HomeMy WebLinkAbout1209ORDINANCE NO. 1209 (1992 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ESTABLISHING CHAPTER 13.20 WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
SECTION 1. FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that water is a limited
resource and therefore desires to improve the effectiveness of
water use within the City's service area. The City Council hereby
finds that:
A. The City's current water policies promote conservation and
the efficient use of water;
B. The City has found and determined that it is in the best
interest of the City and the inhabitants to provide landscape
standards;
C. Landscape design, installation, and maintenance can and
should be water efficient.
D. The ordinance is categorically exempt under Section 15307
of CEQA.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
Chapter 13.20 is added to the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code to
read as follows:
CHAPTER 13.20 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
13.20.01 DEFINITIONS. The following definitions are applicable
within this chapter:
A. "Anti -drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve located
under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it minimizes
drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads.
B. "Application rate" means the depth of water applied to
given area, usually measured in inches per hour.
C. "Automatic controller" means a mechanical or solid state
timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and
length of time of a water application.
D. "Backflow prevention device" means a safety device used
0 -1209
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 Series)
Page 2
to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to
the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
E. "Emitter" means drip irrigation fittings that deliver
water slowly from the system to the soil.
F. "Infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the
soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time ( inches per
hour) .
G. "Establishment period" means the first year after
installing the plant in the landscape.
H. "Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having
plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set
of valves with the same irrigation schedule.
I. "Irrigation efficiency" means the measurement of the
amount of water beneficially used, which is the amount of water
stored in the root zone, divided by the amount of water applied.
Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates
of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
J. "Mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, bark,
or straw which is applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation
and erosion.
K. "Overspray" means the water which is delivered outside of
planted areas, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other
planted areas.
L. "Rain sensing device" means a system which automatically
shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.
M. "Runoff" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or
landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area and across
property lines.
N. "Station" means planted area served by one valve or by a
set of valves that operate simultaneously.
O. "Water conservation concept statement" means a one page
checklist and a narrative summary of the project.
13.20.02 PROCEDURES. The following procedures shall apply to
landscape planting:
A. There are three categories of landscape standards. All
Ordinance No. 1209(1992 Series)
Page 3
development will fall under on or more of the categories, depending
on its size and type of City review required. For example, basic
landscape requirements are listed in category I and apply to all
projects. Larger, more complex projects, where potential for water
saving is greater, must meet the additional requirements listed
under categories II and III.
1. Category I- All new development projects including those
which are exempt from architectural review, such as individually
built, single- family houses and duplexes;
2. Category II Projects requiring architectural review,
such as new houses on sensitive sites, the construction of three
or more dwellings on a lot, and new commercial buildings.
3. Category III- Commercial or industrial projects on sites
of 20,000 sq. ft. or more, and residential projects of 10 or more
units.
B. Where a project is reviewed by the Architectural Review
Commission (ARC) , the ARC shall evaluate it for compliance with
these standards. For projects which are exempt from architectural
review, the Community Development Director shall determine
conformance with the standards during Building Permit plancheck.
Development projects shall conform to these standards prior to
building permit issuance.
C. Decisions of the Community Development Director are
appealable to the ARC, and decisions of the ARC are appealable to
the City Council, subject to the appeal provisions of Chapter 17.66
of the Municipal Code.
13.20.03 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS. The following are submittal
requirements:
A. Required for all projects (Category I) : a landscape
documentation package consisting of the following elements, which
are described in 13.20.03 (D):
1. Water conservation checklist
2. Landscape design plan
3. Irrigation design plan
4. Certificate of Substantial Compliance
B. Required for projects subject to ARC review (Category II):
1. The Landscape Documentation Package described in part A
above.
Ordinance No. 1209(1992 Series)
Page 4
2. Planting notes and water conservation concept statement
describing the water conservation measures taken and how the
landscape design meets the esthetics or functional requirements of
the site and of the proposed land use, including landscape
screening, solar access, climate modification, and erosion control.
3. Section /elevation view through the site showing the
relationships between planting design, buildings, site
improvements, and design.
C. Required for large or complex projects (Category III), in
addition to the information listed above in part B:
1) the landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a
landscape architect or other qualified professional;
2) planting and irrigation details showing planting,
irrigation, staking, and other pertinent details which explain the
landscape design and /or conservation measures; and
3) a maintenance program describing general maintenance
procedures, including: frequency and responsibilities for watering;
replanting; pruning; irrigation equipment repair and programming;
weed control; and fertilizing.
D. The Landscape Documentation Package shall include:
1. Water Conservation checklist and Concept Statement, a
cover sheet which serves as a checklist to verify that the elements
of the landscape documentation package have been completed
including a narrative summary of the project. Category I projects
are not required to provide a water conservation concept statement.
2. Landscape design plan, showing scale, north arrow,
property lines, existing and proposed structures, streets, major
natural features such as creeks and rock outcroppings; location,
size, type, and quantity of proposed plants; existing trees to be
removed or retained, noted by type, location, trunk diameter and
height, overall condition and expected life span; statistics
listing total paved area, designation of hydrozones, and percentage
of total site area devoted to irrigated turf.
