HomeMy WebLinkAboutMCA 11-01; Water Efficient Landscape Manual; _N/AThe City of Carlsbad Planning Division
A REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Item No. 0
Application complete date: November 30,2011
P.C. AGENDA OF: January 18,2012 Project Planner: Barbara Keimedy
Project Engineer: N/A
SUBJECT: MCA 11-01 - WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE MANUAL Staff
I.
presentation of the revised City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual Polices and
Requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission: 1) receive the staff presentation and 2) provide feedback to staff
regarding the draft City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual Polices and Requirements.
II. INTRODUCTION
In mid-2010 staff began preparing a comprehensive revision to the City of Carlsbad Landscape
Manual Polices and Requirements (landscape manual). The objectives of the revisions were to
incorporate new state-mandated water conservation requirements, to resolve discrepancies
between the landscape manual and the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (CMC
Chapter 18.50), to eliminate outdated references, to streamline procedures, and to reformat the
document into a convenient reference for landscape design professionals.
The City Council is the decision-making body for the landscape manual and associated
Municipal Code Amendment (MCA 11-01). The Plarming Commission is not required to hold a
public hearing or make a formal resolution to recommend approval of the draft landscape manual
to the City Council. However, because the landscape manual requirements directly affect
development proposals that require discretionary review, staff is requesting that the Planning
Commission review the draft landscape manual and provide feedback that will be forwarded to
the City Council.
IIL PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
On May 11, 2010, the City Council adopted Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Chapter 18.50 -
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) to comply with AB 1881. AB 1881 was a
legislative amendment to the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (2006) that required cities
to adopt the state WELO or an equivalent WELO.
The City's WELO was based on the model WELO that was developed for the San Diego County
region. The WELO contains many technical and procedural requirements that are similar to those
specified in the existing Landscape Manual Polices and Requirements (landscape manual).
However, it also mandates a new water conservation requirement to establish a "water budget"
and prepare a water efficient landscape worksheet and documentation package.
MCA 11-01 - WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE MANUAL
January 18,2012
PAGE 2
At the time the WELO was adopted, the landscape manual was in the process of being updated to
be consistent with the new state law. The proposed actions will complete that effort by removing
the technical equations, requirements and procedures from Chapter 18.50 (via MCA 11-01) and
combining them with the existing landscape manual's policies, requirements and guidelines.
The resulting document is a new re-formatted landscape manual with a built-in flexibility that
will enable the City to be more responsive to adjustments that are necessary due to changes in
the landscape industry/technology or unique situations. Additionally, the development
community will benefit from the proposed revision and amendments because they will:
• Result in a comprehensive updated landscape manual which will be used in conjunction with
Chapter 18.50 to implement AB 1881.
• Resolve discrepancies between the landscape manual and Chapter 18.50.
• Eliminate the requirement for mylars for private development projects:
The City will no longer store mylars of landscape plans.
Digital copies of the approved plans will be available on the City's Document
Management System.
• Eliminate the requirement for as-built plans for construction and planting plans:
Irrigation as-builts are required by CMWD due to the use of recycled water.
Final approval of landscape installations can occur sooner.
• Provide flexibility for projects that incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) features.
The draft landscape manual was developed with input and review by the City's landscape
consultant. Parks and Recreation Department, Land Development Engineering Division,
Facilities Department, CMWD, and landscape architecture, planning, and development firms.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled to review the draft landscape manual on
January 30, 2012.
Comments received by the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the
public will be incorporated into the landscape manual and/or forwarded to the City Council.
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Section
15307, which exempts activities or regulatory actions that enhance or protect a natural resource.
