This chapter shall be known as the city of Burlingame "Water Conservation in Landscape Ordinance."
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
(1)
Tier 1 Landscapes. All new construction and rehabilitated landscapes with irrigated landscape areas between 1,500 square feet and 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review, or requiring new or expanded water service.
(2)
Tier 2 Landscapes. All new construction and rehabilitated landscapes with irrigated landscape areas equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review or requiring new or expanded water service.
(b)
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
(1)
New construction and rehabilitated landscapes with irrigated landscape areas less than 1,500 square feet or that do not require a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review, or new or expanded water service;
(2)
Landscapes or portions of landscapes that are only irrigated for an establishment period;
(3)
Registered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping establishes a historical landscape style, as determined by a public board or commission responsible for architectural review or historic preservation;
(4)
Ecological restoration or mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
(5)
Community gardens or plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public, agricultural uses, commercial nurseries and sod farms.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
means an automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.
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.
means a person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Irrigation Designer Certification Program and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer Program.
means a person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Irrigation Auditor Certification Program and Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Program.
means a certified irrigation designer, a certified landscape irrigation auditor, a licensed landscape architect, a licensed landscape contractor, a licensed professional engineer, or any other person authorized by the state to design a landscape, an irrigation system, or authorized to complete a water budget.
means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.
means any nonspray 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.
means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
means the portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
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.
means the total water used for the landscape as described in Section 18.17.080, Water budget calculations.
means a factor of 0.7, 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. ETAF for a special landscape area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes shall not exceed 0.8.
means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
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.
means any durable material (pervious and nonpervious).
means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.
means species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. "Noxious weeds" means any weed designated by the Weed Control Regulations in the Weed Control Act and identified on a regional district noxious weed control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system. 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.
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 minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this chapter is 70%. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well-designed and maintained systems.
means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
means an analysis of water use data based on meter readings and billing data.
means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in California as further defined by the California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.
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 nonpervious hardscapes, other nonirrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation), agricultural uses, commercial nurseries and sod farms.
means a person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
means the total area comprising the landscape area, as defined in subsection (x).
means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
means the city of Burlingame which is responsible for the adoption, implementation and enforcement of this chapter, including, but not limited to, approval of a permit and plan check or design review of a project.
means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, district or private water company that provides retail water service.
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.
means a plant species whose water needs are compatible with local climate and soil conditions. Species classified as "very low water use" and "low water use" by WUCOLS, having a regionally adjusted plant factor of 0.0 through 0.3, shall be considered low water use plants.
means the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 18.17.080, Water budget calculations.
means any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and 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.
means a plant indigenous to a specific area of consideration. For the purposes of these guidelines, the term shall refer to plants indigenous to the coastal ranges of central and northern California, and more specifically to such plants that are suited to the ecology of the present or historic natural community(ies) of the project's vicinity.
means the construction of a new building or structure containing a landscape or other new land improvement, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.
means a plant species with water needs that are compatible with local climate and soil conditions such that regular supplemental irrigation is not required to sustain the plant after it has become established.
means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants.
means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.
means the individual or entity submitting a project landscape application required under Section 18.17.060, to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the city. A project applicant may be the property owner or designee.
means a component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
means areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing surface.
means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants.
means any relandscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, design review, or requires a new or expanded water service application.
means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area.
means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.
means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.
means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
means 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).
means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation, 2000.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
The city shall:
(1)
Provide the project applicant with the ordinance codified in this chapter and landscape project application requirements and the procedures for permits, plan checks, design reviews, or new or expanded water service;
(2)
Review the landscape project application submitted by the project applicant;
(3)
Approve or deny the project applicant's landscape project application submittal;
(4)
Issue or approve a permit, plan check or design review that complies with the approved landscape project application or approve a new or expanded water service application that complies with the approved landscape project application.
