Act
and identified on a regional district noxious weed control list.
Operating pressure: The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by
the manufacturer to operate.
Overhead sprinkler irrigation system: A system that delivers water through the air (e.g., spray
heads and rotors).
Overspray: Irrigation water that is delivered beyond the target area.
Plant factor: A number, which, when multiplied by reference evapotranspiration (ETo),
estimates the amount of water needed by plants. The plant factor ranges from 0.0 to 0.3 for
low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for
high water use plants. Plant factors are based on the "Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species" (WUCOLS) publication.
Rain sensor or rain sensing shutoff device: A component that automatically suspends an
irrigation event when it rains.
Recycled water: Treated wastewater, including reclaimed water or treated sewage effluent
water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses including landscape irrigation and water
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features. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo): A standard measurement of environmental
parameters that affect the water use of plants.
Rehabilitated landscape: Any re-landscaping project that requires an architectural and site
approval, design review, grading permit, use permit, or a discretionary permit of any sort,
or requires a new or expanded water service application.
. Runoff: Water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows
from the landscape area.
Soil moisture sensor: A device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may
also initiate or suspend irrigation.
Special landscape area (SLA): An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, areas
irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to
active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing
surface.
Sprinkler head: A device that delivers water through a nozzle.
Station: An area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
Turf: A ground cover surface consisting of non-native grass species that is customarily mowed.
Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, red fescue, and tall fescue are
examples of cool-season turf grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St.
Augustine grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass are warm-season turf grasses.
Valve: A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
Water feature: A landscape design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. Water features include ponds, fountains, lakes, waterfalls, artificial
streams and any design elements where water is supplied artificially. Spas and swimming
pools that are ancillary to single-family, two-family and multi-family residential uses also
are considered water features.
Wet surface area: The surface area of that portion of a water feature that functions to contain
water, such as the water surface of a swimming pool, spa, or garden pond. For a fountain or
other feature with flowing water, wet surface area shall be measured as a two dimensional
plane bounded by the perimeter of the area where water has been designed to flow.
Wildland urban interface: A geographic area identified by Chapter 16.74 of this Code to be at
a significant risk from wildfires.
WUCOLS: The publication "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species" published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources and the
Bureau of Reclamation, 2000.
14.15.040. Landscape Project Submittal
Unless otherwise specified, the following items shall be submitted to the Director of
Community Development when a landscape project is subject to the requirements of this
chapter.
A. Water-Efficient Design Checklist (Appendix A) completed by a property owner or certified
landscape professional.
B. Landscape and Irrigation Design Plans (Appendix B) completed by a certified professional.
C. Water Budget Calculations (Section 14.15.090), if necessary.
D. Soil Analysis Report (Section 14.15.100), if necessary.
Page 6 of 17
5-13
E. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule (Section 14.15.120).
F. Landscape Installation Report (Section 14.15.110), following installation of landscaping
materials and irrigation hardware.
14.15.050. Water-Efficient Design Elements
Projects set forth in Section 14.15.020 requiring a landscape project submittal shall comply with
all applicable criteria of this section.
A. Plant Material:
All plant material shall be chosen and arranged per requirements in Table 14.15.050(A).
Table 14.15.050(A)
1 O tions to demonstrate water efficien
a. i. Total turf area shall not b. Prepare a water budget
exceed 25% of the landscape calculation, per the provisions of
area, or 1,250 square feet, Section 14.15.060.
whichever is lesser in area and OR
ii. At least 80% of the plants
within non-turf areas shall be
native or low water-use
AND
2 Turf Restrictions
a. Turf shall not be planted on slopes greater than 25%.
b. Turf areas shall not be less than ei ht feet wide.
3 Non-turf Restrictions
a. Plants shall be arranged appropriately based upon the site's climate, slopes, sun
exposure, soil characteristics, wildfire susceptiUility and other site conditions
appropriate for the selected plants.
b. The horticultural atiributes of plant species (e.g., mature plant size, invasive roots, and
structural attributes) shall be considered, in order to minimize the potential for damage
to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, septic systems, sidewalks, power lines).
c. Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches are strongly discouraged. In
areas designated wildland urban interface by Chapter 16.74 of this Code, plants shall be
selected, arranged and maintained to provide defensible space for wildfire protection, in
conformance with Public Resources Code Section 4291.
d. Invasive plant species/noxious weeds:
i. Installation shall be prohibited.
ii. Existing within or adjacent to the proposed landscape area shall be removed prior to
installation of new landsca in .
The architeciural guidelines, conditions, covenants or restrictions of a common interest
4 development shall not supersede this chapter by either prohibiting low water use plants, or
includin conditions that have the effect of restrictin the use of low water use lants.
B. Hydrozones:
1. Plant materials of similar water use shall be grouped in hydrozones.
2. Mixed plant materials & hydrozoning: If plant materials of differing water uses are
mixed, for purposes of preparing a water budget use Table 14.15.050(B).
Page 7 of 17
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Table 14.15.050 (B)
Mixed lant materials Re uirements
Low and moderate water Allowed. All plants classified as moderate
use lants water use for MAWA calculations.
High water use plants with Not allowed in any hydrozone.
low and moderate water
use lants
C. Irrigation System:
The irrigation system proposed for any project shall meet the requirements outlined in Table
14.15.050 (C)
Table 14.15.050 (C)
Cate o Re uirements
Shall meet all requirements per manufacturer's specifications and this
Irri ation S stem table.
Irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and
Desi n desi ed to allow for ro er installation, mana ement and maintenance.
Dedicated Landscape
Water Meter Re uired for landsca es > 5,000 s.f., exce t sin le-famil residential.
Automatic Irrigation Required for irrigation scheduling, utilizing evapotranspiration or soil
Controllers moisture sensor data.
Integral or auxiliary, required to suspend or alter irrigation operation
Sensors durin unfavorable weather conditions.
Required for each hydrozone. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on
Se arate Valve se arate valves from shrubs, roundcovers and turf.
Irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head
Water Waste draina e, overs ra , or other similar conditions.
Type of Irrigation Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected Uased on
hardware what is a ro riate for the lant e within that h drozone.
Re uired in mulched areas
Re uired in areas with slo e> 25%
Low-volume Irrigation Re uired within 24 inches of a non- ermeable surface
Required in any narrow or irregularly shaped areas that are less than
ei ht 8 feet in width in an direction.
Average Irrigation Systems shall be designed, maintained and managed to meet or exceed
Efficienc avera e landsca e Irri ation efficienc of 70%.
Lunited to between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless unfavorable weather
revents it or renders irri ation unnecesar .
Irrigation Times
Irrigation outside the normal designated window is allowed for auditing
and s stem maintenance onl .
D. Soil, conditioning, and mulching:
Soil, conditioning, and mulching requirements for all landscape projects are outlined in
Table 14.15.050(D).
Page 8 of 17
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Table 14.15.050 D)
� Type of soil
amendment Re uirements
Minimum eight (8) inches, non-compacted topsoil shall be available for
water absor tion and root owth in lanted areas.
Topsoil Minunum may be waived where a landscaped professional determines that
practical limitations (e.g., slope and other geotechnical factors), necessitate
a lesser soil de th that is viable for the chosen lant materiaLs
Compost, fertilizer or other materials, shall be added according to the soil
Other amendments conditions at the project site and based on what is appropriate for the
chosen lant materials.
Minimum two (2) inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
Mulch surfaces of lantin areas.
Not needed in areas of direct seedin a lication e. . h dro-seed
Stabilizing mulching
roducts Re uired for use on slo es.
E. Water Features:
1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for all water features.
2. Water features are limited to 10% of the landscaped area unless a water budget is
prepared.
3. All pools and spas shall have covers.
4. If water budget is prepared or required, use Table 14.15.050(E) for MAWA calculations.
Table 14.15.050 E: Water Features
"/o of landsca e area Water usa e for MAWA calculation
Water features includin ools and s as <_ 10% Medium
Water features includin ools and s as > 10% Hi h
14.15.060. Water Budget Calculation
Project applicant may elect to submit a water budget calculation for the landscape project. A
water budget must be completed by a certified professional who is authorized by the State of
California to complete a water budget. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following
requirements:
A. All special landscape areas shall be identified and their water use included in the water
budget calculations.
B. All other factors are as defined in Sections 14.15.030 and 14.15.06u: -
C. Maximum applied water allowance shall be calculated for each project using the formulae
outlined in Table 14.15.060: MAWA Calculation
Table 14.15.060: MAWA Calculation
1. For established landscapes that MAWA= (ETo) (0.62) (LA) (0.8)
have dedicated irri ation meters
2. For all new and rehabilitated MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
landscapes
Page 9 of 17
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Where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (acre-inches to gallons)
LA = Landscape Area (square feet)
0.8 = Reference Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
All other factors as defined in Section 14.15.090 (H) above.
D. Estimated total water use (ETWU) shall be calculated for each hydrozone using the equation
below. The sum of the ETWU calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed the MAWA
calculated using the formula above.
C PF * HA 1
ETWU = (ETo)(0.62) IE + SLA
Where:
ETWU = Estimated Total Water Use per year (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
0.62 = Conversion Factor
PF = Plant Factor from WUCOLS (B32-2(nn)) .
HA = Hydrozone Area (square feet)
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.70)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
14.15.070. Soil Analysis.
The Director of Cornmunity Development or his/her designee shall have discretion to require
soil analysis as a condition of approval for any development permits, grading permit, or any
type of discretionary permit, where a landscape project submittal is required.
A soil analysis report shall document the various characteristics of the soil (e.g. texture,
infiltration rate, pH, soluble salt content, percent organic matter, etc), and provide
recommendations for amendments as appropriate to optimize the productivity and water-
efficiency of the soil.
The soil analysis report shall be made available to the professionals preparing the landscape
and irrigation design plans in a timely manner either before or during the design process. A
copy of the soils analysis report shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development
as part of the landscape documentation package.
14.15.080. Landscape Installation Report
Landscape installation assessment for new or rehabilitated landscapes shall be conducted by a
certified landscape professional after the landscaping and irrigation system have been installed.
The findings of the assessment shall be consolidated into a landscape installation report.
A. The landscape installation report shall include, but is not limited to: inspection to confirm
that the landscaping and irrigation system are installed as specified in the landscape and
Page 10 of 17
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irrigation design plan, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting
overspray or run off that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
B. The landscape installation report shall include the following statement: "The landscape and
irrigation system have been installed as specified in the landscape and irrigation design plan
and complies with the criteria of the ordinance and the permit."
C. Landscape Maintenance Agreement:
1. Prior to final inspections and final occupancy, the owner(s) of the property shall enter
into a formal written landscape maintenance agreement with the City. The City shall
record this agreement, against the property or properties involved, with the County of
Santa Clara Recorder's Office and it shall be binding on all subsequent owners of land
served by the proposed landscape.
2. The landscape maintenance agreement shall require that the installed landscape not be
modified and that maintenance activities not alter the level of water efficiency of the
landscape from its original design, unless approved by the City prior to the
commencement of the proposed modification or maintenance activity.
14.15.090. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure successful establishment following installation, and
to ensure water use efficiency consistent with this chapter. A maintenance schedule shall be
established and submitted to the Director of Community Development or his/her designee,
either with the landscape application package, with the landscape installation report, or any
time before the landscape installation report is submitted. Maintenance contract documentation
shall be provided to the Director of Community Development or his/her designee, if so
requested.
A. The timing of the maintenance schedule shall extend 30 months from the date of the
landscape installation report, unless a different time period is established by the Director of
Community Development under a condition of permit approval. Schedules should take
into account water requirements for the plant establishment period and water requirements
for established landscapes. The landscape professional(s) overseeing maintenance activities
shall provide to the Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, a minimum of three
summary reports at appropriately spaced intervals over the 30-month period. The reports
shall evaluate the condition of the installation, and describe maintenance needs and any
actions taken.
B. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to the following: routine inspection; pressure
testing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system; aerating and de-thatching turf areas;
replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; replanting of failed plants; weeding; pest control;
and removing obstructions to emission devices. - _
C. Failed plants shall be replaced with the same or functionally equivalent plants that may be
size-adjusted as appropriate for the stage of growth of the overall installation. Failing plants
shall either be replaced, or be revived through appropriate adjustments in water, nutrients,
pest control or other factors as recommended by a landscaping professional.
14.15.100. Audit of Existing Landscapes Larger Than One Acre
The Director of Public Works may require audits to evaluate water use on existing landscapes
larger than one acre (installed prior to January 1, 2010). Such audits may also be initiated as a
Page 11 of 17
5-18
coordinated effort between the City and, the Santa Clara Valley Water District or the City's
water purveyors. This audit must be completed by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
Following the findings and recommendations of the certified landscape irrigation auditor, the
Director of Public Works may require adjustments to irrigation usage, irrigation hardware,
and/ or landscape materials to reduce irrigation water use.
Landscape renovation or rehabilitation resulting from an audit shall be considered a landscape
project, and shall be subject to applicable Section 14.15.040 and Table 14.15.060(C)(1).
14.15.110. Public Education
A. The City shall provide information, with assistance from the Santa Clara Valley Water
District and its water purveyors, to all applicants regarding the design, installation,
management and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes and irrigation systems.
B. All model homes that are landscaped shall have signs installed that provide information on
the principles of water-efficient landscaping.
14.15.120. Penalties
Non-compliance with any applicable provision of this chapter shall be subject to enforcement
action, as provided in Chapter 1.10 and/ or Chapter 1.12of this Code.
Page 12 of 17 �
5-19
AP PENDIX A - C HECKLIST
Page 13 of 17
5-20
LANDSCAPE WATER-EFFICIENCY CHECKLIST
Communihj Development Departrnent
10300 Torre Avenue 408.777.3308/Fax 408.777.3333
Cupertino, CA 95014 planningOcupertino.org
CUPERTINO http://cupertino.org/plannin
Applicant Name: Email:
Project Site Address: Phone:
Total Landscape t.andscape area: Atl tlie planting areas, tiirf areas, and water
Area s uare feet : features in a landscape installation. The: landscape area does
uot iuclude foot�rints of buildin�;s or strurtures, siaeL. alks,
dricew�lys, park�nh lots, decks, patios, �;ravel or stone �val}:s,
other pervious c>r ncm-pc:n%ious hardsi�a and other n<�n
Turf Area: irrigated ��reas designated for non-clevelopment (e.g., r_,pen.
space.s and t:xisei.n�; wildland vegetation).
Non Plant Area: Turf: tl grouiicl rover surface consistinb of non-native i7ras.s
speciE:s that is customar.ily� mowed. �annual blue.�;rass,
Kentucky l�luegrass, perennial ry rc:d fc:scue, and tall
S ecial Landscape Area: tescue are examples of cool-season turt grasses. Beruivaa
Water Feature Wet Surface Area: grass, kikuy�i �;rass, seash��re. paspalum, St. ��ugu.sti.t.te grass,
zi>ysia ;rass, ana burfalo Yrass are ti-arni-seas<>u kurf �,rassc.s.
If > 10% of landscaped area, water budget calcu-
lation required with landscape project submittal. Sec: r�verse sidE: for other definitic�ns.
NOTE: If landscape area exceeds 2,500 sq. ft., a landscape project submittal shall be required. If no landscaping is proposed, enter
"0" aUove and proceed directly to the signature block at the Uottom of this form.
Landscape Parameter € Requirements � Project Compliance
Turf t Total turf area shall not exceed 25% of the landscape I� Yes ❑�c?
; area, or 1,250 square feet, whichever is lesser in area. �[If nc>, l4'ater biiE.�F;c°t r�ik-til<z� �} �i rs��c�; ;r���:
;�,itli t,:�Fitls:'.tt?�^ :>asrjL:�ct stt(YFt,itt<;3;
i All portions of turf areas shall be wider than eight (8) feet ; [� Yes ���
�_.w __. _..._��_. �..�.....___. ___..�...�,,.._� �_._...__,. �..� __.__J,.__.m,....._._...._.�.....,�...__.�._.._ _ �..___..__ ..... . _. .
? Turf (if utilized) is limited to slopes not exceeding 15%. � d Yes
Non-Turf � At least 80% of non-turf area shall consist of native or ? ❑ Yes ❑�o
� low water use plants. �(If no t•'t'at�:�r bi.�d;;c�t cr:�lc��il.iti<?r� ?t�e�ix:ri:�c.i
; � with Ian�isca���� �rc�j�::s t s�Fk>���:lt�:r I
Hydrozones E Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped within � Q Yes ❑:�:o
� hydrozones. Each hydrozone shall be controlled by a �
� separate valve. , jif ix;, i'����vid�>_ ��x�,rsr,<�;i:?zi �,€� ;�a� �;
Irrigation System ; Systems shall be designed and maintained to minunize ; � Yes ❑�v
; water waste (e.g., runoff, low head drainage, overspray). ;
� Low-volume irrigation shall be utilized in non-turf areas. ;
? Irrigation shall only occur between the hours of 8:00 pm �([{ ns:,, I'ro�s icli� ex�?(<:�natiosi «.? i�::ck]
= and 10:00 am. '
Soil i A minimum of eight (8) inches of non-compacted topsoil �� Yes Q:�t?
