HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2a - Ord 2330 Water Efficient Landcape ORDINANCE NO. 2330
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING DIVISION 4, CHAPTER 5, PART 5 OF THE
ARTICLE VII OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Division 4 of Chapter 5 of Part 5 of Article VII of the Arcadia
Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
DIVISION 4
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
7554. SHORT TITLE.
This Division shall be known as the "Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance."
7554.1. DEFINITIONS.
The terms used in this Ordinance have the meanings set forth below:
1. "Administrator" person in the City of Arcadia who has the authority to
2. "Amendments" any material added to a soil to improve its physical
properties, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, and drainage.
3. "Applicant" Any person required to submit a Landscape Design
Application. Applicant may include the property owner or an agent of the owner.
inches per minute, or inches per hour, or gallons per hour.
&(a) "Aapplied aAlwater" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation
system to the landscape.
(b) "automatic irrigation controller" means a timing device used to remotely
control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able
to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-
based) or soil moisture data.
6. "Automatic Rain Shut off Feature" a system component which
automatically suspends the irrigation system event when it rains.
(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.
7. "Botanical Gardens and Arboretums" gardens in which a variety of plants
(d) "Certificate of Completion" means the document required under Section
7554.7.D.
(e) "certified irrigation designer" means a person certified to design irrigation
systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or
other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense
irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation
Designer program.
&(f) "Gcertified h landscape (irrigation Aauditor" means a person certified to
perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, or
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.
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(g) "check valve"or "anti-drain valve"means a valve located under a sprinkler
head or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent
drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
(h) "common interest developments" means community apartment projects,
condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code
Section 1351.
(i) "compost" means the safe and stable product of controlled biologic
decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
9. "Control Valve" device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation
valve.
10. "Controller" automatic timing device used to remotely control valves or
Q) "conversion factor(0.62)"means the number that converts acre-inches per
acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.
11. "Developer" landowner or owner's agent responsible for the development••:- - - - - - - - •: - - - e - - ' - •' .•
12. "Discretionary Permit" permit requiring a decision making body to exercise
(k) "distribution uniformity" means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation
water over a defined area.
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(l) "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.
1-3-(m) "Eecological Rrestoration Rproject" means a project where the site
is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(n) "effective precipitation"or "usable rainfall" (Eppt) means the portion of total
precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
(o) "emitter" means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly
from the system to the soil.
(p) "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.
(q) "establishment period of the plants"means the first year after installing the
plant in the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after
establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth.
Native habitat mitigation areas and trees may need three to five years for establishment.
14. "Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU)" the average annual total amount
reference evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscape ar a, plant water use
factors, and the relative irrigation efficiency of the irrigation system.
(r) "Estimated Total Water Use" (ETWU) means the total water used for the
landscape as described in Section 7554.4.D. For the purpose of determining ETWU,
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average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81
for drip system devices.
(s) "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor of 0.55 for residential areas
and 0.45 for non-residential areas, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration,
adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount
of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing
(non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for
existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
(t) "evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from
adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
(u) "flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and
emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per
second.
(v) "flow sensor" means an inline device installed at the supply point of the
irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow
sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable
of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This combination flow
sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.
(w) "friable" means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely
compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the
root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
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(x) "Fuel Modification Plan Guideline" means guidelines from a local fire
authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building
structures in a fire hazard severity zone.
(y) "graywater" means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated
by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy
bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful
processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Graywater" includes, but is not limited
to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing
machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers. (Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12.)
(z) "hardscapes"means any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).
1-57(aa) " hydrozone" section or zone means a portion of the landscaped
area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. that are served by a
valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-
irrigated.
(bb) "finfiltration Rrate" means the rate of water entry into the soil
expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (be:e.g., inches per hour).•n - - - _ - . . • . --" _ -- - - - - - - - -•
application will include a landscape concept plan. The ministerial portion of the
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18.(cc) "Iinvasive plant Sspecies" 140R-4-ndigenous means species that
adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally, or
eGe-legisallyof plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated
areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive plant species
may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive
plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and
noxious weeds database.
(dd) "irrigation audit" means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an
irrigation system conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation
audit includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with
distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes
overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule. The audit must be conducted in
a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Certification program or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "WaterSense"
labeled auditing program.
