18-20.130 Water Efficient Landscaping.
a. Purpose and Intent. To establish water efficient landscaping regulations in compliance with State law and enhance the appearance of the community through the development of attractive landscapes throughout the City.
b. Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to the following landscape projects:
1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for institutional, commercial and multifamily development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development review.
2. Developer-installed single-family residential landscapes and common areas of a project with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development review. Where model homes are included, the developer shall install at least two (2) model homes with landscapes that comply with the requirements of this chapter and include signs and printed materials explaining design strategies and plant materials for water conservation.
3. New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet requiring a building permit or development review.
4. Homeowners associations’ and common interest developments’ architectural guidelines (i.e., CC&Rs) shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water-using plants as a group. Further, the guidelines shall not prohibit the removal of turf, nor restrict or prohibit the reduction of turf in lieu of more water-efficient alternatives (Civil Code Section 1353.8).
c. Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines. Landscaping design and installation shall comply with the requirements of the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines adopted by Council resolution.
d. Applicable Projects. Projects that fall under the applicable thresholds cited shall submit the following:
1. Landscape design plan which meets the maximum applied water allowance calculation and design criteria in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation; and
2. Irrigation design plan which meets the design criteria in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
e. Exempt Activities. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following activities:
1. Registered local, State or federal historical sites;
2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
3. Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
f. Submittal Requirements.
1. Landscape Design Plan. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be designed and planned for the intended function of the project. For each landscape project subject to this section, applicants shall submit a landscape design plan as described in the City’s Landscaping and Design Standards and Guidelines.
2. Irrigation Design Plan. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management and maintenance. For each landscape project subject to this chapter, applicants shall submit an irrigation design plan that is designed and installed to meet irrigation efficiency criteria as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.
3. Soils Management Report. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, soil amendment, mulching and soil conditioning recommendations shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, licensed civil engineer or licensed architect as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.
4. 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 as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.
5. Storm Water Management. Storm water management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing storm water best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration are required. Project applicants shall refer to Chapter XVII and the City’s Design and Construction Standards Engineering Standards.
g. Implementation Procedures. For projects that require development review (tentative parcel map, tentative tract, development plan or conditional use permit), project applicants shall submit the following documentation:
1. A completed maximum applied water allowance for the conceptual landscape design.
2. A conceptual landscape design plan which demonstrates that the landscape will meet the landscape design specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
3. A conceptual irrigation design plan which notes the irrigation methods and design actions that will be employed to meet the irrigation specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
4. A grading plan which demonstrates the landscape will meet the specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
h. Building Application. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, project applicants shall submit the following:
1. A completed maximum applied water allowance form (appendices, City Engineering Standards) based on the final landscape design plan.
2. A final landscape design plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
3. A final irrigation plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
4. A soils management report that includes at a minimum the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
5. A final grading plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.
6. A hydrozone table (refer to City’s Landscaping and Irrigation Standards City Engineering Standards).
i. Project Completion. Upon completion of the installation of the landscape and irrigation system and prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the project applicant shall submit the following:
1. A certification of completion (appendices, City Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines) signed by the professional of record for the landscape and irrigation design certifying that the project was installed per the City-approved landscape design, irrigation and grading plans and meets or exceeds an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 0.71. The City reserves the right to inspect and audit any irrigation system which has received an approval through the provisions of this section.
2. A project applicant shall develop and provide to the owner or owner’s representative and the City an irrigation schedule that assists in the water management of the project and utilizes the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the criteria in the City’s Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines.
3. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted by the project applicant with the certificate of completion that includes: routine inspections, adjustment and repairs to the irrigation system, aerating and dethatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning and weeding. The maintenance schedule will be provided to the owner or owner’s representative. (Ord. #248-2020, S2 (Exh. A); Ord. #259-2022, S1)