A.

The purpose of this section is to establish minimum standards for water consumption with the intent to conserve limited water resources within the county.

(Code 1999, § 17.78.010; Ord. No. 16-001, 2-25-2016)

A.

A landscape plan shall be required for the establishment of any new landscaping for new construction on any lot within the city.

B.

Water efficiency standards will be applicable for landscaping on remodels and additions in the case that existing landscaping is replaced and/or new landscaping is installed.

C.

Water efficiency standards for indoor fixtures will be applicable on remodels and additions for existing fixtures that are replaced and for any new fixtures installed.

D.

All turf, plants and trees shall be watered by an efficient irrigation system.

E.

No turf areas may be less than eight feet in length or width.

F.

Plants and trees listed as low and medium water use on the county plant list may be used without limitation. Turf, plants and trees listed as high or not listed in the county plant list are considered water-intensive landscaped areas and are limited as described in the following sections.

(Code 1999, § 17.78.020; Ord. No. 16-001, 2-25-2016)

The regulations shall be applicable as follows:

A.

New single-family and multifamily development common areas. The amount of water-intensive landscaped areas in common areas of new single-family and multifamily developments shall not exceed 15 percent of the total landscapable area. If reclaimed water is used on such common areas, the area may be increased to 25 percent.

B.

New single-family lots. The amount of water-intensive landscaping shall not exceed the following:

20 percent: lots under 10,000 square feet.

15 percent: lots 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet.

Ten percent: lots 20,000 square feet and over.

C.

Commercial and industrial lots. The amount of water-intensive landscaping shall not exceed 15 percent of the landscapable area.

D.

Public facilities. The amount of water-intensive landscaping shall not exceed 15 percent of the landscapable area. Active recreational areas are exempt from this limitation.

E.

Rights-of-way. Turf, plants and trees not listed as low or medium water use on the county plant list shall be prohibited in all rights-of-way, whether or not reclaimed water is used to irrigate.

F.

New installation of indoor fixtures. New installation of plumbing fixtures must meet the following minimums for high water efficiency ratings:

G.

New installation of swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be equipped with pool covers and shall be in place any time the pool is not in use. Pool covers must be customized to minimize evaporation and must cover the shape of the pool entirely and be made of a durable material. If pools require backwashing, water shall not be drained onto streets or rights-of-way and shall be utilized and retained within the property boundaries.

H.

Gray water systems. Gray water systems are encouraged. Gray water originating from the residence shall be used and contained within the property boundary for household gardening, composting, lawn watering, or landscape irrigation. Human contact with gray water and soil irrigated by gray water should be avoided. Gray water requirements are as follows:

1.

Surface application of gray water is not used for irrigation of food plants that have an edible portion that comes in direct contact with gray water.

2.

The gray water shall not contain hazardous chemicals derived from activities such as cleaning car parts, washing greasy or oily rags, or disposing of waste solutions from home photo labs or similar hobbyist or home occupational activities.

3.

The gray water system shall be constructed so that if blockage, plugging, overflow, or backup of the system occurs, gray water can be directed into the sewage collection system. The gray water system may include a means of filtration to reduce plugging and extend system lifetime.

4.

Any gray water storage tank is covered to restrict access and to eliminate habitat for mosquitoes or other nuisances. Any odor or toxic fumes emitted due to the gray water system is prohibited and shall be abated immediately.

5.

The gray water system must be located outside of a floodway.

6.

Gray water piping systems shall be clearly marked for identification.

7.

Gray water applied by surface irrigation shall not contain water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments unless the gray water is disinfected before irrigation.

8.

Surface irrigation by gray water is only by flood or drip irrigation. Spray irrigation is not allowed. Containment within horticultural basins or swales is encouraged for flood irrigation.

I.

Water harvesting. Water harvesting is encouraged. Water retained from water harvesting shall be used and contained within the property boundary for irrigation and other watering purposes with the following requirements:

1.

Maintained as required to keep the system functioning as designed.

2.

Maintained to prevent the accumulation of unwholesome, stagnant or offensive water.

3.

Maintained to prevent the attraction or breeding of mosquitoes or other undesirable pests.

4.

Used for nothing other than its intended purpose as a rainwater harvesting system.

(Code 1999, § 17.78.030; Ord. No. 16-001, 2-25-2016)