ORDINANCE 1515 ORDINANCE NO. 1515
AN ORDINANCE DELETING EL SEGUNDO MUNICIPAL CODE
(ESMC) CHAPTER 10-2 REGARDING WATER CONSERVATION
IN LANDSCAPING; ADDING A NEW ESMC CHAPTER 15-15A
REGARDING WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING:
AMENDING ESMC § 15-1-6 TO ADD NEW DEFINITIONS FOR
TYPES OF LANDSCAPING AND ARTIFICIAL TURF; AMENDING
ESMC § 15-2-14 REGARDING LANDSCAPING AND ARTIFICIAL
TURF REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING LANDSCAPING
SECTIONS IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
The City Council of the City of El Segundo does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. On April 1, 2015, California Governor Brown issued Executive Order
No. B-29-15 imposing restrictions on the use of water due to severe
drought conditions throughout the State;
B. On July 15, 2015, pursuant to Governor Brown's Executive Order,
the California Water Commission approved a revised Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Model Ordinance);
C. On October 9, 2015, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill
No. AB 1164, regarding water conservation and drought tolerant
landscaping;
D. On October 5, 2015, City staff initiated an application for
Environmental Assessment No. EA-1132 and Zone Text
Amendment No. ZTA 15-01 to the El Segundo Municipal Code
("ESMC") to amend the City's Water Conservation in Landscaping
regulations;
E. The application was reviewed by the City's Planning and Building
Safety Department for, in part, consistency with the General Plan and
conformity with the ESMC;
F. The City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under the
California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources
Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated
thereunder(14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the
"CEQA Guidelines"), and the City's Environmental Guidelines (City
Council Resolution No. 3805, adopted March 16, 1993);
G., The Planning and Building Safety Department completed its review
and scheduled the public hearing regarding the application before
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the Planning Commission for November 12, 2015;
H. On November 12, 2015, the Planning Commission held a public
hearing to receive public testimony and other evidence regarding the
proposed amendment, including, without limitation, information
provided to the Planning Commission by City staff and public
testimony;
1. On November 12, 2015, the Planning Commission directed staff to
revise the draft ordinance to allow the use of "Artificial Turf" or
"Synthetic Grass" in all residential zoning districts for landscaping
projects with no maximum area limitations, without the requirement
of an Adjustment application approval, and to provide first time
violators of the new proposed provisions a written warning before
issuing a citation. After considering the public testimony,
documentary evidence, and incorporating the recommendations
made by the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission
adopted Resolution No. 2785 recommending the City Council
approve Environmental Assessment No. EA-1132 and Zone Text
Amendment No. ZTA 15-01;
J. On December 1, 2015, the City Council held a public hearing and
considered the information provided by City staff and public
testimony regarding this Ordinance; and
K. This Ordinance and its findings are made based upon the entire
administrative record including, without limitation, testimony and
evidence presented to the City Council at its December 1, 2015
hearing and the staff report submitted by the Planning and Building
Safety Department.
SECTION 2: Environmental Assessment. Adopting this Ordinance is categorically
exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations § 15307 as a Class
7 exemption (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural
Resources), because the Ordinance consists of an action taken by the City
to assure maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of water
resources in the City, and § 15308 as a Class 8 exemption (Actions by
Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment) because the
Ordinance consists of regulations and procedures which aim to protect the
environment.
SECTION 3: Findings. The City Council incorporates by reference all of the findings and
conclusions set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 2785 as fully
set forth including, without limitation, the Environmental Assessment set
forth in Section 3 of Resolution No. 2785.
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SECTION 4: Chapter 10-2 of the El Segundo Municipal Code ("ESMC), entitled "Water
Conservation in Landscaping," is deleted in its entirety.
SECTION 5: ESMC §15-1-6 (Definitions) is amended to add definitions of"Artificial Turf,"
"Hardscape," "Softscape," "Synthetic Grass," and "Xeriscape" as follows:
ARTIFICIAL TURF (also referred to as SYNTHETIC GRASS): A surface of
synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass."
HARDSCAPE: Any durable material (pervious and nonpervious) that is
comprised of solid man-made and natural materials used in the built
environment such as: stone, tile, wood, crushed rock, gravel, granite, brick,
metal, glass, bitumen, concrete, and masonry. Hardscape projects may
include paved areas, walkways, patios, statuary, walls, pools, fountains,
fireplaces, fire pits, stone benches, and architectural landscape features."
SOFTSCAPE: Softscape includes to trees, shrubs, flowers, live horticulture
plants, vines, groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and may include high
quality artificial plants and durable synthetic grass or artificial turf which are
not made with heavy metals or lead with completely pervious backing."
SYNTHETIC GRASS (also referred to as ARTIFICIAL TURF): A surface of
synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass."
XERISCAPING: (often incorrectly spelled zero-scaping or xeroscaping) is
landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for
supplemental water from irrigation. It is promoted in regions that do not have
easily accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water, and is gaining
acceptance in other areas as access to water becomes more limited.
Xeriscaping may be an alternative to various types of traditional gardening.
SECTION 6: Subsection A of ESMC §15-2-14 (Landscaping) is amended to read as
follows:
"15-2-14: LANDSCAPING:
A. Requirement; Purpose: The goal of this section is to ensure that
adequate landscape areas and permanent water-efficient irrigation systems
are provided for all non-residential development. The area extending
between a building(s) and property lines must contain both Softscape and
Hardscape landscape materials, except for those portions devoted to
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vehicular parking and loading. All Softscape area provided for each project
site in non-residential zoning districts must be natural plant material,
preferably native to the area and not include artificial turf or synthetic grass
except as otherwise provided in this Title. -Lots in residential zoning districts
are allowed to contain artificial turf or synthetic grass provided that the
Director of Planning and Building Safety will review the use of artificial turf
or synthetic grass to require that the type and quality of material used is not
harmful to the environment (such as containing lead based or other
hazardous materials); to require a pervious surface to address percolation,
drainage, runoff, and stormwater detention requirements; and to require
that the artificial turf or synthetic grass is incorporated into a comprehensive
landscaping design and site planning. All non-residential landscape projects
must comply with title 15, chapter 15A of this code relating to water
conservation in landscaping.
