HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-2015 Item 10 - Amendment to the Water Efficient Landscape Standars in Ch 17.87 of the Zoing Reg
Meeting Date: 11/3/2015
FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Ron Munds, Utilities Services Manager
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO THE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
IN CHAPTER 17.87 OF THE ZONING REGULATIONS AND SECTION 1010
H OF THE CITY ENGINEERING STANDARDS UNIFORM DESIGN
CRITERIA FOR LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 17.87 of the City’s Municipal Code to update
the water efficient landscape standards; and
2. Adopt a Resolution amending section 1010 H of the City standard specifications and
engineering standards for landscape and irrigation design.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City adopted its first water efficient landscape ordinance in 1992 in accordance with the
requirements of Assembly Bill 325, the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 1990. The
Ordinance followed the regulatory guidelines established by the Department of Water Resources
(DWR) Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (model ordinance). In 2006, Assembly Bill
1881 directed DWR to update the model ordinance to include the most up-to-date irrigation
technologies and landscape design practices. The bill also required every city and county in
California to adopt the State’s model ordinance or one that was “at least as effective as” the
model by early 2010 which the City did in April 2010. As part of action, the specific landscape
and irrigation design criteria were added by resolution to Section 1010 H of the City Engineering
Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
Governor Brown’s April 1, 2015 Drought Executive Order B-29-15 directed DWR to update the
model ordinance through expedited regulation to be more restrictive in terms of landscape water
use than the 2006 version. Similar to AB 1881, the Executive Order requires cities and counties
to adopt the model ordinance or one that was “at least as effective as” the model by December 1,
2015. A new requirement is that all cities and counties must report on the implementation and
enforcement of the ordinance by December 31, 2015.
As part of the City’s drought response strategy approved on June 2, 2015, the City Council
adopted a resolution which significantly limited or deferred the installation of new landscapes.
The City’s regulations for landscape and irrigation design are more restrictive than the model
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ordinance and will remain in effect until the drought emergency is rescinded by the City Council.
In order to remain consistent with the state requirements, it is being recommended the City
update the Chapter 17.87 and the City’s Engineering Standards at this time.
Key Changes – Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The only changes to the ordinance are to the applicability requirements (based on the square
footage of a landscape) set forth in Section 17.87.020. The current ordinance applies to the
following:
1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for institutional, commercial and multi-
family development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square
feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit, plan check or development review;
2. Developer-installed single-family residential landscapes and common areas of a project
with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet which are otherwise
subject to a building permit, plan check, or development review. Where model homes are
included, the developer shall install at least two model homes with landscapes that
comply with the requirements of this chapter and include signs explaining design
strategies and plant materials for water conservation.
3. New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in
single family and multi-family residential projects with a total project landscape area
equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet requiring a building permit, plan check or
development review.
The proposed new applicability standards are as follows:
1. New residential, commercial, institutional and multi-family development projects with an
aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet subject to a building
permit, plan check or development review;
2. Rehabilitated landscapes for residential, institutional, commercial and multi -family
development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet
which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development review.
Lowering the applicability threshold requirement for new construction to 500 square feet means
virtually every landscape subject to a building permit or development review will have to comply
with the provisions of the water efficient landscape ordinance.
Key Changes - Engineering Standards
Section 1010 H of the City Engineering Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and
Irrigation contains the specific criteria for the design and installation along with the submittal
requirements for new and rehabilitated landscapes subject to a building permit or development
review. The key changes are as follows:
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Element Current Requirement New Requirement
Applicability Same as ordinance Same as ordinance
Street medians No requirement High water using plants like
turf prohibited
Dedicated water meters for
landscapes 1,000 sq. ft. or
more
Required by Utilities
Department policy
Required by Engineering
Standards
Irrigation efficiency 71% 75%
Irrigation devices No standard Meet ANSI & ASABE/ICC
standards
Soils management - mulch 2 inches 3 inches
Soils management -
amendments
As recommended by
horticulturalist
Prescriptive in cubic yards per
1,000 sq. ft. to be incorporated
Evapotranspiration factor 0.70 0.55 for residential and 0.45
for commercial
The changes in the standards will result in landscapes that are much more water efficient. The
most significant change being made is to the evapotranspiration factor requirement which is used
to determine the types of plants used in a new landscape design based on the plant’s water use
requirements. The lowering of the factor from 0.7 to 0.55 for residential projects will
significantly decrease the use and square footage of high water using plants like turf in the
design. For example, under the current standards, a landscape could have one third (33%) of the
landscape be high water plants like a lawn, a third being moderate water using plants like
hydrangeas and one third be low water using plants like California natives. Lowering the factor
to 0.55 would only allow for about 25% of the landscape to be turf.
