Ordinance Number 966ORDINANCE NO.. 966
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE -CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTION
9-3.527 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 9 OF THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO LANDSCAPE WATER
CONSERVATION STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the amendment of specific zoning
provisions regulating landscape water efficiency is necessary pursuant to Government
Code § 65595 and State regulations which will shortly come into effect; and,
WHEREAS, the waters of the State are of limited supply and are subject to ever
increasing demands; and,
WHEREAS, the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Section 9-3.527 regulates
landscape standards to include but not limited to use of low water use landscape, water
conservation, irrigation design, stormwater management; and,
WHEREAS, the Governor signed the Water Conservation in Landscape Act of
2006, Assembly Bill 1881, on September 28, 2006 and requires that Cities are required
to adopt a Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance no later than January 1, 2010; and,
WHEREAS, the continuation of the City's economic prosperity is dependent on
the availability of adequate supplies of water for future uses; and,
WHEREAS, 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; and,'
WHEREAS, 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; and,
WHEREAS, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and management can
and should be water efficient; and,
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution specifies that the
right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to
be served, and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method
of use of water, and,
WHEREAS, incentive -based water use efficiency programs are actively
implemented within the City; and,
WHEREAS, landscape plan submittal and review has been a long standing
practice in the City; and,
WHEREAS, to City Council's purpose and intent of tris ordinance establishing
landscape water efficiency standards is to promote the health, safety, and general
welfare of the residents and businesses within the City; and,
WHEREAS; the City Council finds that environmental review is not required
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Sections 15307 (the activity will enhance or protect a natural resource) and 15060(c)(3)
(the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378), Title 14, California `Code of
Regulations, because adoption of the ordinance will conserve water, a natural resource,
and otherwise has no potential for resulting in a physical change to the environment,
directly or indirectly; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered information presented on the
proposed Ordinance by City Staff, the public and other interested parties at a duly
noticed Public Hearing; and,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS.
Section 1. The Notice of Exemption is hereby certified.
Section 2, San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Section 9-3.527 is amended
pursuant to provisions set forth in Exhibit A.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force
thirty (30) days anter its passage..
Section 4. City Clerk's Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the
adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly
designated posting places within the City and published once with fifteen (15)
days after passage and adoption as required by law; or, in the alternative, the
City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a
certified copy of the tent of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the City
Clerk five (5) prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen
(15) days after adoption, the City Cleric shall cause to be published the
aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance,
together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
2 0966
PASSED, APPROVED i,ND ADOPT Dathis 5� da:y of January 2010.
j
)R. LONDRES USO, MAYOR
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE )Ss.
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO )
I, MARIA MORRIS, appointed City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of 'Ordinance No. 966 which was
regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at the Regular Meeting of the City
Council on the 15th day of" December 2009 and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly
adopted and passed at the Regular Meeting of the City Council on the 5th day of
January 2010 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS. Allevato, Hribar, Nielsen, and Mayor. pro tem Freese
NOESCOU CIL MEMBERS: None
ABS : Cq CIL MEMBERS: Mayor Uso
MARII�A MPFO IS; City
3 0966
STATE OF CALIFORN A )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO }
I, MARIA MORRIS, declare as follows: That i am the duly appointed and qualified City
Clerk of the City of . San Juan Capistrano; That in compliance with State laws,
Government Code section 36933(1) of the State of California; on the 16th day of
December 2009, at least 5 days prior to January 5, 2010, the date of adoption of the
ordinance, I caused to be posted, in the City Clerk's Office a certified copy of the
proposed Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COU
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMEN
9-3.527 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAININ(
CONSERVATION STANDARDS
IL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
IN A D RESTATING SECTION
O l SAN JE.�AN CAPISTRANO
LANDSCAPE WATER
MAFIA RIS; CIT" LERK
San ,Tuan Cistrano, Ca ifornia
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE ss
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO j
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, MARIA MORRIS, declare as follows: That I am the duly appointed and qualified City
Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano; That in compliance with State laws,
Government Cade section 36933(1) of the State of California. On the 7 t day of January
2010 1 caused to be posted, in the City Clerk's office, a certified copy of Ordinance No.