-1-(ee) "1irrigation Eefficiency" (IE) means the measurement of the amount
of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is
derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and
management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this
Division Ordinance +care 0.745 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
(ft) "irrigation survey" means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less
detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to:
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inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the
irrigation system.
--
(gg) "irrigation water use analysis" means a review of water use data based on
meter readings and billing data.
24(hh) "hlandscape Aarchitect" means a person who holds a licensed to
practice landscape architecture in the State of California pursuant to Chapter 3.5
(commencing with Section 5615) of Division 3 of the California StatcBusiness and
Professions Code, Section 5615.
(ii) "landscape area" means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water
features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
calculation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures,
sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious
or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-
development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
22. "Landscape Concept Plan" portion of a landscape documcntation package
that includes a design statement, irrigation notes, planting notes, the plant palette, and
CO "landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the state of California
to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape
systems.
23. "Landscape Construction Drawings" portion of a landscape documentation
Oiuisien:
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24(kk) "Landscape Documentation Package" means the complete packet
of-documents required under Sections 4-, 5 and 6 to be submitted to the local agency.
- - - - - - . - . . e . . -, . . . . . . . .... . . . Title•7554.4.
(II) "landscape project" means the total area of landscaping in a project as
defined in "landscape area" for the purposes of this Ordinance, and that meets the
requirements under Title 7554.3.
25. "Landscape Water Audit" in depth evaluation of the performance of an
and verification of minimal ovcrspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and
preparation of an irrigation schedule.
(mm) "landscape water meter" means an inline device installed at the irrigation
supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected
to a totalizer to record water use.
(nn) "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the
emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
(oo) "local water purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency, city,
county, or private water company that provides retail water service.
26. "Low Head Drainage" drainage from a sprinkler that is caused by water
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(pp) `low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low
pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as
drip, drip lines, and bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to
apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
(qq) "main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the
water source to the valve or outlet.
(rr) "master shut-off valve" is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation
supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system. When this valve is
closed water will not be supplied to the irrigation system. A master valve will greatly
reduce any water loss due to a leaky station valve.
27.(ss) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the upper
limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Title
7554.4. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment
Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The Estimated AppliedTota/ Water Use
shall not exceed the MAWA. Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas,
areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and
vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA
with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0. MAWA = (ETo)(0.62)[(ETAF x LA)+((1-ETAF) x SLA)].
(tt) "median" is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be
unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
(uu) "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.
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(vv) "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.
28.(ww) "Mmulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw,
compost, or inorganic mineral material such as pebble° stonesrocks, gravel, decorative
sand or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface tefor the beneficial
purposes of reduceing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature,
and preventing soil erosion.
(xx) "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.
(yy) "non-residential landscape"means landscapes in commercial, institutional,
industrial and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public
assembly. It also includes portions of common areas of common interest developments
with designated recreational areas.
29.(zz) "Ooperating Ppressure" means the pressure at which the parts of
an irrigation system of sprinklers isare designed by the manufacturer to operate, usually
indicated at the base of a sprinkler.
(aaa) "overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means systems that deliver
water through the air(e.g., spray heads and rotors).
38-(bbb) "8overspray" means the irrigation water thatwhich is delivered
beyond the landscaped areas by the irrigation system onto pavements, walks,
structures or other non landscapcdtarget areas.
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(ccc) "permit"means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new
construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
(ddd) "pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water
through the material and into the underlying soil.
(eee) "plant factor" or "plant water use factor" is a factor, when multiplied by
ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this ordinance,
the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0.0 to 0.1, the plant factor range
for low water use plants is 0.1 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use
plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0.
Plant factors cited in this ordinance are derived from the publication, "Water Use
Classification of Landscape Species." Plant factors may also be obtained from
horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as
approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
31. "Planting Plan" plan submitted with the construction drawings indicating a
list and quantity of plants.
32. "Potable Water" water meant for human consumption that is treated to
legal standards for human consumption.
high pressure control.
(fff) "project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape
Documentation Package required under Title 7554.4 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.
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34-(ggg) "Rrain Ssensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" means a
systemcomponent which detects rain fa" and automatically overrides thcsuspends an
irrigation system-d ing-rain events when it rains.
(hhh) "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.
(iii) "recreational area"means areas, excluding private single family residential
areas, designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields,
picnic grounds, amphitheaters or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and
greens.