A notice of exemption will be filed with the County Clerk upon approval of the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual Policies and Requirements
2. Draft City Council Ordinance - Revised Chapter 18.50
3. Chapter 18.50 strikethrough-underline version
Landscape Manual
Policies and Requirements
Draft
January 2012
CITY OF
^ CARLSBAD
Community & Economic Development
Table of Contents
Section 1: Applicability
A. Purpose 1
B. Projects Subject to this Manual 1
1. Public and Private Developments
2. Projects Meeting Minimum WELO Thresholds
C. Water Efficient Landscape Worl<sheet - Exemptions 2
D. Projects with Limited Requirements 2
E. IVIodifications to Requirements 2
F. Discrepancies with Other Documents 3
G. Minimum Requirements 3
H. Landscape Checl<list 4
I. Process Summary 4
1. Conceptual Landscape Plans
2. Landscape Construction Documents
3. Construction Phase - Documents and Actions Required for Project Completion
Section 2: Policies
A. Inter-relationship 7
B. Sustainability Policies 7
C. Water Conservation Policies 7
D. Planting Policies 8
E. Irrigation Policies 8
F. Streetscape Program Policies 9
G. Fire Protection Policies 9
H. Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control Policies 9
Section 3: Preliminary Concept Plans
A. Submittal Requirements 11
1. Conceptual Landscape Plan
2. Conceptual Water Conservation Plan
3. Conceptual Fire Protection Plan
4. Conceptual Maintenance Responsibility Exhibit
B. General Requirements 12
1. Preparer
2. Plan Size and Format
3. General Contents
4. Landscape Checklist
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
C. Conceptual Landscape Plan 13
1. Planting Plan
2. Planting Palette
3. Existing Plant Material
4. Planting Restrictions
5. Turf grass Restrictions
6. Minimum Slope Planting Requirements
7. Planting Design
8. Low Impact Development (LID) Features
9. Landscape Design Features
10. Trails
11. Comer Sight Distance
12. Caltrans Sight Distance Lines
13. Parking Lots and Perimeters
14. Microclimate EnhancenKnt/Solar Access
15. Streetscape Design
D. Conceptual Water Conservation Plan 19
1. WaterSupply
2. Water Conservation Features
3. Hydrozone Diagram
4. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
5. Preliminary Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU)
E. Conceptual Fire Protection Plan 21
1. Regulatiory Compliance
2. Fire Protection Plan
3. Reduced Fire Buffers
F. Conceptual Maintenance Responsibility Exhibit 21
Section 4: Landscape Construction Documents
A. Landscape Documentation Package 23
B. General Requirements 23
1. Preparer
2. Consistency with Conceptual Landscape Plan
3. Plan Size and Format
C. Special Requirements 24
1 Projects within the Public Domain
2. Projects Subject to Fire Protection Requirements
3. Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control Plans
4. Habitat Restoration Plans
D. Water Conservation Requirements 26
1. Planting for Water Efficient Landscapes
2. Mukhing
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
3. Fountains and/or Water Features
4. Model Homes
E. WELO Documentation ..27
1. Hydrozone Information Table
2. Water Budget Calculations
F. Soil Analysis Report and Recommendations 28
G. Landscape Checklist 28
H. Planting Plan 29
1. Planting Plan Requirenients
2. Planting Details and Specifications
I. Landscape Construction Plan 29
J. Grading Design 30
K. Irrigation Plan 30
1. Public Projects
2. Recycled Water
3. Irrigation Plan Requirements
4. Inigation Efficiency
5. Specific Irrigation Requirements
Section 5: Fire Protection Requirements
A. Application 35
B. General Requirements 35
1. CaTfornia Fire and Building Codes
2. Offsite Fire Hazard Areas
3. Access
4. Debris Removal
5. Inspections
6. Fencing
7. Photographk Documentation
C. Condition A-Manufactured Slopes 36
D. Condition B-Natural Slopes with Native Vegetation 41
E. Condition C - General Fuel Modification 45
Section 6: Streetscape Program
A. Applicability 49
B. Street Tree Requirements 49
C. Arterial Road Requirements 50
D. Median Landscape Construction Requirements (Arterial Roadways) 51
1. General Requirement
2. Median Concrete
3. Soil
iii City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
4. Median Planting
E. Irrigation Requirements 52
1. Specific Requirements for Arterial Roads and Medians
Section 7: Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control
A. Slope Planting 53
1. Areas of Application (Planting)
2. Slope Planting Standards
3. Plants
4. Hydroseed
5. Rocky Slopes
B. Slope Irrigation 55
1. Areas of Application (Irrigation)
2. Slope Inigation Standards
Section 8: Installation and Completion
A. General Installation Requirements 57
1. Monitoring
2. Changesto Approved Plans
3. Plant Installation
B. General Maintenance Requirements 58
1. General Landscape Maintenance
2. General Inigation Maintenance
3. Maintenance of Fuel Modificatbn Zones
C. Installation for Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control 59
1. Commencement of Inigation Installation
2. Completion of Planting and Irrigation Installation
D. Documents Required for Project Completion 59
1. Certificate of Completion (Landscape Installation)
2. Soil Analysis Report and Recommendations
3. Irrigation Watering Schedule (WELO Requirement)
4. Maintenance Schedule (WELO Requirement)
5. Final As-Built Pbns
6. Letter of Certification (Release of Security)
7. Added Requirements - Publk Projects, Medians and Other City-maintained Landscape Areas)
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
List of Appendices
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:
Appendix E:
Appendix F:
Glossary
Seven Principles for Water-Efficient Landscapes
Landscape Checklist
High and Moderate Fuel Plants
Arterial Streetscape Themes
WELO Worksheets
Sustainable Landscaping Brochure
List of Figures
Figure 3-A Sight Distance Triangle 15
Figure 3-B Driveway Sight Distance 15
Figure 3-C Parking Lot Design Using LID Features 17
Figure 3-D Standard Parking Lot Design 18
Figure 5-A Condition A - Manufactured Slopes 39
Figure 5-B Condition B - Native Vegetation on Natural Slopes 43
Figure 5-C Condition C - General Fuel Modification 47
Figure 6-A Arterial Median Layout 51
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
Applicability
This manual establishes a stmcture for planning^ designing installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes in new construction and renovated
landscapes.