966, adopted by the City Council on January 5, 2010 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMEND[fl'AND RESTATING SECTION
9-3.527 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 9�F THR S N jU.AN CAPISTRANO
ONSERVATIONPAL OSTANDARDS ININ� i�f �ANDSCAPE WATER
San Jua
ap
, CITY C
is
4 0966
Section 9-3.527 Landscape (water conservation standards)
(a) Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is. to establish standards
for quality and sustainability of landscaping and irrigation systems related to urban
runoff, water use efficiency, and landscape health and diversity. The procedures
established by this section will ensure that the City continues to protect the natural ,
environment and watershed, provide clean air and water, prevent erosion, and offer fire
protection while maintaining aesthetics and community character. These. requirements
are consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City General Plan. The
provisions of this section are enacted to:
(1) Protect and preserve water resources within the community in accordance
With the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City General Plan;
(2) Comply with State -mandated water -efficient landscape standards which .
require cities to adopt water efficient landscape standards,
(3) Ensure protection of water resources from excessive use of water in
commercial, industrial, public, and residential development;
(4) Achieve visually pleasing landscape environments with the use of native
trees and plants;
(5) Establish review procedures to evaluate reports, pians, and landscape
information pertaining to existing and proposed development projects,
(6) Provide landscape design standards which achieve water conservation
while also contributing to an aesthetically enriched community landscape;
(7) Establish a structure for planning-, designing, installing, and maintaining
and managing water efficient landscapes in existing and new construction and
rehabilitated projects; and,
(8) Comply with Assembly Bill 1881 and all requirements set forth in City,
State and Federal Law, including those portions of the California Plumbing Code
applicable to irrigation systems.
(b) Applicability. After January 1, 2010, except as expressly exempted or
conditionally exempted by this Section, the requirements of this Section shall apply to:
(1) New construction and/or rehabilitated landscapes of Public agency
projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
(2) New construction and/or rehabilitated Common area landscapes in
homeowners associations (HOA) with a landscape area equal to.or greater than 2,500
square feet.
(c) Exemptions. The requirements of this Section do not apply to the
following projects or sites:
(1) Registered local, state or federal historical sites.
(2) Orchards located within General Plan -designated open space and/or agri-
business lands.
(3) Agricultural lands as determined by the Community Development Director.
(4) Habitat restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system.
(5) Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums. open to the
Exhibit A
public.
(6) Fuel modification zones as determined by the Orange. County Fire
Authority (CCFA).
(7) Cemeteries.
(8) Projects proposing non-drought-tolerantturf or grass for use as ball fields,
football fields, soccer fields, golf courses including but not limited to any other sport field
may be granted an exemption by the final decision making body.
(9) Single family homes.
(d) Requirements and Process. All landscapes that are mandated to
comply with this Section shall comply with the following requirements and standards:
(1) An -application for a Landscape Permit shall be filed with the Community
Development Department, along with the required fee as established by resolution of
the City Council. The application shall include a Landscape Documentation Package
which shall consist of the following elements:
(A) Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. A Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheet shall be required for all projects subject to this section with a landscape area
equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet. The worksheet is contained in the Water
Efficient Landscape Guidelines.
(B) Landscape Design Plan. A Landscape Design Plan shall be required for
all projects subject to this section. For efficient water use, the landscape design plan
shall be designed to conserve water and include the use of low water use and California
native plants. The landscape design plan shall include the following:
(i) A plant palette that demonstrates that the Total Water Use in the total
landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA). To
achieve such levels of compliance the.following is highly recommended:
(a) Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation.
(b) Selection of water -conserving California native/friendly plant species and
turn species.
(c) Selection of trees or shrubs watered by a single value that are based on
water conservation criteria.
(ii) 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 are required:
(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 such as
buildings, sidewalks, power lines, and similar structures.
(c) Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer
shade and winter solar gain for buildings.