SECTION 7: ESMC §15-4A-7 is amended to read as follows:
"15-4A-7: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping and irrigation must be provided within the front and street side
setback areas. Those setback areas fronting upon a public street must
incorporate a combination of Softscape and Hardscape in the landscape,
except for those portions devoted to vehicular parking.
A. A minimum of twenty five percent (25%) of the front yard setback area must
be maintained with permanent landscaping that contains a combination of
lawn, trees, vines, bushes and ground covers, and does not include
Hardscape materials for lots less than fifty feet (50') in width.
B. A minimum of thirty five percent (35%) of the front yard setback area must
be maintained with permanent landscaping that contains a combination of
lawn, trees, vines, bushes and ground covers, and does not include
Hardscape materials for lots that are fifty feet (50') or greater in width."
SECTION i 6: ESMC §15-413-7 is amended to read as follows:
"15-413-7: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping and irrigation must be provided within the front yard and street
side setback areas. Those setback areas fronting upon a public street must
incorporate a combination of Softscape and Hardscape in the landscape,
except for those portions devoted to vehicular parking."
SECTION 9: Subsections A and B of ESMC § 15-4C-6 is amended to read as follows:
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"15-4C-6: LANDSCAPING:
A. Landscaping and irrigation must be provided within the front yard and
street side setback areas.
B. Those setback areas fronting upon a public street must incorporate a
combination of Softscape and Hardscape in the landscape, except for those
portions devoted to vehicular parking. At least fifty percent (50%) of the
required common open space must include Softscape landscaping. In
addition, those portions of the property which abut a different zoning
classification must be landscaped with trees and shrubs to provide an
effective buffer from adjoining property.
SECTION 10: ESMC §15-5A-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5A-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 11: ESMC §15-513-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-513-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 12. ESMC §15-5C-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5C-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 13: ESMC §15-5D-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5D-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 14: ESMC §15-5E-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5E-8: LANDSCAPING:
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Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 15: ESMC §15-5F-9 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5F-9: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 16: ESMC §15-5G-7 is amended to read as follows:
"15-5G-7: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 17: ESMC §15-6A-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-6A-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 18: ESMC §15-613-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-613-8: LANDSCAPING:
Landscaping must be provided as required by section 15-2-14 and Chapter
15-15A of this title."
SECTION 19: ESMC §15-6C-8 is amended to read as followsa
"15-6C-8: LANDSCAPING:
In the SIB Zone, landscaping requirements are as follows:
A. A minimum of three percent (3%) of the total site must be devoted to
landscaping;
B. Landscaping must consist of trees, shrubs, vines, bushes, flowers,
ground coverings or any combination thereof.
C. Landscaping must not consist solely of artificial plants, turf, crushed rock,
redwood bark or decorative pavement.
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D. Within the first three feet (3') of the front yard setback, a raised planter
(2 feet minimum above sidewalk) shall be provided for the entire frontage,
excluding entrances to the building or parking. The raised planter shall be
provided with permanent watering facilities. Suggested plant materials may
include Italian cypress, Chinese juniper, creeping fig and geraniums for
color. Items such as turf, artificial plants, artificial turf or synthetic grass and
full size trees are not suitable for this location.
E. All landscaped areas must be provided with permanent watering
facilities."
SECTION 20: ESMC §15-6D-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-6D-8: LANDSCAPING:
In the MM Zone, landscaping requirements are as follows:
A. A minimum of seven percent (7%) of the total site's square footage must
be devoted to landscaping.
B. Landscaping is not required in side yard setbacks unless the side yard
abuts a dedicated street or abuts a different zone.
C. Landscaping must consist of trees, shrubs, vines, bushes, flowers,
ground coverings or any combination thereof.
D. Landscaping must not consist solely of artificial plants, artificial turf,
crushed rock, redwood bark or decorative pavement.
E. In the front yard setback, an at-grade or raised planter landscaping shall
be employed. A permanent evergreen ground cover (turf, ivy) and trees are
the basic material recommended. One fifteen (15) gallon tree shall be
provided for every twenty five feet (25') of lot frontage on a dedicated street.
F. All landscaped areas must be provided with permanent irrigation
facilities."
SECTION 21: ESMC §15-7A-5 is amended to read as follows:
"15-7A-5: LANDSCAPING:
A. Five percent (5%) of the total at-grade vehicular use area must be
landscaped; and
B. All landscaped areas must be provided with permanent water-efficient
irrigation systems."
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SECTION 22: ESMC §15-713-8 is amended to read as follows-
"15-7B-8: LANDSCAPING:
A. In the fifteen foot (15') front yard setback, a raised planter, utilizing
common brick as accent or veneer application, must be provided for a
minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the total front yard setback area. Items
such as turf, artificial plants, synthetic grass, crushed white rock and
pavement are not suitable for this location.
B. Landscaping must consist of a combination of Softscape materials.
C. Landscaping must not consist solely of artificial plants, artificial turf or
synthetic grass, turf, crushed rock, redwood bark or decorative pavement.
D. Five percent (5%) of the total at-grade vehicular use area must be
landscaped.
E. All landscaped areas must be provided with permanent water-efficient
irrigation systems."
SECTION 23: ESMC §15-7C-8 is amended to read as follows:
"15-7C-8: LANDSCAPING:.
Landscaping in the dosed MMO district will be provided as required in
the underlying zone(s)."
SECTION 24: ESMC §15-8-6 is amended to read as follows:
"15-8-6: LANDSCAPING:
Five percent (5%) of the at-grade total vehicular use area must be
landscaped. Landscaping must conform to Title 15, Chapter 15A of this
Code.
SECTION 25: ESMC §15-9-6 is amended to read as follows:
"15-9-6: LANDSCAPING:
Five percent (5%) of the at-grade total vehicular use area must be
landscaped. Landscaping must conform to Title 15, Chapter 15A of this
Code."
