Rain Bird MWELO 2015 User Manual

MWELO 2015 Compliance Guide to Irrigation-Related Requirements

for New Construction Projects ≥500 Square Feet and Rehabilitated Landscape Projects ≥2500 Square Feet

Easy-to-use guide and compliance tips for irrigation professionals.

MWELO 2015 Compliance Guide to

Irrigation-related Requirements

How to Use This Guide

QUICK INFO:

Quick information or summary about a section or provision.

COMPLIANCE TIP:

General recommendations for compliance.

PRODUCT TIP:

Recommended Rain Bird products that comply with specific MWELO requirements.

Return to interactive table of contents.

This is a general reference guide for compliance with the 2015 California Model Water Efficient

Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for these two types of projects:

•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 or

•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

Exceptions:

•This guide does not address cemeteries, which are also subject to MWELO

•Historical sites, restoration and reclamation projects that do not require permanent irrigation, or botanical gardens and arboretums are exempt from the ordinance

•This guide does not address existing landscapes that do not require permits

This guide is based on information published by the State of California and the California Department of Water Resources. It references only the landscape and irrigation-related provisions of the ordinance and does not represent the entire ordinance. Any information in this guide is for general reference only and is subject to change without notice. For the entire current version and status of the ordinance, please visit www.water.ca.gov.

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Table of Contents

Click on a section name below to go directly to the page

Foreword

Part 1: Irrigation Requirements

492.7 Irrigation Design

492.10 Irrigation Scheduling

492.11 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule

492.12 Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis

492.13 Irrigation Efficiency

Part 2: Soil Management, Landscape Design and

Grading Design Requirements

492.5 Soil Management Report

492.6 Landscape Design

492.8 Grading Design Plan

Part 3: Recycled Water, Graywater and Stormwater Requirements

492.14 Recycled Water

492.15 Graywater Systems

492.16 Stormwater Management and Rainwater Retention

Part 4: Public Education Requirements

492.17 Public Education

Part 5: Agency Requirements

492 Provisions for New Construction

492.18 Environmental Review

494 Effective Precipitation

Part 6: Documentation

492.1 Compliance with Documentation Package

492.2 Penalties

492.3 Elements of Documentation Package

492.4 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet

492.9 Certificate of Completion

MWELO Appendix A ETo Tables

MWELO Appendix B Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet

MWELO Appendix C Sample Certificate of Completion

Part 7: Background and References

MWELO Backgrounder

490 Purpose

490.1 Applicability

491 Definitions

495 Reporting

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How to Use This Guide

QUICK INFO:

Quick information or summary about a section or provision.

COMPLIANCE TIP:

General recommendations for compliance.

PRODUCT TIP:

Recommended Rain Bird products that comply with specific

MWELO requirements.

Return to interactive table of contents.

Foreword

Statement on California’s Drought Conditions

California is facing an unprecedented water crisis, with 98 percent of the state experiencing some level of drought and 44 percent experiencing extreme drought. Governor Brown’s recent mandate for Californians to cut their water use by 25 percent has brought a long-standing issue to the forefront of the state’s consciousness—perhaps even to the world’s. The conversation has finally turned from how we should use less water to how we must use less water.

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) says more than 50 percent of all residential water use in the state of California takes place outdoors. Furthermore, the ACWA estimates that California residents tend to over-water outdoor plants and lawns by as much as 60 percent. These statistics indicate a tremendous opportunity to use this valuable resource more efficiently throughout California and the rest of the world.

Rain Bird’s Water Conservation Legacy

California’s current situation strikes a very personal chord for me and my family. Back in the early 1930s, my parents, Clem and Mary LaFetra, established Rain Bird in the family barn in Glendora, California. Our very first product, the original impact sprinkler, was developed to more efficiently irrigate nearby citrus orchards. Today, Rain Bird is a global leader in efficient irrigation, but we have deep roots in California and remain headquartered just a few miles away from where it all began.

Decades before the term “water restrictions” became a part of common vernacular, we recognized the need to protect and efficiently use our world’s most precious resource. Our guiding philosophy, The Intelligent Use of Water™, continues to influence all aspects of our business. Rain Bird has spent the past eight decades developing the industry’s most comprehensive line of water-efficient irrigation solutions for everything from homes and schools to parks, sports fields, golf courses and farms. With efficient irrigation products and practices, it is absolutely possible for the average California resident to reduce outdoor water consumption by 25 percent or more without having to give up the plants, trees and gardens that add so much to our lives.

Championing the Need for Change

We know that water-efficient irrigation products represent just one step down a long path toward positive change. That’s why Rain Bird also focuses on helping people learn how to use water wisely and efficiently. From our industryleading training group to our sales and engineering professionals, employees throughout our organization are committed to the Intelligent Use of Water™. Every day, Rain Bird teaches irrigation professionals how to design, install and operate more efficient systems and educate consumers worldwide about responsible outdoor water use.