3. Irrigation design plan, showing scale, north arrow,
property lines, existing and proposed structures, streets, and
existing trees to remain and major natural features; below ground
utilities. The location, size, and type of irrigation system
components including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines,
sprinkler heads, emitters, backflow prevention devices, and rain
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 Series)
Page 5
sensing devices if utilized.
4. Certification by a licensed landscape architect or
contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or
certified professional in a landscape related field that planting
and irrigation as -built complies with City approved plans. The
certificate shall be submitted in writing to the City and the owner
of record prior to the issuance of the building permit.
After the project is completed, the person certifying shall conduct
a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of
substantial completion to the City. The certificate shall include
a list of any observed deficiencies and-recommended correction
measures.
13.20.04 LANDSCAPE STANDARDS. The following landscape standards
apply to all new development:
A. Landscape Design Criteria
1. Irrigated turf areas shall not exceed 20 percent of the
site's total area. The ARC may allow larger turf areas where
special water conservation measures are used, and where their
primary purpose is for recreation rather than esthetics, as in
parks, playgrounds, and private rear yards. If a project is exempt
from the ARC review process, the Community Development Director may
allow larger turf areas using these criteria.
2. Water - conserving turf varieties or turf substitutes
(groundcovers) shall be used where appropriate.
3. Planter and turf areas will be designed for maximum water
efficiency and ease of maintenance. Turf shall not be used in
narrow planters, raised beds, and other relatively small planters
as determined by the Community Development Director. Turf planting
on slopes over 15% causes excess irrigation runoff, and will not
be allowed.
4. Use decorative paving and alternative ground covers such
as pathway bark, crushed rock, wood chippings, concrete, brick,or
wood pavers to attractively landscape pathways, service areas, or
areas difficult to maintain.
5. Plants shall be selected appropriately according to their
suitability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions
of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 )
Page 6
natural areas is encouraged.
6. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together
in distinct hydrozones and irrigated by a separate valve.
7. Plant selection shall clearly emphasize the use of drought
tolerant and water conserving plants.
8. Curbs, headerboards, pavers, and other decorative
materials should be used to define the edges of planters to reduce
irrigation runoff into non - planted areas, and to define turf areas.
9. Water features will be designed and maintained to use
water efficiently. Pools, ponds, decorative fountains, and other
similar ornamental water features will use recirculating water.
Water features will be of a design, shape, and size that minimizes
water loss through evaporation.
10. Parking lots should be adequately landscaped to prevent
large, uninterrupted expanses of paving.
11. Planted areas will have a 2" thick layer of mulch at
planting to reduce soil moisture evaporation and discourage weed
growth.
12. Use erosion control measures on planted slopes of 3:1
(330) or steeper. Where runoff and erosion are likely, planted
slopes shall have jute mesh, straw matting, or comparable
biodegradable material to reduce erosion and allow plants to become
established.
B. Irrigation Design Criteria
1. Runoff and overspray. Soil types and infiltration rates
shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. All
irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low -head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows
onto adjacent property, non - irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or
structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including
features such as repeat cycles, shall be use to closely match
application rates to infiltration rates, to minimize or eliminate
runoff.
2. Irrigation Efficiency. Irrigation, systems shall be
designed, maintained, and managed using such techniques as low -
precipitation heads, drip irrigation, moisture - sensors, check
valves, and other water conserving techniques where appropriate.
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 )
Page 7
3. Use temporary irrigation for open space or hydroseeded
areas. These systems should be removed after the establishment
period.
C. Standards for Large or Complex Projects (Category III):
1. Developers will provide owner design /maintenance
guidelines for residential and commercial subdivisions. The
guidelines shall be included in a package of landscape water
conservation information provided and distributed by the subdivider
to owners, and shall include as a minimum: recommended plant types
and sample designs for water conservation, suggested watering and
maintenance schedules, horticultural measures to reduce landscape
water use, and financial and /or other incentives to encourage
appropriate and timely installation of water saving landscapes.
2. Where model homes are included, the subdivider will
install at least two units or model homes with water conserving
landscapes and include signs explaining design strategies and plant
materials for water conservation.
SECTION 3 EFFECTIVE DATE.
A summary of this ordinance, together with the ayes and noes, shall
be published at least five days prior to its final passage in the
Telegram- Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in said
City, and the same shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty
days after its said final passage._ A copy of the full text of this
ordinance shall.be on file in the office of the City Clerk on and
after the date following introduction and passge to print and shall
be available to any interested member of the public.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of San Luis Obispo
at a meeting held on the 21st day of April , 1992, on motion
of Councilman Roalman , seconded by Councilwoman Rappa
following roll
call vote:
and on the
AYES: CouncihTmbers Roa]man, Rappa, Pinard, Reiss, and Mayor Dunin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTE T:
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City lerk Pa Voges
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Mayor RZo 5unin
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 )
Page 8
APPROVED:
C;2 City Idm nist tive fficer
Iw
F 1 F" r Y.
Utilities Director
x"ll
Ordinance No. 1209 (1992 Series)
FINALLY PASSED this 5th day of
May
1992 on motion of Cotmcilwoman Rappa , seconded by
Councilman Roalmm , and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Rappa, Roalman, Pinard, and Reiss
NOES: Mayor Ihmin
ABSENT: None
r---Mayor Ron Dunin
ATTEST:
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