The lowering of the factor from 0.7 to 0.45 for commercial projects will virtually eliminate the
use of turf (unless irrigated with sub-surface drip irrigation) from the design.
CONCURRENCES
The Public Works Department and Community Development Department concur with the
recommendation made in this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The ordinance amendment is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Sections 15305 and 15307of the CEQA Guidelines, Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations
and Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the requested action. Currently, landscape and
irrigation plans are submitted by a project applicant as part of the development package and any
associated review fee is part of the existing fee structure. Staff will be evaluating impacts of the
new requirements on the time it takes to review plans and will make recommendations for fee
changes if warranted.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could decide not to adopt the amended Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
This is not recommended since the State requires that every city and county in California adopt
the model ordinance or an ordinance which is at least as effective as the model by December 1,
2015. Failure to adopt an ordinance could open the City’s to third party challenges if not
consistent with the state’s requirements.
Attachments:
a - Chapter 17.87 Ordinance Revision
b - Engineering Standards 1010 H-Revised
c - Engineering Standards Resolution 2015
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ORDINANCE NO. ______(2015 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.87
OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO’S MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the State of California adopted the Water Conservation Landscaping
Act of 2006 which requires all cities and counties in California to adopt a water efficient
landscape ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Governor Brown’s Executive Order B-29-15, the
Department of Water Resources has updated the Model Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance (model ordinance) for use by local agencies; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the revised model ordinance is to achieve increased
landscape water use efficiency in new and rehabilitated landscapes; and
WHEREAS, local agencies may adopt the state’s model ordinance, or adopt their
own ordinance that is at least as effective as the state’s model ordinance; and
WHEREAS, by this Ordinance the City desires to revise its Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance in compliance with the state’s requirements.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of
San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 17.87.020 of the City of San Luis Obispo’s Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
17.87.020 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following landscape projects:
1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for institutional, commercial and
multi-family development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than
2,500 square feet which are otherwiseresidential, commercial, institutional and
multi-family development projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 500 square feet subject to a building permit, plan check or
development review;
2. Developer-installed single-family residential landscapes and common areas of a
project with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet which are
otherwise subject to a building permit, plan check, or development review.
Where model homes are included, the developer shall install at least two model
homes with landscapes that comply with the requirements of this chapter and
include signs explaining design strategies and plant materials for water
conservation.
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Ordinance No. _____ (2015 Series) Page 2
O ______
3. New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-
hired in single family and multi-family residential projects with a total project
landscape area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet requiring a building
permit, plan check or development review.
2. Rrehabilitated landscapes for residential, institutional, commercial and multi-
family development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500
square feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development
review.
4.3.Homeowners Associations and Common Interest Developments’ architectural
guidelines (i.e., CC&Rs) shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the
effect of prohibiting the use of low water-using plants as a group. Further, the
guidelines shall not prohibit the removal of turf, nor restrict or prohibit the
reduction of turf in lieu of more water efficient alternatives (California Civil Code
Section 1353.8).
SECTION 2. Environmental Determination. This Ordinance is categorically
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15305 and 15307 of the CEQA
Guidelines.
SECTION 3. Severability. Should any provision of this Ordinance, or its
application to any person or circumstance, be determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be unlawful, unenforceable or otherwise void, that determination shall
have no effect on any other provision of this Ordinance or the application of this
Ordinance to any other person or circumstance and, to that end, the provisions hereof are
severable.
SECTION 4. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of the
Council members voting for and against it, shall be published at least five (5) days prior
to its final passage, in the Telegram-Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this
City. This ordinance will go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final
passage.
SECTION 5. Inconsistency. To the extent that the terms or provisions of this
Ordinance may be inconsistent or in conflict with the terms or conditions of any prior
City ordinance(s), motion, resolution, rule, or regulation governing the same subject
matter thereof, such inconsistent and conflicting provisions of prior ordinances, motions,
resolutions, rules and regulations are hereby repealed.