A. Purpose
The purpose of this landscape manual is to aid applicants, qualified professionals, and residents, in
understanding the City's policies, programs and requirements for landscaping, and to provide
guidance for implementation of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 18.50 - Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance (WELO). The City's WELO implements the State of California Water
Conservation in Landscaping Act to reduce water use associated with irrigation of outdoor
landscaping by setting a maximum amount of water to be applied to landscaping and by designing,
installing and maintaining water efficient landscapes consistent with the maximum water allowance.
B. Projects Subject to tliis IVianual
1. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS
This manual applies to all public and private developments which require submittal of landscape
plans in conjunction with a building permit, grading permit or discretionary permit.
2. PROJECTS MEETING MINIMUM WELO THRESHOLDS
The requirement for a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (see Section 4 of this manual) applies
to projects meeting the WELO threshold minimums (listed below). The requirement for the
worksheet is waived for projects that fall below the WELO threshold.
• COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, OR MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
WELO threshold: Applies to new projects where the total landscaped area for the development
area is 2,500 square feet or more.
• DEVELOPER-INSTALLED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMON AREA LANDSCAPES
WELO threshold: Applies to projects where the total landscaped area for the development area is
2,500 square feet or more. This includes single-family home developments in
which the combined area of multiple or individual yards totals at least the
threshold amount.
City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
• NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
WELO threshold: Applies to new residences with Homeowner-Provided Landscaping where
the landscaped area is 5,000 square feet or more.
• MODEL HOME
WELO threshold: Applies to any model home that includes a landscaped area.
• PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
WELO threshold: Applies to public agency projects, including, but not limited to public parks
and recreational facilities, maintenance districts and street medians which
contain a landscaped area of 2,500 square feet or more.
• REHABILITATED LANDSCAPES
WELO threshold: Applies to an existing industrial, commercial, institutional, public agency, or
multifamily use where a building permit or discretionary permit is being
issued and the applicant is installing or modifying 2,500 square feet or more
of landscaping.
C. Water Efficient Landscape Workslieet - Exemptions
The foUowing development types are exempt from the requirement for a Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheet (see Section 4 of this manual). However, this does not relieve these project types from
compliance with all other applicable sections of this manual.
A registered local, state or federal historical site.
An ecological restoration project that does not require a permanent irrigation system.
A mined land reclamation project that does not require a permanent irrigation system.
A botanical garden or arboretum that is open to the public.
Any single-family residence that is being rebuilt after it was destroyed due to a natural disaster,
such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane or tornado.
D. Projects witli Limited Requirements
HOMEOWNER-PROVIDED LANDSCAPING (Areas less than 5,000 square feet)
A Sustainable Landscaping brochure (Appendix F) wiU be provided to any property owner who is
applying for a building permit for a new single-family residence where the landscaped area of the
project is less than 5,000 square feet. The brochure contains recommendations for environmentally-
friendly and water efficient landscape practices.
E. Modifications to Requirements
Modifications may be granted from the policies and requirements of this manual by the City from
time to time if undue hardships or special circumstances make the modification request necessary.
Where the literal interpretation and enforcement of the requirements of this document would result
in practical difficulties, environmental degradation, or conflicts with the general purpose of this
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
document, formal written request to vary from these requirements shall be made to the City. The
written request shall describe the type of modification and shall include justification for the
modification based on the findings described below:
1. That there are extraordinary or unusual circumstances or conditions applicable to the
project necessitating a modification from the requirements of this document.
2. That the proposed modification will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and
general welfare of persons residing, working, playing, or traveling through the area
and will not adversely impact other property in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed modification meets the intent of the policies and requirements of
this document.
