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Martinez City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 22

73 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE

§ 22.73.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations that promote water conservation and efficient water use within landscape areas consistent with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. This chapter establishes a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.020 Applicability.

A. 
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all the following landscape projects:
1. 
New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
2. 
Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
3. 
Existing landscapes limited to Section 22.73.170.
4. 
Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to Sections 22.73.040, 22.73.110, and 22.73.120, and existing cemeteries are limited to Sections 22.73.030, 22.73.120, and 22.73.170.
B. 
Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review may comply with the performance requirements of this chapter or conform with alternative prescriptive measures contained in Section 22.73.180.
C. 
For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500 square feet of landscape and meets the lot or parcel's landscape water requirements (Estimated Total Water Use) entirely with treated or untreated graywater or through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to the alternative prescriptive measures contained in Section 22.73.180.
D. 
This chapter does not apply to:
1. 
Registered local, state or federal historical sites;
2. 
Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
3. 
Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
4. 
Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.030 Landscape design package elements.

A. 
The Landscape Documentation Package shall include the following:
1. 
Project information:
a. 
Date of landscape plan submittal;
b. 
Project Applicant;
c. 
Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s));
d. 
Total landscape area (square feet);
e. 
Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed);
f. 
Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the Applicant is not served by a private well;
g. 
Checklist of all documents in Landscape Documentation Package;
h. 
Project contacts to include contact information for the project Applicant and property owner;
i. 
Applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the requirements of the water efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package";
2. 
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet on the form or format provided by the Community and Economic Development Department, containing the following:
a. 
Hydrozone information table;
b. 
Water budget calculations of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance ("MAWA") and Estimated Total Water Use ("ETWU");
3. 
Soil management report;
4. 
Landscape design plan;
5. 
Irrigation design plan; and
6. 
Grading design plan.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.040 Water efficient landscape worksheet.

A. 
The Applicant shall submit a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet in a format provided by the Community and Economic Development Department which adheres to the following:
1. 
The Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor ("ETAF") for the landscape project shall not exceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas, 0.45 for non-residential areas, exclusive of Special Landscape Areas.
2. 
The Estimated Total Water Use ("ETWU") is calculated based on the plants used and the irrigation method selected.
3. 
The Maximum Applied Water Allowance ("MAWA") is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas) and expressed as annual gallons required.
4. 
The Estimated Total Water Use ("ETWU") is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape design.
5. 
ETWU must be below the MAWA.
B. 
Water Budget Calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
1. 
The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or from horticultural researchers with academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources ("DWR"). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very low water using plants, 0.1 to 0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
2. 
All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.
3. 
All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use calculated.
4. 
ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.050 Soil management report.

A. 
To reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, the Applicant or designee shall complete a soil management report, as follows:
1. 
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 shall include:
i. 
Soil texture.
ii. 
Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table.
iii. 
pH.
iv. 
Total soluble salts.
v. 
Sodium.
vi. 
Percent organic matter.
vii. 
Recommendations for amending the soil with compost to bring the soil organic matter to a minimum of six percent by dry weight and incorporating organic fertilizers to recommended levels for planting areas. Acceptable organic fertilizers and amendment products are those allowed for use in crop production by at least one of the following:
(A) 
Organic Materials Review Institute's Generic Materials List.
(B) 
California Department of Food and Agriculture's Organic Input Materials Program.
(C) 
U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program.
c. 
In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments) a soil sampling rate of one in seven lots or approximately 15 percent will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to one in seven lots.
2. 
The Applicant or designee shall comply with one of the following:
a. 
If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil management report shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package; or
b. 
If significant mass grading is planned, the soil management report shall be submitted as part of the Certificate of Completion.
3. 
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.
4. 
The Applicant or designee shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil management report recommendations to the Community and Economic Development Department with the Certificate of Completion.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.060 Landscape design plan.