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Ordinance No. _____ (2015 Series) Page 3
O ______
INTRODUCED on the _______ day of November, 2015, AND FINALLY
ADOPTED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the ____ day of ____,
2015, on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
____________________________________
Mayor Jan Marx
____________________________________
Jon Ansolabehere
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of
the City of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________,
_________.
______________________________
Jon Ansolabehere
Interim City Clerk
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Revised 1010 H; 11/3/2015.
LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION
Landscaping and Irrigation shall conform to the provisions in Section 13.20 of the City Municipal Code and
Engineering Standards.
The provisions of the Engineering Standards apply to the following landscape projects:
New construction andresidential, commercial, institutional and multi-family development projects
with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet subject to a building permit
or development review.
Rrehabilitated landscapes for residential, institutional, commercial and multi-family development
projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet which are otherwise subject to
a building permit or development review.
Developer-installed single-family residential landscapes and common areas of a project with a
landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet which are otherwise subject to a building
permit or development review. Where model homes are included, the developer shall install at least
two model homes with landscapes that comply with the City Engineering Standards requirements and
include signs and printed materials explaining design strategies and plant materials for water
conservation.
New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-
family projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet requiring a
building permit or development review.
Submittals
Development Review. For projects that require development review (tentative parcel map, tentative tract,
development plan or conditional use permit), project applicants shall submit the following documentation:
1. A completed Maximum Applied Water Allowance for the conceptual landscape design.
2. A conceptual landscape design plan which demonstrates that the landscape will meet the landscape
design specifications of the City Engineering Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and
Irrigation.
3. A conceptual irrigation design plan which notes the irrigation methods and design actions that will be
employed to meet the irrigation specifications of the City Engineering Standards Uniform Design
Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
4. A grading plan which demonstrates the landscape will meet the specifications of the City Engineering
Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
Building Application. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, project applicants shall submit the
following:
1. A completed Maximum Applied Water Allowance form (Appendices City Engineering Standards)
based on the final landscape design plan.
2. A final landscape design plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards
Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
3. A final irrigation plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards Uniform
Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
4. A soils management report that includes at a minimum the criteria required in the City Engineering
Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
5. A final grading plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards Uniform
Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
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6. A hydrozone table (Appendices City Engineering Standards).
7. Plans must comply with City Engineering Drafting Guidelines included in appendix.
Project Completion. Upon completion of the installation of the landscape and irrigation system and prior to
the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, the project applicant shall submit the following:
1. A Certification of Completion (Appendices City Engineering Standards) signed by the professional of
record for the landscape and irrigation design certifying that the project was installed per the City
approved landscape design, irrigation and grading plans and meets or exceeds an average landscape
irrigation efficiency of 0.751. The City reserves the right to inspect and audit any irrigation system
which has received an approval through the provisions of this chapter.
2. A project applicant shall develop and provide to the owner or owner representative and the City an
irrigation schedule that assists in the water management of the project and utilizes the minimum amount
of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the criteria in the City
Engineering Standards Uniform Design Criteria for Landscaping and Irrigation.
3. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted by the project applicant with the Certificate of
Completion that includes: routine inspections, adjustment and repairs to the irrigation system, aerating
and dethatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning and weeding. The maintenance
schedule will be provided to the owner or owner representative.
Landscaping Plan. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be designed and planned for the intended
function of the project. For each landscape project, applicants shall submit a landscape design plan in
accordance with the following:
Any combination of plant materials that do not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA). The method to calculate the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total
Water Use shall be in accordance with Appendix E.
Plant factors used to calculate the MAWA shall be derived from the most recent edition of the
Department of Water Resources “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS)”.
Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water requirements and be identified as low,
moderate or high water use on the plans.
Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, soil,
and topographical conditions of the project site, and water attributes.
Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 215% (1 foot rise for every 6.54 feet of horizontal distance)
where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape.
Turf shall not be used in areas less than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, irregularly shaped areas, street
medians, traffic islands, planter strips, bulbouts of any size or raised beds for maximum water
efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Low and moderate water-use plants can be mixed, but the entire hydrozone will be classified as
moderate water use for MAWA calculations.
High water-use plants shall not be mixed in the same hydrozone with low or moderate water-use
plants.
Invasive plants as listed by the Cal-IPC are prohibited.
High use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.
Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
The surface area of water features, including swimming pools, will be included in a high water-use
hydrozone.
A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A
defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code Section
4219 (a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches.
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Irrigation Plan. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for
proper installation, management, and maintenance. Project applicants shall submit an irrigation design plan
that is designed and installed to meet irrigation efficiency criteria:
Landscape water meters shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 square
feet or more.