(b)
The project applicant shall:
(1)
Prior to construction, submit all portions of the landscape project application, except the landscape audit report, to the city;
(2)
Construct the project in compliance with the minimum water use efficiency standards for indoor fixtures and appliances provided for in the Indoor Water Use Efficiency Table and checklist;
(3)
After construction, submit the landscape audit report portion of the landscape project application to the city.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
The elements of a landscape must be designed to achieve water efficiency and will comply with the criteria described in this chapter. In completing the landscape project application, project applicants may choose one of two options to demonstrate that the landscape meets this chapter's water efficiency goals. Regardless of which option is selected, the applicant must complete and comply with all other elements of this chapter. The options include:
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
The city of Burlingame has developed an outdoor water use efficiency checklist (checklist), based on the criteria described below. For Tier 1 projects, either the project applicant or a certified or authorized professional shall complete the checklist and submit it to city along with the landscape and irrigation design plan. For Tier 2 projects, a certified or authorized professional shall complete and submit the checklist to city along with the landscape and irrigation design plan.
(a)
Plant Material.
(1)
Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use that are selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site.
(2)
The turf area shall not be more than 25% of the landscape area, unless the project applicant develops a sitespecific water budget and the ETWU of the landscape area does not exceed the MAWA.
(3)
Turf shall not be planted on slopes greater than 25% or in areas that are less than eight feet wide, unless irrigated with subsurface irrigation or a low volume irrigation system.
(4)
At least 80% of the plants in nonturf landscape areas shall be native plants, low-water using plants, or no waterusing plants, unless the project applicant develops a site-specific water budget and the ETWU of the landscaped area does not exceed the MAWA.
(5)
Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches should be avoided.
(6)
The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly discouraged.
(7)
The architectural guidelines of a common interest development shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
(b)
Mulch. A minimum two inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas, although a three inch layer is recommended.
(c)
Irrigation System. 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 proper installation, management, and maintenance.
(1)
Dedicated landscape water meters shall be required for landscape areas greater than 5,000 square feet and are highly recommended for landscape areas greater than 2,500 square feet.
(2)
Tier 2 landscapes are required to have automatic irrigation controllers that utilize either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data for irrigation scheduling.
(3)
Sensors (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.
(4)
The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions.
(5)
Low volume irrigation required in mulched areas, in areas with slope greater than 25%, and within 24 inches of a nonpermeable surface, or in narrow or irregularly shaped areas that are less than eight feet in width in any direction.
(6)
Average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 70%. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 70%.
(7)
Irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless unfavorable weather prevents it or otherwise renders irrigation unnecessary.
(d)
Hydrozone.
(1)
Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
(2)
Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
(3)
Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.
(4)
Individual hydrozones that mix plants with different water uses may be allowed if a water budget is performed, and the plant factor calculation is based on the proportion of the respective plant water uses or the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used.
(f)
Soil Amendments. Soil amendments, such as compost, shall be incorporated according to the soil conditions at the project site and based on what is appropriate for the selected plants.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
The project applicant may elect to complete a water budget calculation for the landscape project. A Tier 1 water budget may be developed and completed by the project applicant. A Tier 2 water budget calculation must be completed by a certified or authorized professional. Water budget calculations, if prepared, shall adhere to the following requirements:
(a)
The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges from 0.0 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.
(c)
All special landscape areas (SLA) shall be identified and their water use included in the water budget calculations.
(d)
The reference evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for SLA shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for all other landscaped areas shall not exceed 0.7.
(e)
Irrigation system efficiency shall be greater than or equal to 70%.
(f)
Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) shall be calculated using the equation below:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)] |
Where: | ||
MAWA | = | Maximum applied water allowance (gallons per year) |
Eto | = | Reference evapotranspiration (inches per year) |
0.62 | = | Conversion factor (to gallons) |
0.7 | = | Reference evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) |
LA | = | Landscape area including SLA (square feet) |
0.3 | = | Additional water allowance for SLA |
SLA | = | Special landscape area (square feet) |
(g)
A local agency or project applicant may consider effective precipitation (25% of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate the MAWA:
MAWA = (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)] |
(h)
Estimated total water use (ETWU) will be calculated using the equation below. The sum of the ETWU calculated for all hydrozones will not exceed the MAWA.
