HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 - PH-1 - Ordinance Adopt Code Amendment CO-15-05 - 2/16/2016CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2016 ITEM NUMBER: PH -1
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT CODE AMENDMENT CO -15-05: AN AMENDMENT TO
TITLE 13 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE PLAN AND RELATED GUIDELINES
DATE: JANUARY 25, 2016
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION/DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION BY: MINOO ASHABI, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MINOO ASHABI, AIA (714) 754-5610
minoo.ashabi@costamesaca.gov
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends that City Council:
1) Give first reading to Ordinance 16-03 to adopt Code Amendment CO -15-05
amending Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 Chapter VII, Landscape Standards,
2) Adopt resolution approving an update to the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines.
BACKGROUND
On January 25, 2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended
first reading of the ordinance and approving an update to the Water Efficient Landscape
Guidelines in accordance with the latest State requirements.
Assembly Bill 1881 and Current Requirements
In 2006, Assembly Bill 1881 amended the Water Conservation in the Landscape Act.
The bill required that: 1) DWR update the original Model Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance; and 2) cities and counties update local Landscape Ordinances by January 1,
2010 so that they are "at least as effective as" DWR's updated Model Ordinance.
On February 2, 2010, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 10-02 that provided the
Water Efficient Landscape requirements currently in effect and applicable to the following
public and private projects in all zones:
1. New landscape installations or landscape rehabilitation projects in nonresidential
zones (except for cemeteries) with a landscaped area equal to or greater than
2,500 square feet.
2. New landscape installations or landscape rehabilitation projects by developers or
property managers in multi -family residential zones with a landscaped area equal
to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
3. New golf courses and parks.
4. Modified landscaped areas greater than 2,500 square feet affecting at least 50
percent of the total landscaped area; and planned to occur within one year.
Governor's Executive Order
On April 1, 2015, the Governor directed the State Water Resources Control Board to
implement mandatory water reductions in cities and towns across California to reduce
water usage by 25 percent from 2013 levels.
Order actions to save water include:
• Replace 50 million square feet of lawns throughout the state with drought tolerant
landscaping in partnership with local governments;
• Direct the creation of a temporary, statewide consumer rebate program to replace
old appliances with more water and energy efficient models;
• Require campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large landscapes to make
significant cuts in water use;
• Prohibit new homes and developments from irrigating with potable water unless
water -efficient drip irrigation systems are used; and,
• Ban watering of ornamental grass on public street medians.
In response to the executive order, the State Department of Water Resources,
developed a new model ordinance with more restrictive water usage for public and
private landscape areas. Similar to the process in 2010, the state model ordinance was
used by the Municipal Water District of Orange County to draft an updated county
ordinance and guideline. The proposed ordinance, which is an amendment to the
existing is following the same ordinance and guidelines to meet the state requirements.
Requirements of the state ordinance has become effective December 1, 2015; and the
cities were required to adopt the state model or ordinance with the same or more
restrictive requirements. The Cities were also required to start reporting on projects
under the requirements on December 31St of each year. The first report on compliance
with the state requirements was submitted on December 23, 2015.
ANALYSIS
Draft Ordinance and 2016 Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
The proposed ordinance and guidelines are amendments to 2010 Water Efficient
Landscape requirements. The current Guidelines can be referred to at the following link:
http://www.costamesaca.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=255
The following include the major changes to the state ordinance that has been included in
the attached ordinance and guidelines:
1) Landscape Threshold Subject to Ordinance
o New construction reduced to 500 square feet
a) Previous size thresholds :2500 square feet for public and private development
and 5000 square feet for owner built custom homes
o Rehabilitated landscape projects
a) 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or
design review
2) Efficient Irrigation Systems required for the following:
o Residential landscape areas over 5000 square feet
o Non-residential areas over 1000 square feet
o Minimum width of turf irrigated with overhead irrigation from 8 to 10 feet
o Areas of turf below this threshold must be irrigated with subsurface drip or other
technology
o Pressure regulators and master valves
3) Gray Water Usage:
o Encourages the installation of graywater systems
o All graywater systems shall conform to any applicable local ordinance standards
and the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16)
4) Soil Preparation:
o Stormwater Management to maximize water retention and infiltration
o Planted landscape areas required to have friable soil
5) Compost and Mulch application:
o At a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable
area incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil
o A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch applied on all exposed soil surfaces of
planting areas except in turf areas
6) Limiting the Portion of Landscapes that can be Covered in Turf
a) The landscape water budget (Maximum Applied Water Allowance) was reduced
from 70% of the reference evaporation (ETo) to 50% for residential areas
• This reduces the area that can be planted by turf in the residential
landscapes from 33% to 25%
• 40% of ETo for non-residential areas (this does not provide enough water
for planting of turf)
b) Turf installation is permitted when it is used for specific functions and purposes:
• The landscape ordinance water budget provides extra water allowances for
functional turf (sports, recreational, picnic areas and areas irrigated with
recycled water)
• No turf will be allowed in street medians or in parkways Unless the
parkways is next to a parking strip and a flat surface is required to enter
and exit vehicles.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Code requires publication of a display Ad in the local newspaper (Daily Pilot) for Title 13
Code Amendments. At the time of publication of this report, no public comments have
been received. Any correspondence will be forwarded to the City Council under separate
cover. In addition to the newspaper ad, homeowners associations and other neighboring
cities and government agencies were notified by mail.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The project has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), the CEQA guidelines, and the City's environmental procedures, and has been
found to be exempt pursuant to Section 15061 (b) (3) (general rule) of the CEQA
Guidelines, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed
amendment to the Zoning Code will have a significant effect on the environment.
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to make modifications to the draft. However, the City will need to have an
ordinance in effect by March 2016 as reported to the State Department of Water
Resources.
LEGAL REVIEW
The draft ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney's Office.
CONCLUSION
The proposed ordinance and guidelines are prepared in compliance with the latest state
requirements and as directed by Governor's Executive Order issued on April 1, 2015.
MINOO ASHABI, AIA
Principal Planner
Attachments: 1. Draft Resolution
2. Draft Ordinance
3. Information from LE
GARY ARMSTRONG, AICP
Economic and Development Services
Director
e of California Cities
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REVISED
CITYWIDE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
PER STATE REQUIREMENTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA HEREBY RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, on January 19, 2010, the City of Costa Mesa adopted Water Efficient
Landscape Guidelines as required by Department of Water Resources Ordinance
adopted consistent with AB 1881 requirements.
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing
and recommended adoption of the ordinance and related guidelines in compliance with
2015 Water Efficient State requirements.
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on
February 16, 2016 with all persons having the opportunity to speak for and against the
code amendment and revised guidelines.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa is hereby adopting a
revised Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines (Guidelines) following the Governor
executive order on April 1, 2015 that directed the State Water Resources Control Board
to implement mandatory water reductions in cities and towns across California to reduce
water usage by 25 percent from 2013 levels.
WHEREAS, landscape design, installation, maintenance and management should
be water efficient;
WHEREAS, landscape plan submittal and review is required for all new and
rehabilitated commercial, industrial and multiple family residential projects in City of
Costa Mesa;
WHEREAS, City of Costa Mesa is served by two water purveyors, Irvine Ranch
Water District (IRWD) and Mesa Consolidated Water District (Mesa). IRWD is
implementing an alternative method to discourage water wasters; Customers that exceed
their monthly budget will pay significantly more for their water use. Mesa Water adopted
an Emergency Conservation Ordinances on November 12, 2015 (Resolutions No. 1466
and 1468) implementing level two water restrictions to reduce water consumption by 20
percent and restricting Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area
is limited to a maximum of one (1) day per week.