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 used to
closely match application rates to infiltration rates, to minimize or eliminate runoff.
Overhead irrigation spray (using manufacturer specified throw distances) shall not be permitted within
24 inches of any non-pervious surface, so as to prevent runoff and overspray. Allowable irrigation
within the setback from non-pervious surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow or non-
spray technology. These restrictions may be modified if the adjacent non-pervious surfaces are
designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping.
Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed using such techniques as low-
precipitation heads, drip irrigation, moisture sensors, check valves, matched precipitation rates of
sprinkler heads and other emission devices, and other water-conserving techniques where appropriate.
Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant
materials with similar water use. A single valve shall not irrigate hydrozones that mix high water -use
plants with moderate or low water-use plants.
Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape
irrigation efficiency of 0.751 where irrigation efficiency means the measurement of the amount of
water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
Rain sensors, either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during rainy
weather conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems.
Head-to-head coverage is required unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s specifications.
Low volume irrigation is required where plant height at maturity will affect the uniformity of an
overhead system.
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.
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.
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data shall be
required for irrigation scheduling in irrigation systems for applicable projects in section 17.87.020 (A)
(1) of the Municipal Code.
If the project is within the Water Reuse Master Plan area, the irrigation system shall be designed and
operated consistent with recycled water standards described in the City’s Procedures for Recycled Water
Use, including the requirement that sites utilizing recycled water include backflow protection on all
potable service connections.
For City facilities, if the project is within the Water Reuse Master Plan area, drip irrigation and small
pop-up sprayers may not be used in the irrigation system unless authorized by the Parks Maintenance
Supervisor.
For City facilities, pull box spacing shall not exceed 200’, and conduit fill shall not exceed 26%.
For City facilities, irrigation boxes shall be placed in landscaped areas whenever possible. If irrigation
boxes are set in hardscape areas, they shall be concrete boxes. The boxes shall be traffic rated if the
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area is open to public traffic or used by maintenance vehicles. Irrigation boxes in playing fields shall
be buried 4 inches below grade.
All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) standards, American society of Agricultural and biological Engineers/International
code Council’s (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard. All
sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65
or high using the protocol devfied in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
Soils Management Report. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, soil amendment,
mulching and soil conditioning recommendations shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed
landscape contractor, licensed civil engineer or licensed architect. Prior to planting of any materials,
compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition.
If the characteristics of the project’s soil are known, the minimum requirements of the report shall
include the following:
a. A minimum of 6 inches of non-mechanically compacted soil shall be available for water
absorption and root growth in the planted areas.
b. For landscape installations, compost at a rate of minimum of cubic yards per 1,000 square feet
of permeable area shall be incorporated to the depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with
greater than 6% organic matter in the top six inches of soil are exempt from this requirement.
c. A minimum of 32 inches 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.
Plant mulch shall be shredded redwood bark unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
If the characteristics of the project’s soil are unknown, the project applicant shall submit soil samples
to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
a. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols
regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
b. The soil analysis may include: 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 soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely manner, to the professionals preparing the
landscape design plans and irrigation design plans to make any necessary adjustments to the design
plans.
The project applicant shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report
recommendations to the City with Certificate of Completion.
Grading Plan. For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil
erosion, runoff, and water waste.
The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished configurations and
elevations of the landscape area including:
a.Height of graded slopes;
b. Drainage patterns;
c. Pad elevations;
d. Finish grade; and
e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, grading shall comply with the following to the maximum
extent practicable:
a. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain
onto non-permeable hardscapes;
b. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil;
c. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas; and
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d. Preserve natural drainage channels.
Miscellaneous City Facility Provisions:
Irrigation System Operational Requirements
Design shall ensure areas of turf are not under watered, relative to the rest of the turf, resulting in brown
patches. The designer may review the irrigation installation and make recommendations for corrective action
on the part of the installer; however, if the system cannot, in spite of proper installation and adjustment of the
irrigation, be operated to provide proper coverage, the designer shall redesign and direct revised installation at
his/her cost until the system can be shown to operate properly via an audit and empirical data.
Hardscape
Walkways and pads for appurtenances in parks shall be concrete or pervious concrete built in accordance with
City Standards for sidewalk construction and graded to prevent water from ponding on the walkway or pad.
