HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance #3854 ORDINANCE NO. 3854
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING CHAPTER 14.52 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 14.52.010 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.010 Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this chapter is to:
(a) Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to use
water and other resources as efficiently as possible;
(b) Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and
managing water efficient landscapes in new and rehabilitated landscape projects;
(c) Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention
for new and existing landscapes;
(d) Establish a long range goal of water efficiency through proper planning and
design, the use of technologically current equipment with proper installation,
continued maintenance and monitoring of water use through the designed
systems;
(e) When used in conjunction with the "Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and
Specifications" Resolution Number 4545,to give the Landscape Architect and/or
owner the tools to provide an individualized landscape improvement to suit the
needs of the owner and the requirements of the city; and
(f) To provide standards for a finished landscape that is physically attractive,
conserves water and is easy to maintain.
SECTION 2. Section 14.52.020 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.020 Definitions. For purposes of this chapter,the following words and phrases
have the meaning hereafter set forth unless a different meaning is clearly intended from
the context in which such word or phrase is used. Any word or phrase not herein defined
shall have the meaning attributed to it in ordinary usage.
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Ordinance No. 3854
(a) "anti-drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve located in a lateral line or under
a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it prevents drainage from the lower
elevation sprinkler heads when the system is off.
(b) "application rate" means the depth of water applied to a given area,usually
measured in inches per minute, inches per hour or gallons per minute or gallons
per hour..
(c) "applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to
the landscape.
(d) "arboricultural and landscape specifications and standards"means the standards
adopted by resolution of the City Council governing the planting,maintenance,
removal, fertilization,pruning and bracing of trees.
(e) "automatic irrigation controller"means a mechanical or solid state timer or an
automatic timing device capable of operating valve stations to set the days and
length of time of a water application in an irrigation system. Smart automatic
irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration
(weather-based) or soil moisture data.
(f) "backflow prevention device" means a safety device used to prevent pollution or
contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the
irrigation system
(g) "Certification of Design"means the certification included as Appendix A of these
Guidelines that must be included in the Landscape Documentation Package.
(h) "City"means the City of Huntington Beach or its authorized designee.
(i) "common interest development"means community apartment projects,
condominium projects,planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil
Code Section 1351.
(j) "conversion factor(0.62)" means the number that converts the maximum applied
water allowance from acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per
year. The conversion factor is calculated as follows:
(325,850 gallons/43,560 square feet)/12 = (0.62)
inches
325,950 gallons = one acre
foot
43,560 square feet = one acre
12 inches = one foot
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To convert gallons per year to 100-cubic feet per year,the city's billing unit for water,
divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons= 100 cubic feet.)
(k) "Distribution Uniformity" or"DU" is a measure of how uniformly an irrigation head
applies water to a specific target area and theoretically ranges form zero to 100 percent.
(1) "drip irrigation"means any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission
devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems
are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone
of plants.
(m) "drought tolerant" means plant material which, when established in the landscape, is able
to grow and survive on little or no additional water than is provided by rainfall.
(n) "ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to
establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(o) "effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" means the portion of total precipitation
that is used by the plants.
(p) "emitter" means drip irrigation fittings or devices that deliver water slowly from the
system to the soil.
(q) "established landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed
roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball.
(r) "establishment period" means the first year after installing the plant in the landscape.
(s) "estimated total water use" means the annual total amount of water estimated to be
needed to keep the plants in the landscaped area healthy. It is based upon such factors as
the local evapotranspiration rate,the size of the landscaped area,the types of plants and
the efficiency of the irrigation system, as described in this chapter.
(t) "Estimated Applied Water Use" (EAWU)means the average annual total amount of
water estimated to be necessary to keep plants in a healthy state, calculated as provided in
the Guidelines. It is based on the reference evapotranspiration rate,the size of the
landscape area, plant water use factors, and the relative irrigation efficiency of the
irrigation system.
(u) "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) is equal to the Plant Factor divided by the Irrigation
Efficiency Factor for a landscape project. The ETAF is calculated in the context of local
reference evapotranspiration, using site-specific plant factors and irrigation efficiency
factors that influence the amount of water that needs to be applied to the specific
landscaped area. A combined plant mix with a site-wide average Plant Factor of 0.5
(indicating a moderate water need) and average irrigation efficiency of 0.71 produces an
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Ordinance No. 3854
ET Adjustment Factor of(0.7)= (0.5/0.71), which is the standard of water use efficiency
generally required by this ordinance and the Guidelines; except that the ETAF for a
Special Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0.
(v) "evapotranspiration" ET means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil
surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time. (The City of Huntington Beach
reference evapotranspiration is approximately forty-three (43) inches per year.)
(w) "flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons per
minute or cubic feet per second).
(x) "Guidelines" refers to the Guidelines for Implementation of Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance, as adopted by the local agency, which describes procedures, calculations and
requirements for landscape projects subject to this ordinance.
(y) "hardscapes"means any durable material or feature (pervious and non-pervious) installed
in or around a landscaped area, such as pavements or walls. Pools and other water
features are considered part of the landscaped area and not considered hardscapes for
purposes of this ordinance.
(z) "homeowner-installed landscaping"means any landscaping either installed by a private
individual for a single family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a
homeowner. A homeowner, for purposes of this ordinance, is a person who occupies the
dwelling he or she owns. This definition excludes speculative homes, which are not
owner-occupied dwellings, and which are subject under this ordinance to the
requirements applicable to developer-installed residential landscape projects.
(aa) "hydrozone" 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 that will not need supplemental irrigation once established is a non-irrigated
hydrozone.
(bb) "infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of
water per unit of time (inches per hour).
(cc) "invasive plants species" or"noxious" means species of plants not historically found in
California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or
economic resources. Invasive plant species may be regulated by county agricultural
agencies as noxious species.
(dd) "irrigation audit" or "landscape irrigation audit" means an in-depth evaluation of the
performance of an irrigation system conducted by a State Regulated and Certified
Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit means a process to perform a site
inspection that includes,but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test
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Ordinance No. 3854
with catchment for distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or
runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
(ee) "irrigation efficiency" (IE)means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially
used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance is
0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained
systems.
(ff) "Irrigation Management Efficiency" or"IME"means the measurement used to calculate
the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation system for a landscaped project. A 90% IME
can be achieved by using evaportranspiration controllers, soil moisture sensors, and other
methods that will adjust irrigation run times to meet plant water needs.
