The City may designate by mutual agreement, another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this division.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
Prior to construction, the Director of Community Development shall:
1.
Provide the project applicant with the ordinance and procedures for permits, plan checks, or design reviews;
2.
Review the landscape documentation package submitted by the project applicant;
3.
Approve or deny the landscape documentation package;
4.
Issue a permit or approve the plan check or design review for the project applicant; and
5.
Upon approval of the landscape documentation package, submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor if other than the City.
B.
Prior to construction, the project applicant shall submit a landscape documentation package to the Director of Community Development.
C.
Upon approval of the landscape documentation package by the Director of Community Development, the project applicant shall:
1.
Receive a permit or approval of the plan check or design review and record the date of the permit in the certificate of completion;
2.
Submit a copy of the approved landscape documentation package along with the record drawings, and any other information to the property owner or his/her designee; and
3.
Submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor if other than the City.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
Violation of any provision of this division is subject to penalties as described in Chapter 1.16 of this code and any other penalty or remedy to the extent permitted by law.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
The landscape documentation package shall include the following five elements:
1.
Project information:
a.
Date;
b.
Project applicant;
c.
Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s));
d.
Total landscape area (square feet);
e.
Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed);
f.
Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well;
g.
Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package;
h.
Project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property owner;
2.
Water efficient landscape worksheet with water budget calculations, including maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) and estimated total water use (ETWU);
3.
Soil management report;
4.
Landscape design plan; and
5.
Irrigation design plan.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
A project applicant shall complete the water efficient landscape worksheet in Figure 14.27.030.A, or other worksheet that demonstrates compliance, which contains information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to show that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project does not exceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential areas, exclusive of special landscape areas. The ETAF for a landscape project is based on the plant factors and irrigation methods selected. The maximum applied water allowance is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential areas) and expressed as annual gallons required. The estimated total water use (ETWU) is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape design. ETWU shall be below the MAWA. In calculating the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use, a project applicant shall use the ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table 14.27.030.A.
B.
Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
1.
The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural researchers with academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very low water using plants, 0.1 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;
2.
All water features shall be included in the high-water use hydrozone, and temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone;
3.
All special landscape areas shall be identified, and their water use calculated as shown in Figure 14.27.030.A; and
4.
ETAF for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.
TABLE 14.27.030.A Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Area | Month (Inches/Month) | ||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
Vacaville except Lagoon Valley | 0.7 | 1.4 | 3.2 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 7.2 | 5.5 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 52.3 |
Lagoon Valley | 1.1 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 45.2 |
 Figure 14.27.030.A Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet |
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:
1.
Plant Material.
a.
Any plant may be selected for the landscape providing the estimated total water use in the landscape area does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance and the selection complies with any other adopted landscaping requirements.
b.
Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section 14.27.030.070.A.2.d.
c.
Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
i.
Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate;
ii.
Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines); allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth; and
iii.
Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.
d.
Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25 percent means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
e.
High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.
f.
A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per California Public Resources Code Sections 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan guidelines.
g.
The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
h.
The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water use plants as a group.
2.
Water Features.
a.
Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
b.
Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.
c.
Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
d.
Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
3.
Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments.
a.
Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.
b.
Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of any soil report prepared and what is appropriate for the plants selected.
c.
For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent organic matter in the top six inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
d.
A minimum three-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to five percent of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated insect habitat shall be included in the landscape design plan as such.
e.
Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current engineering standards.
f.
The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
B.
The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
1.
Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
2.
Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
3.
Identify recreational areas (for uses other than single-family residential, if any);
4.
Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants (if any);
5.
Identify areas irrigated with recycled water (if any);
6.
Identify type of mulch and application depth;
7.
Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
8.
Identify type and surface area of water features (if any);
9.
Identify hardscapes (pervious and nonpervious, if any); and
10.
Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape. (See Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, and 7027.5 of the California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.)
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
This section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation, not areas that require temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use of water, 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. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:
1.
System.
a.
Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all nonresidential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 square feet but not more than 5,000 square feet (the level at which California Water Code Section 535 applies) and residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 square feet or greater. A landscape water meter may be either:
b.
