HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC ORD 2010-2331 Amend Title 18 Establishing Water Efficient Landscape RegulationsORDINANCE NO. 2010 — 2331
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
AMENDING TITLE 18 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER
18.54 ESTABLISHING WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill AB-1881 required the State Department of Water
Resources update the State of California model landscape ordinance to promote water
conservation; and
WHEREAS, cities were required to adopt the State model water efficient
landscape ordinance or an ordinance that is at least as effective by January 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this ordinance is to establish specific requirements,
rules, and standards for landscape and irrigation installations and incidental matters relating to
water conservation measures; and
WHEREAS, landscapes are essential to the quality of life by providing areas for
active and passive recreation and enhance the environment by cleaning air and water,
preventing erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, water supplies are limited and subject to increasing demand; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of National City to promote the
conservation and efficient use of water and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of National City to work cooperatively with
water purveyors; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15307, Class 7; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the proposed amendment on
January 11, 2010, and recommended approval with minor changes as recommended by the
Sweetwater Authority, which have been incorporated into this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that the requirements set forth in this
Ordinance are reasonably necessary because of local climatic conditions, including low annual
precipitation and extensive periods of drought, which have made it necessary to import the
majority of the water used in this area; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby also finds that this Ordinance implements
the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act. The requirements in this Ordinance reduce water
use associated with irrigation of outdoor landscaping by setting a maximum amount of water to
be applied to landscaping, and by designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient
landscapes consistent with the water allowance. The provisions of this Ordinance are equivalent
to and at least as effective as the provisions of the Sate Model Landscape Ordinance because
the calculation of maximum applied water allowance and the resulting restrictions on irrigation
and process are similar, though tailored to the City of National City's existing regulatory
procedures; and
1
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code section 65595, the City of National
City finds that the Ordinance is at least as effective in conserving water as the State model
ordinance based upon evidence in the legislative record.
NOW, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of National City that Title
18 of the National City Municipal Code is amended as follows:
SECTION 1: Chapter 18.54 of the National City Municipal Code, which is applicable
city wide, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 18.54
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
Sections:
18.54.010 Purpose.
18.54.020 Definitions.
18.54.030 Applicability.
18.54.040 Administration and enforcement.
18.54.050 Landscape Documentation Package.
18.54.060 Soil management report.
18.54.070 Planting and irrigation plans.
18.54.080 Water efficient landscape worksheet.
18.54.090 Grading design plan.
18.54.100 Irrigation schedule.
18.54.110 Maximum applied water use.
18.54.120 Estimated total water use.
18.54.130 Adjustment to landscaped area for non -vegetated area.
18.54.140 Regulations applicable to use of turf on landscaped areas.
18.54.150 Projects with model homes.
18.54.160 Recycled water.
18.54.170 Landscaping and irrigation installation.
18.54.180 Landscaping and irrigation maintenance.
18.54.190 Certificate of completion.
18.54.200 Waste water prevention.
18.54.010 Purpose. The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in
Landscaping Act (the "Act"), Government Code sections 65591 et seq., that the State's water
resources are in limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is
essential to the quality of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and
management must be water efficient. The general purpose of this Chapter is to establish water
use standards for landscaping in the City of National City that implement the 2006 development
landscape design requirements established by the Act. Consistent with the Legislature's
findings, the purpose of this Ordinance is to:
A. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to
utilize water and other resources as efficiently as possible.
B. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and
managing water efficient landscapes.
C. Promote the use, when available, of tertiary treated recycled water, for irrigating
landscaping.
Ordinance 2010-2331 2 Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
D. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical
amount.
E. Encourage water users of existing landscapes to use water efficiently and without
waste.
18.54.020 Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this Chapter:
A. "Automatic irrigation controller" means an automatic timing device used to
remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers shall
schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (ETo) (weather -based) or moisture
sensor data.
B. "Building permit" means a permit to engage in a certain type of construction at a
specific location.
C. "Certified landscape irrigation auditor" means a person certified to perform
landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade
organization, or other accredited certification program.
D. "Developer" means a person who seeks or receives permits for or who
undertakes land development activities who is not a single-family homeowner. Developer
includes a developer's partner, associate, employee, consultant, trustee, or agent.
E. "Director" means the development services director or anyone to whom the
director has designated or hired to administer or enforce this Chapter.