WHEREAS, the purpose of the revised City's Water Efficient Landscape
Guidelines is to further reduce landscaped areas with high water usage and compliance
with the State Department of Water Resources standards.
WHEREAS, the revised Guidelines will be applicable to the following projects:
1. New landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater
than 500 square feet, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or
design review;
2. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 2,500 square feet, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan
check or design review;
3. New or rehabilitated landscape 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 prescriptive measures contained in Appendix A of
the Guidelines;
4. New or rehabilitated projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater
captures on site.
WHEREAS, the project has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the CEQA guidelines, and the City's environmental
procedures, and has been found to be exempt pursuant to Section 15061 (b) (3) (general
rule) of the CEQA Guidelines, in that the City Council hereby finds that it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the passage of this ordinance amending the
Municipal Code will have a significant effect on the environment.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Revised Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines are
hereby adopted as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of
2016.
STEPHEN MENSINGER
Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa
—(—
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
)ss
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
I, ------------, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of
Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above foregoing Resolution as introduced and
considered section by section at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the
day of , 2016, and thereafter passed and adopted as a whole at the regular
meeting of said City Council held on the day of , 2016, by the following
roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby set my hand and affixed the Seal of the
City of Costa Mesa this _ day of 2016.
City Clerk
City Council of the City of Costa Mesa
— `1—
EXHIBIT A
Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
Adopted January 2010
Revised February 2016
City of Costa Mesa Planning Division
2nd floor, Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 9262/
(714) 754-5245
Costa Mesa
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1. Purpose and Applicability
Page No.
1.1
Purpose..................................................................................................1
1.2
Applicability.............................................................................................2
2. Submittal
Requirements for New Landscape Installations or Landscape
Rehabilitation
Projects........................................................................................
3
2.1
Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package .............................
3
2.2
Water Efficient Landscape Calculations and Alternatives ........................
4
2.3
Soil Management Report ........................................................................5
2.4
Landscape Design Plan..........................................................................6
2.5
Irrigation Design Plan..............................................................................
8
2.6
Grading Design Plan.............................................................................12
2.7
Certification of Completion...........................................................12
2.8
Post -Installation Irrigation Scheduling ...................................................
13
2.9
Post -Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance .......................13
3. Provisions for Existing Landscapes..................................................................14
4. Public Education
Appendix A:
Prescriptive Compliance Option
Appendix B:
Certification of Landscape Design
Appendix C:
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
Appendix D:
Reference Evapotranspiration Table
Appendix E:
Certificate of Completion
Appendix F:
Definitions
Appendix G:
Irrigation Plan Checklist
q,
SECTION 1
1.1 Purpose: Water Conservation for Landscaping and Irrigation
A. The primary purpose of these Guidelines is to provide procedural and design guidance
for project applicants proposing landscape installation or rehabilitation projects that are
subject to the requirements of the of Title 13, Chapter VII, Landscape Standards, of the
Costa Mesa Municipal Code. This chapter represents the landscaping requirements of
the City of Costa Mesa, and for purposes of this document, is referred to as the "Water
Efficient Landscape Guidelines."
This document is also intended for use and reference by City staff in reviewing and
approving designs and verifying compliance with the Water Efficient Landscape
Guidelines. The general purpose of the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines is to
promote the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping in a manner that
conserves regional water resources by ensuring that landscaping projects are not unduly
water -needy and that irrigation systems are appropriately designed and installed to
minimize water waste.
B. Other regulations affecting landscape design and maintenance practices are potentially
applicable and should be consulted for additional requirements. These regulations
include but may not be limited to:
• State of California Assembly Bill 1881;
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit for the Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System;
• Orange County Fire Authority Regulations for Fuel Modification in the
Landscape;
• Water Conservation and Drought Response Regulations of the Local Water
Districts;
• Regulations of the Local Water Districts governing use of Recycled Water;
• Costa Mesa Zoning Code;
• Latest adopted California Building Code;
• Specific Plans, Master Plans, General Plan, or similar land use and planning
documents; and
• Conditions of approval for a specific project
1.2 Applicability:
A. The provisions of the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall apply to the following
public agency and private development landscape projects:
1. New landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than
500 square feet, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design
review;
2. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 2,500 square feet, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check
or design review;
3. New or rehabilitated landscape 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 prescriptive measures contained in Appendix A;
4. New or rehabilitated projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater
captures on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500 square
feet of landscape area and meets the lot or parcel's landscape water requirement
(Estimated Total Water Use) entirely with the treated or untreated graywater or
through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to Appendix A Section 5.
B. The requirements may be modified, wholly or partially waived by the Development
Services Director or his/her designee for landscape rehabilitation projects that are
limited to replacement plantings with equal or lower water needs and where the
irrigation system is found to be designed, operable and programmed consistent
with minimizing water waste in accordance with local water purveyor regulations.
C. Unless otherwise determined by the City, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and
these Guidelines do not apply to:
• Registered local, state, or federal historical sites;
• Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
• Mined -land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
• Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens, arboretums open to the public.
• Existing landscape areas connected to the Orange County Water District Green
Acres Project reclaimed water system upon the effective date of this program.
SECTION 2
REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURE:
Submittal Requirements for New Landscape Installations or Landscape Rehabilitation
Projects
2.1 Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package:
A Landscape Documentation Package is required to be submitted by the project applicant for
review and approval prior to the issuance of ministerial permits for landscape or water features
by the City, and prior to start of construction. Unless otherwise directed by the City, the
Landscape Documentation Package shall include the following elements either on plan sheets
or supplemental pages as directed by the City:
A. Project Information, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Date;
2. Project name;
3. Project address, parcel, and/or lot number(s);
4. Total landscaped area (square feet) and rehabilitated landscaped area (if
applicable);
5. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, homeowner -installed);
6. Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled) and identification of the local water
district;
7. Checklist or index of all documents in the Landscape Documentation Package;
8. Project contacts, including contact information for the project applicant and
property owner;
9. A Certification of Design in accordance with Exhibit A of these Guidelines that
includes a landscape professional's professional stamp as applicable, signature,
contact information (including email and telephone number), license number, and
date, certifying the statement that "The design of this project complies with the
requirements of the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance" and shall bear the
signature of the landscape professional as required by law; and any other
information the City deems relevant for determining whether the landscape project
complies with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and these Guidelines.
10. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and Estimated Applied Water Use
(EAWU) expressed as annual totals including, but not limited to, the following:
• A Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet for the landscape project;
• Hydrozone information table for the landscape project; and
• Water budget calculations for the landscape project.
11. A soil management report or specifications, or specification provision requiring soil
testing and amendment recommendations and implementation to be accomplished
during construction of the landscape project.
12. A landscape design plan for the landscape project.
13. An irrigation design plan for the landscape project.
14. A grading design plan, unless grading information is included in the landscape
design plan for the landscape project or unless the landscape project is limited to
replacement planting and/or irrigation to rehabilitate an existing landscaped area.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code, Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]
-12-
2.2 Water Efficient Landscape Calculations and Alternatives
A. The project applicant shall provide the calculated Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA) and Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU) for the landscaped area as part
of the Landscape Documentation Package submittal to the City. The MAWA and
EAWU shall be calculated based on completing the Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheets (in accordance with the sample worksheets in Appendix C) which
contain 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 EAWU is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for
the landscape design.