-(jjj) "Rrecycled Wwater," "reclaimed water," or "treated sewage effluent
water" --, - - - - = means treatmented or recycled of waste water-74s of a•
quality suitable for - -• - - •- . . - - . _e• - . - - e . - - - "
• . - - _ - _ •- - - . . . . _ - - _ . -"non-potable uses such as
landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human
consumption.
(kkk) "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement
of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in
inches per day, month, or year as represented in the City's Water Efficient Landscaping
Documentation Package and Guidelines, 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.
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(Ill) "Regional Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance"means a local Ordinance
adopted by two or more local agencies, water suppliers and other stakeholders for
implementing a consistent set of landscape provisions throughout a geographical
region. Regional ordinances are strongly encouraged to provide a consistent framework
for the landscape industry and applicants to adhere to.
26-(mmm) "Rrehabilitated hlandscapes" means any re-landscaping project
that requires a permit, plan check, or design review,and meets the requirements of
Section 2490.1, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500
square feet.
(nnn) "residential landscape" means landscapes surrounding single- or multi-
family homes.
37.(000) "Rnanoff' means water thatwhich 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.
38. "SMART Irrigation Controller" weather based or soil moisture based
irrigation controller that monitors and uses information about the environmental
conditions at a specific location and landscape to automatically adjust watering
schedules.
indicating results from soil tests and recommended soil amendments.
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(ppp) "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.
• . "- e. - U - - - - ..
texture, water holding capacity, pH, and soluble salts.
(qqq) "soil texture" means the classification of soil based on its percentage of
sand, silt, and clay.•"- - --„ -- - - • •
.. . _ _ . . -_ _ - - _- - - . - - - •
composition of sand, silt, and clay.
424rrr) "Special Landscape Area" (SLA) means an area of the landscape
dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water,
and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, where turf
- - - - - - - - - - -or water features using recycled water.
4• (sss) "Ssprinkler Hhead" means a device which delivers water through a
nozzle.
44.(ttt) "Sstatic Wwater Rpressure" means the pipeline or municipal water
supply pressure when water is not flowing.
(uuu) "station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves
that operate simultaneously.
(vvv) "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.
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(www) "submeter" means a metering device to measure water applied to
the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter. •
• -. . • - _ . • _ . .- _ - _ • . . • _ _ - . •• L.i _ -• •• •• A e: _ .• . -
4&(xxx) "Tturf" means a ground cover surface layer of earth containingof
mowed grass or grasslike sedge with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are Gcool Sseason grasses. Turf
thrives in cooler w athcr whiloBermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St.
Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm season turf is better suited
grasses.
(yyy) "valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation
system.
(zzz) "water conserving plant species" means a plant species identified as
having a very low or low plant factor.
/17. "Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet" worksheet which calculates a
site's waateeT t.
4&(aaaa) "Wwater feature" means any design element where open water
performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes,
waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is
artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high water
use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site
wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated
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and used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and,
therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.
(bbbb) "watering window"means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
/19. "Water Management Plan" plan submitted with the construction drawings
50. "Water Schedules" schedule of irrigation times through a given year.
51. "Water Conserving Landscape Design" a landscape design developed to
conserve water.
(cccc) "WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the
Department of Water Resources 2014.
7554.2. PURPOSE AND INTENT.
The purpose of this Division is:
A. -- _ . -
of California's model ordinance adopted pursuant to Government Code §65595;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;
3. That it is the policy of the State to promote the conservation and efficient
use of water and to prevent the waste of this valuable resource;
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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;
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. _ - .- - - ' - • _ -- , - - - -- . - - _ - - - - -- -
all customers/users within the City of Arcadia;Consistent with these legislative findings,
the purpose of this Ordinance is to:
1. Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate
and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of water;
2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and
managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects by
encouraging the use of a watershed approach that requires cross-sector collaboration of
industry, government and property owners to achieve the many benefits possible;
3. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste
prevention for existing landscapes in the City;
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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; and
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
C. _ - _ . . . . . __ .. . - - - - - - - - - -
R a y m o n d d Basin and the Main San Gabriel Basin;Landscapes that are planned,
designed, installed, managed and maintained with the watershed based approach can
improve California's environmental conditions and provide benefits and realize
sustainability goals. Such landscapes will make the urban environment resilient in the
face of climatic extremes. Consistent with the findings and purposes of this Ordinance,
conditions in the urban setting will be improved by:
1. Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction,
incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive
plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and
esthetic benefits.
2. Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing
reliance on petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate
shade trees in urban areas.