F. "Discretionary permit" means any permit requiring a decision -making body to
exercise judgment prior to its approval, conditional approval, or denial.
G. "Estimated total water use" (ETVVU) means the estimated total water use in
gallons per year for a landscaped area.
H. "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor that when applied to reference
ETo, adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiency, two major influences on the
amount of water that is required for a healthy landscape.
I. "Evapotranspiration" (ETo) means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent
soil and other surfaces, and transpired by plants during a specified time period.
J. "Reference evapotranspiration" means a standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day,
month, or year and is an estimate of the ETo of a large field of four -inches to seven-inch tall,
cool season turf that is well watered. Reference ETo is used as the basis of determining the
MAWA so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
K. "Grading" means any importation, excavation, movement, loosening, or
compaction of soil or rock.
L. "Hardscape" means any durable surface material, pervious, or non -pervious.
M. "Homeowner -provided landscaping" means landscaping installed either by a
private individual for a single-family residence or installed by a California licensed contractor
hired by a homeowner.
N. "Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscape area having plants with similar
water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non -irrigated.
O. "Invasive plant species" means species of plants not historically found in
California that spread outside cultivated areas and may damage environmental or economic
resources.
P. "Irrigation audit" includes an in depth evaluation of the performance of an
irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. An irrigation audit may
include, 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.
Ordinance 2010-2331 3 Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
Q. "Irrigation efficiency' means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially
used divided by the water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and
estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
R. "Landscaped area" means an area with outdoor plants, turf, and other vegetation.
A landscaped area may include a water feature either in an area with vegetation or that stands
alone. A landscaped area may also include design features adjacent to an area with vegetation.
A landscaped area does not include the footprint of a building, decks, patio, sidewalk, driveway,
parking lot, or other hardscape. A landscaped area also does not include an area without
irrigation designated for non -development such as designated open space or area with existing
native vegetation and areas dedicated for food production.
S. "Landscape Manual" means the Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual,
approved by the City of National City that establishes specific design criteria and guidance to
implement the requirements of this Chapter.
T. "Low head drainage" means a sprinkler head or other irrigation device that
continues to emit water after the water to the zone in which the device is located has shut off.
U. "Low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low pressure
through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low volume emitters such as drip lines or
bubblers.
V. "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the maximum allowed
annual water use for a specific landscaped area based on the square footage of the area, the
ETAF, and the reference ETo.
W. "Mulch" means an organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, or inorganic
mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil
surface to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, or prevent soil
erosion.
X. "Overspray" means the water from irrigation that is delivered outside an area
targeted for the irrigation and makes contact with a surface not intended to be irrigated.
Y. "Pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water
through the material and into underlying soil.
Z. "Plant factor" means a factor when multiplied by the ETo, estimates the amount
of water a plant needs.
AA. "Recycled water" means waste water that has been treated at the highest level
required by the California Department of Public Health for water not intended for human
consumption.
BB. "Recreational areas" means areas of active play or recreation, such as parks,
playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas where turf
provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes.
CC. "Runoff' means water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscaped area.
DD. "Special landscaped area" means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible
plants, an area irrigated with recycled water, or an area dedicated as turf area within a park,
sports field, or golf course where turf provides a passive or active recreational surface.
EE. "Standard Urban Strom Water Mitigation Plan" (SUSMP) means a plan designed
to reduce pollutants and runoff flows from new development and significant redevelopment.
FF. "SUSMP Manual" means the manual prepared for implementation of SUSMP
requirements, and available for reference at the City's Development Services Department and
on the City's website.
GG. "Storm Water Management and Discharge Control" means regulations contained
in Chapter 14.22 of the Municipal Code enacted to reduce the effects of polluted discharge on
water of the state, to secure benefits from the use of storm water as a resource, to ensure
Ordinance 2010-2331 4 Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
compliance with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and applicable
state and federal law.
HH. "Subsurface irrigation" means an irrigation device with a delivery line and water
emitters installed below the soil surface that slowly and frequently emit small amounts of water
into the soil to irrigate plant roots.
II. "Tertiary treated recycled water," means water that has been through three levels
of wastewater treatment including filtration and disinfection, but not intended for human
consumption.
JJ. "Transitional area" means a portion of a landscaped area that is adjacent to a
natural or undisturbed area and is designated to ensure that the natural area remains
unaffected by plantings and irrigation installed on the property.