Unless variances are justified and approved by the City Engineer, walkways must meet current ADA
accessibility requirements.
Pads in sod areas, such as picnic table pads, shall be round, oval or have rounded edges to allow mowing
without damage to mow blades and pads.
Median islands
Median island noses shall have a 5-foot section of standard sidewalk concrete at intersections as a pedes trian
refuge. Island noses should not extend into intersection crosswalk areas. Island areas 4 feet or less shall be
hardscaped. All hardscaped surfaces within median islands except for pedestrian areas, shall be decorative.
Median island irrigation systems shall be sized to planned street island build-out (multi-island plans),
including mainline sizing, water and control connections, and control systems configuration and capacity.
Median islands, including traffic circles, and center cul-de-sac landscaping may be used for infiltration of
stormwater where suited to the site conditions. Design shall be such as to prevent damage to adjacent roadway
sections from infiltration, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
Playgrounds and Miscellaneous areas
An engineered wood surfacing, meeting accessibility requirements, shall be used under play equipment.
Alternative surfaces shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
Benches and picnic tables shall be of a low maintenance material such as rubber coated steel. No wood is
allowed. Alternative materials shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
System Pressure
Where an existing meter or irrigation system is present, the designer shall obtain the current line pressure to
use in design. Where no existing system exists, the City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department shall be
contacted to determine approximate existing system pressures.
For systems that will be temporarily connected to the potable water system and eventually connected to the
recycled water system, or for areas that may be set up to use both systems, the designer shall consider the
pressure in both systems and design the irrigation system so that it will work with either pressure.
The designer shall contact the responsible maintenance division for the landscaped area (City of San Luis
Obispo Public Works for City projects or areas to be dedicated) to determine the watering window to be used
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for the area. The designer shall use that window in determining the number of valves turned on at any given
time and the resulting load on the system. Calculations of system capacities and any assumptions made about
the system shall be submitted for review and approval. Calculations submitted shall clearly show an
accounting for system losses and concurrent loading to prevent undersizing of the system. Where systems do
not operate as needed to provide even distribution of water, including problems resulting from an undersized
service, the designer will be responsible to provide any needed redesign and to pay for necessary field
corrections.
The irrigation design shall include a pressure reducer or booster pump to be installed, if needed, based on the
actual pressure in the new irrigation system. System shall be designed for maximum efficiency.
Controller
Irrigation designers must contact the Parks Maintenance Supervisor to determine what, if any, telemetry
control equipment will be required. Systems are to be designed to current City Standards for Controller
equipment where an irrigated area is City owned or to be dedicated. If control is to be via phone line, the
designer must coordinate with the City’s telephone system representative or City project manager to arrange
for hook up.
Appendix E
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)
Hydrozone #
/Planting
Descriptiona
Plant
Factor (PF)
Irrigation
Methodb
Irrigation
Efficiency
(IE)c
ETAF
(PF/IE)
Landscape
Area (sq, ft,)
ETAF x Area Estimated Total
Water Use
(ETWU)e
Regular Landscape Areas
Totals (A) (B)
Special Landscape Areas
1
1
1
Totals (C) (D)
ETWU Total
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA)e
aHydrozone #/Planting Description
E.g
1.) front lawn
2.) low water use plantings
3.) medium water use planting
e bIrrigation Method cIrrigation
Efficiency
overhead spray 0.75 for spray
head
or drip 0.81 for drip
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dETWU (Annual Gallons Required)
=
Eto x 0.62 x ETAF x Area
where 0.62 is a conversion
factor that acre-inches per
acre per year to gallons per
square foot per year.
MAWA (Annual Gallons Allowed) = (Eto) ( 0.62) [ (ETAF x LA)
+ ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
where 0.62 is a conversion factor that acre-inches per
acre per year to gallons per square foot per year, LA is
the total landscape area in square feet, SLA is the total
special landscape area in square feet,
and ETAF is .55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-
residential areas.
ETAF Calculations
Regular Landscape Areas
Total ETAF x Area (B)
Total Area (A)
Average ETAF B ÷ A
All Landscape Areas
Average ETAF for Regular Landscape Areas must
be 0.55 or below for residential areas, and 0.45 or
below for non-residential areas.
Total ETAF x Area (B+D)
Total Area (A+C)
Sitewide ETAF (B+D) ÷ (A+C)
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Certificate of Completion.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certificate is filled out by the project applicant upon completion of the landscape project.