A. 
For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project and meet the following design criteria. A Landscape Design Plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted to the City as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:
1. 
Plant Material.
a. 
The Estimated Total Water Use of selected plants in the landscape area shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
i. 
Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation.
ii. 
Selection of water-conserving plant and turf species, especially local native plants.
iii. 
Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease, and pest resistance.
iv. 
Selection of trees based on applicable tree regulations or tree shading guidelines and size and maturity as appropriate for the planting area.
v. 
Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.
vi. 
Selection of plants from Local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
b. 
Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section 22.73.070.A.2.e.
c. 
Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:
i. 
Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which considers temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate.
ii. 
Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines); allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth.
iii. 
Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.
d. 
Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25 percent means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run × 100 = slope percent).
e. 
Turf is not allowed in multifamily and non-residential areas unless it is a recreational area. Turf is allowed in single-family residential areas provided the water budget is met.
f. 
High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.
g. 
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 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches as listed in the Wildfire Management Plan or other applicable local ordinances.
h. 
The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, are strongly discouraged.
i. 
The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
2. 
Water Features.
a. 
Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
b. 
Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.
c. 
Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
d. 
Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
3. 
Soil Preparation, Mulch, and Amendments.
a. 
Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soil shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need to meet this requirement.
b. 
Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil management report and what is appropriate for the plants selected.
c. 
For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of pervious area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent organic matter in the top six inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling. Organic matter must be confirmed by an accredited soil testing laboratory. Projects that incorporate sheet mulching may choose to install the compost above the cardboard layer instead of tilling it into the soil. Projects that are sheet mulching lawn in place are exempt from the tilling requirement.
d. 
A minimum three-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, areas receiving closely spaced plugs as a lawn alternative or direct seeding applications where mulch is not desirable. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to five percent of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
e. 
Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes that meet current engineering standards.
f. 
The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
g. 
Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer products shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-consumer organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required where prohibited by the Wildfire Management Plan or other applicable local ordinances.
B. 
The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
1. 
Include Project Information as provided in Section 22.73.030.A.
2. 
Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method.
3. 
Identify the following:
a. 
Each hydrozone as low water-, moderate water-, high water-, or mixed water-use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water-use hydrozone for the water budget calculation.
b. 
Recreational areas.
c. 
Areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants.
d. 
Areas irrigated with recycled water.
e. 
Type of mulch and application depth.
f. 
Soil amendments, type, and quantity.
g. 
Type and surface area of water features.
h. 
Hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious).
i. 
Location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Applicants shall refer to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples are provided in Section 22.73.160.
j. 
Any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.) and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity.
k. 
Any applicable graywater discharging pipping, system components, and areas(s) of distribution.
4. 
Contain the following statement: "The landscape design plan complies with Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 22.73 for the efficient use of water."
5. 
Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.070 Irrigation design plan.

A. 
This section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation, not areas that require temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturers' 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. 
System.
a. 
Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft. but not more than 5,000 sq. ft. (the level at which Water Code 535 applies) and residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or greater. A landscape water meter may be either:
i. 
A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the Water District; or
ii. 
A privately owned meter or submeter.
b. 
Automatic irrigation controllers using either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
c. 
If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required 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 irrigation system 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 (i.e., rain, freeze, and wind), 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.
e. 
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 or routine repair.
f. 
Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the potable water supply from contamination by the irrigation system.
g. 
Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunctions are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5,000 square feet or larger.
h. 
Master irrigation shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies allowing for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
i. 
The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
j. 
Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
k. 
The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.
l. 
The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria regarding the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
m. 
All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute ("ANSI") standard, 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 higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
n. 
The Applicant shall inquire with the Water District about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
o. 
In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
p. 
Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
q. 
Head-to-head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations.
r. 
Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas on turfgrass.
s. 
Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all emission devices where low point drainage could occur.
t. 
Drip irrigation operation indicators are required for all low volume and drip irrigation systems.
u. 
Bubblers shall not exceed maximum 0.25 gallons per minute.
v. 
Areas less than ten feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
w. 
No obstruction of overhead irrigation, by mature size of plant material, shall be clearly demonstrated as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
x. 
Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any impervious surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from impervious surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. These restrictions may be modified if:
i. 
The landscape area is adjacent to pervious surfacing; or
ii. 
The adjacent impervious surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or
iii. 
The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology as part of the Landscape Design Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria in subsection A.1.i of this section. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
y. 
Slopes greater than 25 percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour.
2. 
Hydrozone.
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 what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
c. 
Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation for trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing the irrigation for the tree.
d. 
Plants in biotreatment soils shall be on a separate valve.
e. 
Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water use, may be allowed if:
i. 
Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor; or
ii. 
The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.
f. 
Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.
g. 
Hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation on the landscape plan and irrigation plan. Designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve on the irrigation design plan.
B. 
The irrigation design plan, at a minimum shall contain:
1. 
Location and size of any landscape water meters.
2. 
Location, type, and size of all irrigation system components, including controllers, main and lateral irrigation lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices.
3. 
Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.
4. 
Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating irrigation system pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station (valve).
5. 
Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 22.73.140.
6. 
The following statement: "This irrigation design plan complies with the criteria of Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 22.73 for efficient use of water."
7. 
The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.080 Grading design plan.