� shall be available in planted areas. '� (�IF �nc�, Pr<?victe F:x�Eaa���i�ci�� �lr� t� �rl:j
i
�..„_.�_�. �__wwa„�,. � � _ _� , � � .� �.„ _ .�..�...__._ _ __m__. . _.a�. _ . ___ _ _ _. .. _, _ e_
� Soil amendments, such as compost or fertilizer, shall be f
; appropriately added according to the soil conditions at -❑ Yes ❑:tio
"� the project site and based on what is appropriate for the
selected plants. (it n« Prvl-i�fc� et}itanzit�,rr, <>z, (i���:'::]
Mulch A minunum two (2)-inch layer of mulch shall be applied ''
,' [� Yes Q :'ti;,
on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas, except in '
areas of direct seeding application (e.g. hydro-seed). '[?t z1o, I'r��vid{:� ��x��Eaz��it€<�; �3� ';3,�:�1.j
I am aware of available informational resources regarding native and low water use plants, irrigation efficiency, and other aspects of
water-efficient landscaping. I certify that the information provided on this checklist is correct, and the nistalled landscape complies
with the requirements of Chapter 14.15. I also understand that any changes to the project will necessitate a new checklist.
Si nature of ro er owner or authorized re resentative Date
Page 1 of 2
5-21
This checklist unplements the requirements of Chapter 14.15, Landscape Ordinance, of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
The responses provided will be evaluated to determine whether the proposed landscape is generally consistent with the
ordinance's water-efficiency goals.
Applicant Comments
,.. ri �?: iililU,..d� L?l:," IY R('Cti551i'V
Staff Evaluation ; Staff Comments
I
f
Approved '
!
� Not Approved i
f'
i
}
� Signature Date
Select Definitians
Hydrozone: A portion c�f the la:nclsctiped area having plants with siinila'e �atec neec�s: A IZydroz.on� m�� he
irrigated or non-irrigated.
Low-volum� irrigation: 'T`he applieation of irrigation ti�ater thi a system �t tubin� or lateral lines and
low-volunle cnutters such as drig and bubblcrs. Certaut rotary emiEtcrs designed tc�r lughly efficient �vater
distribu.tion, and situated tc� irrigate lo�v water use �lants, tna}T atso Ue included in fhis definitian at the
c.�lisc.rction c�f the I'lanning Uffice.
I.ow �vater use �lant: A p.lant species whose demanstrate� wate:c needs axe cocnpatibte with local. ciimate anci.
soil cunditions such that reguIar supplemental irrigation is noE required to sustain the pl.ant after it has be-
come established. Any species classified as "very 1c�w waEer use" and "l�w tivatez� use" by V1'UCOLS, havii:lg
a regionally adjusted plant tact��r of 0.0 through 0.3, s.hall be categorically deemzd a 1ow wate.r use }.�lant.
Native piant: A plant i.nc�i.gellous to a specific area of cotiside.ration. For the pu�•�.�ose of this division, the tzrrr�
will refer to plants in.digenous ta the coastal ranges of Central and Northecn California, and more specifical-
ly tu such plants that are suited ta the ecologv c�f Hzepresent or historic:natural commiuiity of t11e project's
vieinity.
Special landscape area: An area of the lancisc.ape dedicateci sc�lely tii e��ible plants, areas irrigated 4vit1Y re-
cycied water., water features using recycled: water and ar.eas dedicated. t� active pla_y such as parks, sp�rts
fields, gc�lf courses, and where turt provides a playing surfac�.
7'urf: A ground cover sux•face corlsisting af n.o:n-:nakive grass spec:ies khat is c�xsto:mar.i.ly rnocved. Annual blue-
grass, Kentuck�r bluegrass, perennial ryehrass, re� fescue, and talt fescue are examples of c�al-scason turf
g:rasses. Bermuda grass, kikuyu �rass, seasliore paspaium., St. Augustiile grass, zoSlsra grass, and buftaia
gra5s are tivar�n-season turf grasses.
Water .Eeatur.e: A landscape desi�n �lement whe.re open water perforGlis 1n aesthekic or r�creation.al function.
VVater features include ��nds, fountaii�s, �raterfatls and artificial streams. ralso includes apas and stivirn-
mulg pc�ols that are ai�cillary to sin�lc-family, two-family an�i multi-famil�� resideiltial uses.
Wet surface area: �Che surface area of that �ortion of a wat�r f.eature thaf functions to conte�in water, such as tihe
water surface �f a s�vimming pool, spa, ar garde;n pond. Far a f�untain or other feature with tlowing water,
tivet surface area shalt be nleasured as a twro dimensic�nal piane boun� b�- the pericneter of the area where
rvater has b�cn design�d to flo�v.
5-22
APPENDIX B- LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PLANS
The landscape and irrigation design plan shall be prepared as follows:
A. The landscape and irrigation design plans shall incorporate all applicable elements
of Section 14.15.050 of Chapter 14.15 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
B. The landscape design portion 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.
C. The irrigation design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the signat of, a
licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape
contractor, or any other person authorized by the State of California to design an
irrigation system.
D. The landscape design portion of the landscape and irrigation design plan, at a
minimum, shall:
1. Provide basic project information, such as applicant name, site address, total
landscape area and turf area (square feet), irrigation water source (e.g. municipal,
well, recycled), retail water purveyor (if applicable), and project contacts.
2. Identify, in tabular form, all plants to be installed as part of the project. The table
shall include the following:
i. Symbol (representing the plant on the plan).
ii. Common name.
iii. Botanical name.
iv. Container size.
v. Quantity.
vi. Type (e.g. grass, forb, succulent, vine, shrub, tree).
vii. Water-efficient species identification. All "native" and "low water use"
plant species (defined in Section 14.15.030) shall be so labeled.
viii. Unique physical specifications of plants (e.g., bare-root, field-potted, multi-
trunk), if applicable.
3. Include the following:
i. General notes, planting notes, plant layout based on size at maturity,
species, and symbol legend.
ii. Spacing of proposed plantings.
iii. Topography
iv. Trunk diameter of all existing trees whose trunk circumference is greater
than 18.5 inches, measured 54 inches above grade. _
v. Existing features to remain, such as trees, fencing, hardscape, etc.
vi. Existing features to be removed.
vii. Identification of pertinent site factors such as sun exposure, microclimate,
property lines, buildings, underground/ above-ground utilities, existing
drainage features, etc.
viii. Proposed grading. See Section 16.08 of the Cupertino Municipal Code for
the requirements of when a grading permit is required.
ix. Seed mix, if applicable.
4. Delineate and label each hydrozone;
Page 16 of 17
5-23
5. Identify each hydrozone as low water, moderate water, high water, or mixed
(low/moderate) water use, as defined by WUCOLS;
6. Identify special landscape areas;
7. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
8. Identify type and wet surface area of water features;
9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious); and
10. Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them for the efficient use of
water in the landscape design plan."
E. The irrigation design portion of the landscape and irrigation design plan, at a
minimum, shall contain:
1. 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;
2. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;
3. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design
operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;
4. Irrigation schedule;
5. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape (if applicable); and,
6. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them accordingly for the
efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan."
F. Grading. If the landscape project area will be graded, then, at a minimum, grading
contours and quantities shall be shown on the landscape design plan. Grading shall
meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 16.08 of the Cupertino Municipal Code,
including permitting requirements for grading in excess of established permit
thresholds.
A geotechnical engineer should be consulted prior to the installation of landscaping
materials and irrigation hardware on slopes greater than 30%, or in any areas where
slope stability may be compromised.
G. Wildfire Management. Plant list shall exclude plant types that increase wildfire
susceptibility. In areas designated wildland urban interface, by Chapter 16.74 of the
Cupertino Municipal Code, the plan shall demonstrate that plants have been selected
and arranged to provide defensible space for wildfire protection, in conformance
with Public Resources Code Section 4291.
H. Storm Water Management. Storm water best management practices shall be
incorporated as appropriate into the landscape installation, the details of which shall
be shown on the landscape design plan. Installation shall be subject to the San
Francisco Bay Regiori s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
storm water discharge permit requirements and Chapter 9.18 of the Cupertino
Municipal Code.
Page 17 of 17
5-24
ATTACHMENT 1
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION AFFECTING OUTDOOR WATER USE
AB 1881 (State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance): AB 1881 requires cities and
counties, no later than January 1, 2010, to adopt the updated DWR Ordinance or an equivalent
ordinance which is "at least as effective" as the DWR Ordinance in conserving water. In the
event cities and counties do not take such action, the DWR Ordinance will be deemed to be
automatically adopted by statute. By adopting this Ordinance, the city will more specifically
address the needs of the local community, while being at least as effective as the DWR
Ordinance in conserving water.
California Green Building Standards Code: The Green Building Standards Code came into effect
in August 2009, with the requirements for water savings becoming mandatory in 2011. The
California Green Building Standards Code requires that, at a minimum, a water budget be
developed for landscape irrigation at new development in accordance with methodology
outlined in either the DWR Ordinance or pursuant to a locally adopted Ordinance. The
Ordinance is consistent with this requirement of the Green Building Standards Code.
Senate Bi117 (Steinber�; 7� Extraordinary Session): Pursuant to SB 7, the state will have to
reduce urban per capita water use by 20 percent no later than December 31, 2020, and by at least
10 percent no later than December 31, 2015. These water use reductions will be compared
against a 10-to 15-year baseline period that ends between 2004 and 2010. By requiring new
development to have water efficient landscaping, the Ordinance will assist Cupertino to comply
with the water savings requirements of SB 7.
5-25
Attachment 2
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
September 10, 2009
5-26
Index
Page
490. Purpose 1
490.1 Applicability 1
491. Definitions 2
492. Provisions for New Construction or Rehabilitated Landscapes 6
492.1 Compliance with Landscape Documentation Package 6
492.2 Penalties 6
492.3 Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package 7
492.4 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet 7
492.5 Soil Management Report 10
492.6 Landscape Design Plan 10
492.7 Irrigation Design Plan 12
492.8 Grading Design Plan 14
492.9 Certificate of Completion 15
492.10 Irrigation Scheduling 15
492.11 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule 16
492.12 Irrigation Audit, Imgation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis 16
492.13 Irrigation Efficiency 17
492.14 Recycled Water 17
492.15 Stormwater Management 17
492.16 Public Education 17
492.17 Environmental Review 1 g
493. Provisions for Existing Landscapes 1 g
493.1 Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis 18
493.2 Water Waste Prevention 1 g
494. Effective Precipitation 1 g
Appendices 19
Appendix A. Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table 19
Appendix B. Sample Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet 28
Section B 1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) 29
Section B2. Estimated Total Water Use (ET'WU) 30
Appendix C. Sample Certificate of Completion 31
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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 supply and 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;
t3) 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 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;
(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.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65593, Government Code. Reference: Sections 65591, 65593, 65596,
Government Code.
§ 490.1 Applicability `
(a) After January 1, 2010, this ordinance shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
(1) new construction and rehabilitated landscapes for public agency projects and private development
projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or
landscape permit, plan check or design review;
(2) new construction and rehabilitated landscapes which are developer-installed in single-family and
multi-family projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a
building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review;
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(3) new construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-
family and multi-family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than
5,000 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;
(4) existing landscapes limited to Sections 493, 493.1 and 493.2; and
(5) 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) 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) mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
(4) plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the 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 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.
(� "certified landscape irrigation auditor" means a person certified to perform landscape irrigation
audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as
the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and
Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
(g) "check valve" or "anti-drain valve" means a valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in
the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the
sprinkler is off.
(h) "common interest developments" means community apartment projects, condominium projects,
planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civi( Code Section 1351.
(i) "conversion factor (0.62)" means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons
per square foot per year
(j) "drip irrigation" means any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a
flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically�designed to
apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
(k) "ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a
defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(I)"effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" (Eppt) means the portion of total precipitation which
becomes available for plant growth.
(m) "emitter" means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the
soil.
(n) "established landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant
root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth.
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(o) "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.
(p) "Estimated Total Water Use" (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape as described in
Section 492.4.
(a) "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor of 0.7, that, when applied to reference
evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the
amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape.
A combined plant mix with a site-wide average of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor portion of this
calculation. For purposes of the ETAF, the average inigation efficiency is 0.71. Therefore, the ET
Adjustment Factor is (0.7)=(0.5/0.71). ETAF for a Special Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF
for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
(r) "evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other
surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
(s) "flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices,
measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
(t) "hardscapes" means any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).
(u) "homeowner-provided landscaping" means any landscaping either installed by a private individual
for a single family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner. A homeowner,
for purposes of this ordinance, is a person who occupies the dwelling he or she owns. This excludes
speculative homes, which are not owner-occupied dwellings.
(v) "hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A
hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
(w) "infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of
time (e.g., inches per hour).
(x)"invasive plant species" means species of plants not historically found in California that spread
outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be
regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. "Noxious weeds" means any weed
designated by the Weed Control Regulations in the Weed Control Act and identified on a Regional
District noxious weed control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California lnvasive Plant
Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
(y) "irrigation audit" means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted
by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is not limited to: inspection,
system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or
runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an inigation schedule.
(z) "irrigation efficiency" (IE) means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided
by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of
irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency
for purposes of this ordinance is 0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed
and maintained systems.
(aa) "irrigation survey" means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than irrigation
audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written
recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
(bb) "irrigation water use analysis" means an analysis of water use data based on meter readings and
billing data.
(cc) "landscape architect" means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the
state of California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.
(dd) "landscape area" means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design
plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation. The landscape area does not
include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or
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stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for
non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
(ee) "landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain,
repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
(f fl"Landscape Documentation Package" means the documents required under Section 492.3.
(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.
(hh) "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from
the valve.
(ii) "local agency" means a city or county, including a charter city or charter county, that is responsible
for adopting and implementing the ordinance. The local agency is also responsible for the enforcement
of this ordinance, including but not limited to, approval of a permit and plan check or design review of a
project.
(jj) "local water purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water
company that provides retail water service.
(kk) "low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system
of tubing or latera( 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.
(I1) "main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or
outlet.
(mm) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual applied water
for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 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.
(nn) "microclimate" means the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the
overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective
surfaces.
(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.
(pp) "mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the
beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and
preventing soil erosion.
(qq) "new construction" means, for the purposes of this ordinance, a new building with a landscape or
other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.
(rr) "operating pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by
the manufacturer to operate.
(ss) "overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray
heads and rotors).
(tt) "overspray" means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
(uu) "permit" means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or
rehabilitated landscapes.
(vv) "pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and
into the underlying soil.
(ww) "plant factor" or "plant water use factor" is a factor , when multiplied by ETo, estimates the
amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the plant factor range for low water
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use plants is 0 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant
factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this ordinance are derived from
the Department of Water Resources 2000 pub(ication "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species".
(xx) "precipitation rate" means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.
(yy) "project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation Package
required under Section 492.3, to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the local agency. A
project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
(zz) "rain sensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" means a component which automatically suspends an
irrigation event when it rains.
(aaa) "record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings which show significant
changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in
the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
(bbb) "recreational area" means areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, and golf
courses where turf provides a playing surface.
(ccc) "recycled water", "reclaimed water", or "treated sewage effluent water" means treated or recycled
waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features.
This water is not intended for human consumption.
(ddd) "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of environmental
parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year as
represented in Section 495.1, 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 the basis
of determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowance so that regional differences in climate can be
accommodated.
(eee) "rehabilitated landscape" means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit , plan check, or
design review, meets the requirements of Section 490.1, and the modified landscape area is equal to or
greater than 2,500 square feet, is 50% of the total landscape area, and the modifications are completed
within one year.
(fffl "runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a
rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.
(ggg) "soil moisture sensing device" or "soil moisture sensor" means a device that measures the amount
of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.
(hhh) "soil texture" means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
(iii)"Special Landscape Area" (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants,
areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to active
play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.
(jjj) "sprinkler head" means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
(kkk) "static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not
flowing.
(111) "station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
(mmm) "swing joint" means an irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection
between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent
equipment damage.
(nnn) "turf' means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass,
Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
(000) "valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
(ppp) "water conserving plant species" means a plant species identified as having a low plant factor.
(qqq) "water feature" means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational
function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and
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swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in
the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater
treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water
treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water
budget calculation.
(rrr) "watering window" means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
(sss) "WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University
of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of
Reclamation, 2000.
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 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.
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§ 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
(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) hydrozone information table
(B) 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 which contains two
sections (see sample worksheet in Appendix B):
(1) a hydrozone information table (see Appendix B, Section A) for t�he landscape project; and
(2) a water budget calculation (see Appendix B, Section B) for the landscape project. For the calculation
of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use, a project applicant shall 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. The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.3 for low water
use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
(2) All water features shall be included in the high water use 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 described below.