SECTION 26: A new ESMC Chapter 15-15A is added to read as follows:
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"CHAPTER 15A
WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING
15-15A-1: PURPOSE:
15-15A-2: DEFINITIONS:
15-15A-3: APPLICATION OF POLICIES:
15-15A-4: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS:
15-15A-5: LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS:
15-15A-6: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:
15-15A-7: SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT:
15-15A-8: GRADING DESIGN PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
15-15A-9: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND RAINWATER RETENTION:
15-15A-10: WATER FEATURES:
15-15A-11: LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE:
15-15A-12: MODEL HOME LANDSCAPING:
15-15A-13: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE OPTION
15-15A-14: VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE:
15-15A-15: PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES:
15-15A-16: PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION AND ENFORCEMENT:
15-15A-1: PURPOSE:
This chapter is adopted in accordance with Government Code section 65595(c) for the
purpose of complying with California law and promoting water conservation. This chapter
may be referred to as the "water conservation in landscaping standards." The water
conservation in landscaping standards are intended to promote water conservation while
allowing the maximum possible flexibility in designing healthy, attractive, and cost
effective water efficient landscapes.
15-15A-2: DEFINITIONS:
Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following definitions
govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this chapter. Words and
phrases not defined by this chapter have the meanings stated in the Water Conservation
in Landscaping Act (Government Code § 65591 et seq.); regulations promulgating the
water conservation in landscaping act; this code; and any successor statutes or
regulations.
APPLIED WATER: The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.
AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER: A timing device used to remotely control
valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self-
adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or
soil moisture data.
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BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE: A safety device used to prevent pollution or
contamination of the potable water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the
irrigation system.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: The document that certifies that the landscape design
plan, irrigation scheduling parameters and landscape project has been installed per the
approved landscape documentation package. An irrigation audit report must also be
included to obtain the final certificate of completion for the project.
CERTIFIED IRRIGATION DESIGNER: 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.
CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR: A person certified to perform
landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade
organization or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's
WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified
Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
CHECK VALVE OR ANTIDRAIN VALVE: A valve located under a sprinkler head, or other
location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from
sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
CLIMATE ZONE: A region characterized by long-term weather patterns. The climate is
measured by assessing weather patterns, variation in temperature, air pressure, wind,
humidity, precipitation, sunshine, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological
variables in a given region. The climate of a region is affected by its latitude, terrain, and
altitude, as well as nearby water bodies and their currents. Evapotranspiration along with
temperature and precipitation are used for classifying which animals and plants species
would thrive in a specific climate zone. As such, the garden collection of plant species
described in Sunset Western Climate Zone No. 24 with (Marine influence along the
Southern California Coast) would perform best in the City of El Segundo.
COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS: Community apartment projects, condominium
projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code Section 1351.
COMPOST: The safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic
materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
CONVERSION FACTOR (.62): The number that converts acre-inches per acre per year
to gallons per square foot per year.
DESIGNER: A person qualified to practice landscape architecture and/or irrigation
design.
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DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY: The measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a
defined area.
DRIP IRRIGATION: 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.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT: A project where the site is intentionally
altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION or USABLE RAINWATER (Eppt): The portion of total
precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
EMITTER: A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to
the soil.
ESTABLISHED LANDSCAPE: The point at which plants in the landscape have developed
significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one or two
years of growth.
ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD OF THE PLANTS: 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. Native habitat
mitigation areas and trees may need three to five years for establishment.
ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU): The total water used for the landscape. The
ETWU is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the
landscape design. The ETWU must be below the MAWA.
"ET" ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (ETAF): A factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45
for non- residential areas, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for
plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water
that needs to be applied to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing (non-
rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas must not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-
rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE: The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil
and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
FLOW RATE: 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.
FLOW SENSOR: An inline device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that
produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected
to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and
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operating master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a
landscape water meter or submeter.
FRIABLE: A soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a
minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly
planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN GUIDELINE: Guidelines from a local fire authority to assist
residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard
severity zone.
GRAYWATER: Untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet
discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes,
and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing,
manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Graywater" includes, but is not limited to,
wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines,
and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO LAND DEVELOPMENT PROVISIONS
FOR LANDSCAPING AND THE GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER
EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE: Regulations separately adopted by city council resolution, and
incorporated by reference into this chapter, providing specific regulations for water
conservation.
HARDSCAPE: Any durable material (pervious and nonpervious)that is comprised of solid
man-made and natural materials used in the built environment such as: stone, tile, wood,
crushed rock, gravel, granite, brick, metal, glass, bitumen, concrete, and masonry.
Hardscape projects may include paved areas, walkways, patios, statuary, walls, pools,
fountains, fireplaces, fire pits, stone benches, and architectural landscape features.
HYDROSEEDING (otherwise referred to as hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro-mulching,
hydraseeding): is a planting process that uses a slurry of seed and mulch. It is often used
as an erosion control technique on construction sites, as an alternative to the traditional
process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed.
HYDROZONE: A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs
and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.
INFILTRATION RATE: The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water
per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES: Species of plants not historically found in California that
spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources.
Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species.
Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California invasive plant inventory and USDA
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invasive and noxious weeds database.
IRRIGATION AUDIT: An in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system
conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is
not limited to: inspection, system tune up, system test with distribution uniformity or
emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and
preparation of an irrigation schedule. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent
with the Irrigation Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program or
other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Watersense" labeled auditing program.
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY (or "IE"): The measurement of the amount of water
beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived
from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance are 0.75 for overhead
spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
IRRIGATION SURVEY: 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.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM: A complete connection of system components, including the
water distribution network and the necessary irrigation equipment downstream from the
backflow prevention device.
IRRIGATION WATER USE ANALYSIS: A review of water use data based on meter
readings and billing data.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A person who holds a license to practice landscape
architecture in the state of California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.
LANDSCAPE AREA: 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 non-
pervious Hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development
(e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: A person licensed by the state of California to construct,
maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE: The documents required to be provided
to the city for review and approval of landscape design projects, as described in the
implementation procedures of this water conservation in landscaping standards. (See §
15-15A-5).