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3. Conserving water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater
wherever possible and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal
supplemental water after establishment.
4. Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and
landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using
compost, mulch and efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
5. Protecting existing habitat and creating new habitat by choosing local
native plants, climate adapted non-natives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilizing
integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action.
D. To acknowledge that landscape water use accounts for more than 60% of
all domestic water use in the City of Arcadia;
F. To encourage the appropriate design, installation, maintenance, and
retained, and flooding can be reduced without a decline in the quality or quantity of
landscapes;
G. To preserve existing natural vegetation and the incorporation of native
H. To promote and encourage the use of low water use plants;
1. To minimize the use of cool season turf;
J. To promote the conservation of potable water by maximizing the use of
management
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L. To reduce or eliminate water waste.
7554.3. APPLICABILITY.
A. After January 1, 2014December 1, 2015, and consistent with the
Governor's Executive Order No. B-29-15, this Division shall apply to all of the following
landscape projects:
Al. New construction . - - •. - ' - . •- -. e - - - - - - - -
_
• _ • _ • • :•• _ . •-- - . . - - - _ . • -- • • projects with an
aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building
or landscape permit, plan check, or design review;
$2. , - e ' _ •_ : Rehabilitated landscape
installed residential projects with a total project netan aggregate landscape area equal
to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan
check, or design review;
building or landscape permit, plan check, or design revicw;Existing landscapes that
were installed before December 1, 2015, and are over one acre in size are limited to
Section 7554.3.E; and
Q4. Existing total net landscape areas that arc one acre or more for which a
- _ - -g _ _- - -- _ __ _- !: _ -- - - _ - _ - - _ -;Cemeteries.
Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and
rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to Sections 7554.3.E, 7554.4.D, and 7554.7.H; and
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existing cemeteries are limited to complying with the City's water conservation
restrictions in Section 7553.7.1 and related Sections.
E. Special Landscaped Areas, such as areas dedicated to edible plants,
B. Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less
may comply with the performance requirements of this ordinance or conform to the
prescriptive measures contained in the City's Water Efficient Landscaping
Documentation Package and Guidelines.
C. For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on
site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500 square feet of
landscape and meets the lot or parcel's landscape water requirement (Estimated Total
Water Use) entirely with treated or untreated graywater or through stored rainwater
captured on site is only subject to the prescriptive measures compliance option in the
City's Water Efficient Landscaping Documentation Package and Guidelines.
D. This Division does not apply to:
Al. Registered local, state or federal historical sites;
82. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system;
G3. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system; or
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1)4. Existing plant collections, as part of Bbotanical gardens and arboretums
open to the public.
E. Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
1. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a local agency
landscape irrigation auditor or a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor.
Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or
installed the landscape.
2. In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e.,
production home developments) an auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will
satisfy this requirement.
3. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after
December 1, 2015, as described in Title 7554.3, the project applicant shall submit an
irrigation audit report with the Certificate of Completion to the City that may include, but
is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity,
reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation
schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types,
plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate
programming;
F. Model Homes. All model homes shall be landscaped and use signs and
written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described
in this ordinance.
a. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water
efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and
23
others that contribute to the overall water efficient theme. Signage shall include
information about the site water use as designed per the local ordinance; specify who
designed and installed the water efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use
approaches to landscaping such as using native plants, graywater systems, and
rainwater catchment systems.
b. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
7554.4. PLAN CHECK REQUIREMENTS.
A Landscape Design Plan, and a Landscape Documentation Package prepared
by a licensed landscape architect shall include the following landscape design criteria:
A. Plant Selection and Grouping. Any plant may be used in the landscape,
Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and that the plants meet the specifications set forth
mew
1. Plants having similar water needs shall be grouped together in distinct
hydrozones.
2. Plants shall be selected based upon their adaptability to the climate,
- -- -- , - - - - -- - - -- -- . - • - a • - ' - . -0 - - - - -
trees is encouraged.
3. Minimize the use of turf. Turf areas shall be used sparingly in response to
24
•- • - - - - ` • - •- •---
harm in sensitive areas.
6. Encourage the appropriate use of mulch within developed landscapes to
retain moisture.
B. Water Features.
1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for decorative water features.
2. Where available, recycled water shall be used as the source for water
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. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the
following:
i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
25
ii. Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local
native plants;
iii. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest
resistance;
iv. Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree
shading guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area; and
v. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
vi. Selection of plants from local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
b. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the
exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section
7554.5.A.2.
c. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their
adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site.
Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
i. 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;
ii. Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size,
invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings,
sidewalks, power lines); allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth and
iii. Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer
shade and winter solar gain.
26
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 one foot of vertical
elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (Le., rise divided by run x 100 =
slope percent).
e. High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are
prohibited in street medians.
f. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire
safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is
required per Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant
materials and highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan
guidelines.
g. The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California
Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
h. 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.
27
d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
3. Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments
a. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be
transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes
need meet this requirement.
b. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of
the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 7554.6.A).
c. For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic
yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six
inches into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top six inches of
soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
d. A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed
soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or
direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for
beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5% of the landscape area may be left without
mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as
such.
e. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current
engineering standards.
f. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded
applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
g. Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer shall take
precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-
28
consumer organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required
where prohibited by local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other applicable local
ordinances.
B. The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
1. Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
2. Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use.
Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use
hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
3. Identify recreational areas;
4. Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
5. Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
6. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
7. Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
8. Identify type and surface area of water features;
9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);
10. Identify location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration
capacity of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-
site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Project applicants shall refer to the City or
regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater
technical requirements. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the
landscape design plan and examples are provided in Section 7554.9.
11. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies as
discussed in Section 7554.9 and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity;
29
12. Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components
and area(s) of distribution;
13. Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the
City of Arcadia Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance and applied them for the efficient
use of water in the landscape design plan;"and
14. 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 Title 16 of the California Code of
Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agriculture Code.)
C. 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
30
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 City of Arcadia Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance and submit
a complete Landscape Documentation Package."
2. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet of water budget calculations;
a. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
b. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU)
3. Soil management report;
4. Landscape design plan;
5. Irrigation design plan; and
6. Grading design plan.
D. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
1. A project applicant shall complete the Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheet in the City's Water Efficient Landscaping Documentation Package and
Guidelines, which contains information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation
efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to
show that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project
does not exceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas,
exclusive of Special Landscape Areas. The ETAF for a landscape project is based on
the plant factors and irrigation methods selected. The Maximum Applied Water
Allowance is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.55 for residential
areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas) and expressed as annual gallons required.
31
The Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) is calculated based on the plants used and
irrigation method selected for the landscape design. ETWU must be below the MAWA.
2. In calculating the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total
Water Use, a project applicant shall use the ETo values from the Reference
Evapotranspiration Table in the City's Water Efficient Landscaping Documentation
Package and Guidelines.
3. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
a. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural
researchers with academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The plant factor ranges from 0.0 to
0.1 for very low water using plants, 0.1 to 0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6
for moderate water use plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
b. All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and
temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.
c. All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use
calculated as shown in the City's Water Efficient Landscaping Documentation Package
and Guidelines.
d. ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas
shall not exceed 1.0.
7554.5. IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS.
A. All irrigation systems shall be designed to prcvent runoff, over spray, low
32
posses
B. Dedicated (separate) landscape water meters shall be installed for all
projects greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet, except for single family
- - ._. _ _- _ - --- - - - _ . - __ . _.- - - - - -- -"
C. All irrigation systems shall include:
1. A SMART irrigation controller, or other equivalent technology which
automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to
sprinkler heads;
A. Irrigation Design Plan - This section applies to landscaped areas requiring
permanent irrigation, not areas that require temporary irrigation solely for the plant
establishment period. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all
the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturers' recommendations. The
irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for
33
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. Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service
meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes
of 1,000 square feet, but not more than 5,000 square feet (i.e., the level at which Water
Code 535 applies) and residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 square feet or greater.
A landscape water meter may be either:
i. A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the
local water purveyor; or
ii. A privately owned meter or submeter.
b. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil
moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation
scheduling in all irrigation systems.
c. If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of
the specified irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is
required to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the
manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
i. 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.
34
ii. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of
the water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow
measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not
available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at installation.
d. Sensors (i.e., 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 (e.g., a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve)
shall be required, as c lose as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to
minimize water loss in case of an emergency(e.g., a main line break) or routine repair.
f. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply
from contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the
applicable local agency code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention
requirements.
g. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage
or malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes
of 5,000 square feet or larger.
h. Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that
make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are
individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
i. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-
35
targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways,
or structures.
j. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type
and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
k. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the
landscape design plan.