A. 
For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and waterwaste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other City permits satisfies this requirement.
1. 
The Applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan indicating 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.
2. 
To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended Applicants:
a. 
Grade so 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; and
c. 
Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
3. 
The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 22.73 and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading design plan" and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.090 Certificate of completion.

A. 
The Certificate of Completion shall be submitted by the Applicant to the City for review on forms provided by the Community and Economic Development Department, prior to project sign-off or acceptance. Final occupancy shall not be granted until the Certificate of Completion is approved by the Community and Economic Development Department.
B. 
The Certificate of Completion shall include the following:
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.
a. 
Where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction, these "as-built" or record drawings shall be included with the certification.
b. 
A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
3. 
Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller.
4. 
Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.
5. 
Irrigation audit report.
6. 
Soil management report, if not submitted with Landscape Documentation Package and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations.
7. 
Landfill diversion verification.
C. 
The Applicant shall:
1. 
Submit the signed Certificate of Completion to the Community and Economic Development Department for review.
2. 
Submit the approved Certificate of Completion to the Water District.
D. 
The City shall:
1. 
Receive the signed Certificate of Completion from the Applicant;
2. 
Approve or deny the certificate of completion. If the Certificate of Completion is denied, the City shall provide information to the Applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.100 Irrigation scheduling.

A. 
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
1. 
Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. 
Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the Water District, then the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
3. 
For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the Estimated Total Water Use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water Allowance ("MAWA"). Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor data.
4. 
Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each of the following:
a. 
The plant establishment period;
b. 
The established landscape; and
c. 
Temporarily irrigated areas.
5. 
Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all the following that apply:
a. 
Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
b. 
Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
c. 
Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
d. 
Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
e. 
Application rate setting;
f. 
Root depth setting;
g. 
Plant type setting;
h. 
Soil type;
i. 
Slope factor setting;
j. 
Shade factor setting; and
k. 
Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.110 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.

A. 
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. The Applicant's regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion to ensure water efficiency.
B. 
A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; topdressing with compost; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas; and removing obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C. 
Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.
D. 
The Applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.120 Irrigation audit, survey, and water use analysis.

A. 
It shall be the Applicant's responsibility to ensure irrigation audits are performed as required. The Applicant may be required to analyze irrigation water use and conduct irrigation surveys for compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Said landscape audits and surveys shall be commissioned and paid for by the Applicant.
B. 
All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.
C. 
In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments) an auditing rate of one in seven lots or approximately 15 percent will satisfy this requirement. The irrigation audits are the sole responsibility of the developer.
D. 
For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1, 2015:
1. 
The Applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Certificate of Completion to the local agency that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming;
2. 
The City shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.130 Irrigation efficiency.

The purpose of determining Estimated Total Water Use, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.140 Recycled water.

A. 
The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.
B. 
All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.
C. 
Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.150 Graywater systems.