(4) ETAF for Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(c) Maximum Applied Water Allowance
The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the equation:
MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
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The example calculations below are hypothetical to demonstrate proper use of the equations and do not
represent an existing and/or planned landscape project. The ETo values used in these calculations are
from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix A, for planning purposes only. For actual
irrigation scheduling, automatic irrigation controllers are required and shall use current reference
evapotranspiration data, such as from the California lrrigation Management Information System
(CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.
(1) Example MAWA calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Fresno, CA with an irrigated
landscape area of 50,000 square feet without any Special Landscape Area (SLA= 0, no edible plants,
recreational areas, or use of recycled water). To calculate MAWA, the annual reference
evapotranspiration value for Fresno is 51.1 inches as listed in the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in
Appendix A.
MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons)
0.7 = ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
LA = Landscape Area including SLA (square feet)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
MAWA =(51.1 inches) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) +(0.3 x 0)]
= 1,108,870 gallons per year
To convert from gallons per year to hundred-cubic-feet per year:
= 1,108,870/748 = 1,482 hundred-cubic-feet per year
(100 cubic feet = 748 gallons)
(2) In this next hypothetical example, the landscape project in Fresno, CA has the same ETo value of
51.1 inches and a total landscape area of 50,000 square feet. Within the 50,000 square foot project, there
is now a 2,000 square foot area planted with edible plants. This 2,000 square foot area is considered to
be a Special Landscape Area.
MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
MAWA =(51.1 inches) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) +(0.3 x 2,000 square feet)]
= 31.68 x[35,000 + 600] gallons per year
= 31.68 x 35,600 gallons per year
=1,127,808 gallons per year or 1,508 hundred-cubic-feet per year
(d) Estimated Total Water Use.
The Estimated Total Water Use shall be calculated using the equation below. The sum of the Estimated
' Total Water Use calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed MAWA.
ETWU = (ETo)(0.62)� P I� ` + SLA _
Where:
ETWU = Estimated Tota( Water Use per year (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
PF = Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Section 491)
HA = Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion Factor
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.71)
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(1) Example ETWU calculation: landscape area is 50,000 square feet; plant water use type, plant factor,
and hydrozone area are shown in the table below. The ETo value is 51.1 inches per year. There are no
Special Landscape Areas (recreational area, area permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants, and
area irrigated with recycled water) in this example.
Plant Hydrozone
Plant Water Factor Area (HA) PF x HA
H drozone Use T e s PF * s uare feet s uare feet
1 Hi h 0.8 7,000 5,600
2 Hi h 0.7 10,000 7,000
3 Medium 0.5 16,000 8,000
4 Low 0.3 7,000 2,100
5 Low 0.2 10,000 2,000
Sum 24,700
*Plant Factor from WUCOLS
ETWU=(SI.1)(0.62) 24,700+0
0. 71
= 1,102,116 gallons per year
Compare ETWU with MAWA: For this example MAWA =(51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) +(0.3 x 0)] _
1,108,870 gallons per year. The ETWU (1,102,116 gallons per year) is less than MAWA (1,108,870
gallons per year). In this example, the water budget complies with the MAWA.
(2) Example ETWU calculation: total landscape area is 50,000 square feet, 2,000 square feet of which is
planted with edible plants. The edible plant area is considered a Special Landscape Area (SLA). The
reference evapotranspiration value is 51.1 inches per year. The plant type, plant factor, and hydrozone
area are shown in the table below.
Plant Hydrozone
Plant Water Factor Area (HA) PF x HA
H drozone Use T e s PF * s uare feet (s uare feet
1 Hi h 0.8 7,000 5,600
2 Hi h 0.7 9,000 6,300
3 Medium 0.5 15,000 7,500
4 Low 0.3 7,000 2,100
5 Low 0.2 10,000 2,000
Sum 23,500
6 SLA 1.0 2,000 2,000
*Plant Factor from WUCOLS
ETWU = (51.1)(0.62) 23,500 + 2,000
0.71
_ (31.68) (33,099 + 2,000)
= 1,111,936 gallons per year
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Compare ETWLJ with MAWA. For this example:
MAWA =(51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) +(0.3 x 2,000)]
= 31.68 x [35,000 + 600]
= 31.68 x 35,600
- =1,127,808 gallons per year
The ETWU (l,l 11,936 gallons per year) is less than MAWA (1,127,808 gallons per year). For this
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 and encourage 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 in accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols
regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
(B) The soil analysis may include:
1. soil texture;
2. infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;
3. pH;
4. total soluble salts;
5. sodium;
6. percent organic matter; and
7. recommendations.
(2) The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:
(A) If significant mass 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 any necessary 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 encourage the efficient use
of water, the following is highly recommended:
1. protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
2. selection of water-conserving plant and turf species;
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3. selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;
4. selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines; and
5. selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
(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 efficient use of water, the
following is highly recommended:
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]; and
3. consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.
(D) Turf is not allowed on slopes 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) A(andscape 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.
(F) The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly discouraged.
(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 use of 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) Mulch and Amendments
(A) A minimum two inch (2") 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. '
(B) Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
(C) The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching
requirement.
(D) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is
appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 492.5).
(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. '1'emporarily '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);
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(10) identify location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices
that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Stormwater best management practices
are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:
(A) infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the
ground;
(B) constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow, and filter pollutants;
and
(C) pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that
minimize runoff.
(11) identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.);
(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
(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) 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 are highly recommended on landscape areas smaller than 5,000
square feet to facilitate water management.
(B) Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data shall
be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
(C) The irrigation system 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 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 shal] 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.
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(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) High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or
malfunction are recommended.
(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) Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall be
utilized when designing irrigation systems.
(J) The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.
(K) 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.
(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.
(M) In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water
infiltration into the root zone.
(N) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise
directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
(0) Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve
the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations.
(P) Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that
are adjacent to high traffic areas.
(Q) Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems.
(R) Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, Less than eight (8) feet in width in any direction
shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low volume irrigation system.
(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)(H). Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation
audit.
(T) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate
exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the 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 conf rmed 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.
(D) Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water
use, may be allowed if:
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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 table can also 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 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;
(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 for the 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 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 af 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 following statement: "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.
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§ 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-builY' or
record drawings shall be included with the certification;
(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).
(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. f �
(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;
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(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 runoffl;
(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.
(b) A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; adjustment
and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; rep(enishing
mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and removing and obstruction to emission
devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing
and system maintenance.
(c) Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their
equivalents.
(d) A project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally-friendly practices for
overall landscape maintenance.
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 certified landscape irrigation auditor.
(b) For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects insta(led after January 1, 2010, 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;
(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.
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§ 492.13 Irrigation Efficiency.
(a) For the purpose of determining Maximum Applied Water Allowance, average irrigation efficiency is
assumed to be 0.71. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an
average landscape irrigation efficiency of 0.71.
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 described in Section 492.14(b).
(b) Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption
has been granted by the local water purveyor stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes
and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future.
(c) All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all
applicable local and State laws.
(d) Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment
Factor for Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.15 Stormwater Management.