KK. "Turf' means a groundcover surface of mowed grass.
LL. "Water feature" means a design element where open water performs an
aesthetic or recreational function. A water feature includes a pond, lake, waterfall, fountain,
artificial streams, spa, and swimming pool. Constructed wetlands used for onsite wastewater
treatment or storm water best management practices are not water features.
MM. "WUCOLS III" means Water Use Classification of Landscape Species and refers
to the Department of Water Resources 1999 publication or the most current version.
18.54.030 Applicability.
A. All new industrial, commercial, institutional, or multi -family residential
development with a total landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet shall provide the
following:
1. Install on -site landscaping and below grade automatic irrigation system in
accordance with the landscape manual.
2. Landscaping shall be installed in all areas not utilized for structures,
parking, drainage, and hardscape.
3. Drought tolerant landscaping and water efficiency in accordance with this
Chapter and the landscape manual is encouraged.
4. Parkways, between the curb and the sidewalk, bordering the
development shall be provided with ground cover, shrubs, and at a minimum one 15-gallon
street tree every 40 linear feet.
B. All new single-family and two-family residences with a total landscaped area less
than 5,000 square feet shall provide the following:
1. Install on -site landscaping and below grade automatic irrigation systems
in accordance with the landscape manual.
2. Landscaping shall be installed on all areas not used for structures,
driveways, drainage, and hardscape.
3. Drought tolerant landscaping and water efficiency for all new landscaping
consistent with this Chapter is encouraged.
4. Parkways, between the curb and the sidewalk, bordering the
development shall be provided with ground cover, shrubs, and at a minimum one 15-gallon
street tree every 40 linear feet.
C. For all other projects that exceed the landscape area identified in 18.54.030(A)
and (B) of this Chapter shall apply to the following projects when a building permit or a
discretionary permit is required:
1. A project for an industrial, commercial, institutional, or multi -family
residential use with a total landscaped area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
2. Developer installed residential and common area landscapes where the
total landscaped area for the development is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
Ordinance 2010-2331 5 Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
3. A new single-family residence with homeowner provided landscaping,
where the landscaped area is equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet.
4. A model home that includes a landscaped area.
5. A public agency project that contains a landscaped area equal to or
greater than 2,500 square feet.
6. A rehabilitated landscape for an existing industrial, commercial,
institutional, public agency, or multi -family use where a building permit or discretionary permit is
being issued, and the applicant is installing or modifying 2,500 square feet or more of
landscaping.
B. This Chapter shall not apply to the following:
1. A registered local, State, or federal historical site.
2. An ecological restoration project that does not require a permanent
irrigation system.
3. A mined land reclamation project that does not require a permanent
irrigation system.
4. A botanical garden or arboretum, open to the public.
5. Any single-family residence that is being rebuilt after it was destroyed due
to a natural disaster, such as a fire, earthquake, or hurricane.
18.54.040 Administration and enforcement.
A. The director shall administer and enforce this Chapter.
B. The director shall provide guidance to applicants on how to comply with the
requirements of this Chapter.
18.54.050 Landscape Documentation Package.
A. Building permit applications for projects subject to section 18.54.030 shall submit
and have approved a Landscape Documentation Package to the development services
Department prior to issuance of a building permit. A minimum of three percent (3%) of the
construction cost to install the landscaping and irrigation improvements shall be submitted as a
deposit to review the Landscape Documentation Package. The developer shall be billed for
actual costs incurred by the city, including actual labor charges and consultant fees, less the
amount of the deposit. In addition to the fee, the Landscape Documentation Package shall
contain the following.
1. A soils management report and plan that complies with section
18.54.060.
2. Planting and irrigation plans that comply with section 18.54.070.
3. A water efficient landscape worksheet that complies with section
18.54.080.
4. A grading plan that complies with section 18.54.090, and Chapters 14.22
(Storm Water Management and Discharge Control) and 15.70 (Grading) of the Municipal Code.
18.54.060 Soils management report.
A. The soils management report required by section 18.54.050 shall be prepared by
a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape
professional appropriately licensed by the State, and shall contain the following information:
1. An analysis of the soil for the proposed landscaped areas of the project
that includes information about the soil texture, soil infiltration rate, pH, total soluble salts,
sodium, and percent organic matter.