If, in the opinion of the City, the modification is justified and the findings can be made to support
the request, the modification may be approved at the staff level by the applicable City decision-
making authority without a public hearing. The following generally describes the types of
modifications and the responsible decision-making authority:
• The Parks and Recreation Director shall review all modifications related to median design on
public streets, substitution of trees or shrubs within a median or public right-of-way in or along
an arterial roadway, city parks, citywide trails, and any other modifications deemed to be within
the oversight of the Parks and Recreation Director.
• The Parks and Recreation Director may decide, at his/her discretion, to put the modification
before the Parks and Recreation Commission if it is determined that the nature of the request
is such that Commission recommendation is warranted.
• The City Planner shall review aU other modifications that are requested.
F. Discrepancies with Other Documents
• If conflicts/discrepancies arise between this manual and other governing documents, the most
stringent and/or recent shall apply, unless determined otherwise by the City Planner.
• Related to landscape standards for Public Improvements, the following order of precedence
(from highest to lowest) shaU be:
a) City of Carlsbad Codes, Policies, and Standards.
b) Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction ("Green Book"), latest version.
c) City of Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan.
d) City of Carlsbad Engineering Standards, latest version.
e) City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual.
G. Minimum Requirements
The policies and requirements within this manual are minimum standards. Projects are encouraged
to exceed these standards whenever appropriate.
City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
H. Landscape Checklist
A Landscape Ciiecklist is provided in Appendix B. The checklist is required for the review of the
landscape construction documents. However, because the checklist includes many design standards
and requirements that are applicable to both Preliminary Concept Plans and Landscape
Construction Documents, it can also be used by the plan preparer as a reference document during
preparation of the Conceptual Landscape Plans. Note that the checklist does not encompass all of
the landscape manual requirements, nor does it include the entire text of the listed items. The plan
preparer should refer to the main text of the landscape manual to ensure that all of the design
standards and requirements are incorporated into both the conceptual landscape plans and
landscape construction documents.
I. Process Summary
This section is intended to serve as a general guideline to illustrate the steps that are required from
concept to completion.
1. CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE PLANS
0 Submittal Requirements
• Conceptual Landscape Plans are required as part of the discretionary review process and
must be included as part of the application submittal package to the Planning Division.
• If your project only requires a building permit, skip this section and go to Landscape
Construction Documents on the following page.
IZf Applicable Landscape Manual Sections
• Section 2: Policies
• Section 3: Preliminary Concept Plans
0 Refer to Other Sections if Applicable
• Section 5: Fire Protection Requirements
• Section 6: Streetscape Program
• Section 7: Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control
Refer to Other City Documents
• City of Carlsbad Codes, Policies, and Standards
• Master Plans
• Specific Plans
• Scenic Corridor Guidelines
• Community Forest Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
2. LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
0 Submittal Requirements
• Landscape Construction Documents shall be based on the approved Conceptual Landscape
Plans (if applicable).
• Plans for Public Projects shall be submitted to the Land Development Engineering
Division for review by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Plans for Private Development Projects shall be submitted to the Planning Division.
• All other required Landscape Construction Documents shall be submitted to the Planning
Division.
0 Applicable Landscape Manual Sections
• Section 2: Policies
• Section 3: Preliminary Concept Plans
Integrate all items shown on the approved conceptual landscape plan.
If a conceptual landscape plan is not required, review Section 3 for requirements that are
relevant to your project.
• Section 4: Landscape Construction Documents
• Section 8: Implementation
0 Refer to Other Sections if Applicable
• Section 5: Fire Protection Requirements
• Section 6: Streetscape Program
• Section 7: Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control
0 Obtain Approval of Landscape Construction Documents
3. CONSTRUCTION PHASE - Documents and Actions Required for Project Completion
0 Review Section 8: Installation and Completion
0 Prior to Occupancy - Final Inspection of Landscape
• Submit a Certificate of Completion (Landscape Installation).
• Submit a Soils Analysis Report and Recommendations after grading, if not previously
submitted with the Landscape Construction Documents (see requirement under Section 4).
• Submit an Irrigation Watering Schedule (unless exempt from WELO).
• Submit a Maintenance Schedule (unless exempt from WELO).
• Request an inspection.
• Obtain approval of final as-bviilt plans prior to final inspection and occupancy.
Private Projects require irrigation as-builts.
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 1: APPLICABILITY
Public Projects, Medians and other City-maintained Landscape Areas require
irrigation, planting and construction as-builts.
0 Prior to Release of Securities - Final Inspection of Landscape
• Submit a Letter of Certification (Release of Securities).
• Request an inspection.
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Policies
landscaping and site design help to produce character and shape the visual
image for Carlsbad, creating an enduring impression of the community.
