A. 
This chapter is established to provide minimum standards for landscape and irrigation, within public and private developments, that serve to promote both efficient use of water in landscaping and water conservation.
B. 
The provisions of this chapter are believed to be at least as effective in conserving water as the California State Department of Water Resources' model ordinance adopted pursuant to Government Code Section 65595.
C. 
This chapter shall apply to each of the zones throughout the city and in public and private residential and nonresidential projects, including single-family residences, single-family residential subdivisions, private and common areas of planned residential developments, multiple-family developments, commercial developments, industrial development, and institutional developments, and parks and open space, and other nonresidential projects.
A. 
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
1. 
New construction and rehabilitation of landscapes for public agency projects and private development projects with a total project net landscape area:
a. 
Equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.060 and 17.12.100;
b. 
Less than 2,500 square feet shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.030, 17.12.040, 17.12.050, 17.12.100 and 17.12.110.
2. 
New construction and rehabilitation of landscapes for developer-installed residential projects with a total project net landscape area:
a. 
Equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet shall comply to all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.060 and 17.12.100;
b. 
Less than 2,500 square feet shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.030, 17.12.040, 17.12.050, 17.12.100 and 17.12.110;
c. 
New construction of landscapes which are homeowner-installed residential projects with a total project net landscape area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.060 and 17.12.100.
3. 
New construction or rehabilitation of landscapes at registered local, state or federal historical sites shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.030, 17.12.040, 17.12.050, 17.12.100 and 17.12.110.
4. 
Botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public shall comply with all sections of this chapter, except Sections 17.12.030, 17.12.040, 17.12.050, 17.12.100 and 17.12.110.
B. 
Existing residential and nonresidential landscapes with a total net landscape area equal to or greater than one acre with a dedicated or mixed water meter are limited to calculating the maximum annual applied water allowance in accordance with Section 17.12.100.
C. 
This chapter shall not apply to:
1. 
New construction of landscapes which are homeowner-installed residential projects with a total project net landscape area less than 5,000 square feet;
2. 
Rehabilitation projects for homeowner-installed residential projects of any size;
3. 
Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; and
4. 
Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
A. 
General Submittal Requirements.
1. 
Applicants for projects that are subject to the water efficiency requirements of this chapter in accordance with Section 17.12.020 shall submit complete landscaping and irrigation plans prepared by a licensed landscape architect for review and approval prior to the issuance of construction permits.
2. 
Applicants for homeowner-installed landscapes at single-family residences shall submit complete landscaping and irrigation plans, which may be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, landscape professional, or self-prepared, for review and approval prior to the issuance of construction permits.
3. 
Applicants for projects that require other discretionary approvals shall submit conceptual landscaping plans for design review in accordance with Chapter 17.44 and in conjunction with the other discretionary applications, and the submittal and approval of landscape and irrigation construction plans shall be required as a condition of approval.
4. 
Applicants for projects that do not require discretionary approvals, the applicant shall submit landscape and irrigation construction plans as a ministerial application that demonstrate conformance with the requirements set forth in this chapter.
B. 
Conceptual Landscape Plan. Conceptual landscape plans shall be submitted in conjunction with other discretionary applications and shall include:
1. 
A design statement indicating that the annual applied water use will not exceed the maximum annual applied water allowance;
2. 
The estimated total annual applied water use (ETWU) and the maximum annual applied water allowance (MAWA) calculation for the project;
3. 
A description of any existing plant material to be retained or removed;
4. 
A plan showing the planting areas and hydrozones, plant species and spacing, natural features, water features and all paved areas;
5. 
A legend listing the plant name (botanical and common) and total quantities by container size and species;
6. 
Identification of amenities, boulders, pools, fountains, and other features;
7. 
Identification of headers and curbs;
8. 
Calculation of paved areas, including parking areas;
9. 
Calculation of required parking lot and site landscape areas;
10. 
Calculation of total on-site landscape in square feet and by percentage of lot;
11. 