Today, Rain Bird and our partners in the irrigation and water management industries are in a unique position to make a difference during this time of water crisis. By working together, we can make it easier for all Californians to significantly reduce their outdoor water use while still enjoying the many benefits that green spaces have to offer. Rain Bird will continue to develop products and initiatives that will help Californians make responsible, informed choices about the ways we all use water. By taking advantage of intelligent watering products and practices today, we can usher in a new era of water efficiency and sustainable water use, not just in California, but around the world.

Anthony LaFetra, President

Rain Bird Corporation

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Part 1: Irrigation Requirements

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§ 492.7 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:

1.A customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water purveyor; or

2.A privately owned meter or submeter.

(B)Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing 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.

1.If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressureregulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.

2.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.

PRODUCT TIP:

(A) LANDSCAPE WATER METERS Rain Bird offers a complete family of central control, commercial-grade controllers and flow sensors that, when designed together, qualify as a water meter or submeter. Rain Bird’s ICWM Series Water Meters irrigation submeters are available through traditional irrigation distribution channels.

ICWM Series Advanced Technology Water Meters

PRODUCT TIP:

(B) AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS

Rain Bird offers a full line of smart controllers, all with non-volatile memory.

Rain Bird Controller Family

PRODUCT TIP:

(C.1) WATER PRESSURE Rain Bird offers solutions to increase and decrease pressure to operate at optimal water pressure. Use a pump to increase pressure.

ACLP Series Pump Stations

Use pressure-regulating sprays and pressure-regulating rotors and drip filters to decrease pressure.

PRS-SAM Rotors and Sprays

Pressure-Regulating Filter (RBY)

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§ 492.7 Irrigation Design Plan

(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 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 (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 refer to the applicable local agency code (i.e., public health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.

(G)Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all on non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5000 sq. ft. or larger.

(H)Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow 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 as described in Section 492.4 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.

PRODUCT TIP:

(D) WEATHER SENSORS Rain Bird offers wireless rain/freeze sensors. Anemometers are also available with central control.

WR2 Wireless Rain Freeze Sensor

WS-PRO LTWeather Station | IQ RemoteWater Management

PRODUCT TIP:

(G) FLOW SENSORS Rain Bird offers a complete family of flow sensors.

Flow Sensor Family

PRODUCT TIP:

(M) IRRIGATION EMISSION DEVICES Rain Bird® HE-VAN, U-Series, R-VAN and R-Series Nozzles all meet the requirements of ASABE/ICC 802-2014 and achieve DULQ of 70% or greater.

HE-VAN U-Series

R-VAN

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§ 492.7 Irrigation Design Plan

(N)It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with the local water purveyor 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 of turfgrass.

(S)Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage could occur.

(T)Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.

COMPLIANCE TIP:

(O) LOW-VOLUME IRRIGATION is required in mulched planting areas.

Xeri-Bug™ Emitters

PRODUCT TIP:

(P) MATCHED PRECIPITATION RATES (MPR)

Rain Bird offers a full line of matched precipitation rate spray nozzles and MPR nozzles for 5000 Series Rotors.

HE-VAN U-Series

R-VAN 5000 MPR

PRODUCT TIP:

(R) SWING JOINTS Rain Bird has swing assemblies for sprays and turf swing joints for rotors.

TSJ/TSJ PRS Series Swing Joints

PRODUCT TIP:

(S) CHECK VALVES Rain Bird offers check valves for sprays, rotors and drip to prevent drainage at low points or when the sprinkler is off or damaged.

PRS-SAM Rotors & Sprays

XFCV Dripline

PRODUCT TIP:

(T) AREAS LESS THAN 10' Use Rain Bird XFS, XFCV, and XFS-CV irrigation for areas less than 10'

XFS Subsurface	XFS-CV
Dripline	Subsurface Dripline

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§ 492.7 Irrigation Design Plan

(U)Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-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 other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:

1.The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or

2.The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or

3.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 Section 492.7 (a)(1)(I). Prevention of over-spray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

(V)Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. 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 no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

(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 of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.

(D)Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water use, may be allowed if:

1.Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor; or

2.The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for calculations.

PRODUCT TIP:

(U) 24" SETBACK Rain Bird has a full line of low volume irrigation solutions to irrigate within the 24" setback.

Xeri-Bug™ Emitters

PRODUCT TIP:

(V) SLOPES Rain Bird’s low precipitation rate R-VAN and 5000 Series Rotors with MPR nozzles have a precipitation rate of 0.6 in./hr.

R-VAN

5000 MPR

PRODUCT TIP:

(C) TREES The Root Watering System (RWS) enables vital water, oxygen, and nutrients to bypass compacted soil and directly reach tree and shrub root systems.

RWS Root Watering System

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§ 492.7 Irrigation Design Plan

(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 areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix B Section A). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller.

(b)The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:

(1)Location and size of separate water meters for landscape;

(2)Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral 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 pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;

(5)Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 492.14;

(6)The following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan”; and

(7)The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system.

(See Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agricultural Code.)

Note: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.

QUICK INFO:

(b) IRRIGATION DESIGN PLAN

Note the requirements for the irrigation design plan.

