HomeMy WebLinkAbout- - Code Amendement CO-09-14 to Title 13 - 1/19/2010CITY .COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 19, 2010 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: CODE AMENDMENT CO -09-14 TO TITLE 13 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATED TO WATER EFFICIENCY IN LANDSCAPING IN ACCORDANCE
WITH STATE STANDARDS
DATE: DECEMBER 23, 2009
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION/DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION BY: MINOO ASHABI, SENIOR PLANNER
KIMBERLY BRANDT, AICP, ACTING DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MINOO ASHABI, SENIOR PLANNER
(714) 754-5610
RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to Planning Commission's recommendation:
1) Introduce Ordinance for first reading, to be read by title only and to waive
further reading, amending Title 13 (Zoning Code) to update the City's
Landscape Ordinance in accordance with the latest requirements of the State
Department of Water Resources.
2) Adopt Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines by resolution recommended by
the Planning Commission with two additional modifications:
a. Added provision exempting existing projects connected to the Green
Acres Project water system; and,
b. Added provision to allow modification or exemption of the requirements by
the Development Services Director in unique cases where the overall
intent of water conservation guidelines are met and innovative water
conservation approaches other than specified in the guidelines are
proposed.
BACKGROUND
Assembly Bill 1881
In 2006, Assembly Bill 1881 amended the Water Conservation in the Landscape Act
(Act). The bill requires 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. Because of the new "at least as effective as" clause, meeting the
requirements of AB 1881 will result in significant changes to most landscape ordinances
in Orange County. The cities have the option of adopting a local ordinance that meets
the state's criteria or the state model ordinance will go into affect by default by end of
January 2010.
The new state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance includes significant
amendments to current regulations such as the following:
• Establishes the irrigated area compliance threshold from one acre to 2,500
square feet for developer -installed projects, public agency projects, and private
development projects requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or
design review
• Requires collaboration between cities, and water purveyors in the development
and implementation of water efficient landscape ordinances.
• Requires jurisdictions to utilize evapo-transpiration based "Maximum Applied
Water Allowance" (MAWA) rates of 0.7 instead of 1.0. The use of the new
MAWA rate represents a 30% reduction in water allocation for new landscapes.
• Water purveyors are required to offer landscape surveys and/or incentive
programs targeting landscape irrigation efficiency for new and existing
landscapes.
Orange County Model Ordinance
In response to the new landscape water efficiency requirements, with the leadership of
the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and the Orange County
Division of the League of California Cities, a model local ordinance was developed.
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance was crafted to meet the "at least as
effective as" requirement of state law, minimize the complexity and cost of compliance,
and provide consistency between local jurisdictions.
ANALYSIS
Proposed Ordinance based on the Orange County Model
The propose code amendment is prepared based on the Orange County model
ordinance modified to meet the standards of the Costa Mesa zoning code. The City of
Costa Mesa is required to submit a compliance report to DWR by January 31, 2010
stating that the City will adopt a local ordinance.
The ordinance will require that specified landscape projects meet new water efficiency
standards and be certified by a landscape architect.
Proposed Applicability
The proposed code amendment and the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines would
be applicable to the following public and private projects in all zones except R1:
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.
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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.
Currently all commercial, multiple family residential and industrial projects that require
land use entitlement are subject to review and approval of a landscape and irrigation plan
submittal. This process will not change. However, with the proposed requirements,
installation of new and rehabilitation landscaping projects are subject to higher standards
for water conservation. The requirements will apply to select landscape projects to
ensure a minimum thirty percent reduction of water usage for landscaping and installation
of drought tolerant plant palettes.
Water Districts
Staff has met and coordinated with Mesa Consolidated Water District (Mesa) and Irvine
Ranch Water District (IRWD) for processing future applications; the guidelines are
reflective of the current and future coordination between City staff and both water
districts. Letters of cooperation from IRWD and Mesa are included as Attachments 4
and 5.
Proposed Self -Certification Requirement
Consistent with the Orange County model, staff is recommending the self -certification
for the Costa Mesa ordinance that includes the following two steps:
First, the landscape designer submits a signed Certification of Design (including
their license number and/or professional stamp), stating that the landscape
design is in conformance with the city ordinance and guidelines. The building
permit will not be issued unless the Landscape Documentation Package is
complete, including this certification.
Second, once construction of the landscape is complete, the installation
contractor or designer will submit the Landscape Installation Certificate of
Completion stating that the installation is complete and is in substantial
conformance with the, original plan.
Upon installation and final inspection by City and Mesa Consolidated Water staff, the
Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion package is issued by the City
including:
1. Certification that the project was constructed per the approved plans;
2. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller;
3. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedules;
4. An irrigation audit report or enrollment in the Municipal Water District of Orange
County Landscape Performance Program
Proposed Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
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.
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The general purpose of the Water Efficient Landscape Standards 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 implemented to minimize water
waste.
On December 14, 2009, the Planning Commission on a 5-0 vote recommended
approval of the proposed code amendment.
The December 14, 2009 Planning Commission staff report can be accessed on line at:
httD://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/council/Dlannina/2009-12-14/121409CO0914.Ddf
Reclaimed Water Provisions
The Orange County and the State model encourage use of reclaimed water irrigation
systems by a higher factor in calculation of the overall water allowance; however, they do
not exempt those projects from compliance with the Water Efficiency Irrigation
Guidelines. Staff received a letter from Segerstrom and Sons requesting exemption of
their existing properties connected to the Green Acres reclaimed water system
(Attachment 6). In response to this request, staff included provisions for exemption of
properties where significant infrastructure was provided for water conservation such as
projects connecting to the Orange County Water District's Green Acres Project. Staff is
also proposing that the proposed guidelines also allow modification or exemption of the
requirements by the Development Services Director in unique cases where the overall
intent of water conservation guidelines is met and innovative water conservation
approaches other than specified in the guidelines are proposed.
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
City Council may consider the following alternatives:
1. Give first reading to the Ordinance and adopt "The Guidelines" as recommended
by Planning Commission included in Attachment 1 with the two additional
modifications:
a. Added provision exempting existing projects connected to the Green
Acres Project water system; and,
b. Added provision to allow modification or exemption of the requirements by
the Development Services Director in unique cases where the overall
intent of water conservation guidelines are met and innovative water
conservation approaches other than specified in the guidelines are
proposed.