2. Recommendations about soil amendments that may be necessary to
foster plant growth and plant survival in the landscaped area using efficient irrigation
techniques.
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Landscape Regulations
3. Proposed soil amendments and mulch as follows:
a. The report shall identify the type and amount of mulch for each
area where mulch is applied. Mulch shall be used as follows:
A minimum two-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all
exposed soil surfaces in each landscaped area except in turf areas, creeping or rooting ground
covers or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.
ii. Stabilizing mulch shall be applied on slopes.
The mulching portion of seed/mulch slurry in hydro -seeded
applications shall comply with subsection A above.
e. Highly flammable mulch material shall not be used. -
iv. The report shall identify any soil amendments and their
type and quantity
B. When a project involves mass grading of a site, the soils report that complies
with subsection A shall be submitted with the certificate of completion required by section
18.54.190.
18.54.070 Planting and irrigation plans.
A. The planting and irrigation plans required by section 18.54.050 shall be prepared
by a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape
professional appropriately licensed by the State. The plans shall:
1. Include the MAWA for the plans, including the calculations used to
determine the MAWA. The calculations shall be based on the formula in section 18.54.110.
2. Include the ETWU for the plans, including the calculations used to
determine the ETWU. The calculations shall be based on the formula in section 18.54.120.
3. Include a statement signed under penalty of perjury by the person who
prepared the plan that provides, "I am familiar with the requirements for landscape and irrigation
plans contained in the City of National City Water Efficient Landscape Regulations (LUC
Chapter 18.54). I have prepared this plan in compliance with those regulations. I certify that the
plan implements those regulations to provide efficient use of water."
4. Demonstrate compliance with best management practices identified in
Municipal Code Chapter 14.22, including the Storm Water Management, Discharge Control
Ordinance and Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP).
5. Demonstrate compliance with State and city requirements for defensible
space around buildings and structures, and avoid the use of fire prone vegetation.
B. The planting plan shall meet the following requirements:
1. The plan shall include a list of all vegetation by common and botanical
plant name, which exists in the proposed landscaped area. The plan shall state what vegetation
will be retained and what will be removed.
2. The plan shall include a list of all vegetation by common and botanical
plant name which will be added to each landscaped area. Invasive plant species shall not be
added to a landscaped area. The plan shall include the total quantities by container size and
species. If the applicant intends to plant seeds, the plan shall describe the seed mixes and
applicable purity and germination specifications.
3. The plan shall include a detailed description of each water feature,
including the type and surface area of all water features that will be included in the landscaped
area. The water feature shall utilize a recirculating water system.
4. The plan shall be accompanied by a drawing showing the specific
location of all vegetation, retained or planted, the plant spacing and plant size, natural features,
water features, and hardscape areas. The drawing shall include a legend listing the common
and botanical plant name of each plant shown on the drawing.
Ordinance 2010-2331 7 Establishing Water Efficient
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5. All plants shall be grouped in hydrozones, and the irrigation shall be
designed to deliver water to hydrozones based on the moisture requirements of the plant
grouping. A hydrozone may mix plants of moderate and low water use or mix plants of high
water use with plants of moderate water use. No high water use plants shall be allowed in a low
water use hydrozone. The plan shall also demonstrate how the plant groupings accomplish the
most efficient use of water.
6. The plan shall identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible
plants.
7. The plan shall demonstrate that landscaping when installed and at
maturity will be positioned to avoid obstructing motorists' views of pedestrian crossings,
driveways, roadways, and other vehicular travel ways. If the landscaping will require
maintenance to avoid obstructing motorist's views, the plan shall describe the maintenance and
the frequency of the proposed maintenance.
8. The plan shall avoid the use of landscaping with known surface root
problems adjacent to a paved area, unless the plan provides for installation of root control
barriers or other appropriate devices to control surface roots.
9. Plants in a transitional area shall consist of a combination of site adaptive
and compatible native and/or non-native species. Invasive species shall not be introduced or
tolerated in a transitional area. The irrigation in a transitional area shall be designed so that no
overspray or runoff shall enter an adjacent area that is not irrigated.
10. Where applicable, the plan shall identify passive and active recreational
areas.
11. Parkways, between the curb and the sidewalk, bordering the
development shall be provided with ground cover, shrubs, and at a minimum one 15-gallon
street tree every 40 linear feet.