Sustainable landscape practices ensure that threats to health, safety, well-
being water quality, and the natural environment are minimit^ed.
Landscaping adds value to a community by establishing a character and image that leads to increased
property values. However, many other values of landscaping are not always recognized by the
general public. In addition to aesthetic and recreational values, landscaping can play a key role in the
prevention of soil erosion, water conservation, storm water management, fire protection, energy
efficiency, and long-term health and viability of natural habitat areas. The following policies
embrace these values and provide the framework for the more technical design standards and
requirements in the subsequent sections of this manual.
A. inter-relationship
Although the policies listed on the following pages are categorized under various headings, they are
often inter-related and may apply to more than one category (although only stated once). Similarly, the
design standards and requirements of the different sections of this manual may also be inter-related.
B. Sustainability Policies
• Landscapes shall incorporate sustainable site design practices wherever practicable.
• Low Impact Development strategies shaU be incorporated into the landscape design concept.
• Opportunities for installation of solar energy or utilization of passive solar design features such
as shade trees shall be optimized.
C. Water Conservation Policies
• Water use associated with irrigation of outdoor landscaping shall be reduced to comply with the
State of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act by establishing a maximum amount
of water to be applied to landscaping and by designing, installing and maintaining water efficient
landscapes consistent with the maximum water allowance.
• Landscape systems shall be designed and maintained to be compatible with the naturally semi-
arid environment in Carlsbad.
City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 2: POLICIES
Water Conservation Policies (continued)
The use of state-of-the-art irrigation technology to conserve water is encouraged.
Landscape design shall promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the
need to utilize water and other resources as efficiendy as possible.
Owners of existing landscapes are encouraged to use water efficienfiy and without waste.
The principles of water efficient landscaping shall be incorporated into the design and
maintenance of landscape.
Plants known to have relatively high water needs shall be used sparingly and in sitaations where they
wiU require the least amoimt of water.
Public areas receiving the highest intensity of use, such as recreation areas and urban gathering
spaces shall receive the highest priority for landscape water consumption.
Irrigation systems for all projects, except for single-family dwellings or front yard irrigation on
individually metered condos, shall be designed to use non-potable, treated recycled water, unless
approved otherwise by the City.
Use of rain gardens, rain harvesting, and properly-designed graywater systems are also
encouraged.
In the event of a declared water shortage or mandatory water conservation measures, the project
shall comply with all water allocation programs adopted by state and local government.
D. Planting Policies
In general, landscaping shall:
Enhance and be compatible with the positive character of existing neighborhoods and Carlsbad
as a whole.
Maintain and enhance the public's health, safety, and welfare through proper design, selection,
and location of plant materials and other landscape features.
Incorporate native and drought tolerant plant materials whenever possible.
Ensure that invasive or noxious plants are not used.
Feature ground cover, shrubs, and trees to screen elements of unsightliness and screen/soften
new improvements.
Provide privacy where appropriate.
Accentuate and enhance architecture.
Provide and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxing and eating.
E. Irrigation Policies
• Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide the optimum amount of water to the landscape
for plant growth without causing soil erosion and runoff
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 2: POLICIES
• Irrigation plans shall promote the industry standard for public safety in all aspects of the
irrigation system.
F. Streetscape Program Policies
• Landscaping shall accentuate positive, natural, historical, and architectural elements of Carlsbad.
• Landscaping shall be designed toward a goal of providing a pleasing and safe vehicular and
pedestrian experience.
G. Fire Protection Policies
• Landscape treatments shall be designed to mitigate fire dangers to structures adjacent to
hazardous or native vegetation.
• Landscape treatments for the purposes of fire protection shall be performed in a manner which
limits disruption to environmentally sensitive areas while still achieving conformance with the
fire protection standards.
H. Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control Policies
• Erosion potentials shall be mitigated through erosion control planting/slope revegetation.
• Irrigation shall be designed to apply optimum water to the slope plants without causing erosion.
• Plant materials used on slopes shall be those species that are known to have low water
requirements and rooting systems of various depths that will minimize erosion and soil slippage.
• Plant materials used shall be compatible in cultural requirements (exposure, soils, water needs,
etc.) and aesthetic appearance to adjacent natural landscapes.
City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
This page is intentionally left blank.
10 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
Preliminary Concept Plans
Preliminary Concept Plans provide the City with a clear impression of how a
proposed development will look, function, and be maintained. The plans should
depict, in a general way, how the proposed project will conform to the policies
and requirements of the landscape Manual, Water Efficient Tandscape
Ordinance, and other applicable codes and ordinances listed in Section 1.