LANDSCAPE PROJECT: The total new or altered landscape area in a project, as defined
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in "landscape area" for the purposes of this chapter, meeting requirements of water
conservation in landscaping.
LANDSCAPE WATER METER: An inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that
measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to
record water use.
LATERAL LINE: The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
LOCAL AGENCY: A city or county, including a charter city or charter county, that is
responsible for adopting and implementing the ordinance. The local agency is also
responsible for the enforcement of this ordinance, including but not limited to, approval of
a permit and plan check or design review of a project.
LOCAL WATER PURVEYOR: Any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or
private water company that provides retail water service.
LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION: 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. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes
of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
MAIN LINE: The pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the
valve or outlet.
MASTER SHUT-OFF VALVE: An automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point
which controls water flow into the irrigation system which when closed, water will not be
supplied to the irrigation system.
MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA): The upper limit of annual applied
water for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the area's reference
evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscape area. The
Estimated Total Water Use must not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely
dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated
with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0. MAWA =
(ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)].
MEDIAN: is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted
with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
MICROCLIMATE: The climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate
of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density,
or proximity to reflective surfaces.
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MINED-LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS: Any surface mining operation with a
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
of 1975.
MODEL HOME: A facility used exclusively for the promotion and sale of homes similar to
the model.
MULCH: Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil
surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds,
moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.
NEW CONSTRUCTION: A new building with a landscape or other new landscape such
as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: Landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial
and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly. It
also includes portions of common areas of common interest developments with
designated recreational areas.
OPERATING PRESSURE: The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are
designed by the manufacturer to operate.
OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Systems that deliver water through
the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
OVERSPRAY: The irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
PERMIT: An authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or
rehabilitated landscape.
PERVIOUS: Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material
and into the underlying soil.
PLANT FACTOR or PLANT WATER USE FACTOR: is a factor, when multiplied by ETo,
estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this Chapter, the plant
factor range for very low water use plants is 0.0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water
use plants is 0.1 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6,
and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this
Chapter are derived from the publication "Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species". Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from
academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR).
PLANTING PLAN: A planting plan must identify location, spacing, numbers, container
planting sizes of all plant materials including common and botanical names.
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PROJECT APPLICANT: The individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation
Package to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the local agency. A project
applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
RAIN SENSOR OR RAIN SENSING SHUTOFF DEVICE; A component which
automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
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.
RECREATIONAL AREA: Areas, excluding private single family residential areas,
designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic
grounds, amphitheaters or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.
RECYCLED WATER, RECLAIMED WATER, OR TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT
WATER: Treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such
as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human
consumption.
REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION: or "ETo": A standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in
inches per day, month, or year and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large
field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered. Reference
evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
REGIONAL WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE: A local Ordinance adopted
by two or more local agencies, water suppliers and other stakeholders for implementing
a consistent set of landscape provisions throughout a geographical region.
REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE: Any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan
check, or design review, meets the requirements of ESMC § 15-15A-3, and the modified
landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: Landscapes surrounding single or multi-family homes.
RUNOFF: Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied
at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.
SOFTSCAPE: Softscape includes to trees, shrubs, flowers, live horticulture plants, vines,
groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and may include high quality artificial plants and
durable synthetic grass or artificial turf which are not made with heavy metals or lead with
completely pervious backing.
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SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICE or SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR: A device that
measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an
irrigation event.
SOIL TEXTURE: The classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA (SLA): An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using
recycled water.
SPRINKLER HEAD: A device which delivers water through a nozzle.
STATIC WATER PRESSURE: The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when
water is not flowing.
STATION: An area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
STORMWATER RETENTION/DETENTION FEATURE: A device or system of
improvements that captures, retains and subsequently releases stormwater runoff from
the site at a lesser volume and/or slower rate than it is collected, while holding the runoff
in temporary storage for the purposes of infiltration, bioretention, and/or storage with
beneficial use as landscape irrigation.
SWING JOINT: An irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection
between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and
to prevent equipment damage.
SUBMETER: A metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is
installed after the primary utility water meter.
TURF: A ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
perennial rye grass, red fescue, and tall fescue are cool grasses. (Minimize cool season
turf.) Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia
grass, and Buffalo grass are warm season grasses.
VALVE: A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
WATER CONSERVING PLANT SPECIES: A plant species identified as having a very
low or low plant factor.
WATER FEATURE: A design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial
streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area
of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area.
Constructed wetlands used for onsite wastewater treatment or stormwater best
management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or
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stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water
budget calculation.
WATERING WINDOW: The time of day irrigation is allowed.
"WUCOLS": The Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources
(2014).
XERISCAPING (often incorrectly referred to as "zero-scaping" or "xeroscaping"): is
landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water
from irrigation. It is promoted in regions that do not have easily accessible, plentiful, or
reliable supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as access to
water becomes more limited. Xeriscaping may be an alternative to various types of
traditional gardening. The xeriscape landscaping design may include natural rocks in
various sizes, shapes, colors and the use of California native species combined with
species from the Arizona desert, which are drought tolerant and require very little water
or rain to maintain.
15-15A-3: APPLICATION OF POLICIES:
A. Applicability:
This chapter applies to all of the following landscape projects:
1. New development projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater
than 500 square feet requiring a building permit, plumbing permit, or design review.
2. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building permit, plumbing permit, or design
review.
3. Projects with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may comply
with the performance requirements of this ordinance or conform to the prescriptive
measures contained in ESMC § 15-15A-13.
4. Projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on the site, with
an area less than 2,500 square feet which meets the lot or parcel's landscape water
requirement (Estimated Total Water Use) entirely with treated or untreated
graywater or through stored rainwater captured on the site. Projects using graywater
systems must conform to the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter
16).
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5. Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries,
new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to sections ESMC § 5-15A-6, § 15-15A-
5(I), and § 15-15A-14(D); and existing cemeteries are limited to the requirements
described in ESMC § 15-15A-15.
