The following definitions apply to this chapter:
Backflow prevention device.an approved device installed to City standards which will prevent backflow or back-siphonage into the City potable water system.
Booster pumps.used where the normal water system pressure is low and needs to be increased.
Check valve.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.
Compost.the safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
Effective precipitation.the portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth and that is used by the plants.
Emitter.a drip irrigation fittings emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.
Evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF).a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential 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.
Evapotranspiration rate (ET).the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific specified time.
Flow rate.the rate at which water flows through pipes, and valves and emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
Friable.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.
Graywater.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 bath-tubs, 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.
any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).
High-flow sensor.An inline device installed at the point of connection 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.
High-water-use plants.turf, annuals, container plantings, and other plants recognized as high-water-use by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species document as it currently exists or may be amended in the future. (See
http://ucanr.edu/sites/wucols/). Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or nursery industry professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
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.
Infiltration rate.the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
Invasive plant species.species of plants not historically found in California and/or that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources as determined by the California Invasive Plant Council (
www.cal-ipc.org).
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.
Irrigation efficiency (IE).the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this chapter are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
Irrigation meter.a separate meter that measures the amount of water used for items such as lawns, washing exterior surfaces, washing vehicles, filling pools, etc.
Landscaped area.the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, and non-irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes (such as decks and patios), and other non-porous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens are not included. 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 nonirrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
Lateral line.non-pressurized pipe that is located downstream of an irrigation valve (Class 200 or equivalent is not acceptable).
Low-water-use plants."Mediterranean Region" and native trees, shrubs and groundcovers (such as rosemary), juniper, most native oaks, and other plants recognized as low-water-use by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species document as it currently exists or may be amended in the future. (See
http://ucanr.edu/sites/wucols/). Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or nursery industry professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet (Class 200 or equivalent is not acceptable).
Master valve.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.
Median.an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
Microclimate.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.
Mined-land reclamation projects.any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
Moderate water use plants.ornamental trees, shrubs, ground covers, and perennials and other plants recognized as moderate-water-use by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species document as it currently exists or may be amended in the future. See
http://ucanr.edu/sites/wucols/). Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or nursery industry professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost or other inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature and preventing soil erosion.
Nonresidential landscape.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.
Low-head drainage.water that flows out of the system after the valve turns off due to elevation changes within the system.
Overhead irrigation.those systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, spray heads, rotors, micro-sprays, etc.).
Overspray.the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the landscaped target area; wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non-landscaped areas.
Pervious.any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
Plant factor.a factor that, when multiplied by reference evapotranspiration ETo, estimates the amount of water used by needed plants. 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 nursery industry professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Point source irrigation.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.
Project applicant.the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation Package, to request a permit, plan check or design review from the City. A project applicant may be the property owner or designee.
Rain sensor.a system component which automatically shuts off and suspends the irrigation system when it rains.
Recreational area.areas, excluding private single-family residential areas, designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, amphitheaters, or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.
Recycled water.means tertiary treated water which results from the treatment of wastewater, is suitable for direct beneficial use, and conforms to the definition of disinfected tertiary recycled water in accordance with State law.
Reference evapotranspiration or ETo.a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four-to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered as determined by the City.
Rehabilitated landscape.any re-landscaping project that requires a building or grading permit, plan check or design review.
Runoff.water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area.
Soil analysis report.the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition and other characteristics, including contaminants.
Special landscape area (SLA).an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.
Station.an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
Submeter.a separate meter that is located on the private side of the water system and is plumbed to measure all water that flows only through the irrigation system. This meter is to be used by the owner to monitor irrigation water use and will not be read by the City.
Swing joint.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.
Valve.a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
Valve manifold.a one-piece manifold for use in a sprinkler valve assembly that includes an intake pipe having a water inlet and a plurality of ports adapted for fluid connection to inlets.
Very low-water-use plants."Mediterranean Region" and native trees, shrubs and groundcovers such as manzanita, ceanothus, some native oaks, California poppies and other plants recognized as very low-water-use by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species document (
http://ucanr.edu/sites/wucols/), as it currently exists or may be amended in the future. Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or nursery industry professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
a 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 storm water best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or storm water retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.