(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 to minimize runoff and to increase on-site 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 ordinances and stormwater management plans.
(c) Rain gardens, cisterns, and other landscapes features and practices that increase rainwater capture
and create opportunities for infiltration and/or onsite storage are recommended.
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
§ 492.16 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 shall provide information to owners of new, single-family residential homes
regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.
(b) Model Homes. All model homes 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.
(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.
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§ 492.17 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 designate 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.
§ 493.1 Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
(a) This section, 493.1, shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2010
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 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.
(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:
(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, Governinent 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) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)].
Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.
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Appendices.
Appendix A. Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table.
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Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
ALAMEDA
Fremont 1.5 1.9 3.4 4.7 5.4 6.3 6.7 6.0 4.5 3.4 1.8 1.5 47.0
Livermore 1.2 1.5 2.9 4.4 5.9 6.6 7.4 6.4 53 3.2 1.5 0.9 47.2
Oakland 1.5 1.5 2.8 3.9 5.1 5.3 6.0 5.5 4.8 3.1 1.4 0.9 41.8
Oakland Foothills 1.1 1.4 2.7 3.7 5.1 6.4 5.8 4.9 3.6 2.6 1.4 1.0 39.6
Pleasanton 0.8 1.5 2.9 4.4 5.6 6.7 7.4 6.4 4.7 3.3 1.5 1.0 46.2
Union City 1.4 1.8 3.1 4.2 5.4 5.9 6.4 5.7 4.4 3.1 1.5 1.2 44.2
ALPINE
Markleeville 0.7 0.9 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.1 7.3 6.4 4.4 2.6 1.2 0.5 40.6
AMADOR
Jackson 1.2 1.5 2.8 4.4 6.0 7.2 7.9 7.2 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.9 48.9
Shanandoah Valley 1.0 1.7 2.9 4.4 5.6 6.8 7.9 7.1 5.2 3.6 1.7 1.0 48.8
BUTTE
Chico 1.2 1.8 2.9 4.7 6.1 7.4 8.5 7.3 5.4 3.7 1.7 1.0 51.7
Durham 1.1 1.8 3.2 5.0 6.5 7.4 7.8 6.9 5.3 3.6 1.7 1.0 51.1
Gridley 1.2 1.8 3.0 4.7 6.1 7.7 8.5 7.1 5.4 3.7 1.7 1.0 51.9
Oroville 1.2 1.7 2.8 4.7 6.1 7.6 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.7 1.7 l.0 51.5
CALAVERAS
San Andreas 1.2 1.5 2.8 4.4 6.0 7.3 7.9 7.0 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.7 48.8
COLUSA
Colusa 1.0 1.7 3.4 5.0 6.4 7.6 8.3 7.2 5.4 3.8 1.8 1.1 52.8
Williams 1.2 1.7 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.2 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.6 1.0 50.8
CONTRA COSTA
Benicia 1.3 1.4 2.7 3.8 4.9 5.0 6.4 5.5 4.4 2.9 1.2 0.7 40 3
Brentwood 1.0 1.5 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.1 7.9 6.7 5.2 3.2 1.4 0.7 48.3
Concord 1.1 1.4 2.4 4.0 5.5 5.9 7.0 6.0 4.8 3.2 1.3 0.7 43.4
Courtland 0.9 1.5 2.9 4.4 6.1 6.9 7.9 6.7 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.7 48.0
Martinez 1.2 1.4 2.4 3.9 5.3 5.6 6.7 5.6 4.7 3.1 1.2 0.7 41.8
Moraga 1.2 1.5 3.4 4.2 5.5 6.1 6.7 5.9 4.6 3.2 1.6 1.0 44.9 .
Pittsburg 1.0 1.5 2.8 4.1 5.6 6.4 7.4 6.4 5.0 3.2 1.3 0.7 45.4
Walnut C reek 0.8 1.5 2.9 4.4 5.6 6.7 7.4 6.4 4.7 3 3 1.5 1.0 46.2
DEL NORTE
C rescent City 0.5 0.9 2.0 3.0 3.7 3.5 4.3 3.7 3.0 2.0 0.9 0.5 27.7
EL DORADO
Camino 0.9 1.7 2.5 3.9 5.9 7.2 7.8 6.8 5.1 3.1 1.5 0.9 473
FRESNO
Clovis 1.0 1.5 3.2 4.8 6.4 7.7 8.5 7 3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.4
Coalinga 1.2 1.7 3.1 4.6 6.2 7.2 8.5 7.3 53 3.4 1.6 0.7 50.9
Firebaugh 1.0 1.8 3.7 5.7 73 8.1 8.2 7.2 5.5 3.9 2.0 1.1 55.4
FiveP oints 1.3 2.0 4.0 6.1 7.7 8.5 8.7 8.0 6.2 4.5 2.4 1.2 60.4
Fresno 0.9 1.7 3.3 4.8 6J 7.8 8.4 7.1. 5.2 - 3.2 1.4 -0.6 51.1
Fresno State 0.9 1.6 3.2 5.2 7.0 8.0 8.7 7.6 5.4 3.6 1.7 0.9 53.7
Friant 1.2 1.5 3.1 4.7 6.4 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.3
Kerman 0.9 1.5 3.2 4.8 6.6 7.7 8.4 7.2 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.2
Kingsburg 1.0 1.5 3.4 4.8 6.6 7.7 8.4 7.2 53 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.6
Mendota 1.5 2.5 4.6 6.2 7.9 8.6 8.8 7.5 5.9 4.5 2.4 1.5 61.7
Orange Cove 1.2 1.9 3.5 4.7 7.4 8.5 8.9 7.9 5.9 3.7 1.8 1.2 56.7
Panoche 1.1 2.0 4.0 5.6 7.8 8.5 83 7.3 5.6 3.9 1.8 1.2 57.2
Parlier 1.0 1.9 3.6 5.2 6.8 7.6 8.1 7.0 5.1 3.4 1.7 0.9 5 2.0
Reedley 1.1 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.4 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.3
Westlands 0.9 1.7 3.8 6.3 8.0 8.6 8.6 7.8 5.9 4.3 2.1 1.] 5 8.8
20
5-47
Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
GLENN
Orland 1.1 1.8 3.4 5.0 6.4 7.5 7.9 6.7 53 3.9 1.8 1.4 52.1
Willows 1.2 1.7 2.9 4.7 6.1 7.2 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.6 1.7 1.0 51.3
HUMBOLDT
Eureka 0.5 1.1 2.0 3.0 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.0 0.9 0.5 27.5
Ferndale 0.5 1.1 2.0 3.0 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.0 0.9 0.5 27.5
Garberville 0.6 1.2 2.2 3.1 4.5 5.0 5.5 4.9 3.8 2.4 1.0 0.7 34.9
Hoopa 0.5 1.1 2.1 3.0 4.4 5.4 6.1 5.1 3.8 2.4 0.9 0.7 35.6
IMPERIAL
Brawley 2.8 3.8 5.9 8.0 10.4 11.5 11.7 10.0 8.4 6.2 3.5 2.1 84.2
Calipatria/Mulberry 2.4 3.2 5.1 6.8 8.6 9.2 9.2 8.6 7.0 5.2 3.1 2.3 70.7
El Centro 2.7 3.5 5.6 7.9 10.1 11.1 11.6 9.5 83 6.1 3.3 2.0 81.7
Holtville 2.8 3.8 5.9 7.9 10.4 11.6 12.0 10.0 8.6 6.2 3.5 2.1 84.7
Meloland 2.5 3.2 5.5 7.5 8.9 9.2 9.0 8.5 6.8 5 3 3.1 22 71.6
Palo Verde II Z.5 3.3 5.7 6.9 8.5 8.9 8.6 7.9 6.2 4.5 2.9 23 68.2
Seeley 2.7 3.5 5.9 7.7 9.7 10.1 93 8.3 6.9 5.5 3.4 2.2 75.4
Westmoreland 2.4 33 53 6.9 8.7 9.6 9.6 8.7 6.9 5.0 3.0 2.2 71.4
Yuma 2.5 3.4 53 6.9 8.7 9.6 9.6 8.7 6.9 5.0 3.0 2.2 71.6
INYO
Bishop 1.7 2.7 4.8 6.7 8.2 10.9 7.4 9.6 7.4 4.8 2.5 1.6 68.3
Death Valley Jct 2.2 3.3 5.4 7.7 9.8 11.1 11.4 10.1 83 5.4 2.9 1.7 79.1
Independence 1.7 2.7 3.4 6.6 8.5 9.5 9.8 8.5 7.1 3.9 2.0 1.5 65.2
Lower Haiwee Res. 1.8 2.7 4.4 7.1 8.5 9.5 9.8 8.5 7.1 42 2.6 1.5 67.6
Oasis 2.7 2.8 5.9 8.0 10.4 11.7 11.6 10.0 8.4 6.2 3.4 2.1 83.1
KERN
Arvin 1.2 1.8 3.5 4.7 6.6 7.4 8.1 7.3 5 3 3.4 1.7 1.0 51.9
Bakersfield 1.0 1.8 3.5 4.7 6.6 7.7 8.5 73 5.3 3.5 1.6 0.9 52.4
Bakersfield/Bonanza 1.2 2.2 3.7 5.7 7.4 8.2 8.7 7.8 5.7. 4.0 2.1 1.2 57.9
Bakersfield/Greenlee 1.2 22 3.7 5.7 7.4 8.2 8.7 7.8 5.7 4.0 2.1 12 57.9
Belridge 1.4 2.2 4.1 5.5 7.7 8.5 8.6 7.8 6.0 3.8 2.0 1.5 59.2
Blackwells Corner 1.4 2.1 3.8 5.4 7.0 7.8 8.5 7.7 5.8 3.9 1.9 1.2 56.6
Buttonwillow 1.0 1.8 3.2 4.7 6.6 7.7 8.5 73 5.4 3.4 1.5 0.9 52.0
China Lake 2.1 3.2 5.3 7.7 9.2 10.0 11.0 9.8 7.3 4.9 2.7 1.7 74.8
Delano 0.9 1.8 3.4 4.7 6.6 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.4 3.4 1.4 0.7 52.0
Famoso 13 1.9 3.5 4.8 6.7 7.6 8.0 7.3 5.5 3.5 1.7 13 53.1
Grapevine 1.3 1.8 3.1 4.4 5.6 6.8 7.6 6.8 5.9 3.4 1.9 1.0 49.5
Inyokern 2.0 3.1 4.9 7.3 8.5 9.7 I1.0 9.4 7.1 5.1 2.6 1.7 72.4
Isabella Dam 1.2 1.4 2.8 4.4 5.8 7.3 7.9 7.0 5.0 3.2 1.7 0.9 48.4
Lamont 1.3 2.4 4.4 4.6 6.5 7.0 8.8 7.6 5.7 3.7 1.6 0.8 54.4
Lost Hills 1.6 2.2 3.7 5.1 6.8 7.8 8.7 7.8 5.7 4.0 2.1 1.6 57.1
McFarland/Kern 1.2 2.1 3.7 5.6 7.3 8.0 83 7.4 5.6 - 4.1 2.0 -1.2 56.5
Shafter 1.0 1.7 3.4 5.0 6.6 7.7 83 7.3 5.4 3.4 1.5 0.9 52.1
Taft 13 1.8 3.1 4.3 6.2 73 8.5 73 5.4 3.4 1.7 1.0 51.2
Tehachapi 1.4 1.8 3.2 5.0 6.1 7.7 7.9 7.3 5.9 3.4 2.1 1.2 52.9
KINGS
Caruthers 1.6 2.5 4.0 5.7 7.8 8.7 9.3 8.4 6.3 4.4 2.4 1.6 62.7
Corcoran 1.6 2.2 3.7 5.1 6.8 7.8 8.7 7.8 5.7 4.0 2.1 1.6 57.1
Hanford 0.9 1.5 3.4 5.0 6.6 7.7 8.3 7.2 5.4 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.5
Kettleman 1.1 2.0 4.0 6.0 7.5 8.5 9.1 8.2 6.1 4.5 2.2 1.1 602
Lemoore 0.9 1.5 3.4 5.0 6.6 7.7 83 7.3 5.4 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.7
Stratford 0.9 1.9 3.9 6.1 7.8 8.6 8.8 7J 5.9 4.1 2.1 1.0 58.7
21
5-48
Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
LAKE
Lakeport 1.1 13 2.6 3.5 5.1 6.0 73 61 4.7 2.9 1.2 0.9 42.8
Lower Lake 1.2 1.4 2.7 4.5 5.3 63 7.4 6.4 5.0 3.1 1.3 0.9 45.4
LASSEN
Buntingville 1.0 1.7 3.5 4.9 62 73 8.4 7.5 5.4 3.4 1.5 0.9 51.8
Ravendale 0.6 1.1 2.3 4.1 5.6 6.7 7.9 7.3 4.7 2.8 1.2 0.5 44.9
Susanville 0.7 1.0 2.2 4.1 5.6 6.5 7.8 7.0 4.6 2.8 1.2 0.5 44.0
LOS ANGELES
Burbank 2.1 2.8 3.7 4.7 5.1 6.0 6.6 6.7 5.4 4.0 2.6 2.0 51.7
Claremont 2.0 2.3 3.4 4.6 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 5.3 4.0 2.7 2.1 51.3
El Dorado 1.7 2.2 3.6 4.8 5.1 5.7 5.9 5.9 4.4 3.2 2.2 1.7 463
Glendale 2.0 2.2 33 3.8 4.7 4.8 5.7 5.6 4.3 3.3 2.2 1.8 43.7
Glendora 2.0 2.5 3.6 4.9 5.4 6.1 73 6.8 5.7 4.2 2.6 2.0 53.1
Gorman 1.6 2.2 3.4 4.6 5.5 7.4 7.7 7.1 5.9 3.6 2.4 1.1 52.4
Hollywood Hilis 2.1 2.2 3.8 5.4 6.0 6.5 6.7 6.4 5.2 3.7 2.8 2.] 52.8
Lancaster 2.1 3.0 4.6 5.9 8.5 9.7 11.0 9.8 7.3 4.6 2.8 1.7 71.1
Long Beach 1.8 2.1 33 3.9 4.5 43 5.3 4.7 3.7 2.8 1.8 1.5 39.7
Los Angeles 2.2 2.7 3.7 4.7 5.5 5.8 6.2 5.9 5.0 3.9 2.6 1.9 50.1
Monrovia 2.2 23 3.8 4.3 5.5 5.9 6.9 6.4 5.1 3.2 2.5 2.0 50.2
Palmdale 2.0 2.6 4.6 6.2 7.3 8.9 9.8 9.0 6.5 4.7 2.7 2.1 66.2
Pasadena 2.1 2.7 3.7 4.7 5.1 6.0 7.1 6.7 5.6 4.2 2.6 2.0 523
Pearblossom 1.7 2.4 3.7 4.7 73 7.7 9.9 7.9 6.4 4.0 2.6 1.6 59.9
Pomona 1.7 2.0 3.4 4.5 5.0 5.8 6.5 6.4 4.7 3.5 2.3 1.7 47.5
Redondo Beach 2.2 2.4 3.3 3.8 4.5 4.7 5.4 4.8 4.4 2.8 2.4 2.0 42.6
San Fernando 2.0 2.7 3.5 4.6 5.5 5.9 7.3 6.7 5.3 3.9 2.6 2.0 52.0
Santa Clarita 2.8 2.8 4.1 5.6 6.0 6.8 7.6 7.8 5.8 5.2 3.7 3.2 61.5
Santa Monica 1.8 2.1 3.3 4.5 4.7 5.0 5.4 5.4 3.9 3.4 2.4 2.2 44.2
MADERA
Chowchilla 1.0 1.4 3.2 4.7 6.6 7.8 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.4
Madera 0.9 ].4 3.2 4.8 6.6 7.8 8.5 73 53 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.5
Raymond 1.2 1.5 3.0 4.6 6.1 7.6 8.4 73 5.2 3.4 1.4 0.7 50.5
MARIN
Black Point 1.1 1.7 3.0 4.2 5.2 6.2 6.6 5.8 4.3 2.8 1.3 0.9 43.0
Novato 1.3 1.5 2.4 3.5 4.4 6.0 5.9 5.4 4.4 2.8 1.4 0.7 39.8
Point San Pedro 1.1 1.7 3.0 42 5.2 6.2 6.6 5.8 43 2.8 1.3 0.9 43.0
San Rafael 1.2 1.3 2.4 33 4.0 4.8 4.8 4.9 4.3 2.7 1.3 0.7 35.8
MARIPOSA
Coulterville l.l 1.5 2.8 4.4 5.9 73 8.1 7.0 53 3.4 1.4 0.7 48.8
Mariposa 1.1 1.5 2.8 4.4 5.9 7.4 8.2 7.1 5.0 3.4 1.4 0.7 49.0
Yosemite Village 0.7 1.0 23 3.7 5.1 6.5 7.1 6.1 4.4 2.9 1.1 0.6 41.4
MENDOCINO
Fort Bragg 0.9 1.3 2.2 3.0 3.7 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.0 23 1.2 0.7 29.0
Hopland 1.1 1.3 2.6 3.4 5.0 5.9 6.5 5.7 4.5 2.8 1.3 0.7 40.9
Point Arena 1.0 13 23 3.0 3.7 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.0 23 1.2 0.7 29.6
Sanel Valley 1.0 1.6 3.0 4.6 6.0 7.0 8.0 7.0 5.2 3.4 1.4 09 49.1
Ukiah 1.0 1.3 2.6 3.3 5.0 5.8 6.7 5.9 4.5 2.8 1 3 0.7 40.9
MERCED
Kesterson 0.9 1.7 3.4 5.5 7.3 8.2 8.6 7.4 5.5 3.8 1.8 0.9 55.1
Los Banos 1.0 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.1 7.4 8.2 7.0 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 50.0
Merced 1.0 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.6 7.9 8.5 7.2 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.5
22
5-49
Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
MODOC
Modoc/Alturas 0.9 1.4 2.8 3.7 5.1 6.2 7.5 6.6 4.6 2.8 1.2 0.7 43.2
MONO
Bridgeport 0.7 0.9 2.2 3.8 5.5 6.6 7.4 6.7 4.7 2.7 1.2 0.5 43.0
MONTEREY
Arroyo Seco 1.5 2.0 3.7 5.4 6.3 7.3 7.2 6.7 5.0 3.9 2.0 1.6 52.6
Castroville 1.4 1.7 3.0 4.2 4.6 4.8 4.0 3.8 3.0 2.6 1.6 1.4 36.2
Gonzales 1.3 1.7 3.4 4.7 5.4 6.3 63 5.9 4.4 3.4 1.9 13 45.7
Greenfield 1.8 2.2 3.4 4.8 5.6 6.3 6.5 6.2 4.8 3.7 2.4 1.8 49.5
King City 1.7 2.0 3.4 4.4 4.4 5.6 6.1 6.7 6.5 5.2 2.2 1.3 49.6
King City-Oasis Rd. 1.4 1.9 3.6 5.3 6.5 73 7.4 6.8 5.1 4.0 2.0 1.5 52.7
Long Valley 1.5 1.9 3.2 4.1 5.8 6.5 7.3 6.7 5.3 3.6 2.0 1.2 49.1
Monterey 1.7 1.8 2.7 3.5 4.0 4.1 43 4.2 3.5 2.8 1.9 1.5 36.0
Pajaro 1.8 2.2 3.7 4.8 53 5.7 5.6 53 4.3 3.4 2.4 1.8 46.1
Salinas 1.6 1.9 2.7 3.8 4.8 4.7 5.0 4.5 4.0 2.9 1.9 1.3 39.1
Salinas North 1.2 1.5 2.9 4.1 4.6 5.2 4.5 43 3.2 2.8 1.5 1.2 36.9
San Ardo 1.0 1.7 3.1 4.5 5.9 7.2 8.1 7.1 5.1 3.1 1.5 1.0 49.0
San Juan 1.8 2.1 3.4 4.6 5.3 5.7 5.5 4.9 3.8 3.2 2.2 1.9 44.2
Soledad 1.7 2.0 3.4 4.4 5.5 5.4 6.5 6.2 5.2 3.7 2.2 l.5 47.7
NAPA
Angwin 1.8 1.9 3.2 4.7 5.8 7.3 8.1 7.1 5.5 4.5 2.9 2.1 54.9
Carneros 0.8 1.5 3.1 4.6 5.5 6.6 6.9 6.2 4.7 3.5 1.4 1.0 45.8
Oakville 1.0 1.5 2.9 4.7 5.8 6.9 7.2 6.4 4.9 3.5 1.6 1.2 47.7
St Helena 1.2 1.5 2.8 3.9 5.1 6.1 7.0 6.2 4.8 3.1 1.4 0.9 44.1
Yountville 1.3 1.7 2.8 3.9 5.1 6.0 7.1 6.1 4.8 3.1 1.5 0.9 44.3
NEVADA
Grass Valley 1.1 1.5 2.6 4.0 5.7 7.1 7.9 7.1 5.3 3.2 1.5 0.9 48.0
Nevada City 1.1 1.5 2.6 3.9 5.8 6.9 7.9 7.0 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.9 47.4