If available or required for the project, an approved grading plan shall be submitted for reference.
C. 
Landscape and Irrigation Construction Plans. All landscape construction plan submittals shall include a planting and soils plan and irrigation and water management plan, including detailed project notes and legends necessary and sufficient for a complete landscape plan review by the city.
1. 
Planting and Soils Plan.
a. 
A description of any existing plant material to be retained or removed;
b. 
A plan showing the planting areas and hydrozones, plant species and spacing, natural features, water features and all paved areas;
c. 
A legend listing the plant name (botanical and common) and total quantities by container size and species;
d. 
A description of the seed mixes with application rates;
e. 
Identification of amenities, boulders, pools, fountains, and other features;
f. 
Identification of headers and curbs;
g. 
Calculation of paved areas, including parking areas;
h. 
Calculation of required parking lot and site landscape areas;
i. 
Calculation of total on-site landscape in square feet and by percentage of lot;
j. 
Soil test results and recommendations;
k. 
If available or required for the project, an approved grading plan shall be submitted for reference.
2. 
Irrigation and Water Management Plan.
a. 
A plan showing the location, installation details, specifications, and water efficiency status of all irrigation components, including, but not limited to, control valves, irrigation heads, irrigation head radius and gallons per minute (GPM), line sizes and pipe schedules, hose bibs or quick coupler valves, irrigation controllers, backflow devices, and power supply;
b. 
Pressure calculations;
c. 
The estimated total water use (ETWU) and the maximum annual applied water allowance (MAWA) calculation for the project;
d. 
A design statement indicating that the estimated annual applied water use will not exceed the maximum annual applied water allowance;
e. 
Water conservation methods to be applied;
f. 
Seasonal irrigation water schedules or procedures for programming of proposed controllers;
g. 
Identification of the party(ies) responsible for implementation of water management;
h. 
Maintenance schedule for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the irrigation system
Conceptual and construction landscape and irrigation plans that are subject to the water efficiency requirements in this chapter in accordance with Section 17.12.020 shall adhere to the following design standards:
A. 
Any plant may be used in the landscape, providing the estimated annual applied water use does not exceed the maximum annual applied water allowance (i.e., water budget) and the design of landscaped area meets the following requirements:
1. 
Plants having similar water needs shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones;
2. 
Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climate, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site;
3. 
A combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers shall be used to create a varied and visually interesting landscape;
4. 
Large expanses of uninterrupted hardscape, such as decomposed granite, gravel, and similar materials, shall be avoided.
B. 
Re-circulating water features shall be used for decorative water features. Where available, recycled water shall be used as the source for water features, excluding swimming pools and spas.
C. 
The surface area of a water feature will be included in the maximum annual applied water allowance calculation with the evaporation rate equivalent to that of a high water use plant.
D. 
Automatic irrigation systems shall be used to provide adequate water coverage for all landscaped areas that are subject to this chapter. All irrigation systems shall incorporate water efficient equipment and shall include:
1. 
A weather-based irrigation controller, or other equivalent technology, which automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to changing weather conditions shall be required;
2. 
A configuration that allows planting areas to be grouped and irrigated in relation to hydrozones based on similarity of water requirements (e.g., turf separate from shrub and groundcover, full sun exposure areas separate from shade areas; top of slope separate from toe of slope, etc.);
3. 
Anti-drain check valves shall be installed to prevent low-head drainage in sprinkler heads;
4. 
A pressure regulator, if the static water pressure exceeds the maximum recommended operating pressure of the irrigation system;
5. 
A rain sensor with an automatic rain shut-off feature shall be required.
E. 
All irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, over-spray, low head drainage and other similar conditions. Soil types and infiltration rates shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. Irrigation systems shall be designed, constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve as high an overall efficiency as possible.
F. 
Dedicated (separate) landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects greater than 5,000 square feet, except for single family residential projects. Dedicated landscape water meters are encouraged on landscape areas less than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management.
