Ordinance No. 723 - Water Efficient IrrigationORDINANCE NO. 723
FOLLOWS:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD ADOPTING A STATE-MANDATED ORDINANCE
REQUIRING WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION FOR CERTAIN
LANDSCAPING PROJECTS IN THE CITY.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD DOES ORDAIN AS
Section 1. The provisions set forth below are enacted by
.reference pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2
Section 2. Chapter VI of Article V of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is amended by adding Part II to read:
PART II - WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
5700. Purpose. Consistent with the legislative findings, the
purpose of this model ordinance is to promote the values and
benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest
water and other resources as efficiently as possible;
establish a structure for designing, installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes in new projects; and
establish provisions for water management practices and
water waste prevention for established landscapes.
5701. Definitions. The words used in this ordinance have the
• meaning set forth below:
(A) "anti-drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve located
under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it
minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads.
(B) "application rate" means the depth of water applied to a given
area, usually measured in inches per hour.
(C) "applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the
irrigation system to the landscape.
(D) "automatic controller" means a mechanical or solid state
timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and
length of time of a water application.
• (E) nbackflow prevention device" means a safety device used to
prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to
the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
(F) reconversion factor (0.62)n means a number that converts the
maximum applied water allowance from acre-inches per acre per
years to gallons per square foot per year. The conversion
factor is calculated as follows: -
(325,851 gallons/ 43,560 square feet)12 inches = (0.62)
325,851 gallons = one acre foot
43,560 square feet = one acre
12 inches = one foot
To convert gallons per year to 100-cubic-feet per year, another
common billing unit for water, divided gallons per year by 748.
(748 gallons = 100 cubic feet.)
(G) "ecological restoration project" means a project where the
site is intentionally altered to establish a defined,
indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(H) "effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" means the
portion of total precipitation that is used by the plants.
Precipitation is not a reliable source of water, but can
contribute to some degree toward the water needs of the
landscape.
Ordinance 723
page 2.
(I) "emitter" means drip irrigation fittings that deliver water
slowly from the system to the soil.
(J) "established landscape" means the point at which plants in the
landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent to the
root ball.
(K) "establishment period" means the first year after installing
the plant in the landscape.
(L) "Estimated Applied Water Use" means the portion of the
Estimated Total Water Use that is derived from applied water.
The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance. The Estimated Applied Water Use may be
the sum of the water recommended through the irrigation
schedule, as referenced in Section 492 (c) (3).
(M) "Estimated Total Water Use" means the annual total amount of
water estimated to be needed to keep the plants in the
landscaped area healthy. It is based upon such factors as the
local evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscaped area,
the types of plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation
system, as described in Section 492 (c) (4).
. (N) "ET adjustment factor" means a factor of 0.8, that, when
applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant
factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the
amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape.
A combined plant mix with a site-wide average of 0.5 is the
basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. The
irrigation efficiency for purposes of the ET Adjustment Factor
is 0.625.
Therefore the ET Adjustment factor (0.8) _ (0.5/0.625).
(O) "evapotranspiration" means the
from adjacent soil surfaces a
specific time. A reference
California communities can be
. follows this Part.
(P) "flow rate" means the rate at
and valves (gallons per minute or
quantity of water evaporation
ad transpired by plants during a
evapotranspiration table for
found in the Appendix which
which water flows through pipes
cubic feet per second).
(Q) "hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having
plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or
set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be
irrigated or non-irrigated. For example, a naturalized area
planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental
irrigation once established is a non-irrigated hydrozone.
(R) "infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the
soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per
hour).
(S) "irrigation efficiency" means the measurement of the amount of
water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied.
Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates
of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
The minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance
is 0.625. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from
well designed and maintained systems.
(T) "landscape irrigation audit" means a process to perform site
inspections, evaluate irrigation systems, and develope efficient
irrigation schedules.
Ordinance 723
page 3.
(U) "landscaped area" means the entire parcel less the building
footprint, driveways, non-irrigated portions of parking lots,
hardscapes- such as decks and patios, and other non-porous
areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the
landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as
orchards or vegetable gardens are not included.
(V) "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies
water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
(W) "main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water
from the water source to the valve or outlet.