2. Adopt the state model and receive and file the report.
Y
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has approved the Ordinance as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Zoning Code amendment is required to update the current Landscape requirements
in compliance with the requirement of AB 1881 and consistent with the State Model
Ordinance. Staff believes the proposed ordinance, supplemented with the Water Efficient
Landscape Guidelines, comply with state law.
r
MINOO ASHABI, AIA
Senior Planner
KIMBERLY BRA T, AICP
Acting DeveloI i '�t Svs. Director
Attachments: 1. Resolution adopting Draft Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
Draft Water Efficiency Guidelines (bound separately)
2. Ordinance
3. Ordinance Fact Sheet
4. Submitted letter of Cooperation - IRWD
5. Submitted letter of Cooperation - Mesa
6. Letter from Segerstrom and Sons
cc: City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Public Services Director
Chief of Code Enforcement
Staff (4)
File (2)
Barry Carlson
Mesa Consolidated Water District
1965 Placentia Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Fiona Sanchez
Irvine Ranch Water District
P.O. Box 57000
Irvine, CA 92619-7000
File: 011910000914 I Date: 010510 1 Time: 11:30 a.m.
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE NO. 10 -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT CO -09-
14, 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:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS.
a. Consistent with the findings of the State Legislature, the City Council finds that:
1. The waters of the State are of limited supply and are subject to ever increasing
demands;
2. The continuation of California's economic prosperity is dependent on the availability
of adequate supplies of water for future uses;
3. It is the policy of the State to promote the conservation and efficient use of water and
to prevent the waste of this valuable resource;
4. Landscapes are essential to the quality of life in California by providing areas for
active and passive recreation and as an enhancement to the environment by
cleaning air and water, preventing erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing
ecosystems lost to development;
5. Landscape design, installation, maintenance, and management can and should be
water efficient; and
6. 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.
b. The City Council further finds that:
1. Orange County has an established, large reclaimed water infrastructure system;
2. Allocation -based and tiered water rate structures allow public agencies to document
water use in landscapes;
3. Incentive -based water use efficiency programs have been actively implemented
within Orange County since before 1991;
4. Current local design practices in new landscapes typically achieve the State Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance water use goals;
5. All water services within the City are metered;
6. Orange County is a leader in researching and promoting the use of smart automatic
irrigation controllers with more than 4,500 installations as of June 2009;
7. All new irrigation controllers sold after 2012 within Orange County will be smart
controllers;
8. Landscape plan submittal and review has been a long standing practice in Costa
Mesa; and
9. The average rainfall in Orange County is approximately 12 inches per year.
10. Costa Mesa is served by two water purveyors, Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) and
Mesa Consolidated Water District (MCWD). IRWD is implementing budget- based
tiered -rate billing and/or enforcement of water waste prohibitions for all existing metered
0
landscaped areas throughout its service area, which includes a portion of City
containing business and industrial parks south of the 405 Freeway. MCWD is
implementing enforcement of' water waste prohibitions for all existing metered
landscaped areas within its jurisdiction by a water conservation ordinance (Ordinance
No. 21) that has been in effect since September 2009.
C. Consistent with these findings, the purpose of the City's Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance is to establish an alternative model acceptable under AB 1881 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:
1. 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.
SECTION 2: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES. The submittal requirements for
compliance with Assembly Bill 1881 are included in the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
that are adopted by City Council Resolution No. 010-_ and may be amended from time to time
by resolution of the City Council.
SECTION 3: TITLE 13. Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended as
follows:
a. Amend Chapter VII, Sections 13-101 and 13-101.1 as follows:
"Sec. 13-101. PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this chapter to establish reasonable requirements and standards for
the design, installation, water conservation, and maintenance of landscape and irrigation
to:
(1) Enhance the aesthetic appearance of the City by providing standards relating to
quality, quantity, and functional aspects of landscaping for developments in all
areas of the City.
(2) Address water conservation measures through the landscape and irrigation
design.
(3) Encourage sustainable landscapes through landscape techniques that conserve,
recycle, and reuse the resources that are invested in landscapes.
(4) Encourage landscape design that protects public health, safety, and welfare by
minimizing the impact of all forms of physical and visual pollution, erosion, and
unsightly conditions. This includes promoting the use of canopy trees in parking
lots, and limiting the overall use of palm trees.
a
(5) Deter graffiti on walls, break up continuous asphalt and/or concrete surfaces on
existing properties, screen incompatible land uses, cool and shade vehicles and
hardscape areas, preserve the integrity of neighborhoods, and enhance
pedestrian and vehicular corridors.
(6) Encourage applicants to take full advantage of the wide range of drought tolerant
landscape materials and low water flow irrigation systems available within the
framework established by this chapter.
(7) Establish water efficient landscape regulations, pursuant to State Assembly Bill
1881 and as effective as the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
(8) Promote the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping in a manner
that conserves regional water resources by ensuring that landscaping protects
are not unduly water -needy and that irrigation systems are appropriately
implemented to minimize water waste.
(9) Refer to the "Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines" adopted by City Council
Resolution No. 10- to provide procedural and design guidance for project
applicants for specified landscape installation or rehabilitation proiects except for
the R-1 (single-family residential) district.
Sec. 13-101.1 APPLICABILITY
(a) The provisions of this chapter apply to all zoning districts in the City.
(b) Landscaping and irrigation which is a part of a registered historical site, public park,
or golf course facility, or new or rehabilitated cemeteries may be exempted from the
provisions of this chapter when deemed necessary and appropriate by the planning
division and consistent with the state's requirements.
(c) The Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall apply to projects that meet the
followina criteria unless exempted pursuant to the Water Efficiency Landscape
Guidelines:
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 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 area greater than 2,500 square feet affecting at least 50
percent of the total landscaped area; and planned to occur within one year."
C. Amend Chapter VII, Section 13-103, as follows:
"Sec. 13-103. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
(a) Requirements: Landscape and irrigation plans shall be required for all
development projects requiring discretionary land use approval and for all City -
initiated projects. in the planned develepmeRt,GGMR;eFGial shOppiRg Gem r
For landscape proiects subiect to the Water Efficiency Landscape Guidelines,
landscape plans shall be prepared and certified by a California licensed landscape
architect.