6. Existing landscapes limited to the requirements described in ESMC § 15-15A-15.
B. Nonapplicability: This chapter is not applicable to:
1. Registered local, state or federal historical sites.
2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
3. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
4. Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the
public.
5. Any project with a landscaped area less than five hundred (500) square feet, unless
the Director of Planning and Building Safety determines that substantial compliance
with the purpose of this chapter requires that a landscape plan be submitted or the
existing irrigation system must be modified.
15-15A-4: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Project Applicant must submit the following;
A. A Landscape Documentation Package for review and approval to the Planning and
Building Safety Department.
B. The Landscape Documentation Package must include a "Certificate of Completion"
that has been prepared by an appropriately licensed professional stating that the
landscape design and water use calculations were prepared by or under the
supervision of the licensed professional and are certified to comply with the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Act.
C. Before the city issues a building permit, a Landscape Documentation Package must
be submitted and reviewed in accordance with this chapter. Applications for a
landscape plan approval must be filed by the owner of the affected property or his
agent, or by a public entity to which the provisions of this chapter apply, on forms
furnished by the Director of Planning and Building Safety.
D. No Landscape Documentation Package can be approved unless the Director of
Planning and Building Safety finds that the plan complements the design of the
project, is consistent with the provisions of this chapter; compatible with adjacent
existing or future public landscaped areas, and with the elevations and appearance of
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existing structures located upon lots within the immediate vicinity of the lot.
E. Upon approval of the Landscape Documentation Package, the project applicant must
submit a copy of the "Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet," provided by City staff to
the local water purveyor.
15-15A-5: LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Landscape Documentation Package Elements: Each Landscape Package must
include the following six 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
i) applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the
requirements of the water efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete
Landscape Documentation Package".
2. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet describing water budget calculations for the:
a) Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
b) Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU);
3. Soil management report;
4. Landscape design plan;
5. Irrigation design plan; and
6. Grading design plan.
B. Landscaping Design Plan Requirements: The landscaping plan must identify the
location, spacing, numbers, container sizes of all plant materials including common
and botanical names, for the project in a clear and legible fashion in accordance with
the policies established to implement the provisions of this chapter. The Landscape
Design Plan must:
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 must be included in the low water use
hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
3. identify recreational areas;
4. identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
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5. identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
6. identify type of mulch and application depth;
7. identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
8. identify type and surface area of water features;
9. identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);
10.identify location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity of any
applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-site retention
and infiltration of stormwater. Project applicants must refer to the local agency or
regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater
technical requirements. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in
the landscape design plan and examples are provided in ESMC §15-15A-9.
11.identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies as discussed in
ESMC § 15-15A-9 and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity;
12.identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s)
of distribution;
13.contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and
applied them for the efficient use of waterin the landscape design plan"; and
14.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, 7027.5 of the Business
and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of
Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agriculture Code.)
C. Landscaping Design Plan Criteria: The landscape design plan must address the
following design criteria as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:
1. Plant material may be selected for the landscape providing the Estimated Total Water
Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
Methods to achieve water efficiency must include one or more of the following:
a. protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
b. selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native
plants;
c. selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;
d. selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area; and
e. selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
f. selection of plants from local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
2. Plants having similar water use requirements should be grouped together in distinct
hydrozones, with the exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as
specified in ESMC § 15-15A-5 (E)(28).
3. Plants must 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 must include one or more of the following:
a. use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account
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temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate;
b. 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
c. consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and
winter solar gain.
d. where possible, landscaping should be installed in the fall, in order to establish plant
materials when they will benefit most from winter rains.
e. the use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive
Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
4. Turf: Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) where the
toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable Hardscape and where twenty five
percent (25%) means one foot (1') of vertical elevation change for every four feet (4')
of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
5. High Water Use Plants: The planting of high water use plants is limited to nonturf
landscape area. The remaining landscape must be planted with low and moderate
water use plant materials. High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7
to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.
6. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas must address fire safety and
prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per
Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and
highly flammable mulches (refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines).
D. Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments:
1. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils must be transformed to a friable
condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this
requirement.
2. Soil amendments must be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil
report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see ESMC § 15-15A-7).
3. For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per
1,000 square feet of permeable area must be incorporated to a depth of six inches
into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are
exempt from adding compost and tilling.
4. A minimum three inch (Y)layer of mulch must 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 5 % of the landscape area may be left without mulch.
Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
5. Stabilizing mulching products must be used on slopes that meet current engineering
standards.
6. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications must meet
the mulching requirement.
7. Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer must take precedence
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over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-consumer
organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required where
prohibited by local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other applicable local
ordinances.
E. Irrigation System Design Plan: The irrigation plan must identify all components of
the irrigation system drawn on project base sheets in a clear and legible fashion in
accordance with the policies established to implement the provisions of this chapter.
For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system must meet all the requirements listed
in this section and the manufacturers' recommendations. The irrigation system and its
related components must be planned and designed to allow for proper installation,
management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design
criteria must be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Irrigation System:
1. Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private
submeter, must be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft.
but not more than 5,000 sq.ft. (the level at which Water Code 535 applies) and
residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or greater. A landscape water meter
may be either:
a) a customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water
purveyor; or
b) a privately owned meter or submeter.
2. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory must be required for irrigation scheduling in
all irrigation systems.
1 If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified
irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required to ensure
that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's
recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
4. If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation
system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster
pumps, or other devices must be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of
the irrigation system.
5. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the water
supply must be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow
measurements must be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not
available at the design stage, the measurements must be conducted at installation.
6. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter
irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions must be required on all
irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
7. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) must be
required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to
minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine
Page 23
repair.
8. Backflow prevention devices must be required to protect the water supply from
contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant must refer to the applicable
local agency code (i.e., public health)for additional backflow prevention requirements.
9. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or
malfunction are required for all on non-residential landscapes and residential
landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or larger.
10.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.
11.The irrigation system must be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted
areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, Hardscapes, roadways, or
structures.