C. The irrigation plan shall meet the following requirements:
1. The plan shall show the location, type, and size of all components of the
irrigation system that will provide water to the landscaped area, including the controller, water
lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure
regulators, and backflow prevention devices.
2. The plan shall show the static water pressure at the point of connection to
the public water supply and the flow rate in gallons, the application rate in inches per hour, and
the design operating pressure in pressure per square inch for each station.
3. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low -
head drainage and other similar conditions where irrigation water flows or sprays onto areas not
intended for irrigation. The plan shall also demonstrate how grading and drainage techniques
promote healthy plant growth and prevent erosion and runoff.
4. The plan shall identify each area irrigated with recycled water.
5. The plan shall provide that any slope greater than 25 percent will be
irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate of .75 inches per hour or less to
prevent runoff and erosion. As used in this Chapter, 25 percent grade means one foot of vertical
elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length. An applicant may employ an alternative
design if the plan demonstrates that no runoff or erosion will occur.
6. The plan shall provide that all wiring and piping under a paved area that a
vehicle may use, such as a parking area, driveway or roadway, will be installed inside a PVC
conduit.
7. The plan shall provide that irrigation piping and irrigation devices that
deliver water, such as sprinkler heads, shall be installed below grade if they are within 24 inches
of a vehicle or pedestrian use area. The director may allow on -grade piping where landform
constraints make below grade piping infeasible.
Ordinance 2010-2331 8 Establishing Water Efficient
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8. The plan shall provide that only low volume irrigation shall be used to
irrigate any vegetation within 24 inches of an impermeable surface unless the adjacent
impermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to cause water to drain entirely into a
landscaped area.
9. The irrigation system shall provide for the installation of a manual shutoff
valve as close as possible to the water supply. Additional manual shutoff valves shall be
installed between each zone of the irrigation system and the water supply.
10. The irrigation system shall provide that irrigation for any landscaped area
will be regulated by an automatic irrigation controller using either evapotranspiration or soil
moisture sensor data.
11. The irrigation system shall be designed with a landscape irrigation
efficiency necessary to meet the MAWA.
12. The plan shall describe each automatic irrigation controller the system
uses to regulate the irrigation schedule, and whether it is a weather -based system or moisture
detection system. The plan shall depict the location of electrical service for the automatic
irrigation controller or describe the use of batteries or solar power that will power valves or an
irrigation controller.
13. Parkways, between the curb and the sidewalk, bordering the
development shall be provided below grade irrigation.
18.54.080 Water efficient landscape worksheet. The water efficient landscape worksheet
required by section 18.54.050 shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil
engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape professional appropriately licensed by the
State, and shall contain the following:
A. A hydrozone information table that contains a list of each hydrozone in the
landscaped area of the project and complies with the following requirements:
1. For each hydrozone listed, the table shall identify the plant types and
water features in the hydrozone, the irrigation methods used, the square footage, and the
percentage of the total landscaped area of the project that the hydrozone represents.
2. The plant types shall be categorized as turf, high water use, moderate
water use, or low water use.
B. Water budget calculations, which shall meet the following requirements:
1. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS 111. A plan that mixes plants
in a hydrozone that requires a different amount of water shall use the plant factor for the highest
water using plant in the hydrozone.
2. Temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use
hydrozone. Temporarily irrigated as used in this Chapter means the period of time when
plantings only receive water until they become established.
3. The surface area of a water feature, including swimming pools, shall be
included in a high water use hydrozone.
4. The calculations shall use the formula for the MAWA in section 18.54.110
and for the ETWU in section 18.54.120.
5. Each special landscaped area shall be identified on the worksheet and
the area's water use calculated using an ETAF of 1.0.
18.54.090 Grading plan. The grading plan required by section 18.54.050 shall comply with
the Municipal Code Chapters 14.22 (Storm Water Management and Discharge Control) and
15.70 (Grading). See the SUSMP Manual for implementation guidelines for Chapter 14.22 to
reduce runoff and the discharge of pollutants. The grading plan shall be prepared by a California
licensed civil engineer, and shall comply with following requirements:
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A. The grading on the project site shall be designed for the efficient use of water by
minimizing soil erosion, runoff, and water waste, resulting from precipitation and irrigation.
B. The plan shall show the finished configurations and elevations of each
landscaped area including the height of graded slopes, the drainage pattern, pad elevations,
finish grade, and any storm water retention improvements.