(d) Turf shall not be allowed on slopes greater than 10% where 10% means 1
foot of vertical elevation change for every 10 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by,
run x'100 = slope percent), unless said turf area is designed as part of a swale to
capture runoff or rainflows.
FA
(e) The use of turf shall not be mandated by architectural guidelines and .
Code Covenants & Restrictions (CC&Rs) of a common interest development, which
include single family, community apartment projects, :condominiums, planned
developments, and/or stock cooperatives. In cases where turf.is,used in the front yard
areas, turf shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, unless it is determined by
the City to be a dedicated sports field.
(} A landscape design plan for projects in fire -prone areas shall address fire
safety and prevention. Such landscapes shall comply with the requirements and
standards asset forth by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
(g) The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species as listed on the
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal -IPC) "Invasive Plant. Inventory" for Southern
California is prohibited.
(h) The architectural guidelines and Code Covenants &. Restrictions (CC&Rs)
of a common interest development, which include single family, community apartment
projects, condominiums, planned developments, and/or stock cooperatives, shall not
prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting or limiting the use of low
water use plants or artificial turf and irrigation systems.
(e) Water. Features. For the purpose of this section, water feature shall
include fountains, waterfalls, ponds, basins, and similar features. Water features shall
adhere to the following requirements:
(1) Re -circulating water shall be used for decorative -water features such as
fountains and ponds.
(2) Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative
water features.
(3) 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 to reduce evaporation.
(f) Mulch and Amendments. A minimum three (3) 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. Stabilizing mulching products shall
be used on slopes and the mulching portion of the seed/mulch mix in hydro -seeded
applications shall meet the mulching requirement. Mulch areas are encouraged to
include the use of weed barrier fabrics. The use of weed removal chemicals is strongly
discouraged. All weeds should be removed by hand and mechanical means when
feasible. Mulch shall be of a variety that is suitable for native plants.
(g) Parking lots and sidewalks. Parking lots shall be screened from streets
and private property with landscaping and/or native landscape berming. If berming is
not feasible; areas shall utilize a combination of landscaping and low screen walls.
Paved parking lots shall provide shade trees to adequately shade the parking lot and
reduce the heat island effect. All landscape, including interior, perimeter and islands,
shall be designed with area drains to prevent runoff onto parking areas and adjacent
private property. Where feasible, parking lots shall be designed to drain into landscape
planter. areas. Finger planters shall have a minimum five (5), foot wide planted- area.
3
Trees planted within fifteen (15) feet from.sidewalks or any paved surface or structure
shall be installed with deep root barriers which shall extend six (6) feat on all .sides of
each tree. Tee grates or low curbs shall be installed around trunks where trees are
planted within sidewalks or other paved surfaces. Said tree grates shall be no larger
than 3 feet square. Utility boxes shall not be placed on sidewalks or paved areas and
shad be screened with shrubs, unless such features are placed underground.
(h) Irrigation Design Plan. An Irrigation Design Plan shall be required for all
projects subject to this section. For efficient use of water, the project irrigation system
shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturer's
specifications and 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.
(1) Irrigation system. The irrigation system shall include the following:
(A) Dedicated landscape .water meters are required on landscape areas
greater than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management, or as otherwise
determined by the Utilities Director.
(B) Weather -based irrigation controllers or soil moisture -based controllers or
other self-adjusting irrigation controllers shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all
irrigation systems.
(C) 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.
(i) 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.
(ii) 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.
(D) 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.
(E) Manual shutoff 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.
(F) Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply.
from contamination by the irrigation system. A project applicant shall adhere to the
applicable Municipal Code sections for additional backflow prevention requirements.
(G) High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by
system damage or malfunction are required for areas greater than 5,000 square feet.
(H) The irrigation system shall be designed to completely disallow any runoff,
0
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.
(1) Relevant information from the. Soils Management Report, such as soil'type r ,
and infiltration rate, shall be used when designing irrigation systems. :
(J) The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the _.
Landscape Design Plan. .
(K) The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet the irrigation
efficiency criteria as described in section pertaining to the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA).