B. The EAWU allowable for the landscaped area shall not exceed the MAWA. The
MAWA shall be calculated using an evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) of
0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas, except for the portion of
the MAWA applicable to any special landscaped areas within the landscape project,
which shall be calculated using an ETAF of 1.0. Where the design of the landscape
area can otherwise be shown to be equivalently water -efficient, the project applicant
may submit alternative or abbreviated information supporting the demonstration that
the annual EAWU is less than the MAWA, at the discretion of and for the review and
approval of the local agency.
C. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
1. The MAWA shall be calculated using the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets
and equation presented in Appendix B on page B-1. The example calculation on
page B-1 is a hypothetical example to demonstrate proper use of the equation.
2. The EAWU shall be calculated using the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
and equations presented in Appendix C.
3. For calculation of the MAWA and EAWU, a project applicant shall use the ETo
values from the closest location listed the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in
Appendix D. For geographic areas not covered in Appendix D, data from other
cities, or zip codes, located nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration
zone may be used.
4. For calculating the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be determined as
appropriate to the project location from the Water Use Efficiency of Landscape
Species (WUCOLS) Species Evaluation List 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 1.0 for very low water use plants, 0.1 to 0.3 for low water use plants, 0.4 to
0.6 for moderate water use plants and 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
5. For calculating the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be determined for
each valve hydrozone based on the highest -water -use plant species within the
-1'3-
zone. The plant factor for each hydrozone may be required to be further refined
as a "landscape coefficient," according to protocols defined in detail in the
INUCOLS document, to reflect planting density and microclimate effects on water
need at the option of the project applicant or the City.
6. For calculation of the EAWU, the area of a water feature shall be defined as a
high water use hydrozone with a plant factor of 1.0.
7. For calculation of the EAWU, a temporarily irrigated hydrozone area, such as an
area of highly drought -tolerant native plants that are not intended to be irrigated
after they are fully established, shall be defined as a very low water use
hydrozone with a plant factor of 0.1.
8. For calculation of the MAWA, the ETAF for Special Landscaped Areas (SLA)
shall be set at 1.0. For calculation of the EAWU, the ETAF for SLA shall be
calculated as SLA plant factor divided by the SLA irrigation efficiency factor.
9. Irrigation efficiency (IE) of the irrigation heads used within each hydrozone shall
be assumed to be as follows, unless otherwise indicated by the irrigation
equipment manufacturer's specifications or demonstrated by the project
applicant:
Irrigation Method
DULo
DULH*
EU
IE**
Spray nozzles
65%
79%
71%
High efficiency spray
nozzles
70%
82%
73%
Multi stream/Multi
trajectory rotary (MSMT)
nozzles
75%
85%
76%
Stream rotor nozzle
70%
82%
73%
Microspray
75%
85%
76%
Bubblers
85%
77%
Drip emitter
90%
81%
Subsurface drip
90%
81%
-UULH = .386 + (.614)(DULo)
* IE (spray) _ (DULH)(IME)
IE (drip) = Emission uniformity (EU)(IME)
D. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall adhere to the following requirements:
• The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the equation
presented in Appendix C. The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) values used
in this calculation are from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix
D and are for planning purposes only. For actual irrigation scheduling, automatic
irrigation controllers are required and shall use current ETo data, such as from
the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), other
equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.
2.3 Soil and Stormwater Management
A. All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize retention and
infiltration. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this
requirement.
B. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report
shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:
Submit soil samples to a certified agronomic soils laboratory for analysis and
recommendations.
• Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol,
including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
• The soil analysis may include, but is not limited to:
• Soil texture;
• Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;
• PH;
• Total soluble salts;
• Sodium;
• Percent organic matter; and
• Recommendations.
C. In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home developments or
common interest developments that are installing landscaping) a soil sampling rate of 1
in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement; evenly disbursed throughout
the development. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7
lots or approximately 15% landscape area.
The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:
• If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be
submitted to the City as part of the Landscape Documentation Package; or
• If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted
to the City as part of the Certification of Completion.
• The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely manner, to the
professionals preparing the landscape design plans and irrigation design plans in
order to make any necessary adjustments to the design plans.
• The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying
implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the City with the
Certification of Completion.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code.]
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 additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state, or
-kS"
federal regulation and/or one of the following: the one inch, 24-hour rain event or the 85'h
percentile, 24-hour rain event.
E. It is recommended that storm water projects incorporate any of the following elements to
improve on-site stormwater and dry weather runoff capture and use:
• Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain into
vegetated areas.
• Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof, and
concrete driveways.
• Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g. gravel, permeable pavers or
blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
• Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscape
areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.
• Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment
systems.
• Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins, and drywells to capture stormwater
and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
• Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess
flow, and filter pollutants.
[Note: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section
65596, Government Code.]
2.4 Landscape Design Plan
A. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for
the intended function of the project. At the landscape design plan meeting, the following
design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
1. Plant Material
• Any plant may be selected for the landscape area consistent with the landscape
requirements of Title 13 and provided that the EAWU in the landscaped area
does not exceed the MAWA.. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include
one or more of the following:
2. Protection and preservation of non-invasive water -conserving plant species and
water -conserving turf species;
3. Selection of water -conserving plant species and water -conserving turf species;
4. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;
5. Selection of trees based on applicable City and local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines; and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area;
IlLp -
6. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
B. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of
hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section 2.5(a)(2)(D) of these
Guidelines.
C. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the
climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. Methods to achieve
water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System, or equivalent generally accepted
models, which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude,
and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate;
2. 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, and power lines); and allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root
growth; and,
3. Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and
winter solar gain.
D. Turf is discouraged on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent to
an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1 foot of vertical elevation change for
every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
E. High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street
medians.
F. A landscape design plan for projects in fire -prone areas and fuel modification zones shall
comply with requirements of the Costa Mesa Fire Department, where applicable. When
conflicts between water conservation and fire safety design elements exist, the fire
safety requirements as required by Costa Mesa Fire Chief shall have priority.
G. The use of invasive plant species and/or noxious plant species such as those listed by
the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
H. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include
community apartment projects, condominiums, and planned developments shall not
prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of water efficient
plant species as a group.
1. Water Features
• Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
• Where available and consistent with public health guidelines, recycled water shall
be used as a source for decorative water features.
The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use
hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
—jq—
• Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
2. Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments:
• Prior to planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a
friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need to
meet this requirement.
• Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to the recommendations of the
soil report and what is appropriate for plants selected.
• For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards
per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six
inches into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches
of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
• A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers,
or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat
for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5% of the landscape area may be
left without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape
design plan as such.
Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current
engineering standards such as those detailed in the USDA/USAID Low -Volume
Roads Engineering Best Management Practices Field Guide.
The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro -seeded applications shall
meet the mulching requirement.
• Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post -consumer shall take
precedence 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.
3. The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
• Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
• Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use.
Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscaped area shall be included in the low
water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
• Identify recreational areas;
• Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
• Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
• Identify type of mulch and application depth;
_jf—
• Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
• Identify type and surface area of water features;
• Identify hardscapes (pervious and non -pervious);
• Identify location and installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration
capacity of any applicable storm water best management practices that
encourage on-site retention and infiltration of storm water. Project applicants
shall refer to the local agency or Regional Water Quality Control Board for
information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements. Storm water
best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and
examples are provided in Section 2.3 C and D.
• Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain
gardens, cisterns, etc.);
• Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance and applied them for the efficient use of water in
the landscape design plan;" and
• Include the signature of a California -licensed landscape professional.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Reference: Section 65596, Government Code and Section 1351,
Civil Code.]
2.5 Irrigation Design Plan
A. This section applies to landscape areas requiring permanent irrigation, not areas that
require temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use
of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the
manufacturer's recommendations. The irrigation system and its related components
shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and
maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be
submitted as partof the Landscape Documentation Package.
System
a. Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter
or private sub meter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of
1,000 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 customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local
water purveyor; or
• A privately owned meter or sub meter.
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data with non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all
—�CA—
irrigation systems, recommending U.S. EPA WaterSense labeled devices as
applicable.
c. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.) either integral or auxiliary that suspend or alter
irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all
irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
d. 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.
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 shall be installed to meet the
required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.
2. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow reading of the
water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure
and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the
measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall
be conducted at installation.
e. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from
contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the
applicable City code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention
requirements.
f. A master shutoff valve shall be as close as possible to the point of connection and is
required on all projects; with the exception for 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.
g. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or
malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or larger.
The flow sensor must be in combination with a master shut off -valve.
h. Manual isolation valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve or butterfly valve) shall be
required downstream of 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 repair.
i. The irrigation system shall 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.
j. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration
rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
k. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape
design plan.
r20_
I. All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American Society of Agricultural and
Biological EngineersAnternational 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 ASBE/ICC 802-2014.
m. Average irrigation efficiency for the project shall be determined in accordance with
the EAWU calculation sheet in Appendix B. Unless otherwise indicated by the
irrigation equipment manufacturer's specifications or demonstrated by the project
applicant, the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation heads used within each hydrozone
shall as listed in Section 2.3 (C)(9).
n. It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with the
local water purvey or about peak water operating demands (on the water supply
system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation
system.
o. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation (drip or low volume
overhead irrigation) is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone; with
the exception of areas with fuel modification requirements and/or those that require
plant establishment to comply with local grading ordinances.
p. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates,
unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
q. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be
designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the
manufacturer's recommendations.
r. Swing joint components are required on all sprinklers subject to damage that are
adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turf.
s. Check valves or anti -drain valves are required ea all sprinkler heads where low point
drainage could occur.
t. Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with
subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
u. Overhead irrigation shall 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
be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other
porous material. These restrictions 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; or
'2-1'
3. The irrigation designer for the landscape project specifies an alternative
design or technology, as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and
clearly demonstrates strict adherence to the irrigation system design criteria
in Section 2.5 (a)(1)(H) hereof. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be
confirmed during an irrigation audit.
4. Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a
application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction
may be modified if the landscape designer of the landscape project 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.
2. Hydrozone
a. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water
use.
b. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected
based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that
hydrozone.
c. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from
shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate
irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone
shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
d. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water
use or moderate and high water use may be allowed if:
• The plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the
respective plant water uses and their respective plant factors; or
• The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for the
calculations.
e. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall
not be permitted.
f. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan,
hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other
designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas
irrigated by each valve and assign a number to each valve.
g. The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:
• The location and size of separate water meters for landscape;
• The location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation
system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves,
—ZZ
sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers,
pressure regulators, 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 (pressure per square
inch) for each station;
• Irrigation schedule parameters necessary to program smart
timers specified in the landscape design;
• The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of
the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and applied them
accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation
design plan;" and,
• The signature of a California -licensed landscape professional.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code Reference: Section 65596, Government
Code.]
2.7 Grading Design Plan
A. For the efficient use of water, grading of a landscape project site shall be designed to
minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. Finished grading configuration of the
landscape area, including pads, slopes, drainage, post -construction
erosion control, and storm water control Best Management Practices, as applicable,
shall be shown on the Landscape Plan unless this information is fully included in
separate Grading Plans for the project, or unless the project is limited to replacement
planting and/or irrigation to rehabilitate an existing landscape area.
B. The project applicant shall 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
5. Storm water retention improvements, if applicable.
C. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that the project
applicant:
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
-23-
3. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
D. The Grading Design Plan shall 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 shall bear the signature of the landscape
professional, as required by law.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]
2.8 Certification of Completion
A. Landscape project installation shall not proceed until the Landscape Documentation
Package has been approved by the City and any ministerial permits required are
issued.
B. The project applicant shall notify the City at the beginning of the installation work and
at intervals, as necessary, for the duration of the landscape project work to schedule
all required inspections.
C. Certification of Completion of the landscape project shall be obtained through a
Certificate of Use and Occupancy or a Permit Final. The requirements for the Final
Inspection and Permit Closure include submittal of:
A Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion in the form included as
Appendix D of these Guidelines, which shall include: (i) certification by a
landscape professional that the landscape project has been installed per the
approved Landscape Documentation Package; and (ii) the following statement:
"The landscaping has been installed in substantial conformance to the design
plans, and complies with the provisions of the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance for the efficient use of water in the landscape."
2. Where there have been significant changes (as deemed by the local
permitting agency) made in the field during construction, these "as -built" or
record drawings shall be included with the certificate
3. A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the
irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
4. Documentation of the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the
controller(s);
5. An irrigation audit report from a local agency landscape irrigation auditor or third
party certified landscape irrigation auditor, documentation of
enrollment in regional or local water purveyor's water conservation
programs, and/or documentation that the MAWA and EAWU information for the
landscape project has been submitted to the local water purveyor, may
be required at the option of the City. Example Inspection Affidavit is included as
Appendix H.
• Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed or
installed the landscape
In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installation (i.e.
production home developments or common interest developments) an
—2/A—
auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this
requirement.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]
2.9 Post -Installation Irrigation Scheduling
A. For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and
evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health.
Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled in accordance with the Local water purveyor's
Water Conservation Ordinance. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal
watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code, Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code.]
2.10 Post -Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
A. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency in accordance with
existing landscape requirements of Title 13 and Title 20 of Costa Mesa Municipal Code.
2_5 —
SECTION 3
Provisions for Existing Landscapes
A. Irrigation of all landscape areas shall be conducted in a manner conforming to
the rules and requirements and shall be subject to penalties and incentives for water
conservation and water waste prevention, as determined and implemented by the local
water purveyor and as may be mutually agreed by the City.
B. The City and/or the regional or local water purveyor may administer programs such
as irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys and/or irrigation audits, tiered water rate
structures, water budgeting by parcel, or other approaches to achieve landscape water use
efficiency community -wide to a level equivalent to or less than would be achieved by
applying a MAWA calculated with an ETAF of 0.8 to all landscape areas in the
City over one acre in size.
C. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, including apartments,
condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or
include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a
group.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code.]
SECTION 4
Public Education
A. Publications. Education is a critical component to promote the efficient use of
water in landscapes. The use of appropriate principles of design, installation,
management, and maintenance that save water is encouraged in the community.
B. Model Homes. All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written
information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes as
described.
1. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water
efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation
equipment, and others that contribute to the overall water efficient theme.
Signage shall include information about the site water use as designed
per the local ordinance; specify who designed and installed the site water
efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use approaches to
landscaping such as using appropriate plants, alternative water sources,
or rainwater catchment systems.
2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code.]
Appendix A: Prescriptive Compliance Option
PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE OPTION
(A) This appendix contains prescriptive requirements which may be used as a
compliance option to the Ordinance.