18.54.100 Irrigation schedule. The irrigation schedule shall be prepared by a licensed
landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect or other landscape professional
appropriately licensed by the State, and shall provide the following information:
A. A description of the automatic irrigation system that will be used for the project.
B. The irrigation schedule shall consider 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 or soil moisture sensor data.
C. Overhead irrigation will be scheduled between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., unless
weather conditions prevent it. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering
window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
D. The parameters used for setting the irrigation system controller for watering times
for:
1. The plant establishment period.
2. Different seasons during the year.
3. Established landscaping and temporarily irrigated areas.
4. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
E. The consideration used for each station based on the following factors:
1. The days between irrigation.
2. Station run time in minutes for each irrigation event, designed to avoid
runoff.
avoid runoff.
3. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event, designed to
4. Amount of water to be applied on a monthly basis.
5. The root depth setting.
6. The plant type setting.
7. The soil type.
8. The slope factor.
9. The shade factor.
10. Application rate setting.
11. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
18.54.110 Maximum applied water use.
A. A landscape project subject to this Chapter shall not exceed the MAWA. The
MAWA for a landscape project shall be determined by the following calculation: MAWA =
(ETo)(0.62)[0.7 x LA + 0.3 x SLA].
B. The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
1. MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance in gallons per year.
2. ETo = Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
3. 0.62 = Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
4. 0.7= ET adjustment factor for plant factors and irrigation efficiency.
5. LA = Landscaped area includes special landscaped area in square feet.
6. 0.3 = the additional ET adjustment factor for a special landscaped area
(1.0 - 0.7 = 0.3).
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7. SLA = Portion of the landscaped area identified as a special landscaped
area in square feet.
18.54.120 Estimated total water use.
A. An applicant for a project subject to this Chapter shall calculate the ETWU for
each landscaped area and the entire project using the following equation:
1. ETWU = (ETo)(0.62)(PF x HA / IE + SLA).
B. The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
1. ETWU = Estimated total water use in gallons per year.
2. ETo = Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
3. 0.62 = Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
4. PF = Plant factor from WUCOLS.
5. HA = Hydrozone Area in square feet. Each HA shall be classified based
upon the data included in the landscape and irrigation plan as high, medium, or low water use.
6. IE = Irrigation Efficiency of the irrigation method used in the hydrozone.
7. SLA = Special landscaped area in square feet.
C. The ETWU for a proposed project shall not exceed the MAWA.
18.54.130 Adjustment to landscaped area for non -vegetated area. Rock and stone or
pervious design features, such as decomposed granite ground cover that are adjacent to a
vegetated area may be included in the calculation of the MAWA and ETWU provided the
features are integrated into the design of the landscape area and the primary purpose of the
feature is decorative.
18.54.140 Regulations applicable to use of turf on landscaped areas. The following
regulations shall apply to the use of turf on a project subject to this Chapter:
A. Only low volume or subsurface irrigation shall be used for turf in a landscaped
area when either of the following occurs:
1. On a slope greater than 25 percent grade where the toe of the slope is
adjacent to an impermeable hardscape.
2. Where any dimension of the landscaped area is less than eight feet wide.
B. On a roadway improvement project, commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-
family project, no turf shall be allowed on a center island median strip or on a parking lot island.
C. A ball field, park, golf course, cemetery, and other similar use shall be designed
to limit turf in any portion of a landscaped area not essential for the operation of the facility.
D. No turf shall be allowed in a landscaped area that cannot be efficiently irrigated
to avoid runoff or overspray.
18.54.150 Projects with model homes. A person who obtains a permit to construct a single
family residential development that contains a model home or homes shall provide a summary
of this Chapter to each adult visitor that visits a model home. If an adult visitor is accompanied
by one or more adults during the visit only one set of written materials is required to be
provided. Each model home shall provide an educational sign in the front yard of the model
home visible and readable from the roadway that the home faces that states in capital black
lettering at least two inches high on a white sign, "THIS MODEL HOME USES WATER
EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION."
18.54.160 Recycled water.
A. A person who obtains a permit for a project that is subject to this Chapter shall
use recycled water for irrigation and decorative water features when tertiary treated recycled
water is available from the water purveyor who supplies water to the property.
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Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
B. A person using recycled water shall install a dual distribution system for water
received from the water purveyor. Pipes carrying recycled water shall be purple.