(L) In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume. irrigation such as
emitters, bubblers, or soakers is required to .maximize water infiltration into the. root ,
zone.
(M) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched, .
precipitation rates within each valve and hydrozone..
(N) When used, spray heads are required to provide head to head coverage.
Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution
uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations.
(0) Swing joints or other riser -protection components are required .on all risers
subject to damage that are adjacent to walkways, sidewalks, parking lots, pathways and
other high traffic areas.
(P) Check valves or anti -drain valves are required for all irrigation, system& .
(Q) Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight (8) feet
In width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low overhead ,
volume irrigation technology.
(R) Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within five (5) feet of any nm-,
permeable
one.• 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,.,,,
otherporous material. These restrictions may be modified & the landscape area is
adjacent to permeable surfacing and no overspray or runoff occurs, or the irrigation
designer specifies .an alternative design or technology, as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system,
.
design criteria in this section. Prevention of overspray and runoff shall be confirmed• .
during the irrigation audit after installation.
(S) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system
with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.5 inches per hour or shall not exceed the
calculated infiltration rate of the soil if less than 0.5. This restriction may .be modified if ,
the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of.the
Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates that no runoff or erosion•
will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion shall be confirmed during the irrigation audit..
(2) Nydrozones. Planing areas shall°be irrigated, based- on°hydrozon&s asT
determined on the landscape plan.
(A) Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with • similar site, slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions and plant materials with similar water use.
(B) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on
5
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what is appropriate for the plant type within that specific hydrazone.
(C) Trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers and
turf, and irrigated with bubblers.
(D) Individual hydrozones may not mix plants of differing plant factors.
(E) Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be
permitted.
(F) On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas
shall be designated by number, letter or other designation. On the irrigation design plan,
designate the zones irrigated by each valve, and assign the same corresponding
number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrazone Information Table. This
table can also assist with pre -inspection and final inspection of the irrigation system,
and programming the irrigation controller.
(G) The irrigation design plan, at a minimum shall contain:
(i) Location and size of separate water meters for landscape.
(ii) Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system,
including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, and other emission
devices, moisture sensing devices,rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators
and backflow prevention devices.
(iii) Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.
(iv) Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour) and
design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station.
(v) Recycled water irrigation system notes and details.
(vi) The following statement shall be included on the irrigation design plan: "I
have complied with the criteria of the City of San Juan Capistrano Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance and applies[ them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the
irrigation. design plan".
(vii) The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation
designer, irrigation consultant, licensed landscape contractor or any other person,
authorized to design the irrigation system.
(3) Grading Design Plan. A Grading Design Plan shall be required for all
projects that are subject to Section 9T2.323(f), Such projects shall ensure that the design
includes:
(i) A concept that shows all irrigation and that demonstrates that normal
rarnfall will remain within the property lines and will not drain on to non -permeable
hardscapes.
(ii) Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil.
(iii) Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
(iv) The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: "I have
complied with the criteria of the City of San Juan Capistrano Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading
design plan".
(i) Stormwater Management.
(1) Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration,
which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best
marEagement practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff
and to increase on-site retention and infiltration is required. All projects must comply with
the most recently adopted Stormwater Permit:
(2) Project applicants shall refer to the City's Municipal Code title 8 and the
Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on, any applicable stormwater
ordinances and stormwater management plans.
(3) Rain gardens and other landscape features that increase rain water capture
and infiltration are highly recommended.
{j) Application filing. The Community Development Director shall prescribe
the form of application and the supporting information required to initiate the Landscape
Permit application review. Once the application and fee is received by the Community.
Development Department, the application will be reviewed, for completeness. If the
application is found to be incomplete, the Community Development Department will
notify the applicant in writing within 15 business days what additional information is
required, and the application will not be processed until that information is received by
the Community Development Department.
(k) Certificate of Completion. Prior to final approval of the landscape
installation by the City, the applicant. shall submit a signed Certificate of Completiomto
the Community Development Department for review and approval. Once the Certificate
of Completion is received by the Community Development Department, the certificate
will be reviewed for completeness. If 1he certificate is found tp be incomplete, the
Community Development Department will notify the applicant in writing within 15
business days what additional information is required and the, certificate will not be
processed until that information is received by the Community Development
Department. The Community Development Director will approve- or deny the certificate.