(b) Process:
(1) The plans shall be submitted to and approved by the planning division prior to
issuance of any building permits, and shall be prepared in accordance with
requirements listed in this chapter, Water Efficiency Landscape Guidelines
(as . applicable), and the City's Streetscape and Median Development
Standards, which are incorporated herein by this reference, and which may
be amended from time to time by resolution of the City Council. All unpaved
areas shall be planted with an effective combination of trees, groundcover,
turf, shrubbery and/or approved dry landscape materials."
(2) Landscape and irrigation plans shall be fully dimensioned and shall include,
but shall not be limited to, the following:
a. List of plants (common and Latin names)
b. Plant size
c. Location
d. Irrigation plan
e. Hardscape (sidewalks, driveways, 6" continuous concrete curbing)
f. Water elements
g. Decorative features (boulders, sculptures, arbors, etc.)
h. Planting and irrigation details
i. Maintenance information
j. Any other information deemed necessary by the planning division
(3) Modifications: Any modification to an approved landscape or irrigation plan
must be approved by the planning division prior to installation of the
landscaping or irrigation system.
Lra(4) Approval: All plan approvals by the Planning Division are subject to and
dependent upon the applicant complying with all applicable ordinances,
codes, regulations, and adopted policies.-
,a-►d—All landscape plans for
proiects subject to the Water Efficiency Landscape Guidelinest#e
develepmeRt6-oveF o„eaGre, the- 8 shall be prepared under the direction
of a California licensed landscape architect.
{�.}(5) All landscaping and irrigation materials shall be properly installed, inspected,
and maintained in a healthy condition, prior to release of building utilities or
the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, whichever is applicable or occurs
first. Final inspection approvals or occupancy clearance shall not be granted
until all of the landscaping and irrigation are installed in accordance with the
approved plans.
M(6) Conflicting code sections: When the provisions of this chapter conflict
with other sections of the Municipal Code, the more stringent shall apply."
d. Amend Chapter VII, Section 13-104, as follows:
"Sec. 13-104. LANDSCAPE PLAN OBJECTIVES
(a) Each landscape plan shall be compatible with the shape and topography of the site
and architectural characteristics of structure(s) on the site. Each landscape plan
r�
shall be compatible with the character of adjacent landscaping, provided the quality
of the adjacent landscaping meets the standard of these guidelines. However, it is
not the intent of this section to require the use of identical plant materials or
landscape designs. Where existing mature landscaping is in good, healthy
condition, every effort shall be made to retain trees and mature landscaping.
(b) Each landscape plan shall illustrate a concern for design elements such as
balance, scale, texture, form, water conservation, and unity.
(c) Each landscape plan shall address the functional aspects of landscaping such as
grading, drainage, minimal runoff, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for
shade and reduction of glare, and water conservation. Each landscape plan shall
demonstrate a concern for solar access, including exposure and shading of
window areas.
(d) Landscaping shall be used to relieve solid, unbroken elevations, soften continuous
wall expanses and deter graffiti.
(e) Landscaping shall be required to screen storage areas, trash enclosures, parking
areas, public utilities, freeways, highways, and other similar land uses or elements
which do not contribute to the enhancement of the surrounding area. Where
possible, planting islands and perimeter landscaping shall be designed as
concave -shaped swales instead of convex -shaped berms in order to capture runoff
and reduce dependence on water. If mounding or berms are required as part of a
project, the slopes shall not exceed a 3:1 (horizonta1:vertical) ratio, nor shall they
exceed 3 feet in height. Where plants are required for screening, such screening
shall consist of the use of evergreen shrubs (minimum 5 gallons), vines and/or
evergreen trees closely spaced.
(f) Water elements (pools, ponds, fountains, and other similar ornamental water
features) incorporated into the project shall be of a design, shape, and size that
minimizes water loss through evaporation. Recirculating water shall be used for
decorative water features.
LgJ Landscape and irrigation plans shall be designed and implemented to meet the
water conservation measures described in the Water Efficient Landscape
Guidelines as applicable."
e. Amend Chapter VII, Section 13-106, as follows:
"Sec. 13-106. REQUIRED LANDSCAPING MATERIALS
(a) All required landscaped areas, including landscaped areas within parking lots, shall
consist of drought tolerant plant material and shall meet the following minimum
requirements:
(1) Tree count: One tree (15 -gallon or larger) shall be provided for every 200
square feet of landscaped area. 50 percent of all trees shall be evergreen. 25
percent of the required trees shall be 24 -inch box or larger. Canopy trees for
parking lot areas shall be included in the tree calculation. Canopy trees shall
be installed throughout parking lot areas at the ratio of one tree per 6 parking
spaces, with an average of 36 square feet of planter area provided per tree.
Upon written request, the number of required trees may be reduced by the
planning division when it is determined that an alternative design will meet the
intent of section 13-104, LANDSCAPE PLAN OBJECTIVES.
a. Tree count exception: One tree (minimum 24 -inch box or larger) shall
be provided for every 300 square feet of landscaped area for automobile
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dealerships.
(2) Tree selection: Trees shall be selected based on their suitability and
sustainability in tree wells, narrow planters, and medians. Trees shall also be
selected on the basis of quality and diversity as indicated below:
a. 24 -inch box trees shall be a minimum 8 feet in height as measured from top
of soil line in the box, and shall have a caliper of approximately 3 inches in
diameter, 18 inches above the top of the root ball, or meeting with approval
by the planning division. Selected trees shall be healthy, vigorous, and free
from plant disease and insect pests. Selected trees shall be symmetrical
and typical for variety and species. All trees shall have a normal and
healthy root system free from being root bound. 15 -gallon trees recently
transplanted into 24 -inch box, and 24 -inch box recently transplanted into
36 -inch box, and so forth, shall not be substituted for the required tree size.
b. Trees shall be selected from either the City's Recommended Street Tree
Palette (Appendix B) or Private Property Tree Palette (Appendix D),
included in the Streetscape and Median Development Standards. Trees
not selected from these sources shall be approved or disapproved by the
planning division based on the objectives in this chapter.