ORANGE
Irvine 2.2 2.5 3.7 4.7 5.2 5.9 6.3 6.2 4.6 3.7 2.6 2.3 49.6
Laguna Beach 2.2 2.7 3.4 3.8 4.6 4.6 4.9 4.9 4.4 3.4 2.4 2.0 43.2
Santa Ana 2.2 2.7 3.7 4.5 4.6 5.4 6.2 6.1 4.7 3.7 2.5 2.0 48.2
PLACER
Auburn 1.2 1.7 2.8 4.4 6.1 7.4 83 73 5.4 3.4 1.6 1.0 50.6
Blue Canyon 0.7 1.1 2.1 3.4 4.8 6.0 7.2 6.1 4.6 2.9 0.9 0.6 40.5
Colfax 1.1 1.5 2.6 4.0 5.8 7.1 7.9 7.0 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.9 47.9
Roseville 1.1 1.7 3.1 4.7 6.2 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.6 3.7 1.7 1.0 52.2
Soda Springs 0.7 0.7 1.8 3.0 4.3 5.3 6.2 5.5 4.1 2.5 0.7 0.7 35.4
Tahoe City 0.7 0.7 1.7 3.0 4.3 5.4 6.1 5.6 4.1 2.4 0.8 0.6 35.5
Truckee 0.7 0.7 1.7 3.2 4.4 5.4 6.4 5.7 4.1 2.4 0.8 0.6 36.2
PLUMAS �
Portola 0.7 0.9 1.9 3.5 4.9 5.9 7.3 5.9 43 2.7 0.9 0.5 39.4
Quincy , 0.7 0.9 2.2 3.5 4.9 5.9 73 5.9 4.4 2.8 1.2 0.5 40.2
RIVERSIDE
Beaumont 2.0 2.3 3.4 4.4 6.1 7.1 7.6 7.9 6.0 3.9 2.6 1.7 55.0
Blythe 2.4 3.3 5.3 6.9 8.7 9.6 9.6 8.7 6.9 5.0 3.0 2.2 71.4
Cathedral City 1.6 2.2 3.7 5.1 6.8 7.8 8.7 7.8 5.7 4.0 2.1 1.6 57.1
Coachella 2.9 4.4 6.2 8.4 ] 0.5 11.9 12.3 10.1 8.9 6.2 3.8 2.4 88.1
Desert Center 2.9 4.1 6.4 8.5 11.0 12.1 12.2 11.1 9.0 6.4 3.9 2.6 90.0
Elsinore 2.1 2.8 3.9 4.4 5.9 7.1 7.6 7.0 5.8 3.9 2.6 1.9 55.0
Indio 3.l 3.6 6.5 8.3 10.5 11.0 10.8 9.7 83 5.9 3.7 2.7 83.9
23
5-50
Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
RNERSIDE
La Quinta 2.4 2.8 5.2 6.5 8.3 8.7 8.5 7.9 6.5 4.5 2.7 2.2 66.2
Mecca 2.6 3.3 5.7 7.2 8.6 9.0 8.8 8.2 6.8 5.0 3.2 2.4 70.8
Oasis 2.9 3 3 5.3 6.1 8.5 8.9 8.7 7.9 6.9 4.8 2.9 2.3 68.4
Palm Deser 2.5 3.4 53 6.9 8J 9.6 9.6 8J 6.9 5.0 3.0 2.2 71.6
Palm Springs 2.0 2.9 4.9 7.2 8.3 8.5 11.6 83 7.2 5.9 2.7 1.7 71.1
Rancho California 1.8 2.2 3.4 4.8 5.6 6.3 6.5 6.2 4.8 3.7 2.4 1.8 49.5
Rancho Mirage 2.4 33 53 6.9 8.7 9.6 9.6 8.7 6.9 5.0 3.0 2.2 71.4
Ripley 2.7 3.3 5.6 7.2 8.7 8.7 8.4 7.6 6.2 4.6 2.8 2.2 67.8
Salton Sea North 2.5 3.3 5.5 7.2 8.8 9.3 9.2 8.5 6.8 5.2 3.1 2.3 71.7
Temecula East II 2.3 2.4 4.1 4.9 6.4 7.0 7.8 7.4 5.7 4.1 2.6 2.2 56.7
Thermal 2.4 3.3 5.5 7.6 9.1 9.6 9.3 8.6 7.1 5.2 3.1 2.1 72.8
Riverside UC 2.5 2.9 4.2 5.3 5.9 6.6 7.2 6.9 5.4 4.1 2.9 2.6 56.4
Winchester 2.3 2.4 4.1 4.9 6.4 6.9 7.7 7.5 6.0 3.9 2.6 2.1 56.8
SACRAMENTO
Fair Oaks 1.0 1.6 3.4 4.1 6.5 7.5 8.1 7.1 5.2 3.4 1.5 1.0 50.5
Sacramento 1.0 1.8 3.2 4.7 6.4 7.7 8.4 7.2 5.4 3.7 1.7 0.9 51.9
TwitchellIsland 1.2 1.8 3.9 5.3 7.4 8.8 9.1 7.8 5.9 3.8 1.7 1.2 57.9
SAN BENITO
Hollister 1.5 1.8 3.1 4.3 5.5 5.7 6.4 5.9 5.0 3.5 1.7 1.1 45.1
San Benito 1.2 1.6 3.1 4.6 5.6 6.4 6.9 6.5 4.8 3.7 1.7 1.2 47.2
San Juan Valley 1.4 1.8 3.4 4.5 6.0 6.7 7.1 6.4 5.0 3.5 1.8 1.4 49.1
SAN BERNARDINO
Baker 2.7 3.9 6.1 83 10.4 11.8 12.2 11.0 8.9 6.1 3.3 2.1 86.6
Barstow NE 2.2 2.9 5.3 6.9 9.0 10.1 9.9 8.9 6.8 4.8 2.7 2.1 71.7
Big Bear Lake 1.8 2.6 4.6 6.0 7.0 7.6 8.1 7.4 5.4 4.1 2.4 1.8 58.6
Chino 2.1 2.9 3.9 4.5 5.7 6.5 7.3 7.1 5.9 4.2 2.6 2.0 54.6
Crestline 1.5 1.9 33 4.4 5.5 6.6 7.8 7.1 5.4 3.5 2.2 1.6 50.8
Lake Arrowhead 1.8 2.6 4.6 6.0 7.0 7.6 8.1 7.4 5.4 4.1 2.4 1.8 58.6
Lucerne Valley 2.2 2.9 5.1 6.5 9.1 11.0 11.4 9.9 7.4 5.0 3.0 1.8 753
Needles 3.2 4.2 6.6 8.9 11.0 12.4 12.8 11.0 8.9 6.6 4.0 2.7 92.1
Newberry Springs 2.1 2.9 53 8.4 9.8 10.9 11.1 9.9 7.6 5.2 3.1 2.0 78.2
San Bernardino 2.0 2.7 3.8 4.6 5.7 6.9 7.9 7.4 5.9 4.2 2.6 2.0 55.6
Twentynine Palms 2.6 3.6 5.9 7.9 10.1 11.2 11.2 10.3 8.6 5.9 3.4 2.2 82.9
Victorville 2.0 2.6 4.6 6.2 7.3 8.9 9.8 9.0 6.5 4.7 2.7 2.1 66.2
SAN DIEGO
Chula Vista 2.2 2J 3.4 3.8 4.9 4.7 5.5 4.9 4.5 3.4 2.4 2.0 44.2
Escondido SPV 2.4 2.6 3.9 4.7 5.9 6.5 7.1 6.7 5.3 3.9 2.8 2.3 54.2
Miramar 2.3 2.5 3.7 4.1 5.1 5.4 6.1 5.8 4.5 3.3 2.4 2.l 47.1
Oceanside 2.2 2.7 3.4 3.7 4.9 4.6 4.6 5.1 4.1 3 3 2.4 2.0 42.9
Otay Lake 23 2.7 3.9 4.6 5.6 5.9 6.2 6.: 4.8 °° 3.7 2.6 - 2.2 50.4
Pine Valley 1.5 2.4 3.8 5.1 6.0 7.0 7.8 73 6.0 4.0 2.2 1.7 54.8
Ramona 2.1 2.1 3.4 4.6 5.2 6.3 6.7 6.8 5.3 4.1 2.8 2.1 51.6
San Diego 2.1 2.4 3.4 4.6 5.1 5.3 5.7 5.6 4.3 3.6 2.4 2.0 46.5
Santee 2.1 2.7 3.7 4.5 5.5 6.1 6.6 6.2 5.4 3.8 2.6 2.0 51.1
Torrey Pines 2.2 23 3.4 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.6 4.7 3.8 2.8 2.0 2.0 39.8
Warner Springs 1.6 2.7 3.7 4.7 5.7 7.6 8.3 7.7 6.3 4.0 2.5 13 56.0
SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco 1.5 1.3 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.6 4.9 4.8 4.1 2.8 13 0.7 35.1
SAN JOAQUIN
Farmington I.5 1.5 2.9 4.7 6.2 7.6 8.1 6.8 5.3 33 1.4 0.7 50.0
24
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Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
SAN JOAQUIN
Lodi West 1.0 1.6 3.3 4.3 6.3 6.9 73 6.4 4.5 3.0 1.4 0.8 46.7
Manteca 0.9 1.7 3.4 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 7.1 5.2 3 3 1.6 0.9 51.2
Stockton 0.8 1.5 2.9 4.7 6.2 7.4 8.1 6.8 5 3 3.2 1.4 0.6 49.1
Tracy 1.0 1.5 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.3 7.9 6.7 5 3 3.2 1.3 0.7 48.5
SAN LUIS OBISPO
Arroyo Grande 2.0 2.2 3.2 3.8 4.3 4.7 43 4.6 3.8 3.2 2.4 1.7 40.0
Atascadero 1.2 1.5 2.8 3.9 4.5 6.0 6.7 6.2 5.0 3.2 1.7 1.0 43.7
Morro Bay 2.0 2.2 3.1 3.5 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.6 3.8 3.5 2.1 1.7 39.9
Nipomo 2.2 2.5 3.8 5.1 5.7 6.2 6.4 6.1 4.9 4.1 2.9 2.3 52.1
Paso Robles 1.6 2.0 3.2 4.3 5.5 6.3 73 6.7 5.1 3.7 2.1 1.4 49.0
San Luis Obispo 2.0 2.2 3.2 4.1 4.9 53 4.6 5.5 4.4 3.5 2.4 1.7 43.8
San Miguel 1.6 2.0 3.2 43 5.0 6.4 7.4 6.8 5.1 3.7 2.1 1.4 49.0
San Simeon 2.0 2.0 2.9 3.5 4.2 4.4 4.6 43 3.5 3.1 2.0 1.7 38.1
SAN MATEO
Hal Moon Bay 1.5 1.7 2.4 3.0 3.9 43 4.3 42 3.5 2.8 1.3 1.0 33.7
Redwood City 1.5 1.8 2.9 3.8 5.2 53 6.2 5.6 4.8 3.1 1.7 1.0 42.8
Woodside 1.8 2.2 3.4 4.8 5.6 6.3 6.5 6.2 4.8 3.7 2.4 1.8 49.5
SANTA BARBARA
Betteravia 2.1 2.6 4.0 5.2 6.0 5.9 5.8 5.4 4.1 3 3 2.7 2.1 49.1
Carpenteria 2.0 2.4 3.2 3.9 4.8 5.2 5.5 5.7 4.5 3.4 2.4 2.0 44.9
Cuyama 2.1 2.4 3.8 5.4 6.9 7.9 8.5 7.7 5.9 4.5 2.6 2.0 59.7
Goleta 2.1 2.5 3.9 5.1 5.7 5.7 5.4 5.4 42 3.2 2.8 2.2 48.1
Goleta F oothills 2.3 2.6 3.7 5.4 5.3 5.6 5.5 5.7 4.5 3.9 2.8 2.3 49.6
Guadalupe 2.0 2.2 3.2 3.7 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.1 3.3 2.4 1.7 41.1
Lompoc 2.0 2.2 3.2 3.7 4.8 4.6 4.9 4.8 3.9 3.2 2.4 1.7 41.1
Los Alamos 1.8 2.0 3.2 4.1 4.9 5.3 5.7 5.5 4.4 3.7 2.4 1.6 44.6
S anta Barbara 2.0 2.5 3.2 3.8 4.6 5.1 5.5 4.5 3.4 2.4 1.8 1.8 40.6
S anta Maria 1.8 2.3 3.7 5.1 5.7 5.8 5.6 5.3 4.2 3.5 2.4 1.9 47.4
S anta Ynez 1.7 2.2 3.5 5.0 5.8 6.2 6.4 6.0 4.5 3.6 2.2 1.7 48.7
Sisquoc 2.1 2.5 3.8 4.1 6.1 6.3 6.4 5.8 4.7 3.4 2.3 1.8 49.2
Solvang 2.0 2.0 3.3 4.3 5.0 5.6 6.1 5.6 4.4 3.7 2.2 1.6 45.6
SANTA CLARA
Gilroy 1.3 1.8 3.1 4.1 5.3 5.6 6.1 5.5 4.7 3.4 1.7 l.l 43.6
Los Gatos 1.5 1.8 2.8 3.9 5.0 5.6 6.2 5.5 4.7 3.2 1.7 1.1 42.9
Morgan Hill 1.5 l.8 3.4 4.2 6.3 7.0 7.1 6.0 5.1 3.7 1.9 1.4 49.5
Palo Alto 1.5 1.8 2.8 3.8 5.2 53 6.2 5.6 5.0 3.2 1.7 1.0 43.0
S an Jose 1.5 1.8 3.1 4.1 5.5 5.8 6.5 5.9 5.2 3 3 1.8 1.0 45.3
SANTA CRUZ
De Laveaga 1.4 1.9 3.3 4.7 4.9 5.3 5.0 4.8 3.6 3.0 1.6 13 40.8
Green Valley Rd 1.2 1.8 3.2 4.5 4.6 5.4 5.2 5.� 3J 3.1 1.6 - 1.3 40.6
Santa Cruz 1.5 1.8 2.6 3.5 43 4.4 4.8 4.4 3.8 2.8 1.7 1.2 36.6
Watsonville 1.5 1.8 2.7 3.7 4.6 4.5 4.9 4.2 4.0 2.9 1.8 1.2 3 7.7
Webb 1.8 2.2 3.7 4.8 5.3 5.7 5.6 5 3 4.3 3.4 2.4 1.8 46.2
SHASTA
Bumey 0.7 1.0 2.1 3.5 4.9 5.9 7.4 6.4 4.4 2.9 0.9 0.6 40.9
Fall River Mills 0.6 1.0 2.1 3.7 5.0 6.1 7.8 6.7 4.6 2.8 0.9 0.5 41.8
Glenburn 0.6 1.0 2.1 3.7 5.0 6.3 7.8 6.7 4.7 2.8 0.9 0.6 42.1
McArthur 0.7 1.4 2.9 4.2 5.6 6.9 8.2 7.2 5.0 3.0 1.1 0.6 46.8
Redding 1.2 1.4 2.6 4.1 5.6 7.1 8.5 73 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.9 48.8
25
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Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
SIERRA
Downieville 0.7 1.0 23 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.4 6.2 4.7 2.8 0.9 0.6 413
Sierraville 0.7 1.1 2.2 3.2 4.5 5.9 7.3 6.4 43 2.6 0.9 0.5 39.6
SISKIYOU
Happy Camp 0.5 0.9 2.0 3.0 4.3 5.2 6.1 53 4.1 2.4 0.9 0.5 35.1
MacDoel 1.0 1.7 3.1 4.5 5.9 7.2 8.1 7.1 5.1 3.1 1.5 1.0 49.0
Mt Shasta 0.5 0.9 2.0 3.0 4.5 53 6.7 5.7 4.0 2.2 0.7 0.5 36.0
Tule lake FS 0.7 1.3 2.7 4.0 5.4 63 7.1 6.4 4.7 2.8 1.0 0.6 42.9
Weed 0.5 0.9 2.0 2.5 4.5 5.3 6.7 5.5 3.7 2.0 0.9 0.5 34.9
Yreka 0.6 0.9 2.1 3.0 4.9 5.8 73 6.5 4.3 2.5 0.9 0.5 39.2
SOLANO
Dixon 0.7 1.4 3.2 5.2 6.3 7.6 8.2 7.2 5.5 43 1.6 1.1 52.1
Fairfield 1.1 1.7 2.8 4.0 5.5 6.1 7.8 6.0 4.8 3.1 1.4 0.9 45.2
Hastings Tract 1.6 2.2 3.7 5.1 6.8 7.8 8.7 7.8 5.7 4.0 2.1 1.6 57.1
Putah Creek 1.0 1.6 3.2 4.9 6.1 7.3 7.9 7.0 5.3 3.8 1.8 1.2 51.0
Rio Vista 0.9 1.7 2.8 4.4 5.9 6.7 7.9 6.5 5.1 3.2 1 3 0.7 47.0
Suisun Valley 0.6 13 3.0 4.7 5.8 7.0 7.7 6.8 5.3 3.8 1.4 0.9 48.3
Winters 0.9 1.7 3.3 5.0 6.4 7.5 7.9 7.0 5.2 3.5 1.6 1.0 51.0
SONOMA
Bennett Valley 1.1 1.7 3.2 4.1 5.5 6.5 6.6 5.7 4.5 3.1 1.5 0.9 44.4
Cloverdale l.l 1.4 2.6 3.4 5.0 5.9 6.2 5.6 4.5 2.8 1.4 0.7 40.7
Fort Ross 1.2 1.4 2.2 3.0 3.7 4.5 4.2 43 3.4 2.4 1.2 0.5 31.9
Healdsburg 1.2 1.5 2.4 3.5 5.0 5.9 6.1 5.6 4.5 2.8 1.4 0.7 40.8
Lincoln 1.2 1.7 2.8 4.7 6.1 7.4 8.4 7.3 5.4 3.7 l.9 1.2 51.9
Petaluma 1.2 1.5 2.8 3.7 4.6 5.6 4.6 5.7 4.5 2.9 1.4 0.9 39.6
Santa Rosa 1.2 1.7 2.8 3.7 5.0 6.0 6.1 5.9 4.5 2.9 1.5 0.7 42.0
Valley of the Moon 1.0 1.6 3.0 4.5 5.6 6.6 7.1 6.3 4.7 3.3 1.5 1.0 46.1
Windsor 0.9 1.6 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.5 6.5 5.9 4.4 3.2 1.4 1.0 44.2
STANISLAUS
Denair 1.0 1.9 3.6 4.7 7.0 7.9 8.0 6.1 5.3 3.4 1.5 1.0 51.4
La Grange 1.2 1.5 3.1 4.7 6.2 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.2
Modesto 0.9 1.4 3.2 4.7 6.4 7.7 8.1 6.8 5.0 3.4 1.4 0.7 49.7
Newman 1.0 1.5 3.2 4.6 6.2 7.4 8.1 6.7 5.0 3.4 1.4 0.7 49.3
Oakdale 1.2 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.2 7.7 8.1 7.1 5.1 3.4 1.4 0.7 50.3
Patterson 1.3 2.1 4.2 5.4 7.9 8.6 8.2 6.6 5.8 4.0 1.9 1.3 57.3
Turlock 0.9 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.5 7.7 8.2 7.0 5.1 3.4 1.4 0.7 50.2
SUTTER
Nicolaus 0.9 1.6 3.2 4.9 63 7.5 8.0 6.9 5.2 3.4 1.5 0.9 50.2
Yuba City 1.3 2.1 2.8 4.4 5.7 7.2 7.1 6.1 4.7 3.2 1.2 0.9 46.7 �
TEHAMA
Corning 1.2 1.8 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.3 8.1 7.2 5.3 3.7 1.7 - 1.1 50.7
Gerber 1 A 1.8 3.5 5.0 6.6 7.9 8.7 7.4 5.8 4.1 1.8 1.1 5 4.7
Gerber Dryland 0.9 1.6 3.2 4.7 6.7 8.4 9.0 7.9 6.0 4.2 2.0 1.0 55.5
Red Bluff 1.2 1.8 2.9 4.4 5.9 7.4 8.5 73 5.4 3.5 1.7 1.0 51.1
TRINITY
Hay Fork 0.5 1.1 2.3 3.5 4.9 5.9 7.0 6.0 4.5 2.8 0.9 0.7 40.1
Weaverville 0.6 1.1 22 3.3 4.9 5.9 7.3 6.0 4.4 2.7 0.9 0.7 40.0
TULARE
Alpaugh 0.9 1.7 3.4 4.8 6.6 7.7 8.2 7.3 5.4 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.6
Badger 1.0 1.3 2.7 4.1 6.0 7.3 7.7 7.0 4.8 3 3 1.4 0.7 47.3
Delano 1.1 1.9 4.0 4.9 7.2 7.9 8.1 7.3 5.4 3.2 1.5 1.2 53.6
26
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Appendix A- Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Annual
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ETo
TULARE
Dinuba 1.1 1.5 3.2 4.7 6.2 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.2
Lindcove 0.9 1.6 3.0 4.8 6.5 7.6 8.1 7.2 5.2 3.4 1.6 0.9 50.6
Porterville 1.2 1.8 3.4 4.7 6.6 7.7 8.5 73 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 52.1
Visalia 0.9 1.7 3.3 5.1 6.8 7.7 7.9 6.9 4.9 3.2 1.5 0.8 50.7
TUOLUMNE
Groveland 1.1 1.5 2.8 4.1 5.7 7.2 7.9 6.6 5.1 3 3 1.4 0.7 47.5
Sonora 1.1 1.5 2.8 4.1 5.8 7.2 7.9 6.7 5.1 3.2 1.4 0.7 47.6
VENTURA
Camarillo 2.2 2.5 3.7 4.3 5.0 5.2 5.9 5.4 4.2 3.0 2.5 2.1 46.1
Oxnard 2.2 2.5 3.2 3.7 4.4 4.6 5.4 4.8 4.0 3 3 2.4 2.0 42.3
Piru 2.8 2.8 4.1 5.6 6.0 6.8 7.6 7.8 5.8 5.2 3.7 3.2 61.5
Port Hueneme 2.0 2.3 3.3 4.6 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.0 3.7 3.2 2.5 2.2 43.5
Thousand Oaks 2.2 2.6 3.4 4.5 5.4 5.9 6.7 6.4 5.4 3.9 2.6 2.0 51.0
Ventura 2.2 2.6 3.2 3.8 4.6 4.7 5.5 4.9 4.1 3.4 2.5 2.0 43.5
YOLO
Bryte 0.9 1.7 3.3 5.0 6.4 7.5 7.9 7.0 5.2 3.5 1.6 1.0 51.0
Davis 1.0 1.9 3.3 5.0 6.4 7.6 8.2 7.1 5.4 4.0 1.8 1.0 52.5
Esparto 1.0 1.7 3.4 5.5 6.9 8.1 8.5 7.5 5.8 4.2 2.0 1.2 55.8
Winters 1.7 1.7 2.9 4.4 5.8 7.1 7.9 6.7 5 3 3.3 1.6 1.0 49.4
Woodland 1.0 1.8 3.2 4.7 6.1 7.7 8.2 72 5.4 3.7 1.7 1.0 51.6
Zamora 1.1 1.9 3.5 5.2 6.4 7.4 7.8 7.0 5.5 4.0 1.9 1.2 52.8
YUBA
B rowns Valley 1.0 1.7 3.1 4.7 6.1 7.5 8.5 7.6 5.7 4.1 2.0 1.1 52.9
Brownsville 1.1 1.4 2.6 4.0 5.7 6.8 7.9 6.8 53 3.4 1.5 0.9 47.4
* The values in this table were derived from:
1) California lrrigation Management Information System (CIMIS);
2) Reference EvapoTranspiration Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California
Dept of Water Resources 1999; and
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and
Natural Resources
(1987) Bulletin 1922, 4) Determining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension UC
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426
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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.
