HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/07/1992, 6B - EXITING MANDATORY CONSERVATION AND THE ISSUES TO CONSIDER lull^IMl�llllln� VIf'll
city r MEETING DATE:
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III II IiII�� o sd1'1 �uis oBispo April 7. 1992
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER.
FROM: William T. Hetland, Utilities Director `4)k
v1.
PREPARED BY: Ron Munds, Water Conservation Coordinator U
Sue Baasch, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: Exiting Mandatory Conservation and the Issues To
Consider
CAO RECOMMENDATION
By motion, approve the continuation of the current water waste codes; introduce
an ordinance to print adopting the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance;
and allocate 14 acre feet for those projects on the current waiting list for building
permits.
DISCUSSION
Background
At the March 3, 1992, City Council meeting, Council eliminated the water allocation and
surcharge components of the Mandatory Water Conservation Program (MWCP). At that
time, staff indicated it would return to Council with the additional considerations which
must be addressed upon ending the MWCP.
It is important to understand that even though the reservoir storage levels indicate that
the City has enough water to exit mandatory conservation, if next winter's rainfall is
below normal and storage declines, the City could reenter the 15% mandatory water
storage Action Level in April, 1993. In a worse-case scenario, if rainfall amounts for the
next two years are insufficient, the Council could again be faced with the decision to
build a desalination facility.
EXITING MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION-ISSUES TO CONSIDER
J Water Waste Municipal Codes
J Deferral of Landscape Planting and the Adoption of a
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
/ Effect on the Water Offset (retrofit) Program
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Exiting Mandatory Conservation - Issues
Page 2
1. Water Waste Municipal Codes
Water waste codes have become an integral part of the water conservation program.
During the last two years, staff has utilized the codes to develop a positive approach to
addressing the problem of water waste and landscape irrigation efficiency. The following
is a chronological summary of the Water Waste Municipal Codes:
1987 Council adopted Ordinance No. 1089 which prohibits water run-off
and the use of substandard water fixtures, such as leaking faucets.
April 1989 Council adopted Ordinance No. 1143 which prohibited water use
from fire hydrants except for fire fighting purposes, the serving of
water in restaurants except on request, and the use of potable water
to wash sidewalks, driveways, etc.
June 1990 Council modified Ordinance No. 1143, restricting the use of potable
water for construction purposes.
The Water Waste Municipal Codes currently in effect Rrohibit:
■ Use of substandard water fixtures
■ Water run-off from property i
■ Use of water from fire hydrants except for fire fighting
■ Serving of water in restaurants unless requested
■ Use of potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways, etc.
■ Use of potable water for construction purposes
RECOMMENDATION
Staff would recommend that these Municipal Codes remain in effect permanently or until
new sources of water are developed. If Council agrees with this recommendation, no
further action is necessary. Keeping these restrictions in place will continue our practice
of water efficiency, and act as a reminder that we live in a water difficult area and that
our citizens need to maintain good conservation habits:
Alternatives
Council could decide to eliminate some or all of the water waste codes.
2. Deferral of Landscape Planting During MandatorlConservation
In 1989, Council adopted Resolution No. 6610, authorizing the Community Development
Director or the City Engineer to defer new landscape installation required as a condition
of a building permit. In June 1990, the resolution was amended to mandate the deferral
of landscape planting, including City facilities, until the end of MWCP. All deferred
private projects were required to post a bond at the time of deferral to guarantee
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Exiting Mandatory Conservation - Issues
Page 3
eventual installation. The Resolution specifies that landscape installation will occur
within ninety days of the end of mandatory conservation or other appropriate time as
determined by the City Engineer or the Community Development Director. As of March
1992, 42 projects in the private sector and several City projects, including the installation
of French Park landscape, Mitchell Park War Memorial landscape, and Santa Rosa Street
median island and roadside landscape, had been deferred because of the drought. Staff
recommends that, per Resolution No. 6837, Council require installation of all deferred
private landscaping projects and those deferred City landscaping projects with approved
funding.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
California State law will require all water purveyors to adopt a water efficient landscape
ordinance by January, 1993. The City has had landscape guidelines since 1989 which
staff proposes be adopted, with some modifications, as an ordinance. At the time of
adoption in 1989, these guidelines had been reviewed by community groups and the
Architectural Review Commission. This will not only bring the City into compliance with
State law, but will also aid in reducing long term water use through mandated
responsible landscape planting practices (see Exhibit A).
The purpose of the water efficient landscape ordinance is to act as a guide for landscape
designers and homeowners in malting efficient use of increasingly limited water supplies
through sensible, carefully-planned landscape design, installation and maintenance.
The key elements in the water efficient landscape ordinance are:
' Limiting turf areas to 20% of the site's total area;
' Emphasizing use of drought tolerant and water conserving plants;
' Requiring irrigation systems designed to avoid excessive run-off and
incorporate the latest in water conservation irrigation technology.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council adopt the water efficient landscape ordinance which
will make long term changes in landscaping practices, and, per the requirements in
Resolution No. 6837, require the installation of all deferred private landscaping projects
and deferred City landscaping projects with approved funding.
