The purpose and intent of this chapter is to conserve water through the promotion of the most efficient use of water in landscape design, while respecting the economic, environmental, aesthetic, and lifestyle choices of individuals and property owners.

(Ord. 1029 § 2 (part), 1992: prior code § 12650)

A.

A landscape documentation package shall be submitted to the director for review and approval before any building permit is issued. Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, this section shall apply to public agency projects and private development projects that have required a site plan approval or discretionary permit, where any landscaping is required or provided.

B.

This section shall not apply to:

1.

Homeowner-provided landscaping for single-family and multifamily projects;

2.

Cemeteries;

3.

Registered historical sites;

4.

Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

5.

Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

6.

Any project with a landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet.

(Ord. 1029 § 2 (part), 1992: prior code § 12651)

A.

Submission of the Package. Four copies of the landscape documentation package shall be submitted to the director or his designee for approval.

B.

Contents. Each documentation package shall include the following elements:

1.

Water conservation concept statement;

2.

Calculation of the maximum applied water allowance;

3.

Calculation of the estimated applied water use;

4.

Calculation of the estimated total water use;

5.

Landscape design plan;

6.

Irrigation design plan;

7.

Irrigation schedules;

8.

Maintenance schedule;

9.

Landscape irrigation audit schedule;

10.

Grading design plan;

11.

Soil analysis;

12.

Effective precipitation disclosure statement (if effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the estimated total water use).

C.

Conformance with Guidelines. The contents of the documentation package shall be prepared in conformance with the Napa County water conservation in landscape guidelines contained in board of supervisors Resolution No. 92-161, which is incorporated herein by reference.

D.

Persons Authorized to Prepare Package. The documentation package shall be prepared only by one or more of the following persons:

1.

A licensed landscape architect;

2.

A licensed landscape contractor;

3.

A certified irrigation designer;

4.

Other licensed or certified professional in a related field.

E.

Approved Landscape Documents. Copies of the approved landscape documentation package shall be provided to the property owner or site manager along with the record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to the property owner or site manager.

F.

Certificate of Substantial Completion.

1.

Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system shown in the documentation package, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation.

2.

A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a Certificate of Substantial Completion to the Director. The Certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as designed, and that an irrigation audit has been performed, along with a list of any observed deficiencies.

3.

No certification of occupancy shall be issued until the director has reviewed the certificate of substantial completion.

G.

Notification Upon Completion. A copy of the water conservation concept statement and the certificate of substantial completion shall be sent by the project manager to the local retail water purveyor, if any, and to the property owner(s) of record, if not the applicant/project manager.

(Ord. 1029 § 2 (part), 1992: prior code § 12652)

A.

It is unlawful and a public nuisance to cause, permit or otherwise allow water waste to result from inefficient landscape irrigation systems. Whenever the director or his designee determines that such landscape irrigation water waste by runoff, low head drainage, over-spray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures, has occurred, the director may notify the violator in writing of the violation and require the preparation of a landscape irrigation audit by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.

B.

Upon receipt of the audit, the director shall determine if all deficiencies have been corrected. If not, the director may commence proceedings, civil or criminal, to correct the deficiencies and abate the public nuisance in accordance with Section 1.20.010 et seq. of this code.

C.

It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to violate any of the provisions of this chapter for any purpose or to cause any other person to do so. Such a violation shall be enforceable as a misdemeanor pursuant to Napa County Code Sections 1.20.150 and 1.20.160.

(Ord. 1029 § 2 (part), 1992: prior code § 12653)

A.

At least one model home that is landscaped in each project containing eight or more residences shall demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscape. Signs can be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape, featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment and others which contribute to the overall water efficient theme.

B.

The department shall provide a list of information available at the local library regarding the design, installation, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes upon issuance of building permits.

(Ord. 1029 § 2 (part), 1992: prior code § 12654)