(gg) "landscape coefficient"means the estimate of water loss from landscape plantings
determined by the use of a formula. It is the product of the plant species factor, the plant
material density factor, and the microclimate factor. The formula is: landscape
coefficient= species factor x density factor x microclimate factor.
(hh) "landscape contractor"means a person licensed by the state of California to construct,
maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
(ii) "Landscape Documentation Package"means the documents required to be provided to
the City for review and approval of landscape design projects.
0j) "landscape professional" means a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape
contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to Sections
5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the
California Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Titlel6 of the California
Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.
(kk) "landscape project" means total area of landscape in a project as defined in"landscape
area" for the purposes of this ordinance.
(11) "landscaped area"means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated
Applied Water Use calculations. The landscape area does not include footprints of
buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways,parking lots, decks,patios, gravel or stone
walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other nonirrigated areas
designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
(min) "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or
sprinklers from the valve.
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Ordinance No. 3854
(nn) "low volume overhead irrigation" means above ground irrigation heads with an
upper flow limit of 0.5 gallons per minute.
(oo) "main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to
the valve or outlet.
(pp) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance"(MAWA)means, the upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the area's reference
evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The
Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely
dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated
with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.
(qq) "mined-land reclamation projects" means any surface mining operation with a
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
of 1975.
(rr) "mulch" means any material such as sawdust, bark or other materials left loose and
applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation.
(ss) "new construction"means, for the purposes of this ordinance, a new building with a
landscape or other new landscape such as a park,playground or greenbelt without an
associated building.
(tt) "non-pervious"means any surface or natural material that does not allow for the passage
of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
(uu) "operating pressure" means the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed by
the manufacturer to operate, usually referenced to the base of a sprinkler.
(vv) "overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the targeted landscaped area,
wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non-landscaped areas.
(ww) "permit"means an authorizing document issued by the City for new construction or
rehabilitated landscape.
(xx) "Person"means any natural person, firm,joint venture,joint stock company,partnership,
public or private association, club, company, corporation, business trust, organization,.
public or private agency, government agency or institution, school district, college,
university, any other user of water provided by the City or the local water purveyor, or
the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer, or employee of any of them or any other
entity which is recognized by law as the subject of rights or duties.
(yy) "pervious"means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil.
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Ordinance No.3854
(zz) "plant factor" or"plant water use factor" is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates
the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the plant factor
range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.3,the plant factor range for moderate water use
plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant
factors cited in this ordinance are derived from the Department of Water Resources 2000
publication"Water Use Classification of Landscape Species."
(aaa) "precipitation rate"means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.
(bbb) "project applicant"means the person submitting a Landscape Documentation Package
required to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the City. A project
applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
(ccc) "Property owner" or"owner"means the record owner of real property as shown on the
most recently issued equalized assessment roll.
(ddd) "rain sensing device" or"rain sensing override device"means a system which
automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.
(eee) "record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings which show
significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on
drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
(fff) "recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, school
yards,picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.
(ggg) "recycled water" or"reclaimed water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality
suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is
not intended for human consumption.
(hhh) "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of environmental
parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day,month,
or year as represented in this chapter and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a
large field of four(4)-to seven (7)-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered.
Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied
water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
(iii) "rehabilitated landscape" means any relandscaping project public or private that requires
city processing, or is a condition of approval for a specific project.
Ojj) "runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied
and flows from the area. For example, run off may result from water that is applied at too
great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a severe slope.
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Ordinance No.3854
(kkk) "slope"means the inclined surface of the ground or a roof, generally described as a
percentage or ratio of horizontal to vertical distances. For example, a 25% slope gradient
is a surface incline with a ratio of four feet horizontal to one foot in height, or a 4 to 1
slope.
(111) "soil moisture sensing device" means a device that measures the amount of water in the
soil.
(mmm) "soil texture" means the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and
clay in the soil.
(mm) "Special Landscape Area"(SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants, areas irrigated with recycled water,water features using recycled water and areas
dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides
a playing surface.
(000) "Special Sub-surface Construction"means the products, procedures and results required
to provide an adequate tree rooting space that will allow larger trees to be grown in
normal tree planting areas and allow the roots from those trees to grow in such a manner
that they will not impact the street or infrastructure negatively for an extended period of
time.
(ppp) "sprinkler head" means a device which sprays water through a nozzle.
(qqq) "static water supply pressure" means static water supply pressure when water is not
flowing.
(rrr) "station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that are operated
simultaneously by an automatic controller.
(sss) "Swing joint"means an irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection
between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and
to prevent equipment damage.
(ttt) "turf' means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual
bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-
season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass,
Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
(uuu) "valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
(vvv) "water efficient" means a combination of landscape features and watering techniques that
in the aggregate reduce the demand for and consumption of water. Water efficient also
means the result of selecting plant materials that require low amounts of water as opposed
to plant materials which require tropical amounts of water.
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Ordinance No. 3854
(www) "Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance" means Ordinance No. 3854 , adopted by the
City Council oWanuary 19 , 2010,and codified in the Municipal Code in Chapter
14.52.
(xxx) "Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets"means the worksheets required to be completed
and which are included in Appendix B hereof.
(yyy) "water feature"means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial
streams, spas and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area
of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area.
Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment, habitat protection or
stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water
treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to
the water budget calculation.
(zzz) "Watering window" means the time of day irrigation is allowed.
(aaaa) "WUCOLS" means the Water Use Classification of Landscape published by the
University of California Cooperative Extension,the Department of Water Resources and
the Bureau of Reclamation, 2000. www.owue.water.ca.gov/does/wucols00.pdf
(bbbb) "Xeriscape," a registered trademark of the National Xeriscape Council, Inc., means
plantings which require little or no additional water than is provided by normal rainfall.
SECTION 3. Section 14.52.030 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.030 Director—Duties and Authority. The Director of Public Works shall have authority
to perform the following duties:
(a) to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the Arboricultural and Landscape
Specifications and Standards of Practice ("the Standards");
(b) to supervise or inspect all work done under any permit or approval issued in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter;
(c) to promulgate rules and regulations, and to amend or add to them, for the implementation
of the provisions of this chapter and the standards as technology, situations,products and
procedures change.
SECTION 4. Section 14.52.040 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.040 Applicability. After January 1, 2010 the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all
new and/or rehabilitated landscaped areas as follows:
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Ordinance No. 3854
(a) Landscape areas for public agency projects and private development projects with a
landscape and/or water feature area of 2,500 square feet and greater. These provisions
are in addition to building permit requirements and/or entitlement conditions of approval
for specific projects and other ministerial permit required projects such as plumbing,
electrical, etc.,unless exempt by approval of the governing body or specified elsewhere
in the ordinance code.