(X) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" means, for deisgn purposes,
the upper limit of annual applied water for the established
landscaped area as specified in section 492 (c) (2). It is
based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET
Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The
Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance.
(Y) "mined-land reclamation projects" means any surface mining
operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with
the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
• (Z) "mulch" means any material such as leaves, bark, straw or
other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface for
the beneficial purpose of reducing evaporation.
(AA) "operating pressure" means the pressure at which a system of
sprinklers is designed to operate, usually indicated at the base
of a sprinkler.
(BB) "overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means those with high
flow rates (pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.)
(CC) "overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the
landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other
non-landscaped areas.
. (DD) "plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by
reference evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used
by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the average plant
factor of low water using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3, for
average water using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high
water using plants the range is 0.7 to 1.0.
(EE) "rain sensing device" means a system which automatically shuts
off the irrigation system when it rains.
(FF) "record drawing" or "as-builts" means 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 furnised by the contractor.
(GG) "recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation
such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other
areas with intense foot traffic.
(HH) "recycled water," "reclaimed water," or "treated sewage
effluent water" means treated or recycled waste water of a
quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape
irrigation; not intended for human consumption.
(II) "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard
measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water
use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year
Ordinance 723
page 4.
as represented in the Appendix which follows this part, 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 Allowances so that regional
differences in climate can be accommodated.
(ii) "rehabilitated landscape' means any relandscaping project that
requires a permit.
(KK) "run off" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or
landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area. For
example, run off may result from water that is applied at too
great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or
when there is a severe slope.
(LL) "soil moisture sensing device" means a device that measures
the amount of water in the soil.
(MM) "soil texture" means the classification of soil based on the
percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.
(NN) "sprinkler head" means a device which sprays water through a
nozzle.
(00) nstatic water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water
supply pressure when water is not flowing.
(PP) "station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of
valves that operate simultaneously.
(QQ) "turf" means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass
with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial
reygrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses.
Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore paspalum, St.
Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season
grasses.
(RR) "valve means a device used to control the flow of water in the
irrigation system.
• (SS) "water conservation concept statement" means a one-page
checklist and a narrative summary of the project as shown in
Section 492 (c) (1).
5702. Provisions of New or Rehabilitated Landscapes.
A. Applicability
1. Except as provided in Subsection 5702(c), this section
shall apply to:
(a) all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects
and private development projects that require a "permit; and
(b) developer-installed landscaping in single-family and multi-
family projects.
2. This section shall not apply to:
(a) homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and multi-family
projects;
(b) cemeteries;
(c) registered historical sites;
(d) ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent
irrigation system;
Ordinance 723
page 5.
(e) mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent
irrigation system; or
(f) any project with a landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet.
B. Landscape Documentation Package
1. Approval Required
(a) A copy of the landscape documentation package conforming to this
chapter shall be submitted to the city or county. No permit
shall be issued until the city or county reviews and approves
the landscape documentation package.
(b) A copy of the approved landscape documentation package shall be
provided to the property owner or site manager along with the
record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to
the property owner or site manager.
(c) A copy of the Water Conservation Concept Statement and the
Certificate of Substantial Completion shall be sent by the
project manager to the local retail water purveyor.
2.
Elements
•
a. Water Conservation Concept Statement. Each
landscape documentation package shall include a cover
sheet, referred to as the Water Conservation Concept
Statement similar to the example in the Appendix which
follows this part. It shall serve as a checklist to
verify that the elements of the landscape
documentation package have been completed and has a
narrative summary of the project.
b. Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
(i) A pro
ject's Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated
using
the following formula:
MA WA
= Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo
= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
•
0.8
= ET Adjustment Factor
LA
= Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62
= conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
(ii) Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such
as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or school
yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other
recreational purposes are considered recreational areas and may
require water in addition to the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance. A statement shall be included with the landscape
design plan, designating recreational areas to be used for such
purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water
above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Two examples of the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance can be found in the Appendix
which follows this part.
C. Estimated Applied Water Use
(i) The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
(ii) A calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use shall be
submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. It may be
calculated by summing the amount of water recommended in the
irrigation schedule.
