Ord 1924 - Establishing requirements for water efficient landscapingORDINANCE 1924
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION I
Amendment of Town Code to add Article IV to Chapter 26 to read as follows:
Article IV. Water Efficient Landscaping
Division 1. Generally
Sec. 26.40.010. Purpose.
The State Legislature has found that the limited supply of State waters is subject
to ever increasing demands; that California's economic prosperity depends on adequate
supplies of water; that State policy promotes conservation and efficient use of water; that
landscapes provide recreation areas, clean the air and water, prevent erosion, offer fire
protection, and replace ecosystems displaced by development; and that landscape design,
installation, and maintenance can and should be water efficient.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the values and benefits of landscapes while
recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible; establish
a structure for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes in new
projects; and establish provisions for water management practices and water waste
prevention for established landscapes.
Sec. 26.40.01.5. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined and
shall be construed as set forth in this section.
(1) Antidrain 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.
(2) Application rate: the depth of water applied to a given area, usually
measured in inches per hour.
(3) Applied water: the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.
(4) Automatic controller: a mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating
valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 = 1 acre -foot
43,560 square feet = 1 acre
12 inches = 1 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)
(7) Director of Parks, Forestry and Maintenance Services: The Director of Parks,
Forestry and Maintenance Services or the Director's designee.
(8) Ecological restoration project: a project where the site is intentionally altered
to establish a defined, indigenous historic ecosystem.
(9) 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 document, "effective precipitation" is 25 percent of local
annual mean precipitation.
(10) Emitter: drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly from the system to
the soil.
(11) Established landscape: the point at which plants in the landscape have
developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball.
(12) Establishment period: the first year after installing the plant in the landscape.
(13) 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 as referenced in Section 26.40.030(3).
(14) 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,
as described in Section 26.40.030(4).
(15) 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.
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(16) Flow rate: the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons
per minute or cubic feet per second).
(17) Hydrozone: 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 nonirrigated. For example, a naturalized area
planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once
established is a nonirrigated hydrozone.
(18) Infiltration rate: the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth
of water per unit of time (inches per hour).
(19) Irrigation 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.
(20) Landscape irrigation audit: a process to perform site inspection, evaluate
irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules.
(21) Landscape area: the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways,
nonirrigated portions of the parking lots, hardscape such as decks and patios,
and other nonporous 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.
(22) Lateral line: the water delivery pipeline that supplies water from the water
source to the valve or outlet.
(23) Main line: the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source
to the valve or outlet.
(24) Maximum applied water allowance: for design purposes, the upper limit of
annual applied water for the established landscape areaas described in Section
26.40.030(2). 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.
(25) ' Mined land reclamation projects: any surface mining operation with a
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act of 1975.
(26) Mulch: any material such as leaves, bark, straw, or other materials left loose
and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation.
(27) Operating pressure: the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed
to operate, usually indicated at base of sprinkler.
(28) Overspray: the water which is delivered beyond the landscape area, wetting
pavements, walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas.
(29) 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 water -using plants range from 0 to 0.3, for
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average water -using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water -using
plants the range is 0.7 to 1.0.
(30) Rain sensing device: a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation
system when it rains.
(31) Record drawing or as- builts: 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.
(32) Recreational area: areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields,
school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.
(33) Recycled water, reclaimed water, or treated sewage effluent water: treated or
recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as
landscape irrigation; not intended for human consumption.
(34) Reference evapotranspiration or ETo: a standard measurement of
environmental parameters 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.
(35) Rehabilitated landscape: any relandscaping project that requires a permit.
(36) 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 a severe slope.
(37) Soil moisture sensing device: a device that measures the amount of water in
the soil.
(38) Soil texture: the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt,
and clay in the soil..
(39) Sprinkler head: a device which sprays water through a nozzle.
(40) Static water pressure: the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when
water is not flowing.
(41) Station: an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate
simultaneously.
(42) Turf. a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its root. Annual
bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, red fescue, and tall fescue
are cool- season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuygrass, Seashore paspalum, St.
Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm - season grasses.