C. All trees shall be staked in accordance with standards contained in the
Streetscape and Median Development Standards.
d. At least 2 different tree species shall be identified on plans and installed as
part of the project landscaping.
e. Palm trees shall not be used in the landscaped street setback, except as an
accent plant to highlight main driveway entrances, to accessorize the front
of a building, or for unique or theme uses. Two palms shall constitute one
tree in the ratio of required trees for required landscape areas. Palm trees
shall not be used as a parking lot tree.
(3) Shrub count: One shrub shall be provided for every 25 square feet of open
space. 60 per cent of the required shrubs shall be a minimum of 5 gallons.
Upon written request, the number of required shrubs may be reduced by the
planning division when it is determined that an alternative design will meet the
objectives in this chapter.
(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 minimum two-inch layer of uncontaminated compost or mulch.
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 50 per cent
of the total landscaping area. 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.
(b) Street trees located within the public parkway, or any public right-of-way, shall be
approved by the public services department.
(c) The plant material selected shall be suitable for the given soil and climate
conditions. Plant selection shall take into consideration water conservation through
appropriate use, and groupings of plants that are well adapted to particular sites
and to particular watering needs, climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
(d) Materials such as crushed rock, redwood chips, pebbles and stone are not
satisfactory substitutes for live plant materials although their limited use may be
approved by the planning division. Uncontaminated mulch, shredded bark, or
compost may be used to fulfill part of the groundcover requirement as noted in
section 13-106(a). Uncontaminated mulch, shredded bark, and/or compost used
as a groundcover shall maintain a consistent 2 -inch minimum layer and provide
complete coverage under shrubs and trees.
(e) Artificial plants are prohibited.
(6) Water Conservation: For protects that are subiect to Water Efficient
Landscape Guidelines landscape and irrigation plans shall meet all the
specified requirements.'
Amend Chapter VI 1, Section 13-107, as follows:
"Sec. 13-107. IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
(a) All landscaped areas shall be provided with an approved irrigation system
Landscaped areas shall be provided 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: Irrigation system shall consist of underground piped water lines
with low water flow sprinklers and/or a drip or trickle irrigation system. 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.
(c) Acceptable watering time: Landscaped areas should be watered consistent with
the requirements of the applicable water district to provide maximum benefit to the
plant material and to reduce unnecessary water loss through drift and evaporation.
(d) Reclaimed water systems: Irrigation systems for projects one acre or more in area
shall use reclaimed water whenever such water is available to the site. The systems
shall be subject to appropriate health standards and review by the applicable water
agency."
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 zoning
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.
/OR
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
ATTEST:
2010.
ALLAN R. MANSOOR
Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa City Attorney
i3
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
)ss
COUNTY OF ORANGE
I, JULIE FOLCIK, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of
Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above foregoing Ordinance No. 10- as introduced and
considered section by section at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the day of
, 2010, and thereafter passed and adopted as a whole at the regular meeting of said
City Council held on the day of , 2010, 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 )2010.
City Clerk
City of Costa Mesa
/y
ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION NO. 10-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING
CITYWIDE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
GUIDELINES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa to
adopt water conservation guidelines for landscape projects consistent with the
state requirements;
WHEREAS, landscaping is an essential part of quality of life in California
for active and passive recreation and enhancement to the environment by
cleaning air and water, prevent erosion, offering fire protection, and replacing
ecosystems lost to development;
WHEREAS, landscape design, installation, maintenance and
management can and should be water efficient.
WHEREAS, Landscape plan submittal and review has been a long
standing practice in Costa Mesa; and 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. Mesa is implementing enforcement of water
waste prohibitions for all existing metered landscaped areas within its jurisdiction
by a water conservation ordinance (Ordinance No. 21) that has been in effect
since September 2009.
WHEREAS, the purpose of the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
is to establish an alternative model acceptable under AB 1881 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:
/.S
1. 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
WHEREAS, City Council deems that it is in the City's best interest that these
guidelines be adopted.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Costa mesa City Council that the Water
Efficiency Landscape Guidelines are hereby adopted as set forth in Exhibit A,
attached hereto.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed guidelines have 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 adoption of Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines will
have a significant effect on the environment.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th, day of January, 2010.
ATTEST:
City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa
�lo
ALLAN R. MANSOOR
Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
)ss
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
I, JULIE FOLCIK, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the
City of Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above foregoing Resolution No. 10- as
introduced and considered section by section at a regular meeting of said City Council
held on the day of , 2010, and thereafter passed and adopted as a whole
at the regular meeting of said City Council held on the day of 2010, 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 12010.
City Clerk, City Council of the City of Costa Mesa
/7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Page No.
1. Purpose and Applicability................................................................................... 1
a. Purpose..................................................................................................1
b. 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
Appendix A — Example Certification of Design............................................................
A-1
Appendix B — Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet ..................................................
B-1
Appendix C — Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table ...........................................
C-1
Appendix D — Example Installation Certificate of Completion ......................................
D-1
Appendix E - Definitions................................................................................E-1
i
SECTION 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 implemented to minimize
water waste.
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
APPLICABILITY:
The provisions of the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall apply to the following public
agency and private development landscape projects:
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 in multi -family
residential zones with a landscaped area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
3. New golf courses and parks.*
For purpose of applicability of these guidelines, landscape area includes pools or other water
features but excludes hardscape areas. A landscape rehabilitation project involves:
• Modified landscaped area greater than 2,500 square feet affecting at least 50 percent of
the total landscaped area; and planned to occur within one year.
The requirements may be modified, wholly or partially waived by the Development Services
Director or his/her designee in unique cases where the overall intent of water conservation
guidelines are met and innovative water conservation approaches other than specified in the
guidelines are proposed.
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; and,
• Existing landscape areas connected to the Orange County Water District Green Acres
Project reclaimed water system upon the effective date of this program.
* Parks, sports fields and gold courses are considered recreational areas (Appendix E), receive
additional allowance in calculation of the overall Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
and are subject to Evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) of 1.0.
2
SECTION 2
REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURE:
Submittal Requirements for New Landscape Installations or Landscape Rehabilitation
Protects
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 Desiqn 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.]
B) Water Efficient Landscape Calculations and Alternatives
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 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 0.7 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 landscaped 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.
a) Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
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 Worksheets
and equation presented in Appendix B on page B-2. The example calculation on
page B-2 is a hypothetical example.
3. For the 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 C, with reference to the CIMIS Evapotranspiration Zones Map,
Department of Water Resources, 1999.