A. Submittal Requirements
Preliminary Concept Plans must be submitted along with other required plans and documents at the
time of application for discretionary project approval. The type of concept plans required is
dependent upon the size and type of project, location within or outside of the coastal zone, and
adjacency to sensitive habitat area. The following list includes the various types of concept plans
and when each type of plan is required:
1. CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE PLAN
A person applying for a discretionary permit shall submit a landscape concept plan as required by
the discretionary permit application. The Conceptual Landscape Plan demonstrates the landscaping
and features that wiU be included in the project. If the project is located within a master plan or
specific plan area, any special landscape requirements of those plans shaU be incorporated into the
conceptual landscape plan. "Typical" plans may be used for residential lots or planned developments
with developer installed landscaping. Special areas may require enlargements or details as requested by the
City.
2. CONCEPTUAL WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
A Conceptual Water Conservation Plan is required for aU projects that require conceptual landscape
plans, except those specificaUy exempted from the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The
Conceptual Water Conservation Plan demonstrates to the City how the proposed development wiU
use aU practicable means available to conserve water in the landscape and provides assurance that
the conceptual plans conform to the City's Water Conservation PoUcies and Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance.
3. CONCEPTUAL FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
A Conceptual Fire Protection Plan is required when a proposed project contains or is bounded by
hazardous vegetation and/or within an area bounded by a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as
determined by the Fire Code Official. The plan demonstrates how potential fire hazards wiU be
11 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
addressed. Fuel modification zones may be shown either on the landscape concept plan or on a
separate exhibit. Refer to Section 5 - Fire Protection Requirements for additional information.
4. CONCEPTUAL MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY EXHIBIT
A Conceptual Maintenance ResponsibiUty Exhibit is required when landscape maintenance activities
are intended to be performed by more than one entity. The exhibit shall clearly identify the various
areas of landscape maintenance responsibiUties (private, common area/HOA, City, etc). If one entity
is to be responsible for the maintenance the entity shaU be stated and identified on the Conceptual
Landscape Plan.
B. General Requirements
1. PREPARER
Plans shaU be prepared by a Ucensed landscape architect, Ucensed civU engineer, Ucensed architect, or
other quaUfied professional Ucensed by the state to do this work.
2. PLAN SIZE AND FORMAT
• Plans shaU be prepared at the same size and scale as the site plan or grading plan.
• Plans shaU be drawn on a 50% screen of the civil engineering grading plans.
• Include a statement signed by the quaUfied professional that states:
"I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PLANS
CONTAINED IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD'S LANDSCAPE MANUAL AND WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS. I HAVE PREPARED THIS PLAN IN COMPLIANCE WITH THOSE
REGULATIONS AND THE LANDSCAPE MANUAL AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH ALL
REQUIREMENTS WHEN SUBMITTING CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. I CERTIFY THAT THE
PLAN IMPLEMENTS THOSE REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT USE OF WATER."
3. GENERAL CONTENTS
At a minimum, plans shaU include the foUowing items:
• Existing conditions (grades, plants, property Unes, easements, right-of-ways, drainage elements,
utiUties, etc.).
• Existing improvements.
• Potable and reclaimed service locations and Unes.
• AU existing and proposed easements (labeled).
• AU vehicular sight Unes, including intersection site distance corridors (see Figures 3-A and 3-B)
and CalTrans sight distance standards (i.e.: stopping sight distance). Coordinate with the civU
engineer to show and label this information on the concepmal landscape plans.
• Project address and vicinity map.
• North arrow and bar scale.
• Proposed grading consistent with grading plans for the project.
12 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
• Indicate positive surface drainage (2% grade in planting areas) away from structures and
terminating in an approved drainage system.
• AU proposed outdoor elements including, but not Umited to, recreational areas, outdoor eating
areas, hardscape, traUs, and water features.
4. LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
A Landscape Checklist is provided in Appendix B. The checkUst is required for the review of the
landscape construction documents. However, because the checkUst includes many design standards
and requirements that are appUcable to both PreUminary Concept Plans and Landscape
Construction Documents, it can also be used by the plan preparer as a reference document during
preparation of the Conceptual Landscape Plans. Note that the checkUst does not encompass aU of
the landscape manual requirements, nor does it include the entire text of the Usted items. The plan
preparer should refer to the main text of the landscape manual to ensure that aU of the design
standards and requirements are incorporated into the conceptual landscape plans.
C. Conceptual Landscape Plan
The Conceptual Landscape Plan shaU include, but not be Umited to the foUowing items:
1. PLANTING PLAN
The planting plan shaU consist of a drawing that iUustrates, on a page or pages, the conceptual
locations of aU planting areas, existing vegetation to be retained or removed, planting palette, plant
types represented by symbols, hardscape areas, landscape design features (including Low Impact
Development (LID)), natural features, and water features.