G. 
Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by water purveyor stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future. Any recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all local agency and state codes.
H. 
Soil testing shall be performed after mass grading and prior to landscape installation to ensure the selection of appropriate soil amendments to support healthy plant materials and proper drainage. Soil testing shall include:
1. 
Determination of soil texture, indicating the available water holding capacity;
2. 
Determination of approximate soil infiltration rate (either) measured or derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables. A range of infiltration rates shall be noted where appropriate;
3. 
Measurements of pH and total soluble salts;
4. 
A recommended action as to necessary amendments.
I. 
Grading on site shall be designed to minimize unnecessary soil compaction, erosion and water waste.
Conceptual and construction landscape and irrigation plans that are subject to the water efficiency requirements in this chapter shall be encouraged to incorporate the following design criteria:
A. 
In addition to the design standards contained in Section 17.12.060, the following criteria should be incorporated into the landscape design:
1. 
Protection and preservation of existing native species and natural areas shall be encouraged;
2. 
The planting of lower water using trees, shrubs, and groundcover is encouraged;
3. 
The use of turf shall be minimized; turf areas shall be used wisely in response to functional needs and shall not exceed the maximum annual applied water allowance. Where turf is installed, the use of warm season turf is strongly encouraged.
B. 
The appropriate use of mulch within developed landscapes shall be encouraged to retain moisture.
C. 
Stormwater management practices to minimize runoff and water waste to recharge groundwater, and to improve water quality, are encouraged.
A. 
General Submittal Requirements.
1. 
Applicants for projects that are not subject to the water efficient requirements of this chapter in accordance with Section 17.12.020 shall submit complete landscaping and irrigation plans for review and approval in accordance with Sections 17.12.070 and 17.12.080 prior to the issuance of construction permits.
2. 
For projects that require other discretionary approvals, the applicant shall submit conceptual landscaping and irrigations plans for design review such as in accordance with Chapter 17.44 and in conjunction with the discretionary applications, and the submittal of landscape and irrigation construction plans shall be required as a condition of approval.
3. 
For projects that do not require any discretionary approvals, the applicant shall submit landscape and irrigation construction plans as a ministerial application.
B. 
Conceptual Landscape Plan.
1. 
A description of any existing plant material to be retained or removed;
2. 
A plan showing the planting areas and hydrozones, plant species and spacing, natural features, water features and all paved areas;
3. 
A legend listing the plant name (botanical and common) and total quantities by container size and species;
4. 
A description of the seed mixes with application rates;
5. 
Identification of amenities, boulders, pools, fountains, and other features;
6. 
Identification of headers and curbs;
7. 
Calculation of paved areas, including parking areas;
8. 
Calculation of required parking lot and site landscape areas;
9. 
Calculation of total on-site landscape in square feet and by percentage of lot;
10. 
If available or required for the project, an approved grading plan shall be submitted for reference.
C. 
Landscape and Irrigation Construction Plans. All landscape construction drawings shall include a planting plan and irrigation plan with detailed notes and legends necessary for a complete landscape plan review.
1. 
Planting and Irrigation Plans.
a. 
All items listed in Subsection A for conceptual landscape plans;
b. 
If available or required for the project, an approved grading plan shall be submitted for reference;
c. 
An irrigation plan showing the location, installation details, and specifications of all irrigation components, including, but not limited to, control valves, irrigation heads, irrigation head radius and gallons per minute (GPM), pressure calculations, line sizes and pipe schedules, hose bibs or quick coupler valves, irrigation controllers, backflow devices, and power supply;
d. 
All irrigation systems are encouraged to be designed to prevent runoff, over-spray, low head drainage and other similar conditions.
Plans required by Sections 17.12.030 and 17.12.060 shall incorporate the following design standards:
A. 
A combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers shall be used to create a varied and visually interesting landscape. All trees shall be not less than a minimum 15-gallon size and a minimum of 25 percent of all shrubs shall be of a five-gallon size.
