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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 92-66RESOLUTION NO. 92-66 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ESTABLISHING HATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS. A. Recitals (i) The City Council of the City of Diamond Bar hereby finds that the Water Conservation In Landscaping Act (California Government Code 65591, et seq.) mandates each city to adopt water efficient landscape regulations by January 1, 1993, in an effort to reduce water consumption in landscaping. (ii) The City of Diamond Bar worked with the East San Gabriel Valley Planning Committee to develop the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations (Attachment A). (iii) The City Council determines that implementation of the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations will benefit the City by assuring that available water resources are put to a reasonable and beneficial use for all residents in the City of Diamond Bar. B. Resolution Now therefore, the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar does hereby find, determine and resolve as follows: 1. In all respects as set forth in Recitals, Part A, of this resolution. 2. The proposed regulations will not be materially injurious or detrimental to real property or improvements nor will the same have a significant adverse impact upon the environment. 3. Regulations set forth in Attachment A have been reviewed and considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1992. California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, and the Guidelines promulgated thereunder and, further, finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the amendments set forth may have a significant effect on the environment and said amendments therefore are not subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the provisions of Section 15061 (b) (3) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. 4. The proposed regulations would conform to the goals and objectives of the General Plan pursuant to Ordinance No. 4 (1992), further the beneficial interests of the City and satisfy the objectives and intent of the General Plan. 5. The City Council of the City of Diamond Bar hereby adopts the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations set forth in Attachment A. 6. The City Clerk shall: a. Certify the adoption.of this Resolution. b. Forthwith transmit one (1) certified copy of this Resolution to the California Department of Water Resources, Water Conservation office, attention Marsha Prillwitz, P.O. Box 942836, Sacramento, CA 94236-0001. PASSED AND -APPROVED this 15th day of December 81 I, LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was passed, adopted and approved at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar held on 15th day of December , 1992 by the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Forbing, Werner, MacBride, Mayor Pro Tem Papen, Mayor Kim NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSTAINED: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ATTEST: Ci4dt Clerk, City f Diamond Ear ATTACHMENT A WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS 1 Purpose 2 Definitions 3 Applicability 4 Landscaping Documentation Package 5 Elements of Landscape Documentation Package 6 Water Efficient Landscaping Criteria 7 Existing Landscapes 8 Minor Deviations 9 Public Education These regulations are established in order to provide minimum standards and guidelines for the design and installation of landscaping and irrigation systems within specified development p-rojects. The primary intent is to enhance the visual quality of the .environment through suitable landscape design, planting and maintenance, and therefore to recognize and encourage water conservation principles and techniques in landscaping. "Community Developuent Director" means the City of Diamond Bar Community Development Director or his/her designee. "Ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem. "Estimated annual water use'• means the annual estimated water use of a landscape that is based upon irrigation efficiency, precipitation rates, and scheduled length of water applications. This should be expressed in inches of irrigation water per square foot of landscape area per year. •'Evapotranspiration" means the total water loss from the soil, including that by direct evaporation and that by transpiration from the surfaces of plants. "Hydrosone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non -irrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation what will not need supplemental irrigation once established is a non -irrigated hydrozone. "Infiltration rata" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour). "Landscaped area" means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveway, non -irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes - such as decks and patios other non -porous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens, are not included. "Mulch" means any material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, manure or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation. "Overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non -landscaped areas. "Rain sensing device" means a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains. "Recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic. "Rehabilitated landscape" means any relandscaping project that requires or is a component of a required permit, including a grading permit, building permit or use permit. "Runoff" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the 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 severe slope. "Soil moisture sensing device" means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. "Turf" means a single -bladed grass or sod. "Water efficient irrigation" means the scheduling and management of an irrigation system to supply moisture to a landscape without excess or waste in compliance with the landscape/ irrigation criteria set forth in these regulations. "Water efficient landscaping" means a landscape that is designed and maintained to function in a healthful and visually pleasing manner in compliance with the landscape/ irrigation criteria set forth in these regulations. This generally involves the strategic use of plants which have minimal water requirements for subsistence, plants native to hot/dry environments, xeriscape, and hardscape to achieve an overall landscape concept which is water conserving. "Wind sensing device" means a device that automatically shut off the irrigation system during times of heavy wind. SECTION 3 APPLICABILITY These regulations shall apply to all new and rehabilitated landscaping undertaken in conjunction with any public agency or private development project, which project otherwise requires grading, building, or use permit, or developer -installed landscaping in single-family and multi -family projects, provided that the following shall be exempt: a. homeowner -provided landscaping multi -family projects; b. cemeteries; C. historical sites registered with d. ecological restoration projects permanent irrigation system; e. public parks; f. any public land or publicly owned g. any project with a landscaped area feet; h. school play yards; i. childcare facility playyards; or j. golf courses. at single-family and the City that do not require a facility; less than 2,500 square a. A copy of the landscape documentation package conforming to these regulations and landscape plan check fee as set forth by the City Council shall be submitted. No permit shall be issued until the Community Development Director reviews and approves the landscaped documentation package. b. A copy 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. c. Each landscape documentation package shall include the following elements, as described in these regulations: 1. Landscape Design Plan 2. Irrigation Design Plan 3. Certificate of Substantial Completion (To be submitted after installation of the project.) 4. Such other information as deemed necessary by the Community Development Director, including, but not limited to, a grading design plan and/or soil analysis. SECTION 5 ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE 1. Landscape Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package. a. Plant Selection and Grouping i. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones. ii. Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geological, and topographical conditions of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is encouraged. The planting of trees is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other provisions of these regulations. iii. A list of recommended planting materials shall be kept on file with the Community Development Department and made available upon request. Alternative materials may be used when the overall landscape plan conforms with the intent of these regulations. iv. Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone. V. Overall, the landscape design plan shall provide for a water efficient landscape concept. b. Water Features i. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features. ii. Pool and spa covers are encouraged. C. Landscape Design Plan Specifications. The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies: i. Designation of hydrozones and a description of water usage within said hydrozones (low, moderate, and high irrigation water requirements). ii. Landscape materials,, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated. iii. Property lines and street names. iv. Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas. V. Pools, ponds, water features, fences and retaining walls. vi. Existing and proposed buildings and structures including pad elevations if applicable. vii. Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings, existing trees, shrubs that will remain. viii. Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details. ix. A calculation of the total landscaped area and percentage of turf area. X. Designation of recreational areas. 2. Irrigation Design Plan. An irrigation design plan meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. a. Water efficiency. The irrigation design plan shall provide for a water efficient irrigation system. b. Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff. Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes and to avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than ten feet, and in median strips. C. Equipment. i. Water Meters - Separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except for single family homes or any project with a landscaped area of less than 5,000 square feet. ii. Controllers - Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design. Valves - Plants which require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti -drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low -head drainage. "— iv. Sprinkler Heads - Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance. V. Rain sensing override Devices - Rain sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems. vi. Soil Moisture Sensing Devices - It is recommended that soil moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate. d. Irrigation Design Plan Specifications. Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from, but use the same format as, the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan described in Section 5 (1). The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify: i. Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape, ii. Loc&tion, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including but not limited to automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, 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 (psi) for each station. V. Estimated annual water use expressed in inches per square foot of landscape area per year. 3. Certificate of Substantial Completion. Prior to the final of building permits, the developer shall submit a Certificate of Substantial Completion to the City utilizing forms designated for this purpose. A Certificate of Substantial Completion shall include results of a static water test and a water coverage test to determine the adequacy of the installed irrigation system. SECTION 6 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE CRITERIA Landscape and irrigation plans shall be reviewed for compliance with the water efficient landscape criteria. These comprise a point system with points awarded for both landscape and irrigation techniques. A minimum of one -hundred points shall be achieved in each technique category in order for the Department of Community Development to approve said plans. Landscape Technicues Points Water conserving plants, and/or plants native 40 to hot/dry summers, utilized in seventy-five (75) percent of the total plant area of the landscape. Turf limited to thirty (30) percent of the total 30 landscape area in residential projects; twenty (20) percent of the total landscape in all other projects. In no case shall turf make up more than fifty (50) percent of the total landscape. Use of creative, thoughtful, and diverse 30 hydrozones to enhance the overall landscape design, with plants grouped based on the amount of water needed to sustain them. Mulch utilized in the landscape (three (3) inches 10 minimum). Hardscape, or non -irrigated surfaces used in at 10 least ten (10) percent of the total landscape. where turf is utilized, the use of a proven 10 water -conserving turf. Soil amendments to improve water holding 10 capacity of soil incorporated into soil preparation details. Irrigation Techniques Points The total amount of irrigation water applied 40 to all landscape areas does not exceed 42 inches per square foot of landscape area per year.* Low-water volume irrigation system. 20 Automatic irrigation system adjusted seasonally 20 and with watering hours between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Irrigation system designed to water different 20 areas of the landscape based on watering need (drip/trickle for shrubs, separate valves, etc.). Sensitive to slope factors. 10 Soil moisture sensors used in conjunction with 10 the automatic irrigation system. Rain sensors used in conjunction with 10 the automatic irrigation system. wind sensors used in conjunction with the 10 automatic irrigation system. Recommended annual irrigation schedule for 10 informational purposes. Use of reclaimed or recycled water in accordance. 60 with Health and Safety Codes. * This amount is based upon a formula set forth by the State Department of Water Resources which states the maximum applied water budget for landscapes in the San Gabriel Valley region should be 80 percent of the annual evapotranspiration (53 inches per year). Therefore: 0.80 x 53 inches = 42 inches. SECTION 7 EXISTING LANDSCAPES Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation leading to excessive runoff, low head drainage, overspray, and other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non- irrigated areas, walks, roadways or structures is prohibited. All landscape areas, whether installed pursuant to these regulations or not, shall be maintained in a healthful and sound condition. Irrigation systems and their components shall be maintained in a fully functional manner consistent with the originally approved design and the provisions of these regulations. Landscapes shall be maintained -to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule should include but not be limited to checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; and weeding in all landscaped areas. SECTION 8 MINOR DEVIATIONS A. The Community Development Director, without public hearing, may grant minor deviations from regulation requirements limited to the following: 1. Minor modifications to approved landscaping, irrigation or grading plans which comply with the spirit and intent of these regulations, including but not limited to revising or substituting plant varieties, container sizes, plant locations, irrigation specifications, hardscape components, berm heights, berm locations, slope features, and the like; and 2. Modifications of planting, installation and/or soil preparation details. 3. Final of permits prior to installation of landscaping due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. B. In granting a minor deviation, the Community Development Director may impose conditions as deemed necessary to comply with the spirit and intent of these regulations. -- C. The Community Development Director's decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission in writing. The Commission shall decide the matter de novo. A public hearing shall not be required in granting a minor deviation. SECTION 9 PUBLIC EDUCATION A. Developers of residential units shall provide information to prospective buyers of new homes regarding water efficient landscaping techniques. B. Developers of non-residential units shall provide information to prospective buyers or tenants regarding water efficient landscaping techniques.