2. PLANTING PALETTE
The planting palette shaU include:
• Common and botanical plant names.
• Tree types and quantities.
• Shrub types and spacing with general layout.
• Ground cover types and spacing.
• Proposed plant sizes (either by number or percentage (%) of total quantity).
3. ' EXISTING PLANT MATERIAL
• GeneraUy identify aU existing woody plant material to be removed or retained.
• Trees over 12 inches in diameter shaU be identified on the plan individuaUy as to caUper size and
type and labeled to be retained or removed.
4. PLANTING RESTRICTIONS
• Invasive species shaU not be added to a landscaped area.
• Trees shaU not be planted within a pubUc utiUty easement unless otherwise approved by the City.
• Avoid planting trees and large shrubs above or near sewer laterals, water mains, meter boxes and
other utUities.
13 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
• Trees with broad branch structures shaU be planted only where sufficient space is avaUable.
• Plant type, size at maturity, and location shaU be selected to avoid obstructing existing or
planned passive solar energy systems.
• Trees with surface root systems shaU be planted only where sufficient space is avaUable, unless
the plan provides for instaUation of root control barriers or other appropriate devices to control
surface roots.
5. TURFGRASS RESTRICTIONS
Turfgrass shaU not be aUowed:
• On a slope greater than 25% grade (4:1 slope).
• Where any dimension of the landscaped area is less than six (6) feet wide.
• On a center island median strip or on a parking lot island within a commercial, industrial,
institutional, or multi-famUy project.
• In a landscaped area that cannot be efficienfiy irrigated, such as avoiding runoff or overspray.
6. MINIMUM PLANTING REQUIREMENTS
• AR trees (except on slopes 3:1 or steeper) shaU be a minimum of 15 gaUon size.
• 50% of the shrubs (except on slopes 3:1 or steeper) shaU be a minimum of five (5) gaUon size.
• Woody shrubs shaU be planted over herbaceous ground cover areas to cover 60% of the ground
cover area (at mature size).
• Spacing of plants shaU aUow for their size at maturity.
• Refer to Section 7- Slope Revegetation/ Erosion Control for slope planting requirements.
7. PLANTING DESIGN
• Plants in a transitional area (adjacent to native vegetation) shaU consist of a combination of site
adaptive and compatible native and/or non-native species, and shaU conform to the
requirements in Section 5 — Fire Protection Requirements.
• Evergreen plants shaU be used to screen unsightiy elements and shaU be spaced to provide 100%
screening within two (2) years of instaUation.
• Areas of pubUc and private recreation faciUties (baU field, park, golf course, etc.) shaU be designed
to Umit turfgrass in any portion of a landscaped area not essential for the operation of the faciUty.
• Areas generaUy not visible to the pubUc or site occupants (backs of buUdings, service areas,
behind fences and screens, etc.) shaU incorporate plant materials other than turfgrass, unless the
area is designated as a recreation area.
8. LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) FEATURES
• The project landscaping shaU be designed to support the stormwater approach/design per the
site plans and Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP).
• Include vegetated swales or landscape buffer strips that filter storm runoff from impervious areas.
14 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
• Show stormwater treatment systems such as biofiltration basins and include an appropriate
planting palette to support the design.
• Indicate the location of any pervious pavement areas (sidewalks, parking areas, etc.).
• Appropriate landscaping palettes shaU be provided for scenarios where runoff drains into
vegetated bio-swales associated with Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. The
landscape palettes for these areas shaU consist of plant species (groundcover, appropriate
grasses, shrubs and/or trees) that wiU tolerate conditions of both low-flow drainage and larger
storm events and that wiU function to filter urban runoff in accordance with the City of Carlsbad
Standard Urban Stormwater Management Plan (SUSMP).
9. LANDSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES
The foUowing features shaU be included in the Conceptual Landscape Plan:
• Active and passive recreational areas (play structures, seating areas, basketbaU/voUeybaU courts, etc.).
• Employee eating areas and associated tables, seats, and/or benches.
• Hardscape areas (indicate the proposed type of decorative treatment).
• Provide a detailed description of any water features that wiU be included in the landscaped area.
• Other design features and details as needed for clarity (trails, fencing, parking lot Ughting, trelUs
structures, raised planters, etc.).
10. TRAILS
Trail Pianning, Design, and Construction Standards are avaUable from the Parks and Recreation
Department.