(b) All single family residential projects with less than 2500 square feet of landscaped area
that are required to provide a landscape plan as a part of an entitlement, a condition of
approval or are in an area described in the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance as
requiring a landscape plan shall follow the following criteria:
(1) The irrigation system design shall follow the requirements described in Section
14.52.060(c), Irrigation Design Plan, with respect to Irrigation efficiency,
controllers, sprinkler heads,rain sensors, valves and backflow prevention.
(2) It is unacceptable to allow water to flow or be thrown or sprayed onto hardscapes
such as the sidewalk, gutter, street, etc.
(3) The planting plans shall be based upon the proper plant selection and grouping of
the plant materials being consistent with specific hydrozones.
SECTION 5. Section 14.52.050 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.050 Exceptions. Except as noted otherwise by special circumstances or by public hearing,
the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
(a) Any project with a landscaped area less than 2500 square feet installed prior to January 1,
2010, and those projects whose landscape improvements are not required to submit
landscape plans; or
(b) Interior remodels,tenant improvements, demolitions and changes of use;
(c) Registered historical sites;
(d) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
(e) Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system;
(f) Replacement or repair of existing plant material or irrigation systems in conjunction
with routine maintenance.
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Ordinance No.3854
SECTION 6. Section 14.57.060 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
14.52.060 Plan Submittal Requirements and Implementation Procedures.
(a) "Conceptual Landscape Plan." All projects that are designated by the Planning
Department as applicable to the provisions of this ordinance will require a submittal of a
conceptual landscape plan. This plan will be reviewed by the Planning and Public Works
Departments to ascertain if the design complies with this chapter of the ordinance. The
conceptual landscape plan shall be prepared by a California licensed Landscape Architect
and shall indicate the design intent. It shall show and quantify the areas to be
hydrozoned, indicate the proposed plant palate as it relates to each separate hydrozone
area, provide an area estimate in square feet for each hydrozone and the percentage of
each as it relates to the total landscaped area.
Other information relating to the compliance of the project to this chapter shall be
submitted with the conceptual landscape plan, including but not limited to a water
conservation statement and the type of irrigation system proposed for each hydrozone.
(b) "Working Drawings" or "Landscape Documentation Package" shall include, but not be
limited to, a landscape design plan which incorporates the following elements:
(1) The landscaped design plan shall be drawn on 24" x 36" sized project base sheets
unless otherwise approved, at an approved scale that accurately and clearly
identifies the proposed work to be done, including a north arrow, indication of
scale, and any off-site design influencing features;
A. The Landscape Design Plan shall also include the following project information
on the cover page:
i. Date
ii. Project name
iii. Project address,parcel and/or lot number(s)
iv. Total landscape area(square feet) and rehabilitated landscape area(if
applicable) and any Special Landscape Areas.
v. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public,private, cemetery,
homeowner-installed).
vi. Checklist or index of all documents in the Landscape Document
Package.
viii. Project contacts to include contact information for the project
applicant and property owner.
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Ordinance No. 3854
(2) Designation of all separate hydrozones and a Hydrozone Information Table;
(3) Indicate graphically with symbols the location of all species of plant materials
proposed;
(4) Type, location and quantity of all species of plant materials utilized such as trees,
shrubs, groundcover, turf and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly
drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size,
spacing and quantities of each group of plants indicated. If abbreviations or
symbols are utilized for call outs, a legend shall be provided on each page of the
planting plans;
(5) A calculation of the total turf area and its percentage of the total landscaped area;
(6) The location and percentage of the total landscaped area and types of mulch
utilized;
(7) A plant materials legend that contains both scientific and common names,
quantity, size, descriptive remarks and the percentage of low water use plants
shall be provided on each planting plan sheet;
(8) Planting notes,tree staking,plant installation and soil preparation details,
specifications and the provision for agricultural soil tests to determine soil
amendments for both surface areas and plant backfill;
(9) A calculation of the total landscaped area;
(10) Natural features, including but not limited to, rock outcroppings, existing
trees, shrubs that will remain;
(11) Other features that could impact the final design such as electrical transformers,
power lines underground or above ground,telephone wires, etc.
(12) Those items listed in the Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and
Specifications and Guidelines for Implementation of the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance;
(13) Designation of recreational area;
(14) Property lines and street names;
(15) Streets, driveways,walkways, and other paved areas;
(16) Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls;
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Ordinance No. 3854
(17) Existing and proposed buildings and structures including finish floor
elevations and pad elevations if applicable.
(18) Refer to Section 14.52.070(g) for detailed requirements.
(c) The "Irrigation Design Plan" shall be drawn on 24" x 36" sized project base sheets,
unless otherwise approved. It shall conform to Arboricultural and Landscape Standards
and Specifications. 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, and
the irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify all of the following items:
(1) Location and size of separate water meters for the landscape with a designation of
the type (e.g. potable, recycled,well);
(2) Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones;
(3) Irrigation plans indicating the layout of each system with the location, type and
size of all components of the irrigation system including automatic controllers,
main and lateral lines, points of connection, data on valve sizes, gallons per
minute (G.P.M.), valve locations,the size and location of sleeves, all moisture
sensing devices, flow controls, rain sensing devices, quick couplers,backflow
prevention equipment, filters, pressure regulators, spray heads, drip heads,
bubblers, etc., for both conventional and drip or microspray systems;
(4) Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.
(5) Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design
operating pressure (PSI) for each station;
(6) Reclaimed water irrigation system as specified in this chapter;
(7) An irrigation legend on each plan sheet indicating all utilized equipment
including adaptors, nozzle sizes, G.P.M., P.S.I., radius and other specific
information;
(8) Irrigation notes, contruction details of all assemblies and components and
specifications;
(9) A recommended irrigation schedule and maintenance schedule;
(10) Grading design plan.
(11) Landscape Architect's professional stamp in the City's format, Landscape
Architect's wet signature, contact information (email and phone),the date
and the certifying statement: The design of this project complies with the
requirements of the City's Water Efficient Landscape Requirements
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Ordinance No. 3854
(Ordinance - MC 14.52), and shall bear the wet signature of the Landscape
Architect as required by law.
(12) Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and the Estimated Applied
Water Use (EAWU), both expressed as annual totals.
A. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
B. Water budget calculations
(13) A copy of the calculations clearly identifying all elements of the formula
shall be submitted concurrently for maximum applied water allowance
(MAWA), and estimated applied water use (EAWU).
(14) Refer to Section 14.52.070(h) for detailed requirements.