Please complete all sections (A and B) of the worksheet.
SECTION A. HYDROZONE INFORMATION TABLE
Please complete the hydrozone table(s) for each hydrozone. Use as many tables as necessary to provide the
square footage of landscape area per hydrozone.
Hydrozone* Zone or Irrigation Area °/a of
Valve Method** S. Ft. Landsca e Area
Total 100%
' Hydrozone "'Irrigatlon Method
HW = High Water Use Plants MS = Micro-spray
MW = Moderate Water Use Plants S= Spray
LW = Low Water Use Plants R= Rotor
8= Bubbler
D= Drip
0 = Other
2$
5-55
SECTION B. WATER BUDGET CALCULATIONS
Section B1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
The projecYs Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using this equation:
MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration from Appendix A(inches per year)
0.7 = ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
LA = Landscaped Area includes Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA = Portion of the landscape area identified as Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.3 = the additionai ET Adjustment Factor for Special Landscape Area (1.0 - 0.7 = 0.3)
Maximum Applied Water Allowance = gallons per year
Show calculations.
Effective Precipitation (Eqpt)
If considering Effective Precipitation, use 25% of annual precipitation. Use the following equation to calculate
Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
MAWA= (ETo — Eppt) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
Maximum Applied Water Allowance = gallons per year
Show calculations.
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Section B2. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU)
The projecYs Estimated Total Water Use is calculated using the following formula:
ETWU = (ETo)(0.62) P I� ` + SLA
where:
ETWU = Estimated total water use per year (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) ,
PF = Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Definitions)
HA = Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.71)
Hydrozone Table for Calculating ETWU
Please complete the hydrozone table(s). Use as many tables as necessary.
Plant Water Plant Area (HA) PF x HA
H drozone Use T e s Factor PF s uare feet s uare feet
Sum
SLA
Estimated Total Water Use = gallons
Show calculations.
30
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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
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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 492.5.
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report per ordinance
Section 492.5.
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Assembly Bill No. 1881
CHAPTER 559
An act to add Section 1353.8 to the Civil Code, to repeal and add
Article 10.8 (commencing with Section 65591) of Chapter 3 of Division 1
of Title 7 of the Government Code, to add Section 25401.9 to the Public
Resources Code, and to add Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 535) to
Chapter 8 of Division 1 of the Water Code, relating to water conservation.
[Approved by Govemor September 28, 2006. Filed with
Secretary of State September 28, 2006.]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1881, Laird. Water conservation.
(1) Existing law, the Davis-Sterling Common Interest Development
Act, defines and regulates common interest developments, which include
community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned
developments, and stock cooperatives.
This bill would provide that the architectural guidelines of a common
interest development shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the
effect of prohibiting the use of low water-using plants as a group.
(2) The Water Conservation in Landscaping Act requires the
Department of Water Resources to appoint an advisory task force to work
with the department to draft a model local water efficient landscape
ordinance that local agencies may adopt, requires the task force to submit
the ordinance to the department on or before May 1, 1991, and requires the
task force to cease to exist on the date the department adopts the model
ordinance or January l, 1992, whichever occurs first. The act requires the
department, not later than January 1, 1992, to adopt a model local water
efficient landscape ordinance which each local agency may adopt. The act
makes the model local water efficient landscape ordinance adopted by the
department applicable within the jurisdiction of a local agency if that local
agency, by January 1, 1993, has not adopted a water efficient landscape
ordinance or has not adopted certain findings that the adoption of the
ordinance is unnecessary.
This bill would specify that the provision making the model ordinance
applicable to a local agency on and after January 1, 1993, does not apply
to chartered cities. The bill would require the department, to the extent
funds are appropriated, not later than January 1, 2009, by regulation, to
update tl�e model ordinance in accordance with specified requirements.
The bill would require the department to prepare and submit to the
Legislature a prescribed report before the adoption of the updated model
ordinance. The bill would require a local agency, not later than January 1,
2010, to adopt the updated model ordinance or other water efficient
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Ch. 559 — 2 —
landscape ordinance that is at least as effective in conserving water as the
updated model ordinance. The bill would make the updated model
ordinance applicable within the jurisdiction of a local agency, including a
chartered city, if, by January 1, 2010, the local agency has not adopted its
own water efficient landscape ordinance or the updated model ordinance.
The bill would require each local agency, not later than January 31, 2010,
to notify the department as to whether the local agency is subject to the
department's updated model ordinance and, if not, to submit to the
department a copy of the water efficient landscape ordinance adopted by
the local agency, among other documents. The bill would require the
department, to the extent funds are appropriated, not later than January 31,
2011, to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature relating to the
status of water efficient landscape ordinances adopted by local agencies.
By imposing requirements on local agencies in connection with the
adoption of water efficient landscape ordinances, the bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.
(3) Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and
Development Commission (Energy Commission), after one or more public
hearings, to take specified action to reduce the wasteful, uneconomic,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy. Existing law requires
the Energy Commission, by January 1, 2004, to amend specified
regulations to require that residential clothes washers manufactured on or
after January 1, 2007, be at least as water efficient as commercial clothes
washers, and to take certain other related action.
This bill would require the Energy Commission, in consultation with the
department, to adopt, to the extent funds are available, by regulation
performance standards and labeling requirements for landscape irrigation
equipment, including irrigation controllers, moisture sensors, emission
devices, and valves to reduce the wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy or water. The bill would require the
Energy Commission to adopt those requirements for landscape irrigation
controllers and moisture sensors by January 1, 2010, and, on and after
January 1, 2012, would prohibit the sale or installation of an irrigation
controller or moisture sensor for landscape use unless the controller or
sensor meets those adopted requirements. The bill would require the
Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2010, to prepare and submit
to the Legislature a report that sets forth a proposed schedule for adopting
performance standards and labeling requirements for emission devices and
valves.
(4) Existing law generally requires an urban water supplier to install
water meters on all municipal and industrial service connections located
within its service area on or before January 1, 2025.
This bill would require a water purveyor as defined, to require as a
condition of new retail water service on and after January 1, 2008, the
installation of separate water meters to measure the volume of water used
exclusively for landscape purposes. The bill would make this requirement
applicable to specified service connections.
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— 3 — Ch. 559
(5) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates
determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state,
reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory
provisions.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1353.8 is added to the Civil Code, to read:
1353.8. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development
shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting
the use of low water-using plants as a group.
SEC. 2. Article 10.8 (commencing with Section 65591) of Chapter 3 of
Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code is repealed.
SEC. 3. Article 10.8 (commencing with Section 65591) is added to
Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, to read:
Article 10.8. Water Conservation in Landscaping
65591. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Act.
65592. Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions
govern the construction of this article:
(a) "DepartmenY' means the Department of Water Resources.
(b) "Local agency" means any city, county, or city and county,
including a charter city or charter county.
(c) "Water efficient landscape ordinance" means an ordinance or
resolution adopted by a local agency, or prepared by the department, to
address the efficient use of water in landscaping.
65593. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: �
(a) The waters of the state are of limited supply and are subject to ever
increasing demands.
(b) The continuation of California's economic prosperity is dependent
on adequate supplies of water being available for future uses.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Landscape design, installation, maintenance, and management can
and should be water efficient.
(� 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
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C h. 559 — 4 —
beneficial use to be served and the right does not and shall not extend to
waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use.
(g) (1) The Legislature, pursuant to Chapter 682 of the Statutes of
2004, requested the California Urban Water Conservation Council to
convene a stakeholders work group to develop recommendations for
improving the efficiency of water use in urban irrigated landscapes.
(2) The work group report includes a recommendation to update the
model water efficient landscape ordinance adopted by the department
pursuant to Chapter 1145 of the Statutes of 1990.
(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department promote the use
of this updated model ordinance.
(h) Notwithstanding Article 13 (commencing with Section 65700), this
article addresses a matter that is of statewide concern and is not a
municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the
California Constitution. Accordingly, it is the intent of the Legislature that
this article, except as provided in Section 65594, apply to all cities and
counties, including charter cities and charter counties.
65594. (a) Except as provided in Section 65595, ifby January l, 1993,
a local agency did not adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance and did
not adopt findings based on climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions, or water availability that state that a water efficient landscape
ordinance is unnecessary, the model water efficient landscape ordinance
adopted by the department pursuant to Chapter 1145 of the Statutes of
1990 shall apply within the jurisdiction of the local agency as of that date,
shall be enforced by the local agency, and shall have the same force and
effect as if adopted by the local agency.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 65592, subdivision (a)
does not apply to chartered cities.
(c) This section shall apply only until the department updates the model
ordinance.
65595. (a) (1) To the extent funds are appropriated, not later than
January 1, 2009, by regulation, the department shall update the model
water efficient landscape ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 1145 of
the Statutes of 1990, after holding one or more public hearings. The
updated model ordinance shall be based on the recommendations set forth
in the report prepared pursuant to Chapter 682 of the Stari�tes of 2004 and
shall meet the requirements of Section 65596.
(2) Before the adoption of the updated model ordinance pursuant to
paragraph (1), the department shall prepare and submit to the Legislature a
report relating to both of the following:
(A) The extent to which local agencies have complied with the model
water efficient landscape ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 1145 of
the Statutes of 1990.
(B) The department's recommendations regarding the landscape water
budget component of the updated model ordinance described in
subdivision (b) of Section 65596.
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— 5 — Ch. 559
(b) Not later than January 31, 2009, the department shall distribute the
updated model ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) to all local
agencies and'other interested parties.
(c) On or before January 1, 2010, a local agency shall adopt one of the
following:
(1) A water efficient landscape ordinance that is, based on evidence in
the record, at least as effective in conserving water as the updated model
ordinance adopted by the department pursuant to subdivision (a).
(2) The updated model ordinance described in paragraph (1).
(d) If the local agency has not adopted, on or before January 1, 2010, a
water efficient landscape ordinance pursuant to subdivision (c), the
updated model ordinance adopted by the department pursuant to
subdivision (a) shall apply within the jurisdiction of the local agency as of
that date, shall be enforced by the local agency, and shall have the same
force and effect as if adopted by the local agency.
(e) Nothing in this article shall be construed to require the local
agency's water efficient landscape ordinance to duplicate, or to conflict
with, a water efficiency program or measure implemented by a public
water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code,
within the jurisdictional boundaries of the local agency.
65596. The updated model ordinance adopted pursuant to Section
65595 shall do all the following in order to reduce water use:
(a) Include provisions for water conservation and the appropriate use
and groupings of plants that are well-adapted to particular sites and to
particular climatic, soil, or topographic conditions. The model ordinance
shall not prohibit or require specific plant species, but it may include
conditions for the use of plant species or encourage water conserving
plants. However, the model ordinance shall not include conditions that
have the effect of prohibiting or requiring specific plant species. -
(b) Include a landscape water budget component that establishes the
maximum amount of water to be applied through the irrigation system,
based on climate, landscape size, irrigation efficiency, and plant needs.
(c) Promote the benefits of consistent local ordinances in neighboring
areas.
(d) Encourage the capture and retention of stormwater onsite to
improve water use efficiency or water quality.
(e) Include provisions for the use of automatic irrigation systems and
irrigation schedules based on climatic conditions, specific terrains and soil
types, and other environmental conditions. The model ordinance shall
include references to local, state, and federal laws and regulations ,
regarding standards for water-conserving irrigation equipment. The model
ordinance may include climate information for irrigation scheduling based
on the California lrrigation Management Information System.
(� Include provisions for onsite soil assessment and soil management
plans that include grading and drainage to promote healthy plant growth
and to prevent excessive erosion and runoff, and the use of mulches in
shrub areas, garden beds, and landscaped areas where appropriate.
92
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Ch. 559 — 6 —
(g) Promote the use of recycled water consistent with Article 4
(commencing with Section 13520) of Chapter 7 of Division 7 of the Water
Code.
(h) Seek to educate water users on the efficient use of water and the
benefits of doing so.
(i) Address regional differences, including fire prevention needs.
(j) Exempt landscaping that is part of a registered historical site.
(k) Encourage the use of economic incentives to promote the efficient
use of water.
(n Include provisions for landscape maintenance practices that foster
long-term landscape water conservation. Landscape maintenance practices
may include, but are not limited to, performing routine irrigation system '
repair and adjustments, conducting water audits, and prescribing the
amount of water applied per landscaped acre.
(m) Include provisions to minimize landscape irrigation overspray and
runoff.
65597. Not later than January 31, 2010, each local agency shall notify
the department as to whether the local agency is subject to the
department's updated model ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 65595,
and if not, shall submit to the department a copy of the water efficient
landscape ordinance adopted by the local agency, and a copy of the local
agency's findings and evidence in the record that its water efficient
landscape ordinance is at least as effective in conserving water as the
department's updated model ordinance. Not later than January 31, 2011,
the department shall, to the extent funds are appropriated, prepare and
. submit a report to the Legislature summarizing the status of water efficient
landscape ordinances adopted by local agencies.
65598. Any model ordinance adopted pursuant to this article shall
exempt cemeteries from all provisions of the ordinance except those set
forth in subdivisions (h), (k), and (� of Section 65596. In adopting
language specific to cemeteries, the department shall recognize the special
landscape management needs of cemeteries.
65599. Any actions or proceedings to attach, review, set aside, void, or
annul the act, decision, or findings of a local agency on the ground of
noncompliance with this article shall be brought pursuant to Section 1085
of the Code of Civil Procedure.
SEC. 4. Section 25401.9 is added to the Public Resources Code, to
read:
25401.9. (a) To the extent that funds are available, the commission, in
consultation with the Department of Water Resources, shall adopt by
regulation, after holding one or more public hearings, performance
standards and labeling requirements for landscape inigation equipment,
including, but not limited to, irrigation controllers, moisture sensors,
emission devices, and valves, for the purpose of reducing the wasteful,
uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy or water.
(b) For the purposes of complying with subdivision (a), the commission
shall do all of the following:
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— 7 — Ch. 559
(1) Adopt performance standards and labeling requirements for
landscape irrigation controllers and moisture sensors on or before January
l, 2010.
(2) Consider the Irrigation Association's Smart Water Application
Technology Program testing protocols when adopting performance
standards for landscape irrigation equipment, including, but not limited to,
irrigation controllers, moisture sensors, emission devices, and valves.
(3)� Prepare and submit a report to the Legislature, on or before January
1, 2010, that sets forth on a proposed schedule for adopting performance
standards and labeling requirements for emission devices and valves.
(c) On and after January 1, 2012, an irrigation controller or moisture
sensor for landscape irrigation uses may not be sold or installed in the state
unless the controller or sensor meets the performance standards and
labeling requirements established pursuant to this section.
SEC. 5. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 535) is added to
Chapter 8 of Division 1 of the Water Code, to read:
Article 4.5. Irrigated Landscape
535. (a) A water purveyor shall require as a condition of new retail •
water service on and after January 1, 2008, the installation of separate
water meters to measure the volume of water used exclusively for
landscape purposes.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to either of the following:
(1) Single-family residential connections.
(2) Connections used to supply water for the commercial production of
agricultural crops or livestock.
(c) Subdivision (a) applies only to a service connection for which both
of the following apply:
(1) The connection serves properiy with more than 5,000 square feet of
irrigated landscape.
(2) The connection is supplied by a water purveyor that serves 15 or
more service connections.
(d) For the purposes of this section, "new retail water service" means
the installation of a new water meter where water service has not been
previously provided, and does not include applications for new water
service submitted before January 1, 2007.
SEC. 6. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act
contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and
school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7
�(commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the
Government Code.
O
92
5-66
Attachment 3
WATER CONSERVATI4N IN LANDSCAPING .
REGiC)NAL MODEL 4RDINANCE
Prepared by a working group of planning and conservatian representatives far
jurisdictions within the Santa Clara Valley Water District service area.