QUICK INFO:

(4) FLOW RATE Note that application rate is the same as precipitation rate.

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§ 492.10 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 local water purveyor, 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 of 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.

QUICK INFO:

(492.10) IRRIGATION SCHEDULING

Note that the irrigation schedule parameters must be included with the Certificate of Completion.

COMPLIANCE TIPS:

(2)HOURS ALLOWED Schedule irrigation between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. or to local water windows, if stricter.

(3)SCHEDULE CONSIDERATIONS

•Reclaimed or other water sources high in salts or sites with salt water intrusion may require leaching.

•Adjust valves for proper flow rates and

closing speeds.

•Refine irrigation schedules using real-time data from weather stations and soil moisture sensors.

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§492.11 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule

§ 492.11 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule

(a)Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion.

(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)A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable Best Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.

QUICK INFO:

(492.11) LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE A landscape and maintenance schedule must be submitted as part of the Certificate of Completion.

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§ 492.12 Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis

(a)All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a local agency landscape irrigation auditor or a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape.

(b)In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations

(i.e. production home developments) an auditing rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement.

(c)For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after December 1, 2015, as described in Section 490.1:

(1)The project 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 local agency 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.

QUICK INFO:

(492.12) IRRIGATION AUDITS

•Submit an irrigation audit with the

Certificate of Completion.

•Landscape audits must be conducted by either a local agency or a third-party certified landscape irrigation auditor.

•Neither the designer nor the installer may conduct the audit.

QUICK INFO:

(b) PRODUCTION HOMES Large projects with multiple landscape installations require a 15% audit rate (1 in 7 lots).

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§ 492.13 Irrigation Efficiency

(a)For 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.

QUICK INFO:

(492.13) IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY

You no longer have to calculate irrigation efficiency. Use:

•0.75 for overhead spray devices

•0.81 for drip system devices

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Part 2: Soil Management, Landscape Design and

Grading Design Requirements

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§ 492.5 Soil Management Report

(a)In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/ her designee, 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:

1.Soil texture;

2.Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table;

3.pH;

4.Total soluble salts;

5.Sodium;

6.Percent organic matter; and

7.Recommendations

(C)In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e. production home developments) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.

(2)The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:

(A)If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the local agency as part of the Landscape Documentation Package; or

(B)If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the local agency 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 project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the local agency with Certificate of Completion.

QUICK INFO:

(492.5) SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT

Note the emphasis on proper soils and analysis.

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§ 492.6 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. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.

(1)Plant Material

(A)Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the Estimated Total Water Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:

1.Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;

2.Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native plants;

3.Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance;

4.Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines, and size at maturity as appropriate for the planting area; and

5.Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.

6.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 492.7(a)(2)(D).

(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:

1.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;

2.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; and

3.Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

QUICK INFO:

492.6. LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN

Note the emphasis on plant selection and hydrozones.

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§ 492.6 Landscape Design Plan

(D)Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe

of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1 foot of vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).

(E)High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.

(F)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 fireprone plant materials and highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan guidelines.

(G)The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.

(H)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 soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.

(B)Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 492.5).

(C)For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.

QUICK INFO:

(D) TURF Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape.

Slope percent = rise divided by run x 100.

QUICK INFO:

(2) WATER FEATURES Recirculating water systems are required and recycled water use

is encouraged.

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§ 492.6 Landscape Design Plan

(D)A minimum three inch (3") layer 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 where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5% 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 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 local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other applicable local ordinances.

(b)The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:

(1)Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;

(2)Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, 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;

(3)Identify recreational areas;

(4)Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;

(5)Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;

(6)Identify type of mulch and application depth;

(7)Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;

(8)Identify type and surface area of water features;

(9)Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);

(10)Identify 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. Project applicants shall refer to the local agency or 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 492.16.

QUICK INFO:

(D) SOIL PREPARATION, MULCH AND AMENDMENTS At least 3"of mulch is required on all exposed soil surfaces, except:

•Turf areas

•Creeping or rooting groundcovers

•Direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.

•In designated insect habitats, up to 5% of landscaped area.

COMPLIANCE TIP:

(D) 3" Mulch Layer

Mulch can obscure secondary utility boxes containing flush valves for drip irrigation systems. Install a drip irrigation system indicator to more easily locate the flush point.

QUICK INFO:

(b) LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN Note the requirements of the landscape design plan.

QUICK INFO:

(10) LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN Refer to Section 492.16 for examples of stormwater best

management practices

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§ 492.6 Landscape Design Plan

(11)Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies as discussed in Section 492.16 and their 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity;

(12)Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s) of distribution;

(13)Contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan”; and

(14)Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape. (See Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agriculture Code.)

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§ 492.8 Grading Design Plan

(a)For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste. A grading plan

shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.

A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local agency permits satisfies this requirement.

(1)The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates 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 that the project applicants:

(A)Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes;

(B)Avoid disruption of natural drainage pattern 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 the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient us of water in the grading design plan” and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law.

QUICK INFO:

(492.8) GRADING DESIGN PLAN

Design to minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste.

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