12.Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration
rate, must be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
13.The design of the irrigation system must conform to the hydrozones of the Landscape
Design Plan.
14.The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the
irrigation efficiency criteria as described in ESMC § 15-15A-6 regarding the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance (MAWA).
15.All irrigation emission devices must 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 must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher
using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
16.It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency 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.
17.In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize
water infiltration into the root zone.
18.Sprinkler heads and other emission devices must have matched precipitation rates,
unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
19.Head to head coverage is recommended, however, sprinkler spacing must be
designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the
manufacturer's recommendations.
20.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 turf or grass.
21.Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point
drainage could occur.
22.Areas less than ten (10)feet in width in any direction must be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
23.Overhead irrigation must not be permitted within (24) inches of any non-permeable
surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may
include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area may
Page 24
be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other
porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:
a) the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or the
adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely
to landscaping; or
b) 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 ESMC § 15-15A-5(E)(11). Prevention of
overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
24.Slopes greater than 25% must 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 must be confirmed during the irrigation
audit.
Hydrozone Criteria:
25.Each valve must irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil
conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
26.Sprinkler heads and other emission devices must be selected based on what is
appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
27.Where feasible, trees must 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 must be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
28.Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and
high water use, may be allowed if:
a) plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water
uses and their plant factor; or
b) the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.
29.Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants will not be permitted.
30.On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas must 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 Water Efficient Worksheet
provided by staff. This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming
the controller.
The Irrigation Design Plan must contain:
31.location and size of separate water meters for landscape;
32.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;
33.static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;
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34.flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating
pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;
35.recycled or reclaimed water irrigation systems must be utilized if such lines are readily
available adjacent to the site, as specified in ESMC § 15-15A-5 (F);
36.the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied
them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan;" and
37.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, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the
California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agricultural Code.)
F. Recycled Water:
1. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems must allow for the current and
future use of recycled water.
2. All recycled water irrigation systems must be designed and operated in accordance
with all applicable local and State laws.
3. Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET
Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas
must not exceed 1.0.
G. Graywater Systems:
Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in
on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems must conform to the California
Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable local ordinance
standards. Refer to ESMC § 15-15A-3(A)(4) for the applicability of this ordinance to
landscape areas less than 2,500 square feet with the Estimated Total Water Use is met
entirely by graywater.
H. Irrigation Scheduling:
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules must be developed, managed,
and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant
health. Irrigation schedules must meet the following criteria:
1. Irrigation scheduling must be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. Overhead irrigation must be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless
weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local water
purveyor, the stricter of the two must apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside
the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
3. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must 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 must be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water Allowance
Page 26
(MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules must be regulated by automatic irrigation
controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil
moisture sensor data.
4. Parameters used to set the automatic controller must be developed and submitted for
each of the following:
a) the plant establishment period;
b) the established landscape; and
c) temporarily irrigated areas.
5. Each irrigation schedule must consider for each station all of the following that apply:
a) irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
b) irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
c) number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
d) amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
e) application rate setting;
f) root depth setting;
g) plant type setting;
h) soil type;
i) slope factor setting;
j) shade factor setting; and
k) irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
I. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule:
1. Landscapes must be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance
schedule must be submitted with the Certificate of Completion.
2. A regular maintenance schedule must 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.
3. Repair of all irrigation equipment must be done with the originally installed components
or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.
4. A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry
sustainable Best Practices all landscape maintenance activities.
J. Effective Precipitation.
A local agency may consider Effective Precipitation (25% of annual precipitation) in
tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate Maximum Applied
Water Allowance: MAWA= (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.55 x LA) + (0.45 x SLA)] for
residential areas. MAWA= (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.45 x LA) + (0.55 x SLA)] for non-
residential areas.
15-15A-6: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET:
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The estimated water use calculations for the project must be identified. The water use
calculations must be certified by the landscape professional that it meets the water
conservation in landscaping act requirements and bear the signature of the landscape
professional as required by Business and Professions Code Section 5615.
A. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet: A project applicant must complete the
"Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet" supplied by staff, 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 non-residential 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 non-residential 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 must
be below the MAWA.
In calculating the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water
Use, a project applicant must use the annual ETo value for El Segundo of 33.0. The
annual ETo is found in the CIMIS Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, from
Department of Water Resources, published in 1999.
B. Water Budget: Water budget calculations must adhere to the following
requirements:
1 . The plant factor used must 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 must be included in the high water use hydrozone and
temporarily irrigated areas must be included in the low water use hydrozone.
3. All Special Landscape Areas must be identified and the water use for each area
must be calculated using the "Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet" supplied by
staff.
4. ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas must not
exceed 1.0.
15-15A-7: SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Soil conditioning notes should be included on the plans. The soil analysis must include a
description of: soil texture, water holding capacity, infiltration rate determined by
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laboratory test or soil infiltration rate table, pH, total soluble salts, sodium, percentage of
organic material, and implementation of recommended amendments to the soil. The
recommended amendments for the soil must be appropriate for the plants selected. In
order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report
must be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:
A. Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
1. Soil sampling must be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including
protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
2. The soil analysis must include:
a. soil texture;
b. infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;
c. pH;
d. total soluble salts;
e. sodium;
f. percent of organic matter; and
g. recommendations.
B. In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home developments)
a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement.
Large landscape projects must sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.
C. The project applicant, or his/her designee, must comply with one of the following:
1. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report must be submitted
to the local agency as part of the Landscape Documentation Package; or
2. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report must be submitted to
the local agency as part of the Landscape Certificate of Completion.
D. The soil analysis report must be made available, in a timely manner, to the
professionals preparing the landscape design plans and irrigation design plans to
make any necessary adjustments to the design plans.
E. The project applicant, or his/her designee, must submit documentation verifying
implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the local agency with
Certificate of Completion.
15-15A-8: GRADING DESIGN PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
A grading design plan must be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation
Package for the project.