ETWU = (ETo)(0.62) [(PF x HA)\IE] + SLA |
Where: | ||
ETWU | = | Estimated total water use per year (gallons) |
ETo | = | Reference evapotranspiration (inches) |
PF | = | Plant factor from WUCOLS (see Section 491) |
HA | = | Hydrozone area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet) |
SLA | = | Special landscape area (square feet) |
0.62 | = | Conversion factor |
IE | = | Irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.70) |
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
Tier 1 Landscapes. The landscape and irrigation design plan may be prepared by, and bear the signature of, the project applicant, or that of a certified or authorized professional.
(b)
Tier 2 Landscapes. The components of the landscape and irrigation design plan shall be prepared as follows:
(1)
The landscape design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or that of a certified or authorized professional; and
(2)
The irrigation design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the signature of, a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or that of a certified or authorized professional.
(c)
The landscape design portion of the landscape and irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall:
(1)
Delineate and label each hydrozone;
(2)
Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use;
(3)
Identify special landscape areas (i.e., recreational areas; areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants; areas irrigated with recycled water);
(4)
Identify type of mulch and application depth;
(5)
Identify type and surface area of water features;
(6)
Identify hardscapes (pervious and nonpervious); and
(7)
Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them for the efficient use of water in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan."
(d)
The irrigation design portion of the landscape and 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)
Irrigation schedule;
(6)
The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan."
(e)
Grading. If the landscape project will be graded, then the grading shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. All grading should be conducted to:
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
Tier 1 Landscapes. Landscape irrigation audits for new or rehabilitated landscapes installed after March 18, 2010 shall be conducted after the landscaping and irrigation systems have been installed. The audit may be conducted by the project applicant or by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
(b)
Tier 2 Landscapes. Landscape irrigation audits for new or rehabilitated landscapes installed after the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor after the landscaping and irrigation system have been installed.
(c)
The landscape audit report shall include, but is not limited to: inspection to confirm that the landscaping and irrigation system were installed as specified in the landscape and irrigation design plan, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
(d)
The landscape audit report shall include the following statement: "The landscape and irrigation system has been installed as specified in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan and complies with the criteria of the Ordinance and the permit."
(e)
The city shall administer on-going programs that may include, but not be limited to, post-installation landscape inspection, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, irrigation surveys and water budget calculations to evaluate compliance with the MAWA.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency.
(a)
A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas; and removing obstructions to emission devices.
(b)
Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents.
(c)
A project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally-friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
Stormwater best management practices shall be implemented into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration and should be consistent with city, county, state and federal stormwater management requirements.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
This section shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before March 18, 2010 and are over one acre in size.
(a)
Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
(1)
For landscapes that have a water meter, the city shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the MAWA for existing landscapes. The MAWA for existing landscapes shall be calculated as:
MAWA = (0.8) (ETo)(LA)(0.62) |
(2)
For landscapes that do not have a meter, the city shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.
(3)
All landscape irrigation audits for existing landscapes that are greater than one acre in size shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
(b)
Water Waste Prevention. The city shall prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff from leaving the target landscape due to low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
Violation Notice of Correction. It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation subject to the requirements of this chapter to fail to comply with the outdoor water use efficiency requirements of this chapter.
(b)
Notice of Correction. Whenever the city determines that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the city may serve a notice of correction on the owner(s) of the property on which the violation is situated. The owner(s) of record shall have 90 days to take corrective action.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))
(a)
The city shall provide information to all applicants regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water-efficient landscapes and irrigation systems.
(b)
All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water-efficient landscapes that are described in this chapter.
(Ord. 1845 § 3, (2010))