Ordinance 723
page 6.
d. Estimated Total Water Use
(i) A calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use shall be
submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. The Estimated
Total Water Use may be calculated by summing the amount of water
recommended in the irrigation schedule and adding any amount of water
expected from effective precipitation (not to exceed 25 percent of
the local annual mean precipitation) or may be calculated from the
formula such as the following:
The Estimated Total Water Use for the entire landscaped area equals
the sum of the Estimated Water Use of all hydrozones in that
landscaped area.
EWU (hydrozone = Estimated Water Use (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
PF = plant factor
HA = hydrozone area (square feet)
(.62) = conversion factor
IE = irrigation efficiency
(ii) If the Estimated Total Water Use is greater than the Estimated
Applied Water Use due to precipitation being included as a source of
water, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement such as the
one in the Appendix shall be included in the Landscape Documentation
Package.
(iii) If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of
the Estimated Total Water Use, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure
Statement shall be completed, signed, and submitted with the
Landscape Documentation Package. A sample Effective Precipitation
Disclosure Statement is located in the Appendix which follows this
part. No more than 25 per cent of the local annual mean
precipitation shall be considered effective precipitation in the
calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use.
e. Landscape Design Plan
A landscape design plan meeting the following requirements shall be
submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.
• (i) Plant Selection and Grouping. Any plants may be used in the
landscape, providing the Estimated, Applied Water Use recommended
does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and that the
plants meet the specifications set forth below.
Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in
distinct hydrozones.
Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their
adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical
conditions of the site. Protection and Preservation of native
species and natural areas is encouraged. The planting of trees
is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other
provisions of this ordinance.
Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire
prone. Information about fire prone areas and appropriate
landscaping for fire safety is available from local fire
departments or the California Department of Forestry.
(ii) Water Features. Recirculating water shall be used for
decorative water features.
Pool and Spa covers are encouraged.
Ordinance 723
page 7.
iii Landscape Design Plan Specifications
The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets
at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies:
Designation of hydrozones.
Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other
vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants
labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing,
and quantities of each group of plants indicated.
Property lines and street names.
Pools, ponds, water features, fences,, and retaining walls.
Existing and proposed buildings and structures including
elevation if applicable.
Natural features including but not limited to rack outcroppings,
existing trees, shrubs that will remain.
Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and
• any other applicable planting and installation details.
A,calculation of the total landscaped area.
Designation of recreational areas.
f. Irrigation Design Plan
An irrigation design plan meeting the following conditions shall
be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(i) Irrigation Design Criteria
Runoff and overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall
be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation
systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto
adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walk, roadways, or
structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including
features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match
application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.
Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes and to
avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than ten feet.
and in median strips.
No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in median
strips less than ten feet wide.
Irrigation Efficiency. For the purpose of determining the
maximum applied water allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed to
be 0.625. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and
managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency.
Equipment.
Water meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be
installed for all projects except for single family homes or any
project with a landscaped area of less than 5,000 square feet.
Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for
all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all
aspects of the design.
Ordinance 723
page 8.
Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall
be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a
given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in
that area. Anti-drian (check) valves shall be installed in
strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage.
Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent
application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler
heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application
rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of
maintenance.
Rain Sensing override Devices. Rain sensing override devices
shall be required on all irrigation systems.
Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. It is recommended that soil
moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate.
(ii) Recycled Water.
The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual
distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and
future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been
granted described as follows.
• Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a
written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating
that recucled water meeting all health standards is not available and
will not be available in the foreseeable future.
The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and
operated in accordance with all local and state codes.
(iii) Irrigation Design Plan Specifications.
Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with
hydrozones.
The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base
sheets. It shall be separate from, but use the same format as, the
• landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for
the landscape design plan described in Section 5702(B)(2)(e).
The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly
identify:
Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape.
Location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation
system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines,
valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain
switches, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices.
Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public
water supply.
Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per
hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each station.
Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in the Section
5702(B) (2) (d) (ii).
g. Irrigation Schedules
Irrigation schedules satisfying the following conditions shall
be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation package.
Ordinance 723
page 9.
(i) An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation
schedules shall be required for the plant establishment period, for
the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas.
(ii) The irrigation schedule shall include run time (in
minutes per cycle), suggested number of cycles per day, and frequency
of irrigation for each station, and provide the amount of applied
water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units
the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual
basis.