(d) Grading design plan,unless a precise grading plan is provided by a Registered
Civil Engineer for the project, or unless the project is limited to replacement
planting and/or irrigation to rehabilitate an existing Landscaped Area.
(e) Soil Management Report and/or Specifications, or a provision requiring soil
testing and amendment recommendations and implementation to be accomplished
after grading has been completed (in this instance, approvals of the Landscape
Document Package will not be done until soil testing and recommendations have
been completed and are incorporated into the Landscape Document Package).
SECTION 7. Section 14.52.070 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
14.52.070 Water Efficient Landscape Calculations Alternatives and Design Guidelines.
(a) The project applicant shall provide the calculated Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) and Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU) for the
Landscape Project Area as part of the Final Landscape Documentation package
submittal to the City. The MAWA and EAWU shall be calculated based on
completing the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets (in accordance with the
sample worksheets in Appendix B.) All worksheets, calculations and other
related items shall be incorporated onto the design plans within the Landscape
Document Package.
(b) The EAWU projected for the landscaped area shall not exceed the MAWA. The
MAWA shall be calculated using an Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor
(ETAF) of 0.7, except for the portion of the MAWA applicable to any Special
Landscape Areas within the project, which shall be calculated using an ETAF of
1.0. Where the design of the landscaped area can otherwise be shown to be
equivalently water-efficient,the applicant may submit alternative or abbreviated
09-2245/40449 14
Ordinance No.3854
information supporting the demonstration that the annual Estimated Applied
Water Use is less than the Maximum Applied Water Allowance, for the review
and approval by the City.
(c) Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
(1) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the
worksheet and equation presented in Appendix B on page 1. The example
calculation on page 2 is a hypothetical example to demonstrate proper use
of the equation. All numbers used shall be shown in the equations.
(2) The Estimated Applied Water Use shall be calculated using the water
efficient landscape worksheet and equation presented in Appendix B.
(3) For the calculation of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance(MAWA)
and Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU), a project applicant shall use
the ETo value of 43 inches per year in Huntington Beach.
(4) For calculation of the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be
determined as appropriate to the project location from the Water Use
Efficiency of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Species Evaluation List.
The plant factor is 0.1 for very low water use plants, 0.2 to 0.3 for low
water use plants, 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and 0.7 to 1.0
for high water use plants.
(5) For calculation of the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be
determined for each valve hydrozone based on the highest-water-use plant
species within the zone. The plant factor for each hydrozone may be
required to be further refined as a"landscape coefficient" according to
protocols defined in detail in the WUCOLS document, to reflect planting
density and microclimate effects on water need, if required by the City
Landscape Architect.
(6) For calculation of the EAWU, the area of a water feature shall be defined
as a high water use hydrozone with a plant factor of 1.0.
(7) For calculation of the EAWU, a temporarily irrigated hydrozone area,
such as an area of highly drought-tolerant native plants that are not
intended to be irrigated after they are fully established, shall be defined as
a very low water use hydrozone with a plant factor of 0.1.
(8) For calculation of the MAWA, the ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF) for
Special Landscape Areas shall be set at 1.0. For calculation of the
EAWU, the ETAF for Special Landscape Areas shall be calculated as the
SLA Plant Factor divided by the SLA Irrigation Efficiency Factor.
09-2245/40449 15
Ordinance No.3854
(9) Irrigation Efficiency shall be calculated using the worksheet and equation
presented in Appendix B.
(d) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
(1) A project's Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using
the following formula:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.7) (LA) (0.62)where:
MAWA= Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) (43
inches per year in Huntington Beach)
0.7 = ET adjustment factor
LA= Landscaped Area(square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot)
(2) An example for calculations of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
is:
Project Landscaped area of 50,000 sq. ft. in Huntington
Site: Beach.
MAWA= (ETo) (0.7) (LA) (0.62)
(43 inches) (0.7) (50,000 sq. ft.) (0.62)
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (for this example)= 1,333,000
gallons per year(or 1,758 hundred-cubic-feet per year: 1,333,000
divided by 748 = 1758.6).
(3) It is conceivable that landscaped areas in public and private projects,
including but not limited to,parks,playgrounds, sports fields, golf
courses, cemeteries, or school yards where turf provides a playing surface
or serves other recreational or approved passive purposes may require
water in addition to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. (Those
Special Landscape Areas shall have had the MAWA calculated utilizing
an ET Adjustment Factor of 1.0). If this is the case, a statement shall be
included with the landscape design plan, designating areas to be used for
such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water
above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. The applicant shall have
tried to balance the additional water anticipated for the active turf areas
with other areas that require substantially less water, such as those with a
plant factor in the 0 to 0.3 range.
(e) Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU).
09-2245/40449 16
Ordinance No.3854
(1) The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance.
(2) A calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use shall be submitted with
the Landscape Documentation Package. It may be calculated by summing
the amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule.
(f) Soil Management Report.
(1) 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:
A. Submit soil samples to a certified agronomic soils laboratory such
as Wallace Laboratories or Soil and Plant Laboratories for analysis
and recommendations.
i. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with
laboratory protocol, including protocols regarding adequate
sampling depth for the intended plants.
ii. The soil analysis shall at a minimum include soil texture;
infiltration rate determined by an on site percolation test, a
laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table, pH,
total soluble salts, sodium;
B. Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic
matter.
C. A soil fertility and an agricultural suitability analysis shall be
provided which includes but is not limited to a description analysis
for half saturation percentage,ph, salinity, nitrate, nitrogen,
ammonium nitrogen, phosphate phosphorus,potassium, calcium,
magnesium, salinity boron and sodium absorption ratio. A `
descriptive narrative shall indicate procedures and provide soil
recommendations for both general soil preparation; and backfill
mixes, and continuing maintenance fertilizer applications, and
recommendations.
D. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of
the following:
i. If significant mass grading is not planned,the soil analysis
report shall be submitted to the City as part of the
Landscape Documentation Package; or
09-2245/40449 17
Ordinance No. 3854
ii. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis
report shall be submitted to the City prior to initiating any
construction. In this instance the requirement of approving
precise grading plans and the Landscape Document
Package simultaneously will be waived to allow soil test
results to be available to the Landscape Architect prior to
his Landscape Document Package being completed. The
Landscape Document Package will then be required prior
to the first building inspection for foundations.
ill. The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely
manner,to the professionals preparing the landscape design
plans, irrigation design plans and, if necessary,the precise
grading plans to make any necessary adjustments to the
design plans.
iv. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit
documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis
report recommendations to the City Landscape Architect
prior to obtaining a final Certificate of Occupancy. (3183-
2/93)
(2) A mulch of at least three (3) inches shall be applied to all planting areas
except turf and living ground coverings. Refer to Section 14.52.060(b) for
basic plan requirements.