(B)Compliance with the following items is mandatory and must be
documented in a landscape plan in order to use the prescriptive
compliance option:
(1) Submit a Landscape Documentation Package which includes the
following elements:
a) Date
b) Project applicant
c) Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number (s))
d) Total landscape area (square feet), including a breakdown of turf
and plant material
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) Contact information for the project applicant and property owner
h) Applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply
with the requirements of the prescriptive compliance option to the
MWELO"
(2) 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);
(3) Plant material shall comply with all of the following:
a) For residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require
occasional, little or no summer water (average WUCOLS plan
factor 0.3) for 75% of the plant area excluding edibles and areas
using recycled water. For non-residential areas, install climate
adapted plants that require occasional, little or no summer water
(average WUCOLS plan factor 0.3) for 100% of the plant area
excluding edibles and areas using recycled water,
277
b) A minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch shall be applied on all
exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas,
creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications
where mulch is contraindicated.
(4) Turf shall comply with all of the following:
a) Turf shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area in residential
areas, and turf shall not be planted in non-residential areas
b) Turf shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of 1
foot vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length;
c) Turf is prohibited in parkways less than 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.
(5) Irrigation systems shall comply with the following:
a) Automatic irrigation controllers are required and must use
evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data
b) Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose
programming data in the event the primary power source is
interrupted.
c) Pressure regulators shall be installed on the irrigation system to
ensure the dynamic pressure of the system is within the
manufacturers recommended pressure range.
d) Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly
valve) shall be installed as close as possible to the point of
connection of the water supply.
e) All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in
the ANSI standard, ASABE/ICC802-2014. "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.
(C)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.
-28�
Appendix B: Certification of Landscape Design
CERTIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN
I hereby certify that:
(1) 1 am a professional appropriately licensed in the State of California to provide
professional landscape design services.
(2) The landscape design and water use calculations for the property located at
(provide street address or parcel number(s)) were prepared by me or
under my supervision.
(3) The landscape design and water use calculations for the identified property
comply with the requirements of the City of Costa Mesa Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance (Municipal Code Sections 13-101 through 13-108) and the City of Costa
Mesa Guidelines for Implementation of the City of Costa Mesa Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance.
(4) The information I have provided in this Certificate of Landscape Design is true
and correct and is hereby submitted in compliance with the City of Costa Mesa Water
Efficient Guidelines for Implementation of the City of Costa Mesa Water Efficient
Landscape Guidelines.
Print Name
Signature
Address
Date
License Number
Telephone E-mail Address
Landscape Design Professional's Stamp
A-1
- 2CA--
Appendix C: Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required item of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)':
Landscape Area Sector Type [ ] Residential
(select one): [ ] Non -Residential
Average Total Total
Average ETAF for Regular In Not In
Landscape Areas' (circle one): Compliance Compliance
91,7.7 MIRMiNscaoe Area
Totals
Total Landscape Area
Site wide ETAF
ETWU Total
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA)f
_i0—
Estimated
Hydrozone
Plant
Irrigation
Total Water
#/Planting
Factor°
Irrigation
Efficiency`
ETAF
Landscape
Use'
Description
Location
(PF)
Method`
(IE)
(PF/IE)
Are 1—F+
ETAFxArea
(ETWU)
Average Total Total
Average ETAF for Regular In Not In
Landscape Areas' (circle one): Compliance Compliance
91,7.7 MIRMiNscaoe Area
Totals
Total Landscape Area
Site wide ETAF
ETWU Total
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA)f
_i0—
WORKSHEET INFORMATION & EQUATIONS
Local monthly evapotranspiration rates are listed in Appendix D.
The following table can be used for common plant factors:
Plant Factor
PF
Very low water use plant
0.1
Low water use plant
0.2
Medium water use plant
0.5
High water use plant
0.8
Lawn
0.8
Pool, spa, or other water feature
1.0
Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system
characteristics and management practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for
purposes of these Guidelines is 0.71. The following irrigation efficiency may be obtained
for the listed irrigation heads with an Irrigation Management Efficiency of 90%:
Irrigation Method
IE
Spray nozzles
71%
High efficiency spray nozzles
73%
Multi stream/Multi trajectory
rotary (MSMT) nozzles
76%
Stream rotor nozzle
73%
Microspray
76%
Bubblers
77%
Drip emitter
81%
Subsurface drip
81%
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) is the annual gallons required
ETWU = (ETo) x (0.62) x (ETAF x Area)
where, ETo = annual evapotranspiration rate in inches per year
0.62 = factor used to convert inches per year to gallons per square foot
ETAF = plant factor . irrigation efficiency
Average ETAF for Regular Landscape Areas must be 0.55 or below for residential areas,
and 0.45 or below for nonresidential areas.
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA) is the annual gallons allowed
MAWA = (ETo) x (0.62) x [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
where, ETo = annual evapotranspiration rate in inches per year
0.62 = factor used to convert inches per year to gallons per square foot
ETAF = plant factor - irrigation efficiency
LA = total (site wide) landscape area in square feet
SLA = total special landscape area
-31-
Appendix D
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table
Appendix C - Reference Evapotrans iration (ETo)
Table*
County
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Annual
and
ETo
Cit
Orange
Irvine
2.6
2.5
3.6
4.4
5.3
5.2
5.8
5.7
4.8
3.4
2.6
2.0
47.9
south
Newport
2.6
2.5
3.5
4.2
5.0
4.7
5.3
5.3
4.5
3.3
2.5
2.0
45.4
Beach
Laguna
2.6
2.5
3.5
4.3
5.1
4.9
5.5
5.4
4.6
3.4
2.5
2.0
48.4
Beach
Santa
2.6
2.6
3.4
4.5
5.2
5.3
5.7
5.7
4.9
3.4
2.6
2.0
47.8
Ana
* The values in this table were derived from: 1) California Irrigation Management Information
System CIMIS 2 Reference
Evapotranspiration Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California
Dept of Water Resources 1999,
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Appendix E
LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
I hereby certify that:
(1) 1 am a professional appropriately licensed in the State of California to provide
professional landscape design services for: (project name, mailing address and
telephone)
(2) The landscape project for the property located at
(provide street address or parcel number(s) was installed by me or under my
supervision.
(3) The landscaping for the identified property has been installed in substantial
conformance with the approved Landscape Documentation Package and complies with
the requirements of the City of Costa Mesa Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
(Municipal Code Sections 13-101 through 13-108) and the City of Costa Mesa Water
Efficient Landscape Guidelines for the efficient use of water in the landscape.
(4) The following elements are attached hereto:
a. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller;
b. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule;
c. Irrigation audit report; and
d. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation Package,
and documentation verifying implementation of the soil report
recommendations.
(5) The site installation complies with the following:
a. The required irrigation system has been installed according to approved plans
and specifications and if applicable, any prior approved irrigation system
alternatives.
Yes No
b. Sprinklers comply with ASABE/ICC 802-2014 Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler &
Emitter Standard.
Yes No
(4) The information I have provided in this Landscape Installation Certificate of
Completion is true and correct and is hereby submitted in compliance with the City of
Costa Mesa Guidelines for Implementation of the City of Costa Mesa Water Efficient
Landscape Guidelines.
Print Name
Date
Signature
License Number
Address
Telephone E-mail Address
Landscape Design Professional's Stamp
(If Appropriate)
D-1
Appendix F
Definitions
The terms used in these Guidelines have the meaning set forth below:
"Aggregate landscape areas" pertains to the areas undergoing development as one
project or for production home neighborhoods or other situations where multiple parcels
are undergoing development as one project, but will eventually be individually owned.
"Applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.
"Backflow 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.
"Budget -based tiered -rate structure" means tiered or block rates for irrigation accounts
charged by the retail water agency in which the block definition for each customer is
derived from lot size or irrigated area and the evapotranspiration requirements of
landscaping.
"Community Aesthetics Evaluation" — While not subject to a permit, plan check or design
review, the Community Aesthetics Evaluation may be performed to ensure the aesthetic
standards of the community and irrigation efficiency intent is maintained.
"Conversion factor" means the number that converts acre -inches per acre per year to
gallons per square foot per year.
"Check valve" or "anti -drain valve" means 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.
"Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor" means an irrigation professional trained and
certified to perform and develop an audit report on the condition of the irrigation system.
"Certification of Design" means the certification included as Exhibit E of these Guidelines
that must be included in the Landscape Documentation Package pursuant to Section 2.1
of these Guidelines.
"City' means the City of Costa Mesa or its authorized designee.
"Common interest developments" means community apartment projects, condominium
projects, and planned developments per Civil Code Section 1351
"Distribution Uniformity' or "DU' is a measure of how uniformly an irrigation head applies
water to a specific target area and theoretically ranges form zero to 100 percent.
"Drip irrigation" means any non -spray 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.
36-
"Ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to
establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
"Emitter" means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the
system to the soil.
"Estimated Applied Water Use" or "EAWU' means the annual total amount of water
estimated to keep plants in a healthy state. It is based on factors such as reference
evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscaped area, plant water use factors, and the
irrigation efficiency within each hydrozone.
"Evapotranspiration adjustment factor' or "ETAF is equal to the plant factor divided by
the irrigation efficiency factor for a landscape project, as described in the Guidelines.
The ETAF is calculated in the context of local reference evapotranspiration, using site-
specific plant factors and irrigation efficiency factors that influence the amount of water
that needs to be applied to the specific landscaped area.
A combined plant mix with a site -wide average plant factor of 0.5 (indicating a moderate
water need) and average irrigation efficiency of 0.71 produces an ET adjustment factor
of (0.7) _ (0.5/0.71), which is the standard of water use efficiency generally required by
this Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and the Guidelines, except that the ETAF for a
special landscape area shall not exceed 1.0.
"Evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and
other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
"Flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission
devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
"Graywater" means a system in treated 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 unhealthy
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 as per the Health and Safety Code (Section 17922.12). Graywater
systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site
landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the California Plumbing
Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable local ordinance standards.
"Guidelines" refers to the Guidelines for Implementation of the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance, as adopted by the City, which describes procedures,
calculations, and requirements for landscape projects subject to this Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance.
"Hardscapes" means any durable material or feature (pervious and non -pervious)
installed in or around a landscaped area, such as pavements or walls. Pools and other
water features are considered part of the landscaped area and not considered
hardscapes for purposes of these Guidelines.
_3� -
"Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water
needs and typically irrigated by one valve/controller station. A hydrozone may be
irrigated or non -irrigated.
"Infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of
water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
"Invasive plants species" or "noxious" means species of plants not historically found in
California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or
economic resources. Invasive plant species may be regulated by county agricultural
agencies as noxious species.
"Irrigation audit' means 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.
"Irrigation Management Efficiency" or "IME" means the measurement used to calculate
the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation system for a landscaped project. A 90% IME can
be achieved by using evaportranspiration controllers, soil moisture sensors, and other
methods that will adjust irrigation run times to meet plant water needs.
"Irrigation efficiency' or "IF means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially
used divided by the amount of water applied to a landscaped area. Irrigation efficiency is
derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and
management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of these Guidelines are
0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems. The following irrigation
efficiency may be obtained for the listed irrigation heads with an IME of 90%:
Irrigation Method DUcQ
DUcH*
EU
IE**
Spray nozzles 65%
79%
71%
High efficiency spray nozzles 70%
82%
73%
Multi stream/Multi trajectory 75%
rotary (MSMT) nozzles
85%
76%
Stream rotor nozzle 70%
82%
73%
Microspray 75%
85%
76%
Bubblers
85%
77%
Drip emitter
90%
81%
Subsurface drip
90%
81%
*DUH =386 + (.614)(DULQ
** IE (spray) = (DULH)(IME)
** IE (drip) = Emission uniformity (EU)(IME)
"Landscaped area" means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated
Applied Water Use calculations. The landscaped 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).
- 37-
"Landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the State of California to construct,
maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
"Landscape coefficient" (KL ) is the product of a plant factor multiplied by a density factor
and a microclimate factor. The landscape coefficient is derived to estimate water loss
from irrigated landscaped areas and special landscaped areas.
"Landscape Documentation Package" means the package of documents that a project
applicant is required to submit to the City pursuant to Section 2.1 of these Guidelines.
"Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion" means the certificate included as
Exhibit F of these Guidelines that must be submitted to the City pursuant to Section
2.7(a)(1) of hereof.
"Landscape professional" means a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape
contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to Sections
5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of
the California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title16 of the California
Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.
"Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
""Local water purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or
private water company that provides retail water service.
"Low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through
a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines, and
bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small
volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
"Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to
the valve or outlet.
"Maximum Applied Water Allowance" or "MAWA" means the upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area, as specified in Section 2.2 of these
Guidelines. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ETAF, and the
size of the landscaped area. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance. MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x
SLA)]
"Microclimate" means the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the
climate of the overall landscaped area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant
density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.
"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.
"Mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or 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.
3a
"Non -pervious' means any surface or natural material that does not allow for the
passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
"Operating pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system of
sprinklers are designed to operate at by the manufacturer
"Overspray' means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area
"Person" means any natural person, firm, joint venture, joint stock company, partnership,
public or private association, club, company, corporation, business trust, organization,
public or private agency, government agency or institution, school district, college,
university, any other user of water provided by the City or the local water districts, or the
manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer, or employee of any of them or any other entity
which is recognized by law as the subject of rights or duties.
"Pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil.
"Permit" means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction
or rehabilitated landscape.
"Plant factor" or "plant water use factor" is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, that
estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance, the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 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 these Guidelines 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).
"Precipitation rate" means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.
"Project applicant" means the person submitting a Landscape Documentation Package
required under Section 2.1 to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the
City A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
"Property owner" or "owner" means the record owner of real property as shown on the
most recently issued equalized assessment roll.
"Recycled water" or "reclaimed water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality
suitable for non -potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water
is not intended for human consumption.
"Reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of
environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given expressed
in inches per day, month, or year as represented in Appendix C of these Guidelines, 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.
"Rehabilitated landscape" means any re -landscaping project that meets the applicability
criteria of Section 1.1(a), where the modified landscape area is greater than 2,500
square feet.
"Runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscaped 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.
"Smart irrigation controller" means an automatic controllers utilizing either
evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data with non-volatile memory shall be
required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems, recommending U.S. EPA
WaterSense labeled devices as applicable.
"Special Landscaped Areas" or "SLA" means an area of the landscape dedicated solely
to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, areas irrigated with recycled
water, water features using recycled water, and recreational areas dedicated to active
play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.
"Sprinkler head"means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.
"Static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when
water is not flowing.
"Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate
simultaneously.
"Swing joint" means 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.