(iii) The total amount of water for the project shall include
water designated in the Estimated Total Water Use calculation plus
water needed for any water features, which shall be considered as a
high water using hydrozone.
(iv) Recreational areas designated in the landscape design
plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate
if any additional water is needed above the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation
inefficiency.)
(e) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall
incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data such as those from the
• California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather
stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different
climates.
(vi) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be
scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to avoid irrigating during
times of high wind or high temperature.
h. Maintenance Schedules
A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following
conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation
Package:
(i) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency.
A regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to
checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting
the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas;
replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, and weeding in all
landscaped areas.
(ii) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be
done with the originally specified materials or their equivalents.
i. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules
A schedule of landscape irrigation audits, for all but single
family residences, satisfying the following conditions shall be
submitted to the city or county as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package. .
(i) At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State
of California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, June 1990, version 5.5
(formerly Master Auditor Training) which entire document is hereby
incorporated by reference.
(ii) The schedule shall provide for landscape irrigation audits
to be conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least
once every five years.
Ordinance 723
page 10.
j. Grading Design Plan
Grading design plans satisfying the following conditions shall
be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(i) A grading design plan shall be drawn on project base
sheets. It shall be separate from but use the same format as the
landscape design plan.
(ii) The grading design plan shall indicate finished
configurations and elevations of the landscaped area, including the
height' of graded slopes, drainage patterns, pad elevations, and
finish grade.
k. Soils
(i) A soil analysis satisfying the following 'conditions shall
be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and
shall include:
Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of
organic matter.
An approximate soil infiltration rate (either measured or
derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables.) A range of
infiltration rates shall be noted where appropriate.
Measure of pH, and total soluble salts.
A mulch of at least three
planting areas except turf.
inches shall be applied to all
1. Certification.
(i) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the
irrigation system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a
certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field
observation. The Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook as referenced
in Section 5702(B)(2)(i) shall apply.
. (ii) A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified
irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a
related field shall conduct a final field observation and shall
provide a certificate of substantial completion to the city or
county. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were
installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as
designed, and that an irrigation audit has been performed, along with
a list of any observed deficiencies.
(iii) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a
Certificate of Substantial Completion and delivering it to the City,
to the retail water supplier, and to the owner of record. A sample
of such a form, which shall be provided by the City, can be found in
the Appendix which follows this part.
C. Public Education
1. Publications.
(A) Local agencies shall provide information to owners of all
new, single family residential homes regarding the design,
installation, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.
(B) Information about the efficient use of landscape water
shall be provided to water users throughout the community.
2. Model Homes.
At least one model home that is landscaped in each project
consisting of eight or more homes shall demonstrate via signs and
information the principles of water efficient landscapes described in
this ordinance.
Ordinance 723
page 11.
a. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a
water efficient landscape and featuring elements such as hydrozones,
irrigation equipment and others which contribute to the overall water
efficient theme.
b. Information shall be provided about designing, installing,
and maintaining water efficient landscapes.
5703. Provisions for Existing Landscapes
A. Applicability of Water Management Practices
1. Water Management
a. All existing landscaped areas to which the city or county
provides water that are one acre or more, including golf courses,
green belts, common areas, multi-family housing, schools, businesses,
parks, cemeteries, and publicly owner landscapes shall have a
landscape irrigation audit at least every five years. At a minimum,
the audit shall be.in accordance with the California Landscape Water
Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Handbook, as referenced in Section 5702(B)(2)(i).
b. If the project's water bills indicate that they are using
• less than or equal to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for that
project site, an audit shall not be required.
C. Recognition of projects that stay within the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance is encouraged.
2. Water Waste Prevention
Cities and counties shall prevent water waste resulting from
inefficient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff, low head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows
onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas; walks, roadways, or
structres. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be
established locally.
Section 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of
. this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be processed
according to law.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of January , 1993.
ct
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
I liereby.certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 723 was introduced at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Rosemead held on the 12th day of January,
1993, and was duly adopted by said City Council at its regular meeting held on the
26th day of January, 1993, by the following vote:
Yes: Bruesch, Taylor, Clark, Vasquez, McDonald
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None.
Y CLERK