(g) Landscape Design Plan. 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 requirements shall be submitted as
part of the landscape documentation package.
(1) Plant Selection and Grouping. Any plants may be used in the landscape,
providing the Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU) recommended does
not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and that
the plants meet the specifications set forth in the following paragraphs and
the Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and Specifications;
A. protection and preservation of non-invasive water-conserving plant
species and water-conserving turf,
B. selection of water-conserving plant species and water-conserving
turf,
C. selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;
09-2245/40449 18
Ordinance No. 3854
D. selection of trees based on available planting area and Special Sub-
Surface Construction provisions to allow maturity to occur without
damaging infrastructure.
E. selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant
lists.
(2) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones;
(3) Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the
climatic, geologic, and topographic 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 this ordinance. To encourage the efficient use of water,the
following is highly recommended:
A. 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;
B. 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, and power lines); and
C. consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize
summer shade and winter solar gain.
(4) Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone.
Information about fire prone areas and appropriate landscaping for fire
safety is available from the Fire Department. . When conflicts between
water conservation and fire safety design elements exist, the fire safety
requirements shall have priority.
(5) Lawn or turf areas: Lawn areas shall be minimized. The amount of lawn
area shall not exceed 25% of the total landscaped area on any project with
the exception of high use facilities such as parks or play fields (Special
Landscaped Areas). Lawn areas less than ten feet in any dimension are
discouraged. Narrow strips of lawn areas are specifically discouraged.
Lawn areas shall not exceed a four(horizontal length)to one (vertical
height), or a 25% slope ratio on sloping sites or bermed areas.
(6) The use of artificial turf may be considered in certain instances where
lawn is desired per the above,where lawn is specifically discouraged or
where the lawn area exceeds the maximum allowed percentage of
09-2245/40449 19
Ordinance No. 3854
landscaped area. (Special installation requirements are required for public
rights of way).
(7) The use of invasive plant species and/or noxious plant species is not
acceptable.
(8) 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 water efficient
plant species as a group.
A. Water Features
i. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water
features.
ii. Where available and consistent with public health
guidelines, recycled water shall be used as a source for
decorative water features.
iii. The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the
high water use hydrozone area of the water budget
calculation.
iv. Water evaporation from pools and spas is significant and
covers are highly desirable and recommended.
B. Mulch and Amendments
i. 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.
ii. Stabilizing/mulching products such as Excelsior matting or
the approved equivalent shall be used on slopes.
iii. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-
seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
iv. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to
recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate
for the plants selected.
(9) The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:
09-2245/40449 20
Ordinance No.3854
A. delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other
method;
B. identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed
water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscaped area shall
be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget
calculation;
C. identify recreational areas;
D. identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
E. identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
F. identify areas irrigated with grey water;
G. identify type of mulch and application depth;
H. identify soil amendments,type, and quantity;
I. identify type and surface area of water features;
J. identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);
K. identify location and installation details of any applicable storm
water best management practices that encourage on-site retention
and infiltration of storm water. Storm water best management
practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and shall be
designed to eliminate vector habitat concerns. Examples include,
but are not limited to:
i. infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to
collect and soak into the ground;
ii. constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water,
handle excess flow, and filter pollutants; and
iii. pervious or porous surfaces (e.g.,permeable pavers or
blocks,pervious or porous concrete, etc.)that minimize
runoff.
L. identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies
(e.g.,rain gardens, cisterns, etc.);
09-2245/40449 21
Ordinance No.3854
M. contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria
of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and have applied them
for the efficient use of water in the Iandscape design plan;" and
N. bear the wet signature of a California-licensed Landscape
Architect.
(h) Irrigation Design Plan. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall
meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturer's
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 conditions shall be
submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. Refer to Section
14.52.060(c) for basic plan requirements.
(1) Irrigation Design Criteria.
A. Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be
considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation
systems shall be designed to eliminate 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 the soil infiltration rates therefore eliminating
runoff.
i. Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes
and to eliminate overspray in plant areas with a width less
than ten(10) feet and in median strips.
ii. Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than
eight (8) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated
with subsurface irrigation or a low volume irrigation
system,providing 100% coverage of the planting area with
no overspray.
B. Irrigation Efficiency. Average irrigation efficiency for the project
shall be determined in accordance with the EAWU calculation
sheet in Appendix B. Unless otherwise indicated by the irrigation
equipment manufacturer's specifications or demonstrated by the
project applicant,the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation heads
used within each hydrozone shall be assumed to be:
Pop-up stream rotator heads=75%
Stream rotor heads = 75%
09-2245/40449 22
Ordinance No. 3854
Microspray= 75%
Bubbler= 80%
Drip emitter= 85%
Subsurface irrigation= 90%
C. The irrigation system shall be designed 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 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. Water Meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed
for all projects except for single family homes. However, single
family homes with sub-potable or reclaimed water systems require
a separate meter and additional preventative safety measures.
E. Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all
irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of
the design utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data, including dual programs and/or multiple repeat
features and/or"smart"type controller technology.
i. Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water
shall be irrigated by separate valves as a part of the
Hydrozone requirement. 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 prevent low-head drainage and are
required on all irrigation systems. (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 downstream from the backflow prevention
device, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency
(such as a main line break) or routine repair.
09-2245/40449 23
Ordinance No.3854
ii. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect
the potable water supply from contamination by the
irrigation system. A project applicant shall refer to the
applicable City code (i.e., the Building Dept., and/or public
health)for additional backflow prevention requirements,
and shall utilize City Standards for installation.
F. Sprinkler Heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent
application rates and matched precipitation 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. Head to head coverage is
recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to
achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the
manufacturer's recommendations and the types of plant materials
used.
i. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are
required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to
high traffic areas.
G. Rain Sensing Override Devices. Rain sensing override devices
shall be required on all irrigation systems.
H. Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. Soil moisture sensing devices are
required to be used in lawn areas for projects with a total of 5,000
square feet and greater of total landscaped area. A minimum of
one (1)moisture sensing device shall be utilized per turf area. Soil
moisture sensing devices shall be considered where appropriate for
shrub areas.
I. Flow Control Sensing Devices. Projects with 10,000 square feet or
more of landscaped area are required to have one (1) flow control
valve per point of connection. All other sized systems are
recommended to utilize flow control sensing devices.
J. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil
type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing
irrigation systems so as to match the irrigation systems application
rate to the infiltration rate of the soil.
K. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the
hydrozones of the landscape design plan.
i. It is highly recommended that the project applicant or
Landscape Architect inquire with the water operations yard
09-2245/40449 24
Ordinance No.3854
about peak water operating demands (on the water supply
system) or water restrictions that may impact the
effectiveness of the irrigation system.
ii. In mulched planting areas,the use of low volume irrigation
is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
Refer to item (J) above.
L. Hydrozone
i. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site,
slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials
with similar water use.
ii. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be
selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type
within that hydrozone.
iii. Where feasible,trees shall be placed on separate valves
from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.
iv. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low
water use or moderate and high water use may be allowed
if:
(a) the plant factor calculation is based on the
proportions of the respective plant water uses and
their respective plant factors; or
(b) the plant factor of the higher water using plant is
used for the calculations.
V. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use
plants shall not be permitted.
vi. 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.
M. Overhead Irrigation. Overhead irrigation may not be acceptable for the
areas within 24 inches of any non permeable surface. There shall be NO
overspray onto any hardscape or other non-permeable surfaces, nor shall
there be any runoff allowed onto hardscape or other non-permeable
surfaces. Allowable irrigation within the 24 inch setback from non-
09-2245/40449 25
Ordinance No. 3854
permeable surfaces may include drip, drip-line, surface-flow, or other low
flow non spray technology.
These restrictions may be modified IF:
i. the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff
occurs; or
ii. the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed
to drain entirely to landscaping; or
ii. the irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or
technology, as part of the Landscape Document Package and
clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design
criteria in section 14.52.070(h). Prevention of overspray and
runoff must be confirmed during an irrigation system survey and
physical test or possibly with an official irrigation audit if required
by the City Landscape Architect or inspector.
N. Slopes. Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation
system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This
restriction may be modified if the landscape designer of the landscape
project 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 system survey and physical test or possibly with an
official irrigation audit if required by the City Landscape Architect or
inspector.
O. The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:
i. the location and size of separate water meters for landscape;
ii. the 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;
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 (pressure per square inch) for each
station;
09-2245/40449 26
Ordinance No.3854
V. irrigation schedule parameters necessary to program smart timers
specified in the landscape design;
vi. the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and applied them
accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design
plan;" and
vii. the wet signature of a California-licensed landscape professional.
(i) Irrigation Schedule Plan. The Irrigation Schedule Plan, at a minimum, shall
contain:
(1) An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules shall be
required for the plan establishment period, for the established landscape,
and for any temporarily irrigated areas.
(2) The irrigation schedule shall:
A. include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of
cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station, and;
B. indicate the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet, or
gallons)recommended on a monthly and annual basis.
(3) The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated in
the estimated total water use calculation plus water needed for any water
features, which shall be considered as a high water using hydrozone.
(4) Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be
highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional
water is needed above the MAWA (maximum applied water allowance),
because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency).
(5) Irrigation scheduling shall incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data
as available, such as those from the California Irrigation Management
Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply the appropriate
levels of water for different climates.
(6) Landscape irrigation shall be primarily scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and
10:00 a.m. to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high
temperature.
0) Grading Design Plan. Grading design plans satisfying the following conditions
shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
09-2245/40449 27
Ordinance No. 3854
(1) A grading design plan shall be drawn on 24" x 36" sized project base
sheets, unless otherwise approved. It may be separate from but use the
same format and scale as the landscape design plan.
(2) The grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and
elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes,
drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade, and storm water
retention improvements, if applicable.
(3) To prevent excessive soil erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended
that the project design professional do the following:
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 patterns and undisturbed soil;
and
C. avoid soil compaction in landscaped areas.
(k) Post-Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance
(1) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency in
accordance with existing Municipal Codes, the Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance,the Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and Specifications
and this Water Efficient Landscape Requirements Ordinance.
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:
i. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic
irrigation controllers.
ii. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled in accordance with
the City's Water Conservation Ordinance. Operation of the
irrigation system outside the normal watering window is
allowed for plant establishment period of 90 to 365 days
maximum, water auditing and system maintenance.
(1) Maintenance Schedules. A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following
conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:
(1) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular
maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking,
09-2245/40449 28
Ordinance No. 3854
adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic
controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas;replenishing mulch;
fertilizing; pruning, and weeding in all landscaped areas.
(2) Whenever possible,repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the
originally specified materials or their equivalents.
(m) Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules. A schedule of landscape irrigation audits,
for all projects with a landscaped area of 10,000 square feet and larger, satisfying
the following conditions shall be submitted to the city as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package.
(1) Refer to Certification.
(2) At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State of California
Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape
Irrigation Auditor Handbook,the entire document, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook
(June 1990)version 5.5 (formerly Master Auditor Training.)
(3) It is recommended that landscape irrigation audits be conducted by
certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years.
(n) Public Education. Signs shall be used to identify all model home complexes as an
example of a water efficient landscape and featuring elements such as
hydrozones, irrigation equipment and others which contribute to the overall water
efficient theme. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
SECTION 8. Section 14.52.095 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is
hereby added to read as follows:
14.52.095 Provisions for Existing Landscapes.
(a) Irrigation of all landscaped areas shall be conducted in a manner conforming to
the rules and requirements and shall be subject to penalties and incentives for
water conservation and water waste prevention, as determined and implemented
by the City.
(b) The City may administer programs such as irrigation water use analyses,
irrigation surveys,tiered water rate structures, water budgeting by parcel, or other
approaches to achieve landscape water use efficiency community-wide to a level
equivalent to or less than would be achieved by applying a MAWA calculated
with an ETAF of 0.8 to all landscaped areas in the City over one acre in size.
09-2245/40449 29
Ordinance No. 3854
(c) The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, including
apartments, 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.
(d) Reclaimed Water. The installation of reclaimed water irrigation systems (dual
distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of
reclaimed water, unless a written exemption has been granted by the Public
Works Water Division, stating that reclaimed water meeting all health standards is
not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future.
(e) The reclaimed water irrigation system shall be designed and operated in
accordance with all codes, and shall include but not be limited to the use of purple
pipe and fittings for the total reclaimed water system. Refer to the 'Rules and
Regulations for the Use of Reclaimed Water" (available at the Water Department)
for more information.