In the event that the certificate is denied, the applicant may reapply or appeal the
Director's decision to the Planning Commission for consideration. The Certificate shall
include the following elements:
(1) Project Information Sheet.
(2) Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of
the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project
has been installed per the approved Landscape Documentation Package.
(3) Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller. A copy of said
schedule shall be included in the irrigation controller box.
(4) landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule. A copy of said schedule
shall be included in the irrigation controller box.
(5) Irrigation audit report. An audit performed by a certified landscape irrigation
auditor, who is on the City's list of approved auditors for the purpose of compliance with
this section. Digital and hard copies of the audit report shall be submitted.
(5) . Soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation of soil
report recommendations:
(7) Photographs of each hydrozone and valve.
(1) Public Education. All model homes that are landscaped shall post signs
and written information to dem onstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes
7
described in this section. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a
water efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydro -zones, irrigation equipment
and :other features that contribute to thv overall water conservation theme. Information
shall be provided about designing, instail'rng, managing, and maintaining water efficient
landscapes. Stich information shall be posted in the sales office and at each model
home and .in addition each new property owner shall be given a copy of education
materials that contain information on water conservation.
(n) Definitions. For the purpose of -this section, unless otherwise apparent
from the.context, certain words and phrases used in this section are defined as follows:
`Applied water" shall mean the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system
to the landsrape.
"Backflow prevention device" shall mean the safety device used to prevent
polluron or contamination of the water .>upply due to the reverse flow of water from the
irrigation system.
°^o Ivorsion factor (0.62)" shall mean tho number that converts the maximum
applied water a;lowance from acre -inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot
per year.
"Certificate of Completion" shall mean the document required under Section 9-
3.527(1).
".Certified landscape irrigation auditor" shall mean the person certified to perform
&nd,_'u pe irrigation audits by an accredited academic; institution, a professional trade
organization or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's
tNafe,: ease irrigation auditors:rtificat',-)o program and Irrigation Association's Certified
landscape Irrigation Auditor program. The City shall maintain a list of auditors
-appr^ved"io perform audits for the:purposes Out!`ined in this Section.
''Check valve or anti-drainvalve". shall .mean the valve located under ,a sprinkler
lead, or, other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent
drair c4* yrom sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
"Certified irrigation designer". shall mean the person certified to design irrigation
systems by an accredited, academic institution a professional trade organization or
other - program such as the CJS Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense
irrigation -designer certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation
Designer prograrr..
"Common interest developments" shall mean the community apartment projects,
condominium projects, .planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code
Section 1351.
"Controller" shall mean the automatic,timing device used to remotely control
valves to operate an irrigation system. A weather -based controller is a controller that
uses evapo-transpiration or weather data to determine when to irrigate. A self-adjusting
irrigation controller is a controller that uses sensor data (i.e. soil moisture sensor).
Drip Irr igation" shall rnean any run -spray low volume irrigation system a Olizirig
ernission devices with a flow rate equal to or less than two (2) gallons per hour.
"Ecological restoration project" shall mean the project where the site is
intentionally altered to establish'a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
i:3
"Effective precipitation or usable rainfall (Eppt)" shall mean the portion of total
precipitation that is used by the plants.
"Emitter" shall mean the drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly
from the system to the soil.
"Established landscape" shall mean the point at which plants in the landscape
have developed significant root growth into the site. Typically, most plants are
established after one or two years of growth.
"Establishment period of the plants" shall mean the first year after installing the
plant in the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after
establishment.
"Estimated. Total Water Use (ETWU)" shall mean` the total water used for the
landscape as described herein. The Estimated Total Water Use shall be calculated
using the equation that is found in the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines. Estimated
Total Water Use shall not exceed MAWA. The sum of the Estimated Total Water Use
calculations for all hydrozones shall not exceed MAWA.