Contents:
Intent ............................................................................................................................. 2
Applicability .................................................................................................................... 2
Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 4
Demonstration of Landscape Water Efficiency .............................................................. 9
Water-Efficient Design Elements ................................................................................... 9
Water-Efficient Design Checklist ................................................................................. 12
Components of a Landscape Project Submittal ........................................................... 12
Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan ......................................................................... 13
Water Budget Calculation ........................................................................................... 15
Soil Analysis ............................................................................................................... 17
Landscape Installation Report ..................................................................................... 17
Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance ....................................................................... 18
Landscape Project Referral ......................................................................................... 19
� Landscape Project Review Fee ................................................................................... 19
Audit of Existing Landscapes ...................................................................................... 19
Public Education ......................................................................................................... 20
Penalties......................................................................................:�..................:........... 20
Page 1 of 20 DRAFT: 01/20/2010
5-67
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Chapter 00
WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING
§ 00.010 Intent
The intent of this [chapter] is to reduce water waste in landscaping by promoting the use
of region-appropriate plants that require minimal supplemental irrigation, and by
establishing standards for irrigation efficiency. This [chapter] implements the California
Water Conservation in Landscaping Act.
§ 00.020 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this [chapter] shall apply to the following:
1. Construction of new single-family and two-family dwellings, where
cumulative landscape area exceeds 2,500 square feet;
2. Commercial, industrial, office, multi-family residential, and institutional
construction where cumulative landscape area exceeds 2,500 square feet;
3. Landscape installation or rehabilitation associated with any project requiring
[major project permit types, e.g., design review, grading permit, or use
permit], where landscape area exceeds 2,500 square feet;
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5-68
4. Any project with landscape area 2,500 square feet or smaller that has been
determined by the [administering office, e.g. Planning Office] to require
landscape and irrigation design plans. Such determination may be the result
of project information provided on checklist (§ 00.060), installation
inconsistent with information provided on checklist, or other compliance
matter.
5. Existing landscapes larger than one acre, including cemeteries, shall be
subject to the provisions of Section 00.150: Audit of Existing Landscapes;
and,
6. New and rehabilitated cemeteries shall only be subject to the provisions of
Section 00.090: Water Budget Calculation, 00.110: Landscape Installation
Report, and 00.120: Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance.
B. The provisions of Section 00.060: Water-Efficient Design Checklist, shall apply
to:
1. Any project requiring [major project permit types, e.g., design review, grading
permit, or use permit], regardless of the extent (square feet) of landscape area;
and,
2. Any project that includes a new dwelling, regardless of the extent (square
feet) of landscape area.
C. The provisions of this [chapter] shall not apply to:
l. Construction projects other than new single-family or two-family houses that
include irrigated landscape but do not require [major project permit types,
e.g., design review, grading permit, or use permit], and do not require new or
expanded water service;
2. Registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes
an historical landscape style, as determined by the [jurisdiction: historic
resources body], or by any applicable public board or commission responsible
for architectural review or historic preservation;
3. Surface mine reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system; �
4. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent inigation
system;
5. Community gardens or plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and
arboretums open to the public; or �
6. Any commercial cultivation of agricultural products; including, but not
limited to products of farms, orchards, production nurseries and forests.
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§ 00.030 Definitions.
The definitions of terms in this section shall apply wherever these terms appear within
this [chapter], unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.
A. Applied water: The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.
B. Automatic irrigation controller: An automatic timing device used to
remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic
irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration
(weather-based) or soil moisture data.
C. Backflow prevention device: 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. Certified irrigation designer: A person certified to design inigation 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.
E. Certified landscape irrigation auditor: A person certified to perform
landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a
professional trade organization or other program such as the US
Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor
certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape
Irrigation Auditor program.
F. Certified professional: 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.
G. Conversion factor: The number (0.62) that converts w�re-inches pPr acre to
gallons per square foot.
H. Ecological restoration project: A project where the site is intentionally
altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
I. Effective precipitation (Eppt): The portion of total precipitation which
becomes available for plant growth.
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J. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU): The total water used for the landscape
as described in Section VIII "Water Budget Calculations."
K. Evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF): A factor of 0.7, that, when
applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation
efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be
applied to the landscape. ETAF for a special landscape area shall not exceed
1.0. ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
L. Evapotranspiration rate: The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent
soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
M. Hardscape: Any constructed feature in a landscape built of concrete, stone,
wood, or other such pervious or non-pervious durable material. Includes, but
is not limited to, patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
N. Hydrozone: A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar
water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
O. Invasive plant species: Species of plants listed in the invasive plant
inventory of the California lnvasive Plant Council (IPC) that have been
identified as invasive to areas within the IPC-delineated Central West (CW)
. region.
P. Irrigation audit: An in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation
system performed 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 unifortnity, reporting overspray or
runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
Q. Irrigation efficiency (IE): The measurement of the amount of water
beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation
efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system
characteristics and management practices. The minimum average irrigation
efficiency for purposes of this Ordinance is 70%. Greater irrigation efficiency
can be expected from well-designed and maintained systems.
R. Irrigation survey: 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.
S. Landscape architect: A person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture in California as further defined by the California Business and
Professions Code, Section 5615.
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T. Landscape area: All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape installation. The landscape area does not include footprints of
buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios,
gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other
non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and
existing wildland vegetation).
U. Landscape contractor: A person licensed by the State of California to
construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of
landscape systems. '
V. Landscape project: An undertaking of landscape design and installation on a
particular area of land. A landscape project may be associated with an
individual lot, a building project, or a multi-phased development. It may also
be a larger, comprehensive landscape scheme that is not coupled with an
individual building project.
W. Lateral line: The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters
or sprinklers from the valve.
X. Low water use plant: A plant species whose demonstrated water needs are
compatible with local climate and soil conditions such that regular
supplemental irrigation is not required to sustain the plant after it has become
established. Species classified as "very low water use" and "low water use"
by WUCOLS, having a regionally adjusted plant factor of 0.0 through 0.3,
shall be considered low water use plants.
Y. Low-volume irrigation: The application of irrigation water through a system
of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip and bubblers.
Certain rotary emitters designed to provide highly efficient water distribution
may also be included in this definition, at the discretion of the [Planning
Office].
Z. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA): The upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section VIII
"Water Budget Calculations."
AA. Mined-land reclamation projects: Any surface mining operation with a
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act of 1975.
BB. Mulch: Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or
inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left
loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing
evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing
soil erosion.
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CC. Native plant: A plant indigenous to a specific area of consideration. For the
purpose of this [chapter], the term will refer to plants indigenous to the coastal
ranges of Central and Northern California, and mare specifically to such
plants that are suited to the ecology of the present or historic natural
community of the project's vicinity.
DD. Noxious weed: Any weed designated by the weed control regulations in the
Weed Control Act and identified on a regional district noxious weed control
list.
EE. Operating pressure: The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system
are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
FF. Overhead sprinkler irrigation system: A system that delivers water through
the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
GG. Overspray: Irrigation water that is delivered beyond the target area.
HH. Plant factor: A numerical factor, when multiplied by reference
evapotranspiration (ETo), estimates the amount of water needed by plants.
Plant factors are based on the publication "Water Use Classification of
Landscape Species" (WUCOLS).
II. Rain sensor or rain sensing shutoff device: A component that automatically
suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
JJ. Recycled water: Treated wastewater of a quality suitable for non-potable
uses including landscape irrigation and water features.
KK. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo): A standard measurement of
environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants.
LL. Rehabilitated landscape: Any re-landscaping project that requires a[major
project permit types, e.g., design review, grading permit, or use permit], or
requires a new or expanded water service application.
MM. Runoff: Water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscape area.
NN. Soil moisture sensor: A device that measures the amount of water in the soil.
The device may also initiate or suspend irrigation.
00. Special landscape area (SLA): An area of the landscape dedicated solely to
edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using
recycled water and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields,
golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.
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PP. Sprinkler head: A device that delivers water through a nozzle.
QQ. Station: An area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate
simultaneously.
� RR. Turf: A ground cover surface consisting of non-native grass species that is
customarily mowed. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial
ryegrass, red fescue, and tall fescue are examples of cool-season turf grasses.
Bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, zoysia
grass, and buffalo grass are warm-season turf grasses.
SS. Valve: A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
TT. Water feature: A landscape design element where open water performs an
aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, fountains,
waterfalls and artificial streams. Also includes spas and swimming pools that
are ancillary to single-family, two-family and multi-family residential uses.
UU. Wet surface area: The surface area of that portion of a water feature that
functions to contain water, such as the water surface of a swimming pool, spa,
or garden pond. For a fountain or other feature with flowing water, wet
surface area shall be measured as a two dimensional plane bounded by the
perimeter of the area where water has been designed to flow.
VV. Wildland urban interface: A geographic area identified by the State of
California as a"Fire Hazard Severity Zone," or any area designated by the
enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.
WW. WUCOLS: The "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species" published
by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of
Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation, 2000.
§ 00.040 Demonstration of Landscape Water Efficiency
Applicants of projects subject to this ordinance may choose one the following two
options to demonstrate that a landscape proposal meets the ordinance's water-efficiency
goals.
A. Plant-type restriction option: The plan, checklist and any accompanying
documentation must demonstrate all of the following as a means of achieving
water efficiency.
1. The total turf area shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area, or 1,250 square
feet, whichever is lesser in area.
Page 8 of 20 DRAFT: 01/20/2010
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2. Within non-turf areas, at least 80% of the plants shall be native or low water-
use.
3 All other applicable design criteria of Section 00.050 shall be met.
B. Water budget option: Project applicants may elect to prepare a water budget
calculation, per the provisions of Section 00.060, as a means of demonstrating
water efficiency.
§ 00.050 Water-Efficient Design Elements
The elements of a landscape shall be designed to achieve water efficiency consistent with
the intent of this [chapter]. Projects with landscape area of 2,500 square feet or lesser
shall demonstrate water efficiency by providing appropriate responses to specific
checklist items pursuant to Section 00.060. Projects requiring a complete landscape
project submittal shall comply with all applicable criteria of this section.
A. Plant Material:
1. Plants shall be chosen and arranged appropriately based upon the site's
climate, soil characteristics, sun exposure, wildfire susceptibility and other
factors. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped within hydrozones.
2. The turf area shall not be more than 25% of the landscape area, or 1,250
square feet, whichever is lesser in area, unless the project applicant develops a
water budget and the ETWU of the landscape area does not exceed the
MAWA.
3. Turf shall not be planted on slopes greater than 25%.
4. Turf areas shall not be less than eight feet wide.
5. At least 80% of the plants in non-turf landscape areas shall be native plants, or
low water using plants, unless the project applicant develops a water budget
and the ETWU of the landscaped area does not exceed the MAWA.
6. The horticultural attributes of plant species (e.g., mature plant size, invasive
roots, structural attributes) shall be considered, in order. to minimize the
potential for damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, septic
systems, sidewalks, power lines).
7. Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches are strongly
discouraged. In areas designated wildland urban interface, plants shall be
selected, arranged and maintained to provide defensible space for wildfire
protection, in conformance with Public Resources Code Section 4291.
8. Installation of invasive plant species shall be prohibited.
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5-75
9. Existing invasive plants and noxious weeds within or adjacent to the proposed
landscape area shall be removed prior to installation.
10. The architectural guidelines, conditions, covenants or restrictions of a
common interest development shall not supercede this [chapter] by either
prohibiting low water use plants, or including conditions that have the effect
of restricting the use of low water use plants.
B. Irrigation System: 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. In addition:
1. Dedicated landscape water meters shall be required for landscape areas greater
than 5,000 square feet, except for those installations where irrigation water is
provided by an individual onsite well.
2. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or,soil
moisture sensor data for irrigation scheduling are required.
3. 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.
4. The irrigation hardware for each hydrozone shall include a separate valve.
Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs,
groundcovers, and turf.
5. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions.
6. Low-volume irrigation shall be required in mulched areas, in areas with slope
greater than 25%, within 24 inches of a non-permeable surface, or in any
narrow or irregularly shaped areas that are less than eight (8) feet in width in
any direction.
7. Average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 70%. Irrigation systems shall
be designed, maintained and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape
irrigation efficiency of 70%. -
8. Irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless
unfavorable weather prevents it or otherwise renders irrigation unnecessary.
Operation of the inigation system outside the normal watering window is
allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C. Soil, conditioning, and mulching:
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5-76
1. At the time of installation, a minimum of eight (8) inches of non-compacted
topsoil shall be available for water absorption and root growth in planted
areas. This requirement may be waived where a landscape professional has
determined that practical limitations (e.g., slope, other geotechnical factors),
necessitate a lesser soil depth that is viable for the chosen plant materials.
2. Soil amendments, such as compost or fertilizer, shall be appropriately added
according to the soil conditions at the project site and based on what is
appropriate for the selected plants.
3. A minimum two (2)-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces of planting areas, except in areas of direct seeding application (e.g.
hydro-seed).
4. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
D. Hydrozones:
l. Hydrozones shall group plant materials of similar water use, and shall
generally demarcate areas of similar slope, sun exposure, soil, and other site
conditions appropriate for the selected plants.
2. The flow of water to each hydrozone shall be controlled by a separate valve.
3. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is
appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
4. Within a hydrozone, low and moderate water use plants may be mixed, but all
plants within that hydrozone shall be classified as moderate water use for
MAWA calculations. High water use plants shall not be mixed with low or
moderate water use plants.
E. Water Features:
1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
2. The wet surface area of a water feature shall be counted as an area of high
water using plants for purposes of a water budget calculation, except as
provided in subsection 3, below.
3. The surface area of a pool or spa with a cover shall be counted as an area of
medium water using plants for purposes of a water budget calculation.
§ 00.060 Water-Efficient Design Checklist
A water-efficient design checklist shall be developed by the [jurisdiction]. The checklist
shall serve as a preliminary summation of select landscape components to determine
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5-77 �
whether a proposed landscape is generally consistent with the water-efficiency goals of
this [chapter].
A. All applications for [major project permit types, e.g., design review, grading
permit, or use permit], shall include a completed water-efficient design checklist.
Building permits for new dwellings shall also include a completed water-efficient
design checklist.
B. The checklist shall be completed by a property owner or certified landscape
professional, and shall be submitted to the [Planning Office]�along with the
associated project application.
§ 00.070 Components of a Landscape Project Submittal
Unless otherwise specified, the following items shall be submitted to the [Planning
Office] when a landscape project is subject to the requirements of this [chapter].
A. Water-Efficient Design Checklist (§ 00.060).
B. Landscape and Irrigation Design Plans (§ 00.080).
C. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule (§ 00.120).
D. Landscape Installation Report (§ 00.110). Shall be submitted following
installation of landscaping materials and irrigation hardware.
E. Water Budget Calculations (§ 00.090). Not required if turf limitation option
(§ 00.040) is utilized.
F. Soil Analysis Report (§ 00.100). Not required unless requested by [jurisdiction]
as a condition of permit approval.
G. Landscape Plan-Check Fee (§ 00.130).
§ 00.080 Landscape and Irrigation Design Plans
Landscape and irrigation design plans are required of landscape projects larger than 2,500
square feet when associated with applications for [major project permit types, e.g., design
review, grading permit, or use permit], and building permits for new dwellings.
Landscape and irrigation design plans may be required of landscape projects 2,500 square
feet or smaller if so determined by the [Planning Office] (see subsection 00.020(A)(4)).
The landscape and irrigation design plan shall be prepared as follows:
Page 12 of 20 DRAFT: 01 /20/2010
5-78
A. The landscape and irrigation design plans shall incorporate all applicable elements
of Section 00.050. Water-Efficient Design Elements.
B. The landscape design portion 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.
C. The irrigation design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a
licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape
contractor, or any other person authorized by the State of California to design an
irrigation system.
D. The landscape design portion of the landscape and irrigation design plan, at a
minimum, shall:
1. Provide basic project information, such as applicant name, site address, total
landscape area and turf area (square feet), irrigation water source (e.g.
municipal, well, recycled), retail water purveyor (if applicable), and project
contacts.
2. Identify, in tabular form, all plants to be installed as part of the project. The
table shall include the following:
i. Symbol (representing the plant on the plan).
ii. Common name.
iii. Botanical name.
iv. Container size.
v. Quantity.
vi. Type (e.g. grass, forb, succulent, vine, shrub, tree).
vii. Water-efficient species identification. All "native" and "low water use"
plant species (defined in § 00.020) shall be so labeled.
viii. Unique physical specifications of plants (e.g., bare-root, field-potted,
multi-trunk), if applicable.
3. Include the following:
i. General notes, planting notes, plant layout based on size at maturity,
species, and symbol legend. �
ii. Spacing of proposed plantings.
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5-79
iii. Topography
iv. Trunk diameter of all existing trees whose trunk circumference is greater
than 18.5 inches, measured 54 inches above grade.
v. Existing features to remain, such as trees, fencing, hardscape, etc.
vi. Existing features to be removed.
vii. Identification of pertinent site factors such as sun exposure, microclimate,
property lines, buildings, underground/above-ground utilities, existing
drainage features, etc.
viii. Proposed grading. For earthwork exceeding 150 cubic yards, or for cuts
or fills exceeding five vertical feet, a grading permit will be required.
ix. Seed mix, if applicable.