(f) For single family residential lots with reclaimed water,there shall be no hose
bibbs, loose key or otherwise and no quick couplers installed on the reclaimed
system. )
SECTION 9. Section 14.52.100 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
14.52.100 Required forms.
SECTION 9. Section 14.52.098 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is
hereby added to read as follows:
14.52.098 Installation Completion, Certification and Acceptance
(1) Landscape project installation shall not proceed until the Landscape
Documentation Package has been approved by the City and any
ministerial permits required are issued.
(2) The project applicant shall notify the City at the beginning of the
installation work and at intervals, as necessary, for the duration of the
landscape project work to schedule all required inspections.
(3) Certification shall be accomplished by completing the Certificate of
Substantial Completion as depicted in Section 14.52.100(c) and delivering
it to the City Public Works Department, Landscape Architect and to the
Owner of Record.
i. A Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion in the form
included in Section 14.52.100, which shall include: (i) certification
09-2245/40449 30
Ordinance No. 3854
by a Landscape Architect or licensed Landscape Contractor, or the
property owner that the landscape project has been installed per the
approved Landscape Documentation Package; and (ii)the
following statement: "The landscaping has been installed in
substantial conformance to the City approved design plans, and
complies with the provisions of the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance for the efficient use of water in the landscape."
ii. Documentation of the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set
the controller(s);
iii. An irrigation audit report from a certified irrigation auditor,
documentation of enrollment in regional water purveyor's or the
Municipal Water District of Orange County's water conservation
programs, and/or documentation that the MAWA and EAWU
information for the landscape project has been submitted to the
local utilities division,may be required at the option of the City.
(4) A licensed landscape architect and, if applicable, a certified/licensed irrigation
designer, shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of
substantial completion of the entire landscaped area(per city approved plans)to the
city prior to acceptance. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were
installed as specified,that the irrigation system was installed as designed, and that an
irrigation audit(if project size warrants it) has been performed, along with a list of
any observed deficiencies.
(5) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system, on
project landscape installations totaling 10,000 square feet or greater, an irrigation
audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final
field inspection and acceptance.
(6) Certification of Completion of the landscape planting and irrigation
installations shall be obtained through a Certificate of Use and Occupancy
or a Permit Final.
SECTION 10. Section 14.52.100 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
09-2245/40449 31
Ordinance No.3854
14.52.100 Required Forms.
CERTIFICATE.OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Project Site:
Planning Entitlement No.:
Project Location:
Tentative 'Tract No.:
Total Project Landscaped Area in Square Feet:
Preliminary project Documentation Submitted: (check indicating submittal)
® 1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
gallons or cubic feet/year
percent of the local annual mean precipitation
® 2. Estimated Applied Water Use:
gallons or cubic feet/year
® 3. Estimated Total Water Use:
gallons or cubic feet/year
® 4. Landscape Design Plan
® 5. Irrigation Design Plan
® 6. Irrigation Schedules
® 7. Maintenance Schedule
® 8. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
® 9. Grading Design Plan
® 10. Soil Analysis
Post-Installation Inspection: (Check indicating substantial completion)
® A. Plants installed as specified
® B. Irrigation system installed as designed
® dual distribution system for recycled water
® minimal run off or overspray
® C. Landscape Irrigation Audit performed
® Project submittal package and a copy of this certification has been
provided to owner/manager and local water agency.
Comments:
I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been
substantially completed in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation
substantially conform with the city approved plans and specifications.
09-2245/40449 32
Ordinance No. 3854
Landscape Architect Signature Date
State License No.
I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been
substantially completed in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and that the landscape irrigation installation substantially conforms
with the city approved plans and specifications.
Irrigation Design/Consultant Signature Date
State License No.
Uwe certify that Uwe have received all of the contract documents and that it is
our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with the
contract documents and the City of Huntington Beach Arboricultural and
Landscape Standards, Specifications and the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance.
Owner/Developer Signature Date
Title
LANDSCAPE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT
Project: Planning Entitlement Number:
Public Works Plancheck Number
Project Location:
Tentative Tract Number:
Landscape Architect/Irrigation Designer/Contractor:
Total Landscape Planting area in square feet:
Total Special Landscape area in square feet
Included in this project submittal package are:
(Check to indicate completion and circle descriptive amount)
1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
gallons or cubic feet/year
2. Estimated Applied Water Use:
gallons or cubic feet/year
3. Landscape Design Plan
4. Irrigation Design Plan
5. Irrigation Schedules
6. Maintenance Schedule
7. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
09-2245/40449 33
Ordinance No. 3854
8. Grading Design Plan
9. Soil Analysis
Description of Project
(Briefly describe the planning and design actions that are intended to achieve conservation and efficiency
in water use.)
Prepared by:
Title:
CA License No.:
Date:
09-2245/40449 34
Ordinance No. 3854
Appendix A
CERTIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN
1 hereby certify that:
(1) l am a professional Landscape Architect appropriately licensed in the State of
California to provide professional landscape design services.
(2) The landscape design and water use calculations for the property located at
(provide street address or parcel number(s)) were prepared by me or under my
supervision.
(3) The landscape design and water use calculations for the identified property
comply with the requirements of the City of Huntington Beach Water Efficient
Landscape Requirements Ordinance (Municipal Code Section 14.52).
(4) The information I have provided in this Certificate of Landscape Design is true
and correct and is hereby submitted in compliance with the City of Huntington Beach
Guidelines for Implementation of the City of Huntington Beach Water Efficient
Landscape Requirements.
Print Name Date
Signature License Number
Address
Telephone E-mail Address
Landscape Design Professional's Stamp
(If applicable)
0 A-1
09-2245/40449 35
Ordinance No. 3854
Appendix B
EXAMPLE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant for each Point of Connection.Please complete all sections of the worksheet.
Point ®f Connection # 1
Maximum Applied Water Allowance(MAWA)
Total AM WA =(ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62)+(ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62)=Gallons per year
for LA+SLA
where:
AM WA=Maximum Applied Water Allowance(gallons per year)
ETo=Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C(inches per year)
0.7=Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor(ETAF)
1.0=ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA=Landscaped Area(square feet)
0.62=Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot)
SLA =Special Landscaped Area(square feet)
Example Calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Huntington Beach, CA with an irrigated landscaped
area of 40,000 square feet with 10,000 square feet of Special Landscaped Area. To calculate MAWA,the annual
reference evapotranspiration value for Huntington Beach is 43.0 inches.