4. For calculation of 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. The plant factor is 0.1 for very low
water use plants, 0.2 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 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 WUCOLS
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.
rd
8. For calculation of the MAWA, the ETAF for special landscaped areas shall be set
at 1.0. For calculation of the EAWU, the ETAF for special landscaped areas shall
be calculated as the special landscaped area (SLA) plant factor divided by the SLA
irrigation efficiency factor.
b) Irrigation efficiency shall be calculated using the worksheet and equation presented in
Appendix B on page B-2.
C) 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 B. The example calculation in Appendix B is
hypothetical to demonstrate proper use of the equation and does not represent
an existing and/or planned landscape project. The reference evapotranspiration
(ETo) values used in this calculation are from the Reference Evapotranspiration
Table in Appendix C 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.
C) Soil Management Report
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:
1. Submit soil samples to a certified agronomic soils laboratory for analysis and
recommendations.
2. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including
protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
3. 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.
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..
5
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) Landscape Design Plan
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.
a) Plant Material
Any plant may be selected for the landscaped area consistent with the landscape
requirements of Title 13 and provided that the EAWU in the landscaped area does not
exceed the MAWA. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following is highly
recommended:
1. Protection and preservation of non-invasive water -conserving plant species and
water -conserving turf;
2. Selection of water -conserving plant species and water -conserving turf;
3. Selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;
4. Selection of trees based on applicable City and local tree ordinances or tree shading
guidelines; and
5. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
6. 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.
7. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to
the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. To encourage
the efficient use of water, the following is highly recommended for inclusion in the
landscape design plan:
a. Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account
temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate;
b. Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size,
invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure
(e.g., buildings, sidewalks, and power lines); and
C. 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).
G
8. A landscape design plan for projects in fire -prone areas and fuel modification zones
shall comply with requirements of the Costa Mesa Fire Departmqnt, 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.
9. The use of invasive plant species and/or noxious plant species is strongly
discouraged.
10. 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.
b) Water Features:
1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
2. Where available and consistent with public health guidelines, recycled water shall be
used as a source for decorative water features.
3. The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use
hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
4. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
C) Mulch and Amendments:
1. A minimum two inch (2") 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.
2. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
3. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro -seeded applications shall
meet the mulching requirement.
4. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil
report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 2.3 of these
Guidelines).
d) The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
1. Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
2. Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use.
Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscaped area shall be included in the low water
use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
3. Identify recreational areas;
4. Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
7
5. Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
6. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
7. Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
8. Identify type and surface area of water features;
9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non -pervious);
10. Identify location and installation details of any applicable storm water best
management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of storm
water. Storm water best management practices are encouraged in the landscape
design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:
11. Infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the
ground;
12. Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow, and
filter pollutants; and pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks,
pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff.
13. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens,
cisterns, etc.);
14. 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
15. Include the signature of a California -licensed landscape professional.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Reference: Section 65596, Government Code and Section 1351,
Civil Code.]
E) Irrigation Design Plan
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 part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
a) System
1. Dedicated landscape water meters are highly recommended on landscaped areas
smaller than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management.
2. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
8
3. The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at
each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range
for optimal performance.
4. If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the
irrigation system, pressure -regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators,
booster pumps, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic
pressure of the irrigation system.
5. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow reading of the
water supply 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.
6. 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.
7. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be
required as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply to
minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine
repair.
8. 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.
9. High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system
damage or malfunction are recommended.
10. 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.
11. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and
infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
12. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the
landscape design plan.
13. 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 be assumed to be:
• Pop-up stream rotator heads = 75%
• Stream rotor heads = 75%
• Microspray = 75%
9
• Bubbler = 80%
• Drip emitter = 85%
• Subsurface irrigation = 90%
14. It is highly recommended that the project applicant inquire with the local water
districts about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or
water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
15. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize
water infiltration into the root zone.
16. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates,
unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
17. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be
designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the
manufacturer's recommendations.
18. Swing joints or other riser -protection components are required on all risers subject
to damage that are adjacent to high traffic areas.
19. Check valves or anti -drain valves are required for all irrigation systems.
20. Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight (8) feet in width in
any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or a low volume irrigation
system.
21. 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:
• The landscaped area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff
occurs; or
• The adjacent non -permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain
entirely to landscaping; or
• 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.
22. Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a
precipitation 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.
10
b) Hydrozone
• Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil
conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
• Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is
appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
• Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs,
groundcovers, and turf.
• 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.
• Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be
permitted.
• 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.
C) 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, 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.]
11
F) Grading Design Plan
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 landscaped 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 landscaped area.
a) The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished
configurations and elevations of the landscaped area including:
1. Height of graded slopes;
2. Drainage patterns;
3. Pad elevations;
4. Finish grade; and
5. Storm water retention improvements, if applicable.
b) 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
3. Avoid soil compaction in landscaped areas.
4. 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.]
G) Certification of Completion
Landscape project installation shall not proceed until the Landscape Documentation Package
has been approved by the City and any ministerial permits required are issued.
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.
Certification of Compliance of the landscape project stating that the project meets the
requirements of the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall be obtained prior to issuance of
a Certificate of Use and Occupancy or the final building permit. The following shall be submitted
by the applicant prior to issuance of a Certificate of Compliance:
12
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."
• Documentation of the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller(s);
• An irrigation audit report from a certified irrigation auditor, documentation of enrollment in
local water District's water conservation programs, and/or documentation that the MAWA
and EAWU information for the landscape project has been submitted to the local water
districts.
[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]
H) Post -Installation Irrigation Scheduling
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:
• Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled in accordance with the Irvine Ranch Water
District, and Mesa Consolidated Water District requirements. 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.]
1) Post -Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency in accordance with existing
requirements of Costa Mesa Municipal Code, Irvine Ranch Water District, and Mesa
Consolidated Water District requirements as may be amended from time to time.
13
SECTION 3
Provisions for Existing Landscapes
Irrigation of all landscaped 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 districts and as may be.
mutually agreed by the City.
The City and/or the regional or local water districts 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 landscaped areas in the City over one acre in size.
The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, including apartments,
condominiums and planned developments, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the
effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
14
CERTIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN
I hereby certify that:
Appendix A
(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 Guideliness.