Alternatives
1. Prior to June 1990, the option to defer landscape planting was given to the
property owner. Council could decide to reinstate this ,policy. This would place
the risk solely on the property owner.
2. Since the possibility of returning to mandatory rationing next year exists, Council
could continue to defer landscape installation, with the matter to be considered
again following next winter's rains.
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MINA COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Exiting Mandatory Conservation - Issues
Page 4
3. Impact on Water Offset (Retrofit) Program
IN ACRE FEET
In Applications Balance for
Reserve Waiting New App's
Residential 57 11 46
Affordable
Residential 28 0 28
Nonresidential 21 3 31
TOTAL 106 14 82
Figure 2 WATER ALLOCATIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS
According to the Water Allocation Regulations, when mandatory conservation ends, any ►
allocation held in reserve will be assigned to building permit applications. On February
20, 1992, the amounts in Figure 2 were in the reserve categories, and the indicated
amounts would be assigned to applications which were waiting on that date:
Once these reserves are allocated, new applications would have to comply with retrofit
offset guidelines for as long as the City continues to exceed its safe annual yield or wait
for further allocations to become available as a result of the City obtaining new water
supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
Reserves were based on the safe annual yield of 7,860 acre feet, and staff is currently
evaluating the impact of the latest drought on that figure. With the removal of
mandatory water conservation, it can be expected that a return to pre-drought water use
will exceed our safe annual yield. Staff would recommend 1) that the 14 acre feet
designated for waiting applications be granted and 2) that the additional 92 acre feet
held in reserve for new construction not be allocated towards development, and
retrofitting be the only means to obtain a water allocation and building permit. If
Council agrees with this recommendation, staff will need to return to Council with a new
ordinance to reflect this change in policy.
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Niis COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Exiting Mandatory Conservation - Issues
Page 5
Alternatives
1. Council could follow the current policy and allocate the 106 acre feet of water
towards new development.
2. Council could decide not to allocate any of the 106 acre feet of water which would
require a change in the Water Allocation Regulation.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATTONS
1. Recommend continuing the water waste codes currently in effect.
2. Recommend Council introduce an ordinance to print adopting the City's landscape
ordinance and require installation of all deferred private landscaping projects and
those deferred City landscaping projects with approved funding.
3. Recommend that the 14 of the 106 acre feet of the water held in reserve be
allocated to the applications on the waiting list and all other new development
continue to retrofit before receiving a water allocation and building permit.
CONCURRENCE
The Community Development Department concurs with recommendations made in this
report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no new Water Fund costs associated with these recommendations. Any impact
on staffing levels is discussed in the report on the phasing out of the water conservation
hotline program and the continuation of water conservation program efforts.
Attachment: Exhibit A - Landscape Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. (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
Ordinance No. (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.
R. "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. (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.
SOB-8
Ordinance No. (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. (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
A_/®
Ordinance No. (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. PlbLnted 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
(33%) 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.
68- 1
Ordinance No. (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 day of , 1992, on motion
of ' seconded by J, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor Ron Dunin
ATTEST:
City Clerk Pam Voges
Ordinance No. (1992)
Page 8
APPROVED:
City dm nist tT e. ficer
r11-1 tt rn
Utilities Director
61313
offand WI �IN AGENDA
DATE _7
ITEM -
San Luis Obispo City Council March 20, 1992
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: Water Use For Construction
Dear Council Member:
On April 7, 1992,. you will be discussing water
conservation for the City of San Luis Obispo.
In passing the resolution to restrict use of potable water
for construction, I believe there was a problem overlooked that
should be brought to your, attention. As it presently stands,
City Staff has interpreted this resolution and thereby has set
policies that are unfair as well as dangerous.
As a contractor, when I call in to get a meter set on a
job site, I am told I cannot have a meter until my plumbing is
in and my foundation forming has been approved. This leaves my
men and any other person working on that job without potable
water.
In construction, there are certain hazards that exist such
as concrete, dirt, saw dust, or lime being blown in someone's
eyes. This is only one example, there are many emergencies
that could arise where clean water is needed.
The City Staff's position on this resolution has been to
not allow water on site until a foundation is in. They are
attempting to stop the saturation of foundations with potable
water. I agree with that policy and support their efforts.
The problem I have with staff is their unwillingness to
work out a policy that would allow City water on site for
health and safety reasons. I am told it is to hard to monitor
the water use and some one might saturate the foundations with
potable water.
There is a method .that can provide water for health and
safety and still control excessive use such as saturation.
A system that rations water for construction is a fair
alternative. This would provide a minimum amount of water for
health, safety, and reasonable use, thus, relieving the City of
the liability of not providing water for health and safety,
which it is required to provide.
Please consider alternatives to the staff's position and
treat our industry fairly.
Sincerely,
Q FMSTO:
Adion O FYI
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CAO CDD
DM -R
DSR
RON HOLLAND rulalm• FWDU MAR 2 s 1992
CLEPK/Oacc. o Poucgci
CRFAp Et �RECDIlL CffY CLERK
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805-543-4071
1220 Marsh St.,San Luis Obispo,CA 93401