"ET adjustment. factor (ETAF)" shall mean the factor of 0.7, that, when applied to w
reference evapotranspiration rate, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two
major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape.
A combined plant mix with a site -wide average of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor
portion of this calculation. For purposes of the ETAF, the average irrigation efficiency is
0.71. Therefore, the ET Adjustment Factor is (0.7) = (0.510.71) ETAF for a Special
Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing, non -rehabilitated landscapes
is 0.8.
"Evapotranspiration (ET) rate" shall mean the quantity of water evaporated from
adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
Historic ETo in San Juan Capistrano has been 48.0". Surrounding communities are
.r listed in the table below for reference and comparison.
Referenco Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Doc 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 2.6 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
"Flow rate" shall mean 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" shall mean any durable material (pervious and non -pervious).
"Homeowner-pr6ided landscaping" shall mean any landscaping either installer!
by a private individual for a single family residence or installed by a licensed contractor
hired by a homeowner.
0
"Hydrozor,e" shall rE jean the portion of the landscaped area having plants with
similar water needs. A hydrozon a may be irrigated or non -irrigated and may be
watered by one or more valves, but a valve may not control more than one hydrozone.
"Infiltration rate" shall mean the rate of water entry into the. soil expressed as a
depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
"Invasive plant.species" .shall mean the species of plants that have a tendency to
c;olc,pize open spaces, riparian corridors and other sensitive habitats. Invasive species
can rout=compete native species and disrupt natural ecosystem processes. Invasive
species may also be regulated by county agricultural agencies. ,
"Irrigation audit" shall mean the in-depth evaluation of the performance of an
irrigation system conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation
audit includes, but is rmt 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. A written document shall be
included with final submission
"Ir; i� w is of ;ency" shall mean the measurement of the amount of wafter
beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived
from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and
management practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this
section is .79. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and
maintained systems.
"Irrigation water use analysis" shall mean the analysis of water use data based
on meter readings and billing data.
"Landsrwe architect" shall mean the person who holds a license to practice
landscape architectLAre in the state of California (Government Code, Business and
Professions Cade,-:.Secdon 5515).
"Landscape area" shall mean all the planting areas, turf areas, and water
features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
calculation. "The landscape 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). .
"Landscape contractor" shall mean the person licensed (with a valid C-27
license) by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract
the development of landscape systems.
"Landscape Documentation Package" shall mean the documents required per
this ordinance.
"Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion" shall mean the certificate
included in the Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines that must be submitted to the City
pursuant to this ordinance.
"Lateral Line" shall mean the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the
emitters or sprinkiers from the valve.
"Local agency" shall mean the City of San Juan Capistrano.
"Local water purveyor" shall mean the entity, including a public agency, city,
county or private water company that provides retail water service.
IN
"Low volume irrigation" shall mean 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" shall mean the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water
source to the valve or outlet.
"Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)" shall mean the upper limit of
annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in subsection C
of this Section. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET
Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The Estimated Total Water
Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Special Landscape
Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible
plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens; and areas irrigated with recycled
water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0. The ET factor shall
not exceed 0.7.
Example MAWA calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in San
Juan Capistrano, CA with an irrigated landscape area of 50,000 square
feet without any Special Landscape Area (SLA= 0, no edible plants or
recreational areas or use of recycled water). To calculate MAWA, the
annual reference evapotranspiration value for San Juan Capistrano is
8.0 inches.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62)[0.7 x LA+0.3 x SLA]
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
0.62 = Conversion Factor
0.7 = ET Adjustment Factor
LA = Landscape Area (square feet)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
MAWA = (48.0 inches)(0.62)[0.7 x 50,000 square feet + 0.3 x 01
= 1,041,600 gallons per year
To convert from gallons per year to hundred -cubic -feet per year:
= 1,041,600 1748 = 1,393 hundred -cubic -feet per year
(100 cubic feet = 748 gallons)
(2) In this next hypothetical example, the landscape project in San Juan
Capistrano, CA has the same ETo value of 48.0 inches and a total landscape
area of 50,000 square feet. Within the 50,000 square foot project, there is
now a 2,000 square foot area planted with edible plants. This 2,000 square
foot area is considered to be a Special Landscape Area.