C. A person who uses recycled water under this Section shall be entitled to an
ETAF of 1.0.
D. This Section does not excuse a person using recycled water from complying with
all State and local laws and regulations related to recycled water use.
18.54.170 Landscaping and Irrigation Installation. A person issued a landscape approval
for a project shall install the approved landscaping and irrigation system before final inspection
of the project.
18.54.180 Landscaping and irrigation maintenance.
A. A property owner using water on property subject to a landscape approval shall
prepare a maintenance schedule for the landscaping and irrigation system on the project. The
schedule shall provide for (1) routine inspection to guard against runoff and erosion and detect
plant or irrigation system failure; (2) replacement of dead, dying and diseased vegetation; (3)
eradication of invasive species; (4) repairing the irrigation system and its components; (5)
replenishing mulch; (6) soil amendment when necessary to support and maintain healthy plant
growth; (7) fertilizing, pruning, and weeding and maintaining turf areas; and (8) maintenance to
avoid obstruction of motorists' view. The schedule shall also identify who will be responsible for
maintenance.
B. After approval of a landscape plan, the owner is required to:
1. Maintain and operate the landscaping and irrigation system on the
property consistent with the MAWA.
2. Maintain the irrigation system to achieve efficiency that meets or exceeds
the MAWA.
3, Replace broken or malfunctioning irrigation system components with
components of the same materials and specifications, their equivalent or better.
4. Ensure that when vegetation is replaced, replacement plantings are
representative of the hydrozone in which the plants were removed, and are typical of the water
use requirements of the plants removed, provided that the replaced vegetation does not result in
mixing high-water use plants with low-water use plants in the same hydrozone.
18.54.190 Certificate of completion. Each person issued a landscape approval shall submit:
A. A signed certificate of completion, under penalty of perjury, on a form provided by
the City of National City within 10 days after installation, that includes the following:
1. A statement verifying that the landscaping and irrigation were installed as
allowed in the approved landscape and irrigation plan, all recommended approved soil
amendments identified in the soil management report were implemented, the installed irrigation
system is functioning as designed and approved, the irrigation control system was properly
programmed in accordance with the irrigation schedule, and the person operating the system
has received all required maintenance and irrigation plans.
2. "As -built" plans submitted by the landscape design professional of record
showing the changes when there have been significant changes to the landscape plan during
the installation of landscaping or irrigation devices or irrigation system components.
3. Signature by the landscape design professional of record.
B. An irrigation schedule that complies with section 18.54.100, that describes the
irrigation times and water usage for the project.
C. A landscaping and irrigation system maintenance schedule that complies with
section 18.54.180.
Ordinance 2010-2331 12 Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
D. A soil management report that complies with section 18.54.060, if the applicant
did not submit the report with the landscape documentation package.
18.54.200 Waste water prevention.
A. No person shall use water for irrigation that results in runoff, low head drainage,
overspray or other similar condition, water flows onto adjacent property, non -irrigated areas,
structures, walkways, roadways, or other paved areas.
SECTION 2: The City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of this Ordinance with the
State of California Department of Water Resources, pursuant to Government Code section
65593.
SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after its adoption and
the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance, and cause the same to be
published at least once in the San Diego Union Tribune within 15 days of its adoption.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 2nd day of March 2010.
ATTEST:
ael R. Dalla, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
George H. Eiser, III
City Attorney
orrison, Mayor
Ordinance 2010-2331
13
Establishing Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, on March 2,
2010 by the following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Councilmembers Morrison, Parra, Sotelo-Solis, Van Deventer, Zarate.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
AUTHENTICATED BY:
By:
RON MORRISON
Mayor of the City of National City, California
City lerk of the City f National City, California
Deputy
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was not finally adopted until seven
calendar days had elapsed between the day of its introduction and the day of its final
passage, to wit, on February 16, 2010 and on March 2, 2010.
I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT said ordinance was read in full prior to its final passage or
that the reading of said ordinance in full was dispensed with by a vote of not less than a
majority of the members elected to the Council and that there was available for the
consideration of each member of the Council and the public prior to the day of its
passage a written or printed copy of said ordinance.
I FURTHER CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-2331 of the City Council of the City of National City, passed
and adopted by the Council of said City on March 2, 2010.
By:
City Clerk of the City of National City, California
Deputy