(43) Valve: a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
(44) Water conservation concept statement: a one -page checklist and a narrative
summary of the project as shown in Section 26.40.030(1).
Division 2. Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes.
Section 26.40.020. Applicability.
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The provisions of this article shall apply to:
(a) all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects and
private development projects that require zoning approval;
(b) developer- installed landscaping in multi- family projects; and
(c) developer - installed landscaping in single family projects of five or more
units.
(2) This article shall not apply to:
(a) developer- installed landscaping in single family projects of four or less
units;
(b) homeowner provided landscaping at single - family and multi- family
projects;
(c) registered historical sites;
(d) ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent
irrigation system; or
(d) any project with a landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet.
Section 26.40.025. Landscape Documentation Package
(1) All applications for development projects subject to this article shall include
a landscape documentation package. No permit shall be issued for
development until the Town's Director of Parks, Forestry and Maintenance
Services reviews and deems the landscape documentation package complete
and the deciding body has approved the development project.
(2) A copy of the approved landscape documentation package shall be provided
to the applicant with the development approval.
(3) Each landscape documentation package shall include the following elements,
which are described in Section 26.40.025.
(a) Water Conservation Concept Statement
(b) Calculation of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(c) Calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use
(d) Calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use
(e) Landscape Design Plan
(f) Irrigation Design Plan
(g) Irrigation Schedules
(h) Maintenance Schedules
(i) Grading Design Plan
(j) Certificate of Substantial Completion (to be submitted after installation
of the project)
(4) If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the Estimated Total
Water Use, then an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement from the
landscape professional and the property owner shall be submitted with the
Landscape Documentation Package.
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Section 26.40.030. Elements of Landscape Documentation Package
(1) Water conservation concept statement The Water Conservation Concept
Statement shall be the cover sheet of the package and shall include a
narrative summary of the project and a checklist to verify that all elements
of the landscape documentation package have been completed.
(2) Calculation of the maximum applied water allowance
(a) A project's Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated
using the following formula and shall not exceed what has been
allocated by the local water agency:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor
LA = Landscaped Area
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons per square foot)
(b) Two example calculations of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
are:
(i) Project Site One
Landscaped area of 50,000 fee t in Fresno.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) 2
_ (51 inches) (0.8) (50,000 feet) (0.62)
= 1,264,800 gallons /year or 1,691 100 -feet' per year
(1.,264,800/748 = 1,691)
(ii) Project Site Two
Landscaped area of 50,000 fee t in San Francisco.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) 2
_ (35 inches) (0.8) (50,000 feet) (0.62)
= 868,000 gallons /year or 1,160 100 -feet' per year
(868,000/748 = 1,160)
(c) Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as
parks playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, 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.
Areas to be used for such purposes and any needed amount of
additional water above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall
be specified in writing and shall be included with the landscape design
plan.
(3) Calculation of the estimated Applied Water Use
(a) The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
(b) The Estimated Water Use shall be calculated by summing the amount
of water recommended in the irrigation schedule.
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(4) Calculation of the estimated Total Water Use
(a) The Estimated Total Water Use shall be calculated by summing the
amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule and adding
any amount of water expected from effective precipitation (not to
exceed 25 percent of the local annual mean precipitation) or shall be
calculated 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)
(IE)
EWU =
Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
ETo =
Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
PF =
Plant factor
HA =
Hydrozone area
0.62 =
Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE =
Irrigation efficiency
If the Estimated Total Water Use is greater than the Estimated
Applied Water Use due to precipitation being included as a source
of water, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement shall be
included in 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.
(5) Landscape Design Plan
The landscape design plan shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Plant Selection and Grouping
(i) Any plant material may be used in the landscape, providing the
Estimated Applied Water Use recommended does not exceed
the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and that the plant
material meets the specifications set forth below.
(ii) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in
distinct hydrozones.
(iii) 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. The planting of trees
is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other provisions
of this article.
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(iv)
A mulch of 2 to 3 inches shall be applied to all planting areas
excluding turf.
(v)
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 local fire
departments or the California Department of Forestry.