A. The project applicant must submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished
configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
1. height of graded slopes;
2. drainage patterns;
3. pad elevations;
4. finish grade; and
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5. stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
B. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that project
applicants:
1 . grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and
does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes;
2. avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and
3. avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
C. The grading design plan must contain the following statement: "I have complied with
the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water
in the grading design plan" and must bear the signature of a licensed professional as
authorized by state law.
15-15A-9: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND RAINWATER RETENTION:
A. Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which
recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best
management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff
and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged.
B. Project applicants must refer to the local agency or Regional Water Quality Control
Board for information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements.
C. All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water
retention and infiltration. (Refer to ESMC § 15-15A-5(D)).
D. It is strongly recommended that landscape areas 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 (2) the 85th
percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable
local, regional, state or federal regulation.
E. It is recommended that stormwater projects incorporate any of the following elements
to improve on-site stormwater 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, roof 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.
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F. Landscape areas containing artificial turf or synthetic grass must be permeable and
must not contain lead or other toxic chemicals which can pollute ground water or the
storm drain system.
15-15A-10: WATER FEATURES:
Decorative water features such as pools, ponds, and waterfalls used in landscaped areas
must incorporate recycling of water, and must use recycled water where it is feasible, cost
effective, and meets health standards. The surface area of any water feature must be
included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
A. Recirculating water systems must be used for water features.
B. Where available, recycled water must be used as a source for decorative water
features.
C. Surface area of a water feature must be included in the high water use hydrozone area
of the water budget calculation.
D. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
15-15A-11: LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE:
The property owner must permanently and continuously maintain landscaping and
irrigation in a neat, clean and healthy condition, including removal of litter, proper pruning,
mowing of lawns, weeds, fertilizing, and watering; and replacement of diseased and/or
dead plants and malfunctioning or missing irrigation system components.
The water purveyor will monitor the annual water use at each project site and may require
that corrections be made if water consumption substantially exceeds the average yearly
water use for landscaping areas.
15-15A-12: MODEL HOME LANDSCAPING:
For each subdivision with model homes, the developer must submit a landscape plan and
install landscaping for each model home, incorporating the policies of this chapter and
including:
A. Signs identifying water efficient landscape species, hydrozones, irrigation equipment,
and other water conserving landscape design elements placed around the model.
Signage must include information about the site water use as designed per the local
ordinance; 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.
B. Literature must be available to individuals touring the model home describing the
design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.
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15-15A-13: PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE OPTION:
The prescriptive requirements may be used as a compliance option to the Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Compliance with the following items is mandatory and
must be documented on a landscape plan in order to use the prescriptive compliance
option:
A. Submit a Landscape Documentation Package which includes the following
elements:
1. date
2. project applicant
3. project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s
4. total landscape area (square feet), including a breakdown of turf and plant material
5. project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-
installed)
6. 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
7. contact information for the project applicant and property owner
8. applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the
requirements of the prescriptive compliance option to the MWELO".
B. Incorporate compost: at a rate of at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a
depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contra-indicated by a soil test);
C. Plant material must comply with all of the following:
1. For residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or
no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 75% of the plant area
excluding edibles and areas using recycled water;
2. For non-residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional,
little or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3)for 100% of the plant
area excluding edibles and areas using recycled water; and
3. A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch must 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.
D. Turf must comply with all of the following:
1. Turf must not exceed 25% of the landscape area in residential areas, and no turf
is permitted in non-residential areas to comply with the Prescriptive Compliance
Option;
2. Turf must not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of one (1) foot
vertical elevation change for every four (4) feet of horizontal length;
3. Turf is prohibited in parkways less than ten (10) feet wide, unless the parkway is
adjacent to a parking strip and used to enter and exit vehicles. Any turf in parkways
must be irrigated by sub-surface irrigation or by other technology that creates no
overspray or runoff.
E. Irrigation systems must comply with the following:
1. Automatic irrigation controllers are required and must use evapotranspiration or soil
moisture sensor data.
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2. Irrigation controllers must be of a type which does not lose programming date in
the event the primary power source is interrupted.
3. Pressure regulators must be installed on the irrigation system to ensure the
dynamic pressure of the system is within the manufacturers recommended
pressure range.
4. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) must be
installed as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply.
5. All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the ANSI
standard, ASABE/ICC 802-2014. "Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter
Standard," All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must document a
distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in
ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
F. At the time of final inspection: the permit applicant must provide the owner of the
property with a certificate of completion, certificate of installation, irrigation schedule
and a schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance.
15-15A-14: VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE:
A. Landscape Certificate Of Completion: Upon completion of the installation of the
landscaping, the landscape architect, irrigation designer, contractor, or owner must
certify that the landscape complies with all policies of this chapter. A certificate of
completion must be obtained from the City. City staff must verify through the
inspection process that all equipment, sprinklers and plant species installed conform
to the approved landscape documentation package plans for the project. Certification
must be accomplished by completion of a landscape certificate on a form approved
by the Director of Planning and Building Safety. Additionally, a certified landscape
auditor must perform a landscape irrigation audit to obtain final certificate of
occupancy. The landscape irrigation audit and landscape certificate for the landscape
and irrigation system must be reviewed and approved by the building official before
final certificate of occupancy is issued. Failure to submit a complete and accurate
landscape certificate will delay final approval of the project and/or discontinue water
service.
B. Items Submitted For Review: The following items must be submitted for review to
request a certificate of compliance:
1. Landscape Certificate of Completion.
2. Soil Management Report.
3. Irrigation Scheduling Parameters.
4. Irrigation audit report, Irrigation Survey, or Irrigation Water Use Analysis report.
5. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance schedule.
C. Verification Of Compliance:
The verification of compliance of the landscape installation with approved plans must be
obtained through the certificate of completion in conjunction with a certificate of
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occupancy.
1. Upon completion of the landscaping project, the applicant must submit a "Landscape
Installation Certificate of Completion" to the Planning and Building Safety Department,
certifying that the landscaping has been installed as shown on the approved record
drawings with the City.