Print Name
Signature
Address
Telephone
Landscape Design Professional's Stamp
(If applicable)
A-1
Date
License Number
E-mail Address
Appendix B
EXAMPLE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the nroiect aoalicant for each Point of Connection. Please complete all sections of the worksheet.
Point of Connection # 1
Maximum Applied Water Allowance MAWA
Total MAWA = (ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) + (ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) = Gallons per year for LA+SLA
where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
0.7 = Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
1.0 = ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA =Special Landscaped Area (square feet)
Example Calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Santa Ana, CA with an irrigated landscaped area of 40,000 square feet with
10,000 square feet of Special Landscaped Area. To calculate MAWA, the annual reference evapotranspiration value for Santa Ana is 48.2
inches as listed in the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix C.
ETo ETAF LA or SLA (ft2) Conversion MAWA (Gallons Per Year
MAWA for LA = 48.2 x 0.7 x 40,000 x 0.62 = 836,752
MAWA for SLA = 48.2 x 1.0 x 10,000 x 0.62 = 298,840
Total MAWA = 50,000 1,135,592 Gallons per year for LA+SLA
--
Estimated Applied Water Use
EAWU = ETo x KL x LA x 0.62 - IE = Gallons per year
where:
KL = KS x Kd x KR,r.
EAWU = Estimated Applied Water Use (gallons per year)
KS = species factor (range = 0.1-0.9) (see WUCOLS list for values)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per
Kd = density factor (range = 0.5-1.3) (see WUCOLS for density value
year)
ranges)
KL = Landscape Coefficient
KR,, = microclimate factor (range = 0.5-1.4) (see WUCOLS)
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
WUCOLS - www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00.pdf
lE = Irrigation Efficiency = IME x DU (See definition in Appendix
E for example IE
percentages)
IME = Irrigation Management Efficiency (9091o)
DU = Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
Example Calculation:
ETo KL
LA
Conversion
IE EAWU Gallons per ear)
Special Landscaped Area 48.2 x 1.00 x
10,000 x 0.62
0.75 = 398,453
Cool Season Turf 48.2 x 1.00 x
0
x 0.62
- 0.71 = 0
Warm Season Turf 48.2 x 0.65 x
0
x 0.62
- 0.71 = 0
High Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.70 x
0
x 6.62
- 0.71 = 0
Medium Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.50 x
15,000 x 0.62
- 0.65 = 344,815
Low Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.30 x 1
257000 x 0.62
- 0.75 = 298,840
Very Low Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.20 x
0
x 0.62
- 0.71 = 0
Other 48.2 x 0.50 x
0
x 0.62
_ 0.71 = 0
Other 48.2 x 0.50 x
0
x 0.62
- 0.71 = 0
Total EAWU=
50,000
1,042,109 Gallons per year
Compare EAWU with MAWA.
The EAWU (1,042,109 gallons per year) is less than MAWA (1,135,592 gallons per year). For this example, the water budget complies
with the MAWA.
List sprinkler heads, microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.
Sprinkler Head Types Average Precipitation Rate Distribution Uniformity of lrri ation Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
Low precipitation rotating nozzles
Stream rotors
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant for each Point of Connection. Please complete all sections of the worksheet.
Point of Connection #
Maximum Applied Water Allowance MAWA
Total MAWA = (ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) + (ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq.
Ft. x 0.62) = Gallons per year for LA+SLA
where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
0.7 = Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
1.0 = ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA = Special Landscaped Area (square feet)
MAWA Calculation:
ETo ETAF LA or SLA (ft)
Conversion MAWA (Gallons Per Year)
MAWA for LA = x 0.7 x x
0.62 =
MAWA for SLA = x 1.0 x x
0.62 =
Total MAWA =
M.
Estimated Applied Water Use
EAWU = ETo x KL x LA x 0.62 =1E = Gallons per year
where:
EAWU = Estimated Applied Water Use (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per
year)
KL = Landscape Coefficient
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE = Irrigation Efficiency = IME x DU
IME = Irrigation Management Efficiency (90%)
DU = Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
KL = KS x Kd x Km,
KS = species factor (range = 0.1-0.9) (see WUCOLS list for values)
Kd = density factor (range = 0.5-1.3) (see WUCOLS for density value
ranges)
K,, = microclimate factor (range = 0.5-1.4) (see WUCOLS)
WUCOLS — www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00.pdf
EAWU Calculation:
ETo KL
LA
Per Year
Special Landscaped Area x
Cool Season Turf x
x
x
x
x
VEAWUllons
629=1
Warm Season Turf x
x
x
High Water Using Shrub x
x
x
Medium Water Usin Shrub x
x
x
Low Water Using Shrub x
x
x
0.62
Very Low Water Using Shrubs x
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
X
x
x
0.62
Other x
x
x
0.62
Total EAWU =
List sprinkler heads, microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.
Sprinkler Head TVpes Average Precipitation Rate Distribution UniformitV of lrri ation Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
Low precipitation rotating nozzles
Stream rotors
I-av
Appendix C
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table
Appendix C - Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
County
and City
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Annual
ETo
Orange
Irvine
2.2
2.5
3.7
4.7
5.2
5.9
6.3
6.2
4.6
3.7
2.6
2.3
49.6
Laguna
Beach
2.2
2.7
3.4
3.8
4.6
4.6
4.9
4.9
4.4
3.4
2.4
2.0
43.2
Santa
Ana
2.2
2.7
3.7
4.5
4.6
5.4
6.2
6.1
4.7
3.7
2.5
2.0
48.2
* 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
(1987) Bulletin 1922 4) Determining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension
UC Division of
Agriculture and Natural Resources 1987), Publication Leaflet 21426
C-1
Appendix D
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.
(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 Guideliness
(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 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 Guideliness.
Print Name
Signature
Address
Date
License Number
Telephone E-mail Address
Landscape Design Professional's Stamp
(If Appropriate)
D-1
Appendix E
Definitions
The terms used in these Guidelines have the meaning set forth below:
"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.
"Conversion factor" means the number that converts acre -inches per acre per year to
gallons per square foot per year. i
"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.
"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 means a factor of 0.7 (average
irrigation efficiency).
"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.
"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.