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing nonvolatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
c.
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, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
d.
Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all nonresidential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5,000 square feet or larger.
e.
Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
f.
The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto nontargeted areas, such as adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
g.
Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
h.
The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.
i.
The irrigation system shall be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 14.27.030.040 regarding the maximum applied water allowance.
j.
All irrigation emission devices shall meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers'/ International Code Council's (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 "Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard." All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape shall document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
k.
It is highly recommended that the project applicant or City inquire with the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
l.
In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
m.
Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
n.
Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations.
o.
Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turfgrass.
p.
Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage could occur.
q.
Areas less than 10 feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produce no runoff or overspray.
r.
Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow nonspray technology. The setback area may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:
i.
The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs;
ii.
The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or
iii.
The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria in Section 14.27.030.070.A.1.f. Prevention of overspray and runoff shall be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
s.
Slopes greater than 25 percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology as part of the landscape documentation package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion shall be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
2.
Hydrozone.
a.
Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
b.
Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
c.
Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
d.
Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water use, may be allowed if:
e.
Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.
f.
On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Figure 14.27.030.A). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller.
B.
The 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.
Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 14.27.030.130; and
6.
The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system. (See Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, and 7027.5 of the California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.)
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
The certificate of completion shall include the following five elements:
2.
Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project has been installed per the approved landscape documentation package;
3.
Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see Section 14.27.030.090);
4.
Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see Section 14.27.030.100); and
5.
Irrigation audit report (see Section 14.27.030.110).
B.
The project applicant shall:
C.
The Director of Community Development shall:
1.
Receive the signed certificate of completion from the project applicant; and
2.
Approve or deny the certificate of completion. If the certificate of completion is denied, the Director of Community Development shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
A.
Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
B.
Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between eight p.m. and ten a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C.
For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention shall be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the estimated total water use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to maximum applied water allowance (MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor data.
E.
Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:
1.
Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
2.
Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
3.
Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
4.
Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
5.
Application rate setting;
6.
Root depth setting;
7.
Plant type setting;
8.
Soil type;
9.
Slope factor setting;
10.
Shade factor setting; and
11.
Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the certificate of completion.
B.
A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost, replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas, and removing obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C.
Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.
D.
A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable best practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.
B.
In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments) an auditing rate of one in seven lots or approximately 15 percent will satisfy this requirement.
C.
For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1, 2015, as described in Section 14.27.010.030:
1.
The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the certificate of completion to the local agency that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming;
2.
The City shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the maximum applied water allowance.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
For the purpose of determining estimated total water use, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.
B.
All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.
C.
Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any standards adopted by the City. Refer to Section 14.27.010.030.C for the applicability of this division to landscape areas less than 2,500 square feet with the estimated total water use met entirely by graywater.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
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 rainwater retention and infiltration is encouraged.
B.
Project applicants shall refer to the local agency or Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable storm water technical requirements.
C.
All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration. Refer to Section 14.27.030.060.A.3.
D.
Landscape areas shall be designed for capture and infiltration capacity that is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e., roof and paved areas) from either: the one inch, 24-hour rain event; or the eighty-fifth percentile, 24-hour rain event; and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state or federal regulation.
E.
Storm water projects must incorporate any of the following elements to improve on-site storm water and dry weather runoff capture and use:
1.
Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain to vegetated areas.
2.
Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roofs and concrete driveways.
3.
Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
4.
Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.
5.
Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems.
6.
Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins and drywells to capture storm water and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
7.
Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A.
Publications. Education is a critical component to promote the efficient use of water in landscapes. The use of appropriate principles of design, installation, management and maintenance that save water is encouraged in the community. The City shall provide information to owners of permitted renovations and new single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes based on a water budget.
B.
Model Homes. All model homes shall be landscaped and use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this division.
1.
Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and others that contribute to the overall water efficient theme. Signage shall include information about the site water use; specify who designed and installed the water efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use approaches to landscaping such as using native plants, graywater systems, and rainwater catchment systems.
2.
Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
The City shall comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as appropriate.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)