4. Delineate and label each hydrozone;
5. Identify each hydrozone as low water, moderate water, high water, or mixed
(low/moderate) water use, as defined by WUCOLS;
6. Identify special landscape areas;
7. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
8. Identify type and wet surface area of water features;
9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious); and
10. Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the
Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them for the
efficient use of water in the landscape design plan."
E. The irrigation design portion of the landscape and irrigation design plan, at a
minimum, shall contain:
1. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including
controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprir�kler heaus, moisture - sensing
devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow
prevention devices;
2. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;
3. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design
operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;
4. Irrigation schedule;
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5-80
5. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape (if applicable); and,
6. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them accordingly for the
efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan."
F. Grading. If the landscape project area will be graded, then, at a minimum,
grading contours and quantities shall be shown on the landscape design plan.
Grading shall meet all applicable requirements of the [jurisdiction] grading
ordinance ([refer to code section]), including permitting requirements for grading
in excess of established permit thresholds.
A geotechnical engineer should be consulted prior to the installation of
landscaping materials and irrigation hardware on slopes greater than 50%, or in
any areas where slope stability may be compromised.
G. Wildfire Management. 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 and arranged to provide defensible
space for wildfire protection, in conformance with Public Resources Code Section
4291.
H. Storm Water Management. Storm water best management practices shall be
incorporated as appropriate into the landscape installation, the details of which
shall be shown on the landscape design plan. Installation shall be subject to the
[jurisdiction]'s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm
water discharge permit requirements and [refer to code section].
§ 00.090 Water Budget Calculation
Project applicant may elect to complete a water budget calculation for the landscape
project. A water budget must be completed by a certified professional who is authorized
by the State of California to complete a water budget. Water budget calculations shall
adhere to the following requirements:
A. The plant factor used shall be from WLTCOLS. The plant factor ranges from 0.0
to 0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and
from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants. ,
B. The wet surface area of a water feature shall be counted as an area of high water
using plants for purposes of a water budget calculation, except as provided in
subsection C, below.
C. The wet surface area of a pool or spa with a cover shall be counted as an area of
medium water using plants for purposes of a water budget calculation.
Page 15 of 20 DRAFT: 01/20/2010
5-81
D. Where low and moderate water use plants are be mixed within a single
hydrozone, the entire hydrozone area shall be classified as moderate water use for
purposes of a water budget calculation. High water use plants shall not be mixed
with low or moderate water use plants.
E. All special landscape areas shall be identified and their water use included in the
water budget calculations.
F. The reference evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for special landscape
areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for the remaining landscaped area shall not
exceed 0.7. ,
G. Irrigation system efficiency shall be greater than or equal to 70%.
H. Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) shall be calculated using the
equation below:
MAWA =(ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
Where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (acre-inches to gallons)
0.7 = Reference Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
LA = Landscape Area including SLA (square feet)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
I. A project applicant may consider effective precipitation (25% of annual
precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equation to
calculate the MAWA:
MAWA= (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) +(0.3 x SLA)]
J. Estimated total water use (ETWU) shall be calculated for each hydrozone using
the equation below. The sum of the ETWU calculated for all hydrozones shall
not exceed the MAWA.
ETWU =(ETo)(0.62) P I� A + SLA
Where:
ETWU = Estimated Total Water Use per year (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
PF = Plant Factor from WLTCOLS (B32-2(nn))
HA = Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas]
(square feet)
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5-82
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion Factor
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.70)
§ 00.100 Soil Analysis.
The [Planning Office] shall have discretion to require soil analysis as a condition of
approval for any [major project permit types, e.g., design review, grading permit, or use
permitJ, where a landscape project submittal is required.
A soil analysis report shall document the various characteristics of the soil (e.g. texture,
infiltration rate, pH, soluble salt content, percent organic matter, etc), and provide
recommendations for amendments as appropriate to optimize the productivity and water-
efficiency of the soil. The soil analysis report shall be made available to the professionals
preparing the landscape and irrigation design plans in a timely manner either before or
during the design process. A copy of the soils analysis report shall be submitted to the
[Planning Office] as part of the landscape documentation package.
§ 00.110 Landscape Installation Report
Landscape installation assessment for new or rehabilitated landscapes shall be conducted
by a certified landscape professional after the landscaping and irrigation system have
been installed. The findings of the assessment shall be consolidated into a landscape
installation report.
A. The landscape installation report shall include, but is not limited to: inspection to
confirm that the landscaping and irrigation system were installed as specified in
the landscape and irrigation design plan, system tune-up, system test with
distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow,
and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
B. The landscape installation report shall include the following statement: "The
landscape and irrigation system has been installed as specified in the landscape
and irrigation design plan and complies with the criteria of the ordinance and the
permit."
C. The [jurisdiction] shall administer ongoing programs that may include, but not be
limited to, post-installation landscape inspection, irrigation water use analysis,
irrigation audits, irrigation surveys and water budget calculations to evaluate
compliance with the MAWA.
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5-83
§ 00.120 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure successful establishment following installation,
and to ensure water use efficiency consistent with this [chapter]. A maintenance schedule
shall be established and submitted to the [Planning Office] either with the landscape
application package, with the landscape installation report, or any time before the
landscape installation report is submitted. Maintenance contract documentation shall be
provided to the [Planning Office] if so requested.
A. The timing of the maintenance schedule shall extend 30 months from the date of
the landscape installation report, unless a different time period is established by
the [Planning Office] under a condition of permit approval. The landscape
professional(s) overseeing maintenance activities shall provide to the [Planning
Office] a minimum of three summary reports at appropriately spaced intervals
over the 30-month period. The reports shall evaluate the condition of the
installation, and describe maintenance needs and any actions taken.
B. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to the following: routine inspection;
pressure testing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system; aerating and de-
thatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; replanting of failed
plants; weeding; pest control; and removing obstructions to emission devices.
C. Failed plants shall be replaced with the same or functionally equivalent plants that
may be size-adjusted as appropriate for the stage of growth of the overall
installation. Failing plants shall either be replaced, or be revived through
appropriate adjustments in water, nutrients, pest control or other factors as
recommended by a landscaping professional.
§ 00.130 Landscape Project Referral
The [Planning Office] shall refer the landscape project documents to any [jurisdiction]
department or outside agency whose interests or area of expertise warrants their
participation in the review process. Referral agencies may include, but are not limited to,
[Santa Clara Valley Water District, Fire Department, and Clean Water Program].
§ 00.140 Landscape Project Review Fee.
The submittal of a landscape and irrigation design plan shall be accompanied by a project
review fee as provided by the fee schedule adopted by the [legislative body].
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5-84
§ 00.150 Audit of Existing Landscapes
The [jurisdiction] shall be authorized to require audits to evaluate water use on
established landscapes larger than one acre. Such audit may be also be initiated as a
coordinated effort between the [jurisdiction] and a water purveyor (e.g., Santa Clara
Valley Water District, as part of the Water District's established outdoor water
conservation programs). When such audit is required, it must be completed by a certified
landscape irrigation auditor.
Following the findings and fecommendations of the certified landscape irrigation auditor,
the �jurisdiction] may require adjustments to irrigation usage, irrigation hardware, and/or
landscape materials to reduce irrigation water use. Landscape renovation or
rehabilitation resulting from such audit activity shall be considered a landscape project,
and shall be subject to applicable document submittal requirements of Section 00.070.
For established landscapes that have dedicated irrigation meters, the maximum applied
water allowance (MAWA) shall be calculated as follows:
MAWA= (ETo) (0.62) (LA) (0.8)
Where:
MAWA = M�imum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.62 = Conversion Factor (acre-inches to gallons)
LA = Landscape Area (square feet)
0.8 = Reference Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
§ 00.160 Public Education
A. The [jurisdiction] shall provide information to all applicants regarding the design,
installation, management and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes and
irrigation systems.
B. All model homes that are landscaped shall have signs installed that provide
information on the principles of water-efficient landscaping.
§ 00.170 Penalties
Non-compliance with any applicable provision of this [chapter] shall be subject
enforcement action, as provided in [code reference].
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5-85
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�clat�,� �.� t�a�. t�3�lcj��ir�;,� �-t�i�;:
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Page 20 of 20 DRAFT: 01/20/2010
5-86 �
LANDSCAPE WATER-EFFICIENCY CHECKLIST
Applicant Name: Phone: Email:
Pro'ect Site Address:
Total Landscape Landscape area: All the planting areas turf areas, and waterfeatures in a landscape
Area s uare feet : instail�tion. The landscape area does not inciude footprints of buiidinc�s or structures,
side�valks, driveulays, parking, lots, decks, patios, gravei or stone walks other pervicus or
Turf Area: nan-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development
le.g.; open spaces and �xisting wildland vegetation).
Non-Turf Plant Area: Turf: A ground cover surface consisting of non-native grass species that is customarily mo:ved.
annual bluegrass, K2ntucky bluegrass, perer�nial ryegrass, red fescue, and tall fescue are
Special Landscape Area: exarnples af cooi-season turf grasses. Bermuda grass kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum,
St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass are warm-season turf grasses.
Water Feature
Wet Surface Area: See reverse side for other definitions.
NOTE: If landscape area exceeds 2,500 sq. ft., a landscape and irrigation design plan (and supporting documents) shall be required. If no
landscaping is proposed; enter"0" for "Total Landscape Area," and proceed directly to the signature block at the bottom of this form.
Landscape Parameter � Requirements ` Project Compliance
Turf ; Total turf area shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area, or °:; D Yes
� 1,250 square feet, whichever is lesser in area. `❑ tic ;`�"Jater butlget caluu(ation requi,ed
. � :�iifll Iu��i�Sii:�'L', li(O�eGt SIiL?(T'si�'r"�3;
€ All turf areas shall be wider than eight (8) feet. � p Yes ��
;._�_ �._�. _ �..� _�_..,._..._.� __�._.m..._.....__m_ A._.______ . ._ . ..-.._ ...___.__--�_ . __.._ �.__. �__.�___._ _. _ _ .
` Turf (if utilized) is limited to slopes not exceeding 25%. ;�] Yes
4
Non-Turf ; At least 80% of non-turf area shall consist of native or low ; C1 Yes
s water use plants. ❑�;o ��.�Jater budget calc;.E<�;ier� req:.i;�d
� �r{�ith IandscaNe projee: subt��it;a(�
Hydrozones ; Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped within � D Yes
; hydrozones. Each hydrozone shall be controlled by a , C,� i�a ;Prvviue expla�aticr, o;� bacK;
; separate valve.
irrigation System = Systems shall be designed and maintained to minimize water s O Yes
� waste (e.g., runoff, low head drainage, overspray). Low- � C1 i�o ;Pr�viae ex�ia:�ati�r cr: bu��;
; volume irrigation shall be utilized in non-turf areas. Irrigation
� shall only occur between the hours of 8:00 pm and 10:00 am. ;
Soil i A minimum of eight (8) inches of non-compacted topsoil shall = Cl Yes
be available in planted areas. ; CI P�o � Provide �xpianaticn c�r br e�;
; Soil amendments, such as compost or fertilizer, shall be ap- ; G Yes p ��� 9 �� F �� w � . �� .,
� propriately added according to the soil conditions at the project ,'� ❑ yn �I�r;�vi�e explar,atie� ar, �ack;
� site and based on what is app r op riate for the selected plants. ;
Mulch ; A minimum two (2)-inch layer of mulch shall be appfied on all ` D Yes
= exposed soil surfaces of planting areas, except in areas of ` C.� tio �Provi�� exr�fana2ien cn cack;
� direct seeding application (e.g. hydro-seed). ?
�
I am aware of available informational resources regarding native and low water use plants, irrigation efficiency, and other aspects of water-efficient
landscaping. I certify that the information provided on this checklist is correct, and I understand that any changes to the project will necessitate a
new checklist.
Signature of property owner or authorized representative Date
5-87
This checklist implements the requirements of the Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance. The reponses provided
wiil be evaluated to determine whether the proposed landscape is generally consistent with the ordinance's water-
efficiency goals.
Applicant Comments
iJse acid:ticr:t:l parr,r if ncc,essary
Staff Evaluation � Staff Comments
i
3
Approved :
�
�
Not Approved �
�
�
{
� Signature Date
Select Definitions '
Hydrozone; A partion of the landscaped area having plants with similarwater needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated ar non-
irrigated. :
Low water use plant: A plant species whase demonstrated water neetls are compatibie with local climate and soil condi-
tions such that regular supplemental irrigation is not required to sustain the, piant after it has become established. Species
dassified as "very low water use" and '9ow water use" by WUCOLS; having a: regionally adjusted plant factor of 0.0 through
0.3, shali be considerad low water use plants.
Low-votume irrigation: The applicatian of irrigafion 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 irrigatian systems are specifically designed to apply
smal{ volumes of water slowly at or near the root zane of plants.
Native pl'ant: A piant indigenous to a specific area af consideratian. for the purpose of this division; the term wiii refer to
plants indigenousto the coastal ranges of Central and Northem California, and more specifically to such plantsthat are suited
to the ecolagy of the present or historic natural community of the project's vicinity.
Special landscape area: An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recyded water,
water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to active piay such as parks, sports fields, gaif courses, and wher�
turf pravides a playing surface.
Water feature: A landscape design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water teatures
include ponds, fountains, waterfalls and artificiai streams. Aisa indudes spas and swimming pools that are ancillary to singie-
family, two-famify and multi-farnily residentiai uses.
Wet surface area: The surface area of that portion of a water feature that functions #o contain +Nater, such as the water
surface of a swimming poal, spa, or garden'pond'. For a fountain or other feature with flowing water, wet surface area shal! be
measured as a two dimensional piane bounded 6y the perimeter of the area where water has been designed to flow.
�—$$
ATTACHMENT 4
APPLICABILITY AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS COMPARISON
Table 1: Applicability Comparison
Parameter DWR Ordinance Pro osed Ci Ordinance
Applicability . All private and public projects � All projects that require a
with new or rehabilitated discretionary approval if landscaping
landscapes > 2,500 s.f. that need a is proposed in conjunction with the
discretionary approval or project
building permit • New residential projects that require
• Home-owner provided new or a building permit if landscaping is
rehabilitated landscapes > 5,000 proposed in conjunction with the
s.f. that need a discretionary project
approval or building permit • Checklist - if landscape < 2,500 s.f.
• Landscape Project submittal for • Landscape Project submittal - if
above landsca e> 2,500 s.f.
Table 2: Submittal Requirements Comparison
Parameter DWR Ordinance Proposed Ordinance <_ 2,500 Proposed Ordinance > 2,500
s.f. s.f.
Water Budget . Required • Optional • Optional
calculations
Checklist • Not an o tion • Re uired • Re uired
Landscape • Required • Required, if Water Budget • Required
Design Plan re ared
Irrigation • Required • Required, if Water Budget • Required
Design Plan re ared
Grading • Required • Only if project triggers any � Only if project triggers any
Design Plan thresholds in Chapter 16.08 thresholds in Chapter 16.08
of CMC of CMC
Soil • Required • Not required under normal • Not required under normal
Management circumstances circumstances
Re ort
Landscape • Required • Required, if Water Budget • Required
and Irrigation prepared
Maintenance
Schedule
Certificate of • Required • Landscape Installation • Landscape Installation
Completion Report required, if Water Report required
Bud et re ared
Irrigation • Required • Not required • Not required
Audit/Surve
5-89
Table 3: Differences between DWR Ordinance, SCVWD regional group and Proposed Ordinance
SCVWD Regional Pro osed Ordinance ?
Parameter DWR Ordinance Group Landscape area Landscape area Why.
<_ 2,500 s.f. > 2,500 s.f.
Pool and spa covers • Highly • Not required or • Required • Required � High water use element in
Recommended recommended landsca in .
Surface area of water • Water budget • Water budget • Limited to • Limited to • Allow applicants with minor
features required to required to 10% of 10% of projects the flexibility of not
determine size of determine size of landscape area landscape area having to prepare a water
pool pool OR budget.
• Provide water
bud et
Geotechnical review • N/A • Slopes of more than • Slopes of more • Slopes of more • To be consistent with
50% than 30% than 30% requirements in the RHS
Ordinance.
Maintenance • N/ A but requires the • Not required but • Not required • Required • Similar to Storm water
Agreement City to administer requires the City to maintenance agreement to be
programs that administer programs used as a means to inform
include that include current and future property
• irrigation water • Irrigation water owners of:
use analysis, use analysis, • The existence of landscape
• irrigation audits, • Irrigation audits, requirements
and and • Their obligation to maintain
• irrig�stion surveys • Irrigation surveys the landscape and not
for compliance with For compliance with remove/replace the landscape
the Maximum the Maximum without city approval.
Applied Water Applied Water
Allowance MAWA). Allowance.
Effective Precipation • Local agencies have • Allow applicants to • Not required � Not required • This is a more restrictive
formula the option of use this more formula. Since the DWR allows
requiring the use of restrictive formula. the agency to choose a formula,
this formula to staff recommends using the more
calculate MAWA. lenient formula.