PART 1. PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Date
Project Name
Name of Project Applicant Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title Email Address
Company Street Address
City State Zip Code
Project Address and Location:
Street Address Parcel, tract or lot number, if available.
City
State Zip Code
Property Owner or his/her designee:
Name Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title Email Address
Company Street Address
City State Zip Code
Property Owner
“I/we certify that I/we have received copies of all the documents within the Landscape Documentation Package
and the Certificate of Completion and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in
accordance with the Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule.”
_ _ _
Property Owner Signature Date
Please answer the questions below:
1. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was submitted to the local agency _
2. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was approved by the local agency _
3. Date that a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (including the Water Budget Calculation) was
submitted to the local water purveyor
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PART 2. CERTIFICATION OF INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO THE LANDSCAPE
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
“I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been completed in accordance
with the ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the criteria and
specifications of the approved Landscape Documentation Package.”
Signature* Date
Name (print) Telephone No.
Fax No.
Title Email Address
License No. or Certification No.
Company Street Address
City State Zip Code
*Signer of the landscape design plan, signer of the irrigation plan, or a licensed landscape contractor.
PART 3. IRRIGATION SCHEDULING
Attach parameters for setting the irrigation schedule on controller.
PART 4. SCHEDULE OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
Attach schedule of Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance.
PART 5. SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
Attach soil analysis report, if not previously submitted with the Landscape Documentation.
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report .
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _______ (2015 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO APPROVING A REVISION TO ENGINEERING STANDARD 1010
H. LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining Standard
Specifications and Engineering Standards establishing quality requirements and contract conditions
for construction; and
WHEREAS, the Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards must be periodically
updated to allow for changes in construction practices and contract and state law; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes to revise Engineering Standard 1010
H to be in compliance with California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Engineering Standard 1010 H. Landscaping and Irrigation, approved under
Resolution No. 10495 (2014 Series) is revised to comply with state requirements, and the previous
version of the this section of the Engineering Standard is hereby rescinded.
SECTION 2. The revised Engineering Standard 1010 H. Landscaping and Irrigation dated
November 3, 2015, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, is hereby approved.
Upon motion of ________________________, seconded by ________________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this ____ day of ________ 2015.
Mayor Jan Marx
ATTEST:
Jon Ansolabehere
Interim City Clerk
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Resolution No. _____ (2015 Series) Page 2
R ______
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
______________________________
Jon Ansolabehere
Interim City Clerk
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City of San Luis Obispo
Proposed Amended Water
Efficient Landscape
Ordinance & Standards
November 3, 2015
Background
1992 City adopts it’s first water efficient landscape ordinance.
2010 City updated ordinance to be in compliance with state model ordinance.
DWR revised the model ordinance in response to Governor Brown’s April 2015 Executive Order.
(a little more)Background
Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance is located in the Zoning
Regulations; Chapter 17.87
Specific landscape and irrigation
design criteria are located in the
Engineering Standards.
Key Changes - Ordinance
Applicability:
All new development projects with an
aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 500 sq. ft. subject to a
building permit, plan check or
development review (was 2,500 sq. ft.).
All rehabilitated landscapes with a
landscape area equal to or greater than
2,500 sq. ft. (was 5,000 sq. ft.).
Key Changes – Engineering Standards
Element New requirement
Dedicated irrigation meters 1,000 sq. ft. or more
Irrigation efficiency increase From 71% to 75%
Irrigation devices Meet ANSI & ASABE/ICC
standards
Soil Management More mulch and amendments
Key Changes – Engineering Standards
Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor
The evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF )
is a coefficient that adjusts reference
evapotranspiration (ETo ) values based on a plant
factor (PF) and irrigation efficiency (IE) and is
used to calculate the maximum amount of water
that can be applied to a landscape.
What does this mean?!
Key Changes – Engineering Standards
Current Factor = 0.70
Key Changes – Engineering Standards
New Residential Factor = 0.55
Key Changes – Engineering Standards
New Commercial Factor = 0.45
Recommendation
1.Introduce an Ordinance entitled “An
Ordinance of the City Council of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California,
amending Chapter 17.87 of the City of
San Luis Obispo’s Municipal Code,” to
update the water efficient landscape
standards.
2.Adopt a Resolution entitled “A
Resolution of the City Council of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California,
approving a revision to Engineering
Standard 1010 H. Landscaping and
Irrigation.”