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HomeMy WebLinkAbout71.116 ORDZlgI, NCE RO, 71,116 ~NORDI!FANCE OF THE CITY OF B~_R~TOGAANENDING CHAPTER 1~ OF ~E CITY CODE WHEREAS, the limited supply of water in the region is subject to increasing demands, and; WHEREAS, the prosperity of the region depends on adequate supplies of water, and; WHEREAS, landscapes provide recreation areas, serve to clean the air and water, prevent erosion, offer fire protection and replace ecosystems displaced by development, and; WHEREA~, landscape design, installation and maintenance can and should be water efficient. NOW, TREREFORE, the City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby ordains as follows: SECTION l: Article 15-47 is hereby added to Chapter 15 the City Code as follows: ARTICLE 15-47 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDIITANCE Sections: 15-47.010 Purpose 15-47.020 Definitions 15-47.030 Provisions for New or Rehabilitated Landscapes 15-47.040 Provisions for Existing Landscapes 15-47.050 Effective Precipitation 15-47.060 Reference Evapotranspiration S15-47.010 Purposes of ~rticle The purposes of this article are to promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible; to establish a structure for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes in new projects; and to establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for established landscapes. 815-47.020 Definitions For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context or the provision clearly requires otherwise: A. Anti-drain valve or check valve: a valve located under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads. B. APPlication rate: the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour. C. APplied water: the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape. D. Automatic controller: a mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating valves stations to set the days and length of time of a water application. E. Backflow prevention device: a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system. F. Conversion factor/0.62): a number that converts the maximum applied water allowance from acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year. The conversion factor is calculated as follows: (325,829 gallons/43,560 square feet/12 inches = (0.62) 325,829 gallons = i acre-foot 43,560 square feet = I acre 12 inches = I foot To convert gallons per year to 100 cubic feet per year, another common billing unit for water, divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons = 100 cubic feet). G. Developer installed landscaDinq: non-exempt landscaping proposed to be installed on a vacant parcel, which has been reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and/or the Planning Department during the appropriate application process. H. EcoloGical restoration Dro~ect: a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem. I. Effective precipitation or usable rainfall: the portion of total precipitation that is used by the plants. Precipitation is not a reliable source of water but can contribute to some degree toward the Water needs of the landscape. For the purpose of this 2 document, "effective precipitation" is 25 percent of local annual mean precipitation. J. Emitter: drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly from the system to the soil. K. Established iandscaDe: the point at which plants in the landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball. L. Establishment period: the first year after installing the plant in thelandscape. M. Estimated Applied Water Use: the portion of the Estimated Total Water use that is derived from applied water. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. The Estimated Applied Water Use may be the sum of the water recommended through the irrigations schedule. N. Estimated Total Water Use: the annual total amount of water estimated to be needed to keep the plants in the landscaped area healthy. It is based upon such factors as the local evapotranspiration (ET) rate, the size of the landscape area, the types of plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system. O. ET adjustment factor: a factor of 0.8 that,' when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. A combined plant mix with a site-wide average of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. The irrigation efficiency for purpose of.the ET Adjustment Factor is 0.625. p. EvapotransDiration: the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time. Q. Flow rate: the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons per minute or cubic feet per second). R. Homeowner installed landscaDinu: exempt landscaping that is installed or contracted to be installed by the owner of a lot of record that is developed with a single or multi-family residence. S. Hvdrozone: a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non- irrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once established, is a non-irrigated hydrozone. 3 T. Infiltration rate: the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour). U. Irri~ation efficiency: the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance is 0.625. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems. V. Landscape irrigation audit: a process to perform site inspection, evaluate irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules. W. Landscaped area: the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, non-irrigated portions of the parking lots, hardscape such as decks and patios, and other nonporous areas. Areas dedicated to edible plants such as orchards or vegetable gardens or left in an undisturbed, natural state, are not included. X. Lateral line: the water delivery pipeline that supplies water from the water source to the valve or outlet. Y. Local mean precipitation: the Department of Water Resources 20-year historical rainfall data. Z. Main line: the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet. AA. Maximum APPlied Water Allowance: for design purposes, the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscape area. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment factor, and the size of the landscape area. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. BB. Mulch: any material such as leaves, bark, straw, or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation. CC. ODeratin~ pressure: the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed to operate, usually indicated at base of sprinkler. DD. Overspray: the water which is delivered beyond the landscape area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non-landscaped areas. EE. Plant factor: a factor that when multiplied by reference evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the average plant factor of low 4 water-using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3, for average water-using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water-using plants the range is 0.7 to 1.O. FF~ Rain sensing device: a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains. GG. Record drawing or as-built:'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. HH. Recreational area: areas of active play.or recreation such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic. II. Recycled water, reclaimed water, or treated sewage effluen~ water: treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation; not intended for human consumption. JJ. Reference evaDetranspiration or ETO: a standard measurement of environmental parameter which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month or year, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of 4- to 7-inch tall, cool- season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is the Maximum Applied Water Allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. KK. Rehabilitated landscape: any re-landscaping project. LL. Runoff: water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied to too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is severe slope. MM. Soil moisture sensing device: a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. NN. Soil texture: the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. OO. Sprinkler head: a device which sprays water through a nozzle. PP. Static water pressure: the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing. QQ. Station: an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously. RR. ~urf: a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its root. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, red fescue, and tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses. SS. Valve: a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. TT. Water conservation concept statement: a one-page checklist and a narrative summary of the project. 215-47.030 Provisions for New or Rehabilitated Landscapes I. ~pplicability A. Except as provided in subsection C, below, this section shall apply to: 1. All new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects that require a permit; and 2. Developer-installed landscaping in new single-family and multi-family projects. B. Projects subject to this section shall conform to the provisions of Article 15-47. C. This section shall not apply to: 1. Homeowner-installed landscaping in existing single-family and multi-family projects; 2. Cemeteries; 3. City designated'historical sites; 4. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or 5. Any project with a landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet. II. Landscape documentation package A. · A copy of the landscape documentation package conforming to this Section shall be submitted to the City. No permit shall be issued until the City Planning Department reviews and approves the landscape documentation package. B. A copy of the approved landscape documentation package shall be provided to the property owner along with the record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to the property owner. C. Each landscape documentation package shall include the following elements as further defined in this article: 1. Water Conservation Concept Statement 2. Calculation of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance 3. Calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use 4. Calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use 5. Landscape Design Plan 6. Irrigation Design Plan 7. Irrigation Schedule 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule 10. Grading Design Plan 11. Soil Analysis 12. Certificate of Substantial Completion (to be submitted after installation of the project). D. If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use, then an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement, pursuant to Section 15-47.050, from the landscape professional and the property owner shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. III. Elements of Landscape Documentation Package A. Water Conservation Concept Statement Each landscape documentation package shall include a Water Conservation Concept Statement. It serves as a checklist to verify that the elements of the landscape documentation package have been completed and has a narrative summary of the project. B. The MaximUm Applied Water Allowance i. A project's Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the following formula: MAWA = (ETO) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) where: MAWA = MaximumApplied Water Allowance (gallons per year) ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) 0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor ~ LA = Landscaped Area in square feet 0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons per square foot) 2. Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, common areas or school yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes may reqUire water in addition to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. A statement shall be included with the landscape design plan, designating areas to be used for such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. C. Estimated Applied Water Use 1. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. 2. A calculation of the EstimatedApplied Water Use shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. It may be calculated by summing the amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule. D. Estimated Total Water Use 1. A calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. The Estimated Total Water Use shall be calculated by summing the amount of water expected from effective precipitation (not to exceed 25 percent of the local annual mean precipitation) or by calculating from the following formula: The Estimated Total Water Use for the entire landscaped area eqUals the sum of the Estimated Water Use of all hydrozones in that landscaped area. EWU (hydrozone) = (ETo)(PF](HA)~0.62] (IZ) EWU = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) PF = Plant factor HA = Hydrozone area in sqUare feet 0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per sqUare foot) IE = Irrigation efficiency E. Landscape Desion Plan A landscape design plan meeting the following reqUirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package. 1. Plant Section and Grouping a. Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the Estimated Applied Water Use recommended does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and that the plants meet the specifications set forth (B, C and D). b. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones. c. Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other provisions of this Article. d. Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone. Information about fire prone areas and appropriate landscaping for fire safety is available from the City and the local fire districts. 2. Water Features a. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features. b. Pool and spa covers are encouraged. 3. Landscape Design Plan Specifications The landscape design plan shall be drawn at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies: a. Designation of hydrozones. b. Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, ground cover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated. c. Property lines and street names. d. Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas. e. Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls. 9 f. Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevations if applicable. g. Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings, existing trees, shrubs that will remain. h. Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details. i. A calculation of t~e total landscaped area. j. Designation of recreational areas. F. Irriuation Desiun Plan An irrigation design plan meeting the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. 1. Irrigation Design Criteria a. Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be designed' to minimize runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates; therefore, minimizing runoff. Special attention shall be given to minimize runoff on slopes and to avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than 10 feet and in median strips less than 8 feet wide. b. Irrigation Efficiency. .For the purpose of determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.625. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency. c. Equipmentz Water meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed'for all non-exempt projects. Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be 10 able to accommodate all aspects of the landscape design. Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage. Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance. Rain Sensinq Override Devices. Rain sensing override devices are recommended on all irrigation systems. Soil Moisture Sensina Devices. It is recommended that soil moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate. 2. Recycled Water a. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted as described in the following section (b). b. Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, sta~ing that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future. c. The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all local and state codes. 3. Irrigation Design Plan Specifications Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It should be separate from, but use the same 11 format as, the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan. The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify: a. Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape. b. Location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices. c. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply. d. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each station. e. Recycled water irrigation systems. G. Irriaation Schedules Irrigation schedules meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. 1. An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules shall be required for the plant establishment period, for the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas. 2. The irrigation schedule shall: a. Include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested nx,mber of cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station; and b. Provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual basis. 3. The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated in the Estimated Total Water Use calculation plus water needed for any water features which shall be considered as a high water using hydrozone. 4. Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional water is needed above the MaximumApplied Water Allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency). 5. Irrigation scheduling should incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data such as2those from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different climates. 6. Landscape irrigation should be scheduled according to the hours that are established from time to time by the Saratoga City Council and to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high temperature. Maintenance Schedules A regular maintenance schedule meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package: 1. Landscape shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, and weeding all landscaped areas. 2. Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally specified materials or their equivalents. I. Gradina Desian Plan Grading design plans meeting the requirements conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package: 1. A grading design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It should be separate from but use the same format as the landscape design plan. 2. The grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes, drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade. J. Soils 1. A soil analysis meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package: a. Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic matter. b. An approximate soil infiltration rate (either measured or derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables). A range of infiltration rates should be noted where appropriate. A mulch of at least 3 inches shall be applied to all planting areas except turf. K. Certification 1. Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation systems, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation. 2. A licensed Landscape Architect, Irrigation Designer or Licensed or Certified Professional in a related field in Horticulture shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial completion to the City and to the applicant. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified and that the irrigation system was installed as designed and approved.' 3. Certification shall be accomplished by completing a Certificate of Substantial Completion and delivering it to the City and to the applicant. 4. Any deficiencies shall also be identified. The irrigation designer, landscape architect or other licensed or certified professional in Horticultural related field, shall conduct a final field observation to confirm the irrigation system was installed as designed and that an irrigation audit has been performed. The irrigation designer shall provide a certificate of substantial completion, identifying any deficiencies to the City and to the owner of record. IV. Public Education A. Publications. The City shall provide information to owners of all new, single-family homes regarding the design, installation, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes. B. Model Homes At least one model home that is landscaped in each project consisting of eight or more homes shall demonstrate via signs and information, the principles of water efficient landscape described in this Article. 1. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of water efficient landscape and featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and others which contribute to the overall water efficient theme. 2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes. 515-47.040 Water Waste Prevention The City of Saratoga shall prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established by the City. S15-47.050 Effective Precipitation If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement shall be completed, signed and submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. No more than 25 percent of the local annual mean precipitation shall be considered effective precipitation in the calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use. 815-47. 060 Reference Evapotransplration In Inches (Historical Data, Extrapolated from 12-aonth Normal Year ETO Maps and U.C. Publication 21426) Jan Feb Mar Apt MaY Jun Jul Au~ Sen Oct Nov Dec Ann Santa Clara County San Jose 1.5 1.8 3.1 4.1 5.5 5.8 6.5 5.9 5.2 3.3 1.8 1.0 45.3 SSCTION 2: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection,'sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases may be held invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 3= This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage and adoption. · The above and foregoing Ordinance was regularly introduced and after the waiting time required by law, was thereafter passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of Saratoga held on the 2nd day of December, 1992, by the following vote: AYES= Councilmembers Burger, Kohler, Monia, Tucker and Mayor Anderson NOES: None ABSENT: None /~//~,__ ~vA---_,_ Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk waterord The above and foregoing is a true and correct copy cf OFdi,'i~:nce 7/,//~_ which has been publis,~O~ ~(,c~tdtng to law. ' Dat6 ' Deputy City Clerk