2. No final for the landscaping permit will be approved by the City for the project until the
project applicant has submitted an "Irrigation Survey," or "Irrigation Water Use
Analysis," or "Irrigation Audit" report proving the project does exceed the "Maximum
Applied Water Allowance" calculated by the licensed professional as approved in the
record drawings with the City. The "Irrigation Survey," or "Irrigation Water Use
Analysis," or "Irrigation Audit" report must describe how much water is used within a
three-month period after the irrigation system is fully functioning and all landscaping
has been installed. The report must be used to evaluate water use in landscaping
projects and provide recommendations to prevent water waste. All landscape irrigation
audits must be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
D. Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis Report:
The Landscape Certificate of Completion must be accompanied by an Irrigation Audit,
irrigation Survey, or Irrigation Water Use Analysis report. All landscape irrigation audits
must be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits must not
be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.
1. The Irrigation Audit, or Irrigation Survey, or Irrigation Water Use Analysis report must
describe the following:
a) Operation pressure of the irrigation system;
b) Distribution uniformity of overhead irrigation;
c) Precipitation rate of overhead irrigation; and
d) Report of any overspray or broken irrigation equipment.
2. In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home
developments) an auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this
requirement.
3. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1,
2015, as described in ESMC § 15-15A-3:
a) the project applicant must submit an irrigation audit report with the Certificate of
Completion to the local agency which may include, but is not limited to: inspection,
system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run
off 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;
b) the local agency must 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.
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E. Irrigation Schedule: Irrigation schedule including:
1. Plant establishment irrigation schedule.
2. Regular irrigation schedule by month including: plant type, root depth, soil type, slope
factor, shade factor, irrigation interval (days per week), irrigation day, gallons per
minute for each valve, precipitation rate, distribution uniformity and monthly estimated
water use calculations.
F. Irrigation Maintenance Schedule: An irrigation maintenance schedule time line must
be attached to the certificate of completion that includes:
1. Routine inspections, adjustment and repairs to the irrigation system, aerating and
dethatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning and weeding.
2. A final inspection must be performed by city staff to verify compliance. The final building
permit approval will not be complete until the landscape inspection is approved.
3. A certified landscape auditor must perform a landscape irrigation audit to obtain
certificate of occupancy.
4. Irrigation of all landscaped areas must be conducted in a manner conforming to the
rules and requirements, and will be subject to penalties and incentives for water
conservation and water waste prevention as determined and implemented by the local
water purveyor and the City.
15-15A-15: PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES:
A. Existing Landscapes:
A local agency may by mutual agreement, designate another agency such as a water
purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this ordinance.
Local agencies may collaborate with water purveyors to define each entity's specific
responsibilities relating to this ordinance.
B. Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis:
This section will apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before December
1, 2015 and are over one acre in size:
1. For all landscapes that have a dedicated water meter for the irrigation system, the local
agency is required to 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 Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing
landscapes. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing landscapes must be
calculated as: MAWA = (0.8) (ETo)(LA)(0.62).
2. For all landscapes that do not have a dedicated meter for the irrigation system, the local
agency must administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation
surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as
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necessary in order to prevent water waste.
3. All Landscape audits must be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor and
must describe the items in ESMC § 15-15A-14 (D)(1).
C. Water Waste Prevention:
Local agencies must 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, non-irrigated areas,
walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions
will be established locally.
Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if:
1. the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
2. the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain
entirely to landscaping.
15-15A-16: PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION AND ENFORCEMENT:
A. It is unlawful for any person to violate, to cause, or to maintain a violation of this
chapter.
B. It is unlawful to any person to remove or cause removal of water conserving irrigation
valves or equipment contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
C. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter will be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue will
constitute a separate offense and will be punishable as such. Before any enforcement
action of this section by the city, at least one warning notice shall be provided to a
person responsible for a violation of this section, provided that the violation does not
create an immediate danger to health or safety. In cases of immediate danger to
health and safety, no warning notice is required before an enforcement action.
D. The Director of Planning and Building Safety Department will have authority to
perform the following duties:
1. To enforce the provisions of this chapter and the Landscape Specifications;
2. To supervise or inspect all work done under any permit or approval issued in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
3. To promulgate rules and regulations, and to amend or add to them, for the
implementation of the provisions of this chapter and the standards as technology,
situations, products and procedures change."
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SECTION 27: Construction. This Ordinance must be broadly construed in order to
achieve the purposes stated in this Ordinance. It is the City Council's intent
that the provisions of this Ordinance be interpreted or implemented by the
City and others in a manner that facilitates the purposes set forth in this
Ordinance.
SECTION 28: Enforceability. Repeal of any provision of the El Segundo Municipal Code
does not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude
prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before
this Ordinance's effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full
force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring
before the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 29: Validity of Previous Code Sections. If this entire Ordinance or its application
is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or
amendment of the ESMC or other city ordinance by this Ordinance will be
rendered void and cause such previous ESMC provision or other the city
ordinance to remain in full force and effect for all purposes.
SECTION 30: If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court
of competent jurisdiction, the city council intends that such invalidity will not
affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to
this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 31: The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo's book of
original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records
of this meeting; and, within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption
of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with
California law.
SECTION 32: This Ordinance will become effective on the thirty-first (31st) day
following its passage and adoption.
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE 1515 this 15TH day of
December, 2015.
S czar F uefes, Mayor
TTEST:
Tracy We v r„ City Clerk
Page 37
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Mar Hensley, 'V........."Attorney
�?. , fty
Page 38
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Tracy Weaver, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 1515 was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting held
on the 1st day of December, 2015, and was duly passed and adopted by said City
Council, approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, all at a
regular meeting of said Council held on the 15th day of December, 2015, and the same
was so passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tern Jacobson, Council Member
Atkinson, Council Member Fellhauer, Council Member Dugan
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this !?"day of
2016.
Tray Weaver, City Clerk
of the City of El Segundo,
California
PAPlanning&Building Safety\0 Planning-Old\PROJECTS(Planning)\1126-1150\EA-1132\City Council 12152015\EA 1132-CC Ordinance.docx
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