MAIVVA = (ETo)(0.62)[0.7 x LA+0.3 x SLA]
MAWA = (48.0 inches)(0.62)[0.7 x 50,000 square feet + 0.3 x 2,000 square
feet]
= 29.76 x [35,000 +600] gallons per year
= 29.76 x 35,600 gallons per year
11
1,059;456 gallons per year, or '1,416 hundred -cubic -feet per year
"Microclimate" shall mean the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast
with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun
exposure, plant density or proximity to reflective surfaces.
"Mulch" shall mean any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or inorganic
mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and 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.
"New construction" shall mean the new building with a landscape. or other new
landscape.
"Operating pressure" shall mean the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation
system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
"Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" shall mean those systems that deliver
water through the air (e.g. spray heads and rotors).
"Ovcrspray" :hall mean the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the
landscaped target area.
"Pervious"shall mean the surface or material that allows the passage of water
through the material and into the underlying soil.
"Permit" shall mean the authorizing document issued by local agencies for new
construction or rehabilitated landscapes -
"Plant factor or plant water use factor" shall mean a factor, when multiplied by
ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this section, the
average plant factor of low water using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3, for average water
using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water using plants the range is 0.7 to
1.0. For purposes of this section, 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 this section are
derived from the Department of Water Resources 2000 publication "Water Use
Classification of Landscape Species."
"Precipitation rate" shall mean the rate of application of water measured in inches
per hour.
. "Project applicant" shall mean the individual or entity submitting a Landscape
Documentation Package required per this ordinance, to request a permit, plan check or
design review. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
"Rain sensor or rain sensing shutoff device" shall mean the component which
automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
"Record drawing or as-builts" shall mean the set of reproducible drawings which
show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually
based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
"Recreational area" shall mean the areas dedicated to active play such as parks,
spur is fields and golf courses where iurf pwvides a playing surface.
"Recycled water; reclaimed water, or treated sewage effluent water" shall mean
the 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.
12
"Reference evapotranspiration or `ETo"' shall mean the 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 this ordinance, and is an estimate
of the evapo-transpiration 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 so that regional differences in climate can be
accommodated.
"Rehabilitated landscape" shall mean any re -landscaping project that requires a
permit, plan check, or design review, meets the requirements of this ordinance and
where the modifications occur within 12 months and the total modified landscape area
is greater than 2,500 square feet. Phasing the construction of such projects to avoid
complying with this ordinance shall not be permitted.
"Runoff" shall mean the water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to
which it applied and flows from the landscape 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.
"Soil moisture sensing device or soil moisture sensor" shall mean the device that
measures the amount of water in the soil_ The device may also suspend or initiate an
irrigation event.
"Soil texture" shall mean the classification of soil based on its percentage of
sand, silt, and clay.
"Special Landscape Area (SLA)" shall mean the area of the landscape dedicated
solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water, water features using
recycled wafter and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf
courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.
"Sprinkler head" shall mean the device which delivers water through a nozzle.
"Static water pressure" shall mean the pipeline or municipal water supply.
pressure when water is not flowing.
"Station" shall mean the area served by one valve or by a. set -of valves that
operate simultaneously.
"Swing joint" shall mean the 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" shall mean the ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass,
Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool -season
grasses. Bermuda grass,. Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass,
Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm -season grasses.
"Valve" shall mean the device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation
system.
"Water. conserving plant species" shall mean the plant species identified as
having a low plant factor.
"Water feature" shall mean the 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 landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater
13
freafrnent or, stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used
solely for water treatment or stormn,,vater retention are not water features .and, therefore,
are ,iot subject to the water budget calculation.
"Watering window' shail mean the time of day irrigation is allowed.
°WUCOLS" shall mean the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species
published by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of
Water Resources and the bureau of Reclamation, 2000.
End of Code Amendment
M