(b) Water Features
(i)
Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.
(ii)
Pool and spa covers are encouraged.
(c) Landscape Design Plan Specifications
The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a
scale
that accurately and clearly identifies the following:
(i)
Designation of hydrozones.
(ii)
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.
(iii)
Property lines and street names.
(iv)
Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
(v)
Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls.
(vi)
Existing and proposed buildings and structures including
elevation if applicable.
(vii)
Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings,
existing trees and shrubs that will remain.
(viii)
Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any
other applicable planting and installation details.
(ix)
A calculation of the total landscaped area.
(x)
Designation of recreational areas.
(6) Irrigation Design Plan
The irrigation design plan shall meet the following conditions:
(a) Irrigation
Design Criteria
(i)
Runoff and OverspraX 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, nonirrigated 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 with a width less than 8 feet.
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(b)
(c)
(ii) Irrigation EfficiencX 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.
(iii) Equipment
Water meters Separate landscape water meters shall be
installed for all projects.
Controllers Automatic control systems shall be required for all
irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects
of the 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. Antidrain (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 Sensing Override Devices Rain sensing override devices
are recommended on all irrigation systems.
Soil Moisture Sensing Devices It is recommended that soil
moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate.
Recycled Water
(i) The installation of recycled water irrigation (dual distribution
systems) is recommended unless the local water agency has
determined that recycled water meeting all health standards is
not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future.
(ii) The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and
operated in accordance with all local and state codes.
Irrigation Design Plan Specifications
Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones.
The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on separate project base
sheets and shall use the same format as the landscape design plan.
The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan
described in Section 26.40.030(5).
The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify the
following:
(i) Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape.
(ii) 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.
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(iii) Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public
water supply.
(iv) Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per
hour) and design operating pressure (psi) for each station.
(v) Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in the Section
26.40,030(6)(b).
(7) Irrigation Schedules
Irrigation schedules shall satisfy the following conditions:
(a) 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.
(b) The irrigation schedule shall:
(i) include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of
cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station; and
(ii) provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet,
gallons, or in whatever billing units the local water supplier uses)
recommended on an monthly and annual basis.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 Maximum Applied Water Allowance
because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency).
(e) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate the use of
evapotranspiration data such as those from the California Irrigation
Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply
the appropriate levels of water for different climates.
(f) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled during
nondaylight hours to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high
temperature. Irrigation scheduling shall also be subject to the
ordinance of the Town of Los Gatos Declaring the Existence of a
Condition of Water Shortage and Providing for Mandatory Reductions
in and Specified Prohibitions of Water Use and the requirements of
the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
(8) Maintenance Schedules
The regular maintenance schedule shall satisfy the following conditions:
(a) The 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 in all landscaped areas.
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(b) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with
the originally specified materials or their equivalents.
(9) Grading Design Plan
Grading design plans shall be submitted satisfying the following conditions:
(a) A grading design plan shall be drawn on separate project base sheets
and shall use the same format as the landscape design plan.
(b) 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.
(10) Certificate of Substantial Completion
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
Town and to the owner of record. The certificate shall specifically indicate
that plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed
as designed and shall list any observed deficiencies.
Sec. 26.40.035. Public Education.
Model Hoines.
At least one model home in each project consisting of five or more homes
shall be landscaped to demonstrate, via signs and information, the principles
of water efficient landscape as described in this article.
(a) The model's landscaped area shall be signed as an example of water
efficient landscape and feature elements such as hydrozones and
irrigation equipment which contribute to the overall water efficient
theme.
(b) Information shall be provided about designing, installing and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
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SECTION II
This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after the date is adopted. At least five days
prior to and within 15 days after this Ordinance is adopted, the Town Clerk shall cause a
summary to be published in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated
in the Town.
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the
Town of Los Gatos on November 2, 1992, and adopted by the following vote as an
Ordinance of the Town of Los Gatos at a regular meeting of the Town Council on
November 16, 1992.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Randy Attaway, Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton, Brent N. Ventura
Mayor Eric D. Carlson
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED: ---- -tea /�
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF YOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
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