I. The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a
minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 7554.4.D regarding the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
m. All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American Society of Agricultural
and Biological Engineers'/International Code Council's (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014
"Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard, All sprinkler heads installed in the
landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using
the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
n. It is highly recommended that the project applicant inquire with the local
water purveyor about peak water operating demands (i.e., on the water supply system)
or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
o. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to
maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
p. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched
precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
36
q. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall
be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the
manufacturer's recommendations.
r. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers
subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turfgrass.
s. Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads
where low point drainage could occur.
t. Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with
subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
u. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-
permeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces
may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area
may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or
other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if
i. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff
occurs; or
ii. The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to
drain entirely to landscaping; or
iii. 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 7554.5.A.1.1. Prevention of
overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
37
v. Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system
with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be
modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part
of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or
erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the
irrigation audit.
2. Hydrozone
a. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
b. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on
what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
c. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs,
groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size
and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
d. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or
moderate and high water use, may be allowed if:
i. Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant
water uses and their plant factor; or
ii. 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
38
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 the City's Water
Efficient Landscaping Documentation Package and Guidelines). 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 7554.8.A;
6. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the City of
Arcadia Water Efficient Landscaping 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.)
39
C. Irrigation Scheduling - For the efficient use of water, all irrigation
schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount
of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following
criteria:
1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local
water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system
outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
3. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be
paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference
evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the Estimated Total Water Use. Total
annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation
controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture
sensor data.
4. Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and
submitted for each of the following:
a. The plant establishment period;
b. The established landscape; and
c. Temporarily irrigated areas.
5. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following
that apply:
40
a. Irrigation interval (i.e., days between irrigation);
b. Irrigation run times (i.e., hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid
runoff);
c. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
d. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
e. Application rate setting;
f. Root depth setting;
g. Plant type setting;
h. Soil type;
i. Slope factor setting;
j. Shade factor setting; and
k. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
7554.6. SOIL AND GRADING REQUIREMENTS.
•
1. Dctermination of soil texture, indicating the available water holding
cmay
texture/infiltration rate tables. A range of infiltration rates shall be noted where
approp riatei
3. Measure of pH and total soluble salts; and
41
B. Grading on site shall be designed to minimize unnecessary soil
A. Soil Management Report - 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 shall include:
i. Soil texture;
ii. Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate
table;
iii. PH;
iv. Total soluble salts;
v. Sodium;
vi. Percent organic matter; and
vii. Recommendations
c. In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home
developments) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this
requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.
2. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the
following:
42
a. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be
submitted to the City as part of the Landscape Documentation Package; or
b. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be
submitted to the City 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 hislher designee, shall submit documentation
verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the City with
Certificate of Completion.
B. Grading Design Plan - For the efficient use of water, grading of a project
site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A grading plan
shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. A comprehensive
grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local agency permits satisfies this
requirement.
1. The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates
finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
a. Height of graded slopes;
b. Drainage patterns;
c. Pad elevations;
d. Finish grade; and
e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
43
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 City of Arcadia Water Efficient Landscaping 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.
7554.7. IMPLEMENTATION.
A. . . - _ -. .' - •. _ . . . ' _ _ . -
9301 p-I ete C o mp lia n c e with the Landscape Documentation Package .
•- : . '_- •_ • _- - _ • -. •- • e ._ Prior to construction, the City shall:
1. Provide the project applicant with the Water Efficient Landscaping
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.
44
formula requirements set forth in this Division and the Landscape Documentation
Package.
1. Landscape Concept Plan shall include:
a. Design statement;
b. Irrigation notes;
c. Planting notes;
d. A conceptual plant palette identifying proposed hydrozones;
c. MAWA calculation for the landscape project area.
2. Landscape Construction Drawings:
landscape construction drawings that comply with the design standards and
All landscape construction drawings shall include an irrigation plan, a planting•- .• . __ _ . A • • _ _ •• 1 __ • - _ _ • _ • _ - .
45
and specification of control valves, irrigation heads, piping, irrigation controllers, and
• -
limited to:
3. A legend listing the common and botanical plan names and total quantities
by container size and species.
4. Soil management plan, including the soil test results and
2. Identification of the party(ies) responsible for implementation of the Water
Management-Nan,
for the various hydrozones identified in the landscape concept plan to include
46
-- e. _ - - - _ _ •-_ - - -
4. A description of the water delivery systems, including the type of irrigation
Vzo e
5. Seasonal irrigation water schedules or procedures for programming of
irrigation system.