"Turf' means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool -season grasses.
Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and
Buffalo grass are warm -season grasses.
"Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in an irrigation system
"Water Efficient Landscape Guideliness" means Ordinance No. , adopted by the
City Council on 2010, and codified in the Municipal Code in
[chapter/title/division/sections 13-101 through 13-108].
"Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets" means the worksheets required to be
completed pursuant to Section 2.2 of these Guidelines and which are included in
Appendix B hereof.
"Water feature" means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial
streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface
area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscaped
area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment, habitat protection, or
storm water best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water
_..4® —
treatment or storm water retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject
to the water budget calculation.
"Watering window" means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
"WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources, and
the Bureau of Reclamation, 2000. www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00
-11—
Appendix G: Irrigation Plan Checklist
This is a voluntary compliance tool template developed by the Irrigation Association.
IRRIGATION PLAN CHECKLIST
Please complete the following checklist by checking all appropriate categories under
APPLICANT column, indicating compliance with these content requirements. All
submitted plans shall contain the following information:
LANDSCAPE PLAN NUMBER: -
NAME OF PROJECT: _
Applicant
Planner
[ ] 1.
Prevailing winds [ ]
[ ] 2.
Slope aspect and degree of slope [ ]
[ ] 3.
Soil type and infiltration rate [ ]
[ ] 4.
Vegetation type [ ]
[ ] 5.
Microclimates [ ]
[ ] 6.
Expansive or hazardous soil conditions [ ]
[ ] 7.
Water harvesting potential [ ]
[ ] 8.
Available water supply, including non -potable and recycled water [ ]
All pertinent system
information is indicated, including:
[ ] 9.
Irrigation zones substantially corresponding to hydrozones on the landscape [ ]
plan and labeled by precipitation rates and method of application
[ ] 10.
Water meters [ ]
[ ] 11.
Tap -in location [ ]
[ ] 12.
Static water pressure at the point of connection [ ]
[ ] 13.
System controller [ ]
[ ] 14.
Rain sensor/shut-off device [ ]
[ ] 15.
Backflow preventers [ ]
[ ] 16.
Shut-off valves and zone control valves [ ]
[ ] 17.
Main line and lateral piping [ ]
[ ] 18.
Sprinkler heads [ ]
[ ] 19.
Bubblers and drip irrigation tubing runs [ ]
[ ] 20.
Type and size of main irrigation system components [ ]
[ ] 21.
Total required operating pressure for each control valve/zone [ ]
[ ] 22.
Graphic depiction of the locations of irrigation system components [ ]
[ ] 23.
Total required operating pressure for each control valve/zone [ ]
[ ] 24.
Any supplemental stormwater and/or runoff harvesting [ ]
System design is in conformance with the following standards:
[ ] 25.
Certification of Professional Qualifications, attached [ ]
[ ] 26.
Pedestrian surfaces located on plan [ ]
[ ] 27.
Equipment installed flush with grade for safety [ ]
[ ] 28.
Compliance with local codes [ ]
[ ] 29.
Overspray onto impervious areas minimized [ ]
ATTACHMENT 2
ORDINANCE NO. 16-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF COSTA
MESA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING ZONING CODE
AMENDMENT CO -15-05, AMENDING TITLE 13, CHAPTER
VII, LANDSCAPE STANDARDS OF THE COSTA MESA
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, consistent with the findings of the State Legislature, the City Council
finds that the waters of the State are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing
demands;
WHEREAS, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and management can
and should be water efficient;
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution specifies that the
right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be
served, and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of
use of water;
WHEREAS, allocation -based and tiered water rate structures allow public agencies
to document water use in landscapes;
WHEREAS, all water services within the City are metered and billed based on
volume of use;
WHEREAS, Costa Mesa is served by two water purveyors, Irvine Ranch Water
District (IRWD) and Mesa Consolidated Water District (Mesa). IRWD is implementing
budget- based tiered -rate billing and/or enforcement of water waste prohibitions for all
existing metered landscaped areas throughout its service area, which includes a portion of
City containing business and industrial parks south of the 405 Freeway. Mesa is
implementing enforcement of water waste prohibitions for all existing metered landscaped
areas within its jurisdiction by Water Conservation Ordinance No. 46 adopted on
November 12, 2015, which limits the watering and irrigation of landscaping to one day a
week;
WHEREAS, On January 19, 2010, the City Council adopted Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance and corresponding Guidelines consistent with the requirements of
AB 1881;
WHEREAS, the purpose of the amendment to City's Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and Guidelines is to establish an alternative model acceptable under Governor
Brown's April 1, 2015 Drought Executive Order (B-19-25) as being at least as effective as
the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance in the context of conditions in the
City in order to:
I . Promote the benefits of consistent landscape ordinances with neighboring local
and regional agencies;
2. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to
invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible;
3. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining and
managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated
projects;
4. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste
prevention for existing landscapes;
5. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water
Allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest
practical amount; and
6. Encourage the use of economic incentives that promote the efficient use of
water, such as implementing a budget -based tiered -rate structure, providing
rebate incentives and offering educational programs.
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2016, City Council of the City of Costa Mesa held a
duly -noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by
Planning Commission and the City Attorney, and public testimony regarding
amendments to Title 13, Chapter VII of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code and the
Guidelines attached as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Title 13, Chapter VII, Section 13-101 of Costa Mesa Municipal Code is
hereby amended as follows:
(a) The provisions of this chapter apply to all zoning districts in the City, except R-
1.
(e) The Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall apply to projects that meet
the following criteria unless exempted pursuant to the Water Efficiency
Landscape Guidelines:
1. New landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 500 square feet, requiring a building permit or landscape
permit, plan check or design review;
2. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area
equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet, requiring a building or
landscape permit, plan check or design review.
3. New or rehabilitated landscape 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 Appendix A of the Guidelines;
4. New or rehabilitated projects using treated or untreated graywater or
_.4;4
rainwater capture on site, any lot or parcels within the project that has
less than 2,500 square feet of landscape area and meets the lot or
parcel's landscape water requirement (Estimated Total Water Use)
entirely with the treated or untreated graywater or though stored
rainwater capture on site is subject only to Appendix A of the
Guidelines.
(d) This water Efficient Landscape Ordinance does not apply to:
1. Registered local or state historical sites;
2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system;
SECTION 2: Title 13, Chapter VII, Section 13-106 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code is
hereby amended as follows:
(a) All required landscaped areas, including landscape areas within parking lots, shall
consist of drought tolerant plan material and shall meet the following minimum
requirements:
(4) Groundcover: At least 70 per cent of all landscaped areas containing
trees and shrubs shall be underplanted with groundcover, with the
remaining areas to incorporate a layer of uncontaminated compost or
mulch as required per Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines. Decorative
(commercial) bark is not acceptable. Groundcover shall be planted in a
triangular -spaced pattern to ensure 100 percent coverage within one year
of planting. A minimum 2 -foot diameter clearance, measured from each
tree trunk, shall be maintained free of groundcover or turf. Uncontaminated
shredded mulch or compost shall be applied and maintained in these
areas.
(5) Turf: Turf incorporated into the landscape design shall not exceed
thresholds established by the Guidelines, except for active play areas such
as parks, sports fields and golf courses. All turf shall be of a drought
tolerant variety. Redwood headerboard, or other material acceptable by
the planning division, shall be installed to separate turf from planter and
groundcover areas.