"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 minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of these
Guidelines is 0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and
maintained systems. The following irrigation efficiency may be obtained for the listed
irrigation heads with an IME of 90%:
a. Pop-up stream rotator heads = 75%
b. Stream rotor heads = 75%
C. Microspray = 75%
d. Bubbler = 80%
e. Drip emitter = 85%
Subsurface irrigation = 90%
"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.
"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).
"Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"Plant factor" or "plant water use facto' 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 low water use plants is 0 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 Department of Water Resources 2000 publication "Water Use Classification of
Landscape Species."
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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 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
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
ATTACHMENT 3
FACT SHEET: SUMMARY OF NEW WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPING ORDINANCE AND GUIDELINES
'urpose.� 1. Ordinance requires landscape certification . Current Code requires that all new
projects requiring zoning entitlement to submit landscape/irrigation plans in compliance
with the requirements of the Costa Mesa Zoning Code. The new ordinance will continue
to require submittal of the landscape package including additional certification from a
state licensed landscape architect for compliance with state -mandated water efficiency to
reduce the water usage for new and rehabilitated landscaped areas. This requirement
would be applicable to landscaping areas of over 2,500 square feet.
2. Ordinance specifies new water efficiency standards and iuidelines. Current Code
encourages installation of native plants and drought tolerant plants; however, it doesn't
specify water efficiency standards related to planting types, irrigation methods, and soil
type. The new regulations will allow certain amount of water usage for various landscape
planting and irrigation systems, and require certification that the maximum allowed water
usage will be met with the proposed landscaping and irrigation systems.
Water Efficient Landscapmg_Ordmance:j
• Proposed Ordinance involves Title 13 (Zoning Code) amendment to:
♦
Apply to all zoning districts except R1- Single Family zones. New water efficiency standards
would be applicable to all projects involving 2,500 square feet of new or rehabilitated
landscaping related to multi -family and non-residential projects, both private and public, and
discretionary approvals.
♦ Require Self -certification for design and installation of new landscapin . Ordinance requires
that landscape designs and installation be in compliance with the state mandates as reflected
in the "Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines."
♦ Allow more lenient water usage for Special Landscape Areas. For example, project that
include reclaimed water, vegetable gardens, or recycled water for water features get a higher
allowable water usage.
• Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines:
♦ Includes state mandated formulas for water efficiencv per climate, plant type, soil complex
and irritation standards that all together could lead to lower water usage in California. The
guidelines provide minimum standards for water conservation in landscaped areas, and
specify the process for submittal, approval and post installation of landscaping over 2,500
square feet in area.
♦ Requires collaboration between City's plan check review and water districts. Irrigation
plans for areas served by Mesa Consolidated Water will be reviewed by their plan check
department for compliance with the standards. Areas served by Irvine Ranch Water District
are subject to allocation -based tiered -rate billing that discourages wasteful outdoor water use.
/,F
• Steps for Submittal/Approval:
♦ Landscape plans and forms need to be submitted to the Planning Division.
The following is a list of highlighted items that should be included in the submittal package
(for a complete list refer to the guidelines):
• Landscape Plans — including location of all planting hydrozones and their square footage;
• A Certification of Design - including 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;
• Calculation of Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA);
• Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU);
• A soil management report or specifications;
• Landscape design plan;
• Irrigation design plan;
• Water Supply (e.g., potable, recycled) and identification of the local water district; and,
• Grading plan;
♦ Review and Approval Process. The following outlines the review and approval process from
submittal to post installation:
• First - Submit landscape package including Certificate of Design to Planning Division for
review;
• Second — Planning Division forwards irrigation package, MAWA, and EAWU
calculations to the Mesa Consolidate Water for review if project within their service area,
• Third - If all requirements of the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines are met,
landscape and irrigation plans are approved for installation;
• Fourth — Landscaping is installed and a Certificate of Completion is submitted by the
landscape architect that the installation was in accordance with the approved plans;
• Fifth — City and Mesa Consolidated Water staff conduct a final inspection of the
landscaping and irrigation systems.
• Sixth — A Certificate of Completion is issued by the Planning Division including the
following:
■ Certification that the project was constructed per the approved plans;
■ Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller;
■ Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedules; and,
■ An irrigation audit report or enrollment in the Municipal Water District of Orange
County Landscape Performance Program.
/9
ATTACHMENT 4
IRVINERANCH WATIR DISTRICT 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue • R.O. Box 57000 • Irvine, California .92619-7000 • (949) 453-5300 • www.irwd.com
December 4, 2009
Ms. Minoo Ashabi
Senior Planner
City of Costa Mesa
77 Pair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
Re: IRWD's Tiered Rate Structure and the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Dear Ms. Ashabi:
In 2006, State Assembly Bill 1881 amending the Water Conservation in the Landscape Act was
adopted. The bill required: 1) State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to update a Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; and 2) cities and counties to update or find existing local
Landscape Ordinances to be "at least as effective" as DWR's updated Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance by January 1, 2010.
In response to the new state landscape water efficiency requirements, a stakeholder group was
formed to develop a locally -crafted Orange County Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(OC Model) to meet the "at least as effective as" requirement of state law, minimize the
complexity and cost of compliance, protect local control, and provide consistency between local
jurisdictions. This resulted in an Orange County Model and Guidelines for cities to consider
adopting as their local ordinance, which Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) understands is the
approach that will be taken by the City of Costa Mesa, subject to City Council approval.
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and the OC Model have certain requirements
for which IRWD's allocation -based tiered rate structure can assist the City of Costa Mesa in
implementing an "At Least As Effective As" alternative. Listed below are four ways that
IRWD's rate structure provides "At Least as Effective as" measures that can satisfy the model
ordinance requirements.
1. IRWD uses an allocation -based tiered -rate billing, with substantial penalties for over-
allocation water use. This pricing structure successfully discourages wasteful outdoor
water use and rewards efficient use with lower rates. In 1990 water usage within
IRWD's service area was 4.4 acre-feet/acre/year. After implementing the budget -based
tiered rate billing structure in 1991, irrigation water use has averaged approximately 2.2
acre-feet/acre/year. Historical ETo for IRWD's service area is approximately 48" per
year or 4 acre-feet/acre/year.
6
Ms. Minoo Ashabi
Senior Planner
City of Costa Mesa
Page 2
2. Water budget -based allocations and tiered rate structures allow water use in landscapes to
be documented on an ongoing basis. Customers are provided with monthly bills that
indicate any over -use, coupled with financial impacts. This is as least as effective as a
one-time irrigation system audit report.