ETo ETAF LA or SLA (ft) Conversion MA WA
(Gallons Per
Year)
AM WA for LA 43.0 x 0.7 x 40,000 x 0.62 = 746,480
MAWA for SLA = 43.0 x 1.0 x 10,000 x 0.62 = 266,600
Total MA WA = 50,000 1,013,080
Gallons per
year for
LA+SLA
09-2245/40449 36
Ordinance No.3854
B-1
Estimated Applied Water Use
EAWU= ETo x KL x LA x 0.62-IE=Gallons per year
where:
KL =KSxKdxKmc
EAWU=Estimated Applied Water Use(gallons per year)
ETo=Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C(inches per year) KS=species factor(range=0.1-0.9)
& =Landscape Coefficient
LA=LandscapedArea(square feet) (see WUCOLS list for values)
0.62=Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot) Kd=density factor(range=0.5-1.3)
IE=Irrigation Efficiency =IME x DU(See definition in Appendix E (see WUCOLS for density value ranges)
for example IE percentages) Km,=microclimate factor(range=0.5-
IME=Irrigation Management Efficiency(9001o) 1.4)(see WUCOLS)
DU=Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
WUCOLS-
www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucol
s00.pdf
Example Calculation:
ETo KL LA Conversion IE EAWU
(Gallons
per year)
Special Landscaped Area 43.0 x 1.00 x 10,000 x 0.62 - 0.75 = 355,467
Cool Season Turf 43.0 x 1.00 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
Warm Season Turf 43.0 x 0.65 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
High Water Using Shrub 43.0 x 0.70 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
Medium Water Using Shrub 43.0 x 0.50 x 15,000 x 0.62 - 0.65 = 307,615
Low Water Using Shrub 43.0 x 0.30 x 25,000 x 0.62 - 0.75 = 266,600
Very Low Water Using Shrub 43.0 x 0.20 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
Other 43.0 x 0.50 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
Other 43.0 x 0.50 x 0 x 0.62 - 0.71 = 0
Total EAWU= 50,000 929,682
Gallons
per year
Compare EAWUwith AM WA.
The EAWU(929,682 gallons per year)is less than AM WA (1,013,080 gallons per year).For this example,
the water budget complies with the AM WA.
B-2
List sprinkler heads,microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and
Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.
Sprinkler Head Types Averaje Precipitation Rate Distribution
Uniformity of
Irrigation Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
09-2245/40449 37
Ordinance No. 3854
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant for each Point of Connection.Please complete all sections of the worksheet.
Pint Of Connection #
Maximum Applied Water Allowance MA WA)
Total MA WA =(ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62)+ (ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq.Ft.x 0.62)=Gallons per year
for LA+SLA
where:
MA WA =Maximum Applied Water Allowance(gallons per year)
ETo=Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C(inches per year)
0.7=Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor(ETAF)
1.0=ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA=Landscaped Area(square feet)
0.62=Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot)
SLA=Special Landscaped Area(square feet)
where:
MAWA=Maximum Applied Water Allowance(gallons per year)
ETo=Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C(inches per year)
0.7=Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor(ETAF)
1.0=ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA=Landscaped Area(square feet)
0.62=Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot)
SLA=Special Landscaped Area(square feet)
MAWA Calculation:
ETo ETAF LA or SLA (112) Conversion MA WA
(Gallons
Per
Year)
MA WA for LA= x 0.7 x x 0.62 =
MA WA for SLA = x 1.0 x x 0.62 =
Total MA WA =
09-2245/40449 38
Ordinance No. 3854
B-4
Estimated Applied Water Use
EAWU= ETo x Kz x LA x 0.62-IE= Gallons per year
where: KL =KS x Kd x Km,
EAWU=Estimated Applied Water Use(gallons per year) KS=species factor(range=0.1-0.9)(see
ETo=Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C(inches per year) WUCOLS list for values)
& =Landscape Coefficient
LA=Landscaped Area(square feet) Kd=density factor(range=0.5-1.3)(see
0.62=Conversion factor(to gallons per square foot) WUCOLS for density value ranges)
IE=Irrigation Efficiency=IME x DU Km,=microclimate factor(range=0.5-
IME=Irrigation Management Efficiency(90%) 1.4)(see WUCOLS)
DU=Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
WUCOLS—
www.owue.water.ca.gov/flocs/wucols
OO.pdf
EAWU Calculation:
ETo KL LA Conversion IE EAWU
(Gallons
Per Year)
Special Landscaped Area 43.0 x X x 0.62
Cool Season Turf 43.0 x x x 0.62 —
Warm Season Turf 43.0 x x x 0.62
Warm Season Turf 43.0 x x x 0.62
High Water Using Shrub 43.0 x x x 0.62
Medium Water Using Shrub 43.0 x x x 0.62
Low Water Using Shrub 43.0 x x x 0.62 —
Very Low Water Using Shrubs 43.0 x x x 0.62
X X x 0.62
X X x 0.62
X X x 0.62
X X X 0.62 —
X X x 0.62
X X x 0.62
Other X X x 0.62
Total EAWU=
09-2245/40449 39
Ordinance No. 3854
B-5
List sprinkler heads, microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and
Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.
Sprinkler Head Types Average Precipitation Rate Distribution
Uniformity of
Irrigation
Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
Low precipitation rotating nozzles
Stream rotors
SECTION 11. Section 14.52.110 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
added to read as follows:
14.52.110 Nuisance. It shall be deemed a public nuisance for any person to fail to
comply with any of the requirements as described in the foregoing sections.
SECTION 12. Section 14.52.120 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
added to read as follows:
14.52.120 Violations—Misdemeanor. Any person violating any of the provisions of this
chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day such violation is committed
or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as
such.
SECTION 13. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption.
09-2245/40449 40
Ordinance No. 3854
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the 19th day of January , 20R'1�
Ma .
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
1--14L t, q
* �
City lerk Cit Attorney BM 12.E O'A
REVIEW APPROVED: INITIATED AND APPROVED:
Cit Ad inistrator Director of Public Works
09-2245/40449 41
Ord. No. 3854
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I, JOAN L. FLYNN, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the City of
Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby
certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington
Beach is seven; that the foregoing ordinance was read to said City Council at a regular
meeting thereof held on December 21, 2009, and was again read to said City Council at a
regular meeting thereof held on January 19,2010, and was passed and adopted by the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council.
AYES: Carchio, Hardy, Green, Bohr, Dwyer, Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Coerper
ABSTAIN: None
I,Joan L.Flynn,CITY CLERK of the City of Huntington
Beach and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council,do hereby
certify that a synopsis of this ordinance has been
published in the Huntington Beach Fountain Valley
Independent on January 28,2010.
�a
In accordance with the City Charter of said City
Q , Joan L. Flynn, Ci1y Clerk Ci Clerk and ex-officio rk
Senior Deputy Citv Clerk of the City Council of the City
of Huntington Beach, California