B. A - - - - - - e - •- - - - - - - - - - - •
information documents and signage that will be placed at the model homes describing
-- - - -- • - - - • - • - - . - -- . . - - - -- • -- - ' e--.Prior to•
construction, the project applicant shall submit a Landscape Documentation Package to
the City.
C. COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT. The Administrator or designee shall••- - - - - - - - • - - - ' • - - - - • - - 9. • - .Upon approval of the
Landscape Documentation Package by the City, 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
47
3. Submit a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the local
water purveyor. •- - • . . - - - - - - .- .. - - - - - - - - •. . •. -,
or as otherwise specified in the conditions of approval for a project a complete
requirements of this Division. Any documentation packages submitted without the
2. Prior to i'' uance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection for a
project subject to this Division, a Certificate of Completion shall be submitted to the
Administrator certifying that the landscaping and irrigation has been completed in
accordance with the approved Planting and Irrigation Plans for the project. The
a. That the landscaping and irrigation has been installed in conformance with
the approved Planting and Irrigation Plans.
b. That the SMART or equivalent irrigation controller has been set according
c. That the irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation
d. That a copy of the irrigation schedule has been given to the property
owner-
48
given to the Development Services Department. If the property is found to be in excess
of their established MAWA, the property shall be subject to a landscape water audit.
D. A Certificate of Completion (see the City's Water Efficient Landscaping
Documentation Package and Guidelines for a sample certificate) shall include the
following six (6) elements:
1. Project information sheet that contains:
a. Date;
b. Project name;
c. Project applicant name, telephone, and mailing address;
d. Project address and location; and
e. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address;
2. Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer
of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape
project has been installed per the approved Landscape Documentation Package;
a. Where there have been significant changes made in the field during
construction, these "as-built"or record drawings shall be included with the certification;
b. A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the
irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
49
3. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see Section
7554.5.C);
4. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 7554.7.H);
5. Irrigation audit report (see Section 7554.3.1); and
6. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation
Package, and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations
(see Section 7554.6.A).
E. The project applicant shall:
1. Submit the signed Certificate of Completion to the City 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.
F. The City 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 City shall provide information to the project applicant
regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
G. The City may consider Effective Precipitation (25% of annual precipitation)
in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate Maximum Applied
Water Allowance:
1. MAWA=(ETo - Eppt)(0.62)1(0.55 x LA) + (0.45 x SLA)] for residential
areas.
2. MAWA=(ETo - Eppt)(0.62)1(0.45 x LA) + (0.55 x SLA)] for non-residential
areas.
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H. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule.
1. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular
maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion.
2. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to,
routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its
components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost,
replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and removing
obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal
watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
3. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed
components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.
4. A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape
industry sustainable Best Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
7554.8. RECYCLED WATER.
within its jurisdiction is NOT in the foreseeable future. Therefore applicants arc exempt
A. Recycled Water.
1. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the
current and future use of recycled water.
2. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in
accordance with all applicable local and State laws.
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3. Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape
Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new, and existing and non-rehabilitated Special
Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
B. Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged
to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable local
ordinance standards. Refer to Section 7554.3.D for the applicability of this ordinance to
landscape areas less than 2,500 square feet with the Estimated Total Water Use met
entirely by graywater.
7554.9. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND RAINWATER RETENTION.
A. Stormwater management combines practices to minimize runoff and water
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 rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged.
B. Project applicants shall refer to the City of Arcadia or Regional Water
Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and
• . - - _ . _ --• - • : . technical requirements.
C. All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize
water retention and infiltration. Refer to Section 7554.4.A.3
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D. It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture
and infiltration capacity that is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e.
roof and paved areas) from either:
1. The one inch, 24-hour rain event; or
2. The 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as
required by any applicable local, regional, state or federal regulation.
E. It is recommended that storm water projects incorporate any of the
following elements to improve on-site storm water and dry weather runoff capture and
use:
1. Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to
drain to vegetated areas.
2. Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof and
concrete driveways.
3. Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or
blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
4. Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or
landscaped areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.
5. Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment
systems.
6. Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins and drywells to capture storm
water and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
7. Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize
excess flow, and filter pollutants.
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SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance
and shall cause a copy of the same to be published in the official newspaper of said City
within fifteen (15) days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty-one
(31) days after its adoption.
Passed, approved and adopted this day of , 2015
Mayor of the City of Arcadia
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stephen P. Deitsch
City Attorney
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