SECTION 3: Title 13, Chapter VII, Section 13-107, as follows:
"Sec. 13-107. IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
(a) Irrigation and drip systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 2.5 of
the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines. All landscaped areas as specified in
the Guidelines shall be provided with an approved irrigation system
Landscaped areas with an automatically time -controlled sprinkler system when
the site is zoned commercial or industrial, or when the site is zoned residential
and permits more than 2 dwelling units.
(b) Irrigation system: The Irrigation and/or drip system shall consist of
underground piped water lines with low water flow sprinklers and/or a drip or
trickle irrigation system as specified in the Guidelines. The system chosen
shall be designed to provide adequate coverage to all plant material, existing
and proposed. Water meter and line sizes shall be calculated from total water
demand, which should be, at least, the sum of the maximum irrigation demand
and all building demand. Due to varying irrigation requirements, separate
control valves and/or sprinkler/emitter heads shall be used when shrubs and
turf all appear on the same landscape plan. The irrigation system shall be
designed so that overspray, runoff, and low -head drainage onto streets,
sidewalks, windows, walls, and fences are minimized. Automatic systems for
watering cycles shall be scheduled to maximize ground infiltration rates and
further minimize runoff.
SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION. The project has been reviewed for
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the CEQA guidelines,
and the City's environmental procedures, and has been found to be exempt pursuant to
Section 15061 (b) (3) (general rule) of the CEQA Guidelines, in that the City Council
hereby finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the passage of
this ordinance amending the Municipal Code will have a significant effect on the
environment.
SECTION 5: INCONSISTENCIES. Any provision of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code or
appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, to the extent of such
inconsistencies and or further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to
affect the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 6: APPLICABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance shall be applicable to all
properties within City limits as applicable noted hereto.
SECTION 7: SEVERABILITY. If any provision or clause of this ordinance or the
application thereof to any person or circumstances is held to be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect
other provisions or clauses or applications of this ordinance which can be implemented
without the invalid provision, clause or application; and to this end, the provisions of this
ordinance are declared to be severable.
SECTION 8: PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force thirty
(30) days from and after the passage thereof, and prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days
from its passage shall be published once in the ORANGE COAST DAILY PILOT, a
newspaper of general circulation, printed and published in the City of Costa Mesa or, in the
alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a
certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk five
(5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance, and within fifteen (15) days after
adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall
post in the office of the City Clerk a certified copy of this Ordinance together with the
names and member of the City Council voting for and against the same.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of
--14)—
2016.
Stephen Mensinger, Mayor
ATTEST:
Brenda Green
City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF COSTA MESA )
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
I, BRENDA GREEN, City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa, California, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at the regular meeting of the City
Council held on the day of , 2016, and thereafter at the regular meeting of
said City Council duly held on the day of , 2016, was duly passed and
adopted by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Brenda Green
City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa
--,,1'7—
ATTACHMENT 3
Provided by Municipal Water District of Orange County
Differences between Landscape Ordinances:
The purpose of this document is to summarize the differences between the 2009 State Model Ordinance
and 2015 State Model Ordinance and the 2015 State Model Ordinance and OC Model Ordinance.
2009 State Model Ordinance and 2015 State Model Ordinance —
7) Requires reporting of implementation and enforcement to DWR by Dec. 31, 2015 and annually
thereafter
o DWR shall provide information on local compliance to the State Board who may consider further
regulations and enforcement to promote compliance
o DWR to provide technical assistance and grant funding priority for agencies in compliance
8) Landscape Threshold Subject to Ordinance
o New construction reduced to 500 ft2
o Previous size thresholds
a) 2500 ft2 for public and private development
b) 5000 ft' for owner built custom homes
o Rehabilitated landscape projects
a) 2,500 ft2 requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review
9) Efficient Irrigation Systems - Additional requirements
o Dedicated landscape water meters or sub meters (in alignment with CalGreen)
o Residential landscape areas over 5000 ft2
o Non-residential areas over 1000 ft'
o Minimum width of turf irrigated with overhead irrigation from 8 to 10 feet
o Areas of turf below this threshold must be irrigated with subsurface drip or other technology
o Pressure regulators and master valves
o Sprinkles must meet specific standards (i.e. PR < 1.0 in/hr or DULQ>_ 0.75)
10) Flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions due to broken pipes, etc.
Graywater Usage (§492.15) new section
o Encourages the installation of graywater systems to provide on-site landscape irrigation water
o All graywater systems shall conform to any applicable local ordinance standards and the
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16)
11)Soil Preparation
o This addition of organic matter and tillage increases the ability of soil to capture and hold
stormwater.
12) Stormwater Management (§492.16) revised section
o To maximize water retention and infiltration
o Planted landscape areas required to have friable soil
13) Compost application
o 6 in deep at a rate of 4 yd3/1000 ft2 (unless contraindicated by soil test)
14) Limiting the Portion of Landscapes that can be Covered in Turf
o The landscape water budget (Maximum Applied Water Allowance) was reduced from 70% of the
reference evaporation (ETo) to:
a) 50% for residential areas
• This reduces the area that can be planted to turf in the residential landscapes from 33%
to 25%
• 40% of ETo for non-residential areas
/i G_.
o This does not provide enough water to permit the planting of turf.
o Turf installation is permitted when it is used for specific functions and purposes
a) The landscape ordinance water budget provides extra water allowances for functional turf
(sports, recreational, picnic areas and areas irrigated with recycled water)
b) No turf will be allowed in street medians or in parkways Unless the parkways is next to a
parking strip and a flat surface is required to enter and exit vehicles.
2015 State Model Ordinance and OC Model Ordinance —
• The OC Model ordinance breaks out the State Model Ordinance into an Ordinance document and a
Guidelines document.
o This allows for easier refinements to the guidelines overtime without the need to readopt the
Ordinance Document each time.
o These documents are templates which include a variety of callout boxes to help the city identify
areas of local concern or variability.
• More refined definitions to provide better clarity of technical terms.
• The OC model provides many more types of spray irrigation applications with normally accepted
distribution uniformities in both Lower Quartile and Lower Half calculations.
o We provide a table with LC, LH and ultimately, the Irrigation Efficiency. The purpose for all three
is to allow a designer to know the irrigation efficiency regardless of how a manufacturer
provides the value.
o The OC model is more realistic with standard overhead spray Irrigation Efficiency than the State
but also provides more options that are higher than the minimum State value of .75.
• Expanded Evapotranspiration zones from three cities representing all of OC to a comprehensive
listing of cities. This listing can be found within the Appendix Section of the Guidelines Document.
Additionally MWDOC and AACOC have partnered with Signature Control System, Inc. to assist city
staff by providing access to evapotranspiration data at the zip code level.
• The OC Model is accompanied by an Excel worksheet to help designers and planners evaluate
compliance utilizing a unified approach. This worksheet can be found at:
http://www.ocwatersmart.com/commercial/resources
• The OC model includes the following example documents as part of the Appendices within the
Guidelines Document: Certification of Landscape Design, Certificate of Completion, and Inspection
Affidavit.
• The inclusion of the Community Aesthetics Evaluation concept. While not subject to a permit, plan
check or design review, the Community Aesthetics Evaluation may be performed to ensure the
aesthetic standards of the community and irrigation efficiency intent is maintained.
Refer to the MWELO 2015 Revision Fact Sheet for more information at:
http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/landscapeordinance/docs/M WELO%202015%20Revision
20Fa ct%20Sh eet. pdf