A. 
Graywater systems promote the efficient use of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywater systems shall conform to the California Plumbing Code and any applicable local ordinance standards.
B. 
Graywater systems shall not be interconnected with the domestic water system.
C. 
Applicants shall obtain a construction permit from the Water District for the installation of all graywater systems.
D. 
An approved backflow prevention assembly shall be installed on the domestic water system, downstream of the domestic water meter.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.160 Stormwater management and rainwater retention.

A. 
Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Including stormwater best management practices into landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged.
B. 
Applicants shall refer to Chapter 15.06 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit for information on any applicable stormwater regulatory requirements.
C. 
All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration.
D. 
It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture and infiltration capacity that is sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e., roof and paved areas) from either: (1) the one-inch, 24-hour rain event; or (2) the 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state or federal regulation.
E. 
It is recommended stormwater projects incorporate any of the following elements to improve on-site stormwater and dry weather runoff capture and use:
1. 
Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, to drain to vegetated areas.
2. 
Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof, and concrete driveways.
3. 
Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
4. 
Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.
5. 
Incorporate rain gardens, rain barrels, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems.
6. 
Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, or basins to capture stormwater and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
7. 
Rainwater catchment systems cannot be connected with the domestic water system.
8. 
Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.170 Existing landscapes.

A. 
This section shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before December 1, 2015, and are over an acre in size.
1. 
For all landscapes that have a landscape water meter, the City may require, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing landscapes. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8) (ETo)(LA) (0.62).
2. 
For all landscapes that do not have a landscape water meter, the City may require, but not be limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.
B. 
All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)

§ 22.73.180 Alternative prescriptive compliance option.

A. 
This Appendix contains prescriptive requirements which may be used as a compliance option to this chapter.
B. 
Compliance with the following items is mandatory and must be documented on a landscape plan to use the prescriptive compliance option:
1. 
Submit a Landscape Documentation Package which includes the following elements:
a. 
Date.
b. 
Project Applicant.
c. 
Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s)).
d. 
Total landscape area (square feet), including a breakdown of turf and plant material.
e. 
Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed).
f. 
Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the Water District if the Applicant is not served by a private well.
g. 
Contact information for the Applicant and property owner.
h. 
Applicant signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the requirements of the prescriptive compliance option to the MWELO."
2. 
Incorporate compost at a rate of at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contraindicated by a soil test).
3. 
Plant material shall comply with all the following:
a. 
For residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 75 percent of the plant area excluding edibles and areas using recycled water. For non-residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little, or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 100 percent of the plant area, excluding edibles and areas using recycled water.
b. 
At a minimum, species listed in the California Invasive Plant Council's "Don't Plant a Pest" brochure as invasive in the project's region are not installed.
c. 
A minimum three-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers areas receiving closely spaced plugs as a lawn alternative, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.
4. 
Turf shall comply with all of the following:
a. 
Turf shall not exceed 25 percent of the landscape area in residential areas, and there shall be no turf in non-residential areas.
b. 
Turf shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of one vertical foot elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length.
c. 
Turf is prohibited in parkways less than ten feet wide, unless the parkway is adjacent to a parking strip and used to enter and exit vehicles. Any turf in parkways must be irrigated by subsurface irrigation or by other technology that creates no overspray or runoff.
5. 
Irrigation systems shall comply with all of the following:
a. 
Automatic irrigation controllers are required and must use evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data and utilize a rain sensor.
b. 
Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose programming data in the event the primary power source is interrupted.
c. 
Pressure regulators shall be installed on the irrigation system to ensure the dynamic pressure of the system is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range.
d. 
Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be installed as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply.
e. 
All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the ANSI standard 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 higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
f. 
Areas less than ten feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
6. 
For non-residential projects with landscape areas of 1,000 sq. ft. or more, a private submeter(s) to measure landscape water use shall be installed.
7. 
Disposal of plant debris in county landfills is prohibited. Plant debris shall be separated from other waste materials and dropped off at facilities with clean green processing for compost or put in green plant debris carts. Landscape professionals shall separate all plant debris from landfill material.
8. 
At the time of final inspection, the Applicant must provide the property owner with a certificate of completion, certificate of installation, irrigation schedule and a schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance.
(Ord. No. 1468, § V, 1/15/2025)