3. IRWD provides customer assistance targeted toward sites that are over -budget. Free
tools are available to help customers with on-site water management, and are available on
our website at www.alwayswatersmart.corn. Financial incentives for cost-effective
irrigation efficiency improvements are also offered to eligible customers as available.
4. Recycled water is used for irrigation in approximately 80 percent of 1RWD's service
area, conserving potable water for other beneficial uses.
IRWD is a leader in water -use efficiency and through the use of its water -budget based tiered
rates, as outlined above, can assist the City of Costa Mesa in complying with certain provisions
of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance by obtaining "as least as effective as"
certification. The City's current process, with the landscape plan review by Planning, will be
maintained, and the City will be the record keeper for the certificates. Should you have any
questions regarding IRWD's rate structure or water conservation program, please do not hesitate
to contact Fiona Sanchez, Conservation Manager, at 949-453-5325.
Yours truly,
/Paul D. Jo s II
General Manager
A
Wafer Dct
District Mission: November 25, 2009
Dedicated to Satisfying
Our Community Is
Water Needs Ms. Minoo Ashabi
Senior Planner
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Dr.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Costa Mesa, CA. 92628
ATTACHMENT 5
SHAWN DEWANE
President Re: Understanding of Landscape Monitoring
Division V
FRED R. BOCKMILLER
First Vice President Dear Ms. Ashabi,
Division I
JAMES F. Asident N This letter serves as an understandingof responsibilities between Mesa
Vice President P
Division IV Consolidated Water District (Mesa) and the City of Costa Mesa (City) related to
JAMES FISLER monitoringlandscape bound b the Landscape Ordinance Ordinance
Vice President scape souny p nance ( )
Division II adopted on January, 2010.
TRUDY OHLIG-HALL
Vice
Divsiondllnt
In addition to the typical plan check process by Mesa's engineering department,
irrigation plans bound by the City Ordinance will be checked for total landscape
area (in square feet), turf area, and non turf area, i.e. planters. This data will be
PAUL E.
General Manager P.E.
entered into a water budget program where water usage will be compared to
actual water required (ETo). Budget information will be available based on meter
COLEEN L. MONTELEONE
District Secretary
read cycles; usually this is bi-monthly or monthly. Landscape performance can
VICTORIA L. BEATLEY
be evaluated by budget reports based on a desired date range.
Treasurer/Auditor
BOWIE,
WILL&GANNONE Landscape sites within Mesa's boundaries are subject to Mesa's Water
Legal Counsel Conservation Ordinance. The Conservation Ordinance prohibits waste and
includes enforcement procedures when waste is identified. The procedures of the
Conservation Ordinance will assist landscape managers in locating maintenance
issues, ensuring proper irrigation system performance.
If you need any other information or clarification you may contact me by
telephone at (949) 631-1200 or you may reach me by email at
barryc@mesawater.org. Thank you for your interest in protecting our valuable
resource, water.
Sincerely, .
Barry Carlson
Conservation/Customer Service Coordinator
1965 Placentia Avenue ♦ Costa Mesa, California 92627
Telephone (949) 631-1200 ♦ FAX (949) 574-1036
www.mesawater.org Ory
C.J. S)EGIERSTROM & SONS
3315 ]Fairview Road . Costa Mesa, California 92626
Telephone (77114) 546-0110
January 6, 2010
ATTACHMENT 6
The Honorable Allan Mansoor
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Subject: Landscape Irrigation Ordinance
Dear Mayor Mansoor:
It is important to understand that C.J, Segerstrom & Sons is very supportive of water
conservation and the use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation. To that end, many
of our properties, including South Coast Plaza/Bear Street (Macy's Home Store), Park
Tower, Center Tower, and Plaza Tower use reclaimed water for irrigation purposes.
However, even with our properties being decades ahead of the State of California in the
move away from potable water for landscape irrigation, we find ourselves subject to a
new layer of government oversight. Therefore, it is our request that the City strongly
consider an amendment that exempts properties that have already acknowledged our
drought conditions, moved away from potable water and rely on reclaimed water for
landscape irrigation.
Our Company, through the leadership of Hemy Segerstrom had the foresight and wisdom
to connect our properties to the Orange County Water District's (OCWD) Green Acre
Project Water infrastructure. Mr. Segerstrom served for nearly two decades as a member
of the board of OCWD and played a role in the development and ultimate implementation
of Green Acres. As you know, the Green Acre Project uses reclaimed water instead of
potable water for landscape irrigation. We became a part of the Green Acres program
when it was first implemented, with the recognition that water is a precious resource and
to be assured of water for our greenscapes, even if potable water was rationed.
The "OC Model" developed by the Orange County League of Cities and currently under
consideration by the Costa Mesa City Council is much more palatable than the onerous
mandate initially sent down from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
However, it still adds additional regulations and restrictions on those in the community
who have been far ahead of the curve in the water conservation arena. Not only has C.J.
Segerstrom & Sons long been committed to reclaimed water, our Office Towers were
honored by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) with Gold Level LEED
Certification which acknowledges the saving of over 3 million gallons of water per year
00
The Honorable Allan Mansoor
January 6, 2010
Page Two
over normal usage. In 2009, South Coast Plaza was honored by Mesa Consolidated
Water District (MCWD) for water conservation. This comes after MCWD analyzed their
records and data for large companies/organizations in their service area that have worked
successfully to reduce their water usage. Part of the success story for South Coast Plaza
relates to the changing out of irrigation controllers with smart timers and addition of
waterless urinals.
In closing, with the City's adoption of the new "OC Model" for landscape irrigation, it
would be appropriate for the City of Costa Mesa to formally acknowledge that the City
and many businesses and property owners have beaten DWR to the punch in the area of
water. conservation. Again, we respectfully request that the City amend the OC Model to
exempt properties using Green Acre Project Water from new or additional restrictions (as
long as they continue to use reclaimed water).
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely
Justin McCusker
Director of Community and Government Relations
cc: Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece
Council Member Eric Bever
Council Member Katrina Foley
Council Member Gary Monahan
Allan Roeder, City Manager
Kimberly Brandt, Acting Development Services Director
Minoo Ashabi, Senior Planner