B. 
In areas that are three feet to 10 feet wide, a minimum of one tree shall be provided for every 20 linear feet. A minimum of one tree shall be planted for every 500 square feet of landscaping in all other areas.
C. 
Street trees shall be planted along both sides of every private street, with a maximum spacing of 20 feet to 35 feet on center, depending on the tree type.
D. 
The use of boulders or similar hardscape for design enhancement is encouraged.
E. 
Large expanses of uninterrupted hardscape, such as decomposed granite, gravel, and similar materials, shall be avoided.
F. 
Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone and all landscape components shall be consistent with regulations of the Upland fire department in effect at the time of landscape installation.
G. 
Invasive species of plants shall be avoided especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, and open spaces because of their potential to cause harm in sensitive areas.
Plans required by Sections 17.12.030 and 17.12.060 shall incorporate the following design standards:
A. 
At least eight percent of a parking lot area on a site shall be landscaped. The areas dedicated to parking and the ingress and egress of vehicles and pedestrians shall be used in determining the amount of required parking lot landscaping.
B. 
Fifty percent of parking lot landscaping on a nonresidential project site shall be distributed within the parking area and 50 percent shall be distributed around the perimeter of the site.
C. 
Landscaping in parking lot areas shall be surrounded by continuous concrete curbing six inches in height above grade.
D. 
To be counted as part of the eight percent requirement, the landscaped areas shall be located immediately adjacent to parking stalls and driveways, and shall exclude curbs, sidewalks, and landings.
E. 
A maximum of 15 percent of the area within the two and one-half foot landscaped overhang adjacent to each parking space may be counted as part of the eight percent landscape requirement.
F. 
Landscape Islands. End parking spaces shall be provided with a minimum five feet wide landscape island or planter.
G. 
Parking Areas Abutting a Residential Use or Zone. Where a parking lot abuts a residential use or zone they shall be separated by a solid masonry wall six feet in height, provided the wall shall not exceed three feet in height within the required front yard setback of an abutting residential zone. Where a parking lot abuts a property line which is the boundary for a residential use or zone, a minimum five-foot wide landscape area shall be provided between the parking lot and the property line.
H. 
For single-family residential projects, the front yard, and side yard fronting onto a street on corner lots, shall be landscaped, except for those areas occupied by driveways providing access to garages and walkways providing access to a residence. No more than 40 percent of a front or side yard shall be dedicated to driveways and walkways. For multiple-family residential projects, the provisions of Section 17.04.030 (B) shall apply.
Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection for a project subject to this chapter, a certificate of completion shall be submitted to the community development director certifying that the landscaping has been completed in accordance with the approved construction plans for the project. For water efficient projects, the certificate of completion shall be signed by a licensed landscape architect except for the owner-installed landscapes at the single-family residence which may be signed by a licensed landscape architect or landscape professional or self-signed and shall indicate that:
A. 
The landscaping has been installed in conformance with the approved plans;
B. 
The smart irrigation controller has been set according to the irrigation schedule;
C. 
The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and eliminate overspray and runoff;
D. 
A copy of the irrigation schedule has been given to the property owner.
For existing residential and nonresidential landscapes with a total net landscape area equal to or greater than one acre with a dedicated or mixed water meter, the city shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys to determine whether the landscape meets or exceeds the maximum annual applied water allowance for the landscape and provide information to the property owner about methods to increase water efficiency in the landscape. Existing landscapes may use an evapotranspiration adjustment factor of 0.8 when calculating the maximum annual applied water allowance (MAWA).
For projects that are subject to the water efficiency requirements of this chapter, the city shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys to determine whether the new or rehabilitated landscape complies with the estimated applied annual water use and meets or exceeds the maximum annual applied water allowance. If the property is found to be in excess of the approved maximum annual applied water allowance, the property owner may be subject to the same administrative procedures and penalties as outlined in Municipal Code Section 13.16.020.