11. CORNER SIGHT DISTANCE
• The plan shaU demonstrate that plants, when
instaUed and at maturity, wiU be positioned to avoid
obstmcting motorists' views of pedestrian crossings,
driveways, roadways and other vehicular travel ways.
• On coUector streets and larger, landscape elements
over 30 inches in height (including planting
measured at maturit}^) as measured from adjacent
street grade are not permitted at street corners
within a triangular zone drawn from two points, 25
feet outward from the beginning of curves.
• At medium to high use driveways, the 30 inch
height Umitation appUes at driveways 25 feet from
the edge of the apron outward along the curb, then
45 degrees in toward the property.
• Ensure that landscape elements at interior private
driveway intersections do not obstruct sight Unes, so
that circulation and pedestrian safet}' can be
maintained.
NO LANDSCAPE
^(T ELEMENTS OVER 30" IN
HEISHT WITHIN THIS ZONE
SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE Figure 3-A
NO LANDSCAPE •
ELEMENTS OVBS 30" IN
HEISHT WITHIN THIS ZONE
MEDIUM TO HI6H
USE DMVEWAV
DRIVEWAY SIGHT DISTANCE Figure 3-B
15 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
12. CALTRANS SIGHT DISTANCE LINES
• Landscape features (shrubs, trees, fencing, etc.) shaU be selected to ensure that no visual
impairments or obstructions are located within the CalTrans sight distance Unes.
• CalTrans sight distance Unes have a horizontal and vertical component (profile). Coordinate with
the civU engineer to determine the location and height restrictions within the required sight
distance area.
13. PARKING LOTS AND PERIMETERS
• Parking lots shaU integrate Low Impact Development (LID) features (see Figure 3-C for
examples).
• Minor modifications to the parking lot design requirements may be permitted only if the
modifications are necessary to achieve LID objectives. Modifications shaU be subject to
approval by the City.
• A minimum of 3% of the parking area shaU be landscaped. The "parking area" includes aU
parking spaces and drive aisles.
• A perimeter landscape border of at least eight (8) feet in width (exclusive of curbs) shaU be
provided around each outdoor/at grade parking area unless the Zoning Ordinance or other
governing document specificaUy provides otherwise. The perimeter landscaped border (between
property Unes and parking areas) may include any landscaped yard, setback, or landscaped area
otherwise required within the property and shaU be continuous except for required access points.
A perimeter landscape border is not required between a parking lot and buUding. The planting
within the perimeter landscape border is not counted towards the 3% landscape requirement for
parking lots.
• Trees shaU be provided at the minimum rate of one (1) tree per every four (4) parking spaces.
Tree instaUations intended to satisfy this requirement shaU be located within the parking area,
exclusive of the parking lot setbacks. Trees shaU be located in close proximity to the spaces they
are to shade.
• Trees shaU be planted a minimum of two (2) feet from the back of curbs.
• Any lane of through traffic shaU be separated from parking spaces by a landscaped island with a
minimum outside width of six (6) feet and a minimum landscape width of four (4) feet (see
Figure 3-D for examples).
• Islands at the end of each row of parking shaU be used as a planting area.
• If a landscaped strip is provided perpendicular to rows of parking spaces, the planting area shaU
be designed to provide a minimum of four (4) feet of landscaping clear of vehicle overhangs.
• Long rows of parking should be broken up with landscaped islands. Landscaped islands should
be provided at intervals of one island for approximately every 12 to 15 parking spaces.
• If landscaped "finger" islands are provided between parking spaces, they shaU be designed with a
minimum outside width of seven (7) feet and a minimum landscape width of four (4) feet (see
Figure 3-D for examples).
16 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
To faciUtate passengers entering and exiting vehicles, landscaped islands may include a hardscape
surface (paving strip) between the planter bed and parking space, provided that a minimum
landscaped width of four (4) feet is maintained. The hardscape surface (not including curb) may
be included in the 3% of landscape area.
Parking areas shaU be screened from adjacent propert}' or streets through the use of planting or
any combination of planting, mounding, and decorative waUs. Screening elements shaU have a total
height of at least three (3) feet.
2 f VEHICLE OVERHANG •
4' MIN.
PAVEMENT EDSE-
(VARIES)
CURB AT TREE CUT-OUT
CURB^- RUNOFF IS DIRECTED
INTO LANDSCAPED DRAINAGE SWALE
PER ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATION
Example: Parlting Lot with Landscaped Drainage Swale
PERVIOUS PAVING •
PER ENGINEER'S
SPECIFICATIONS
7^
WIDTH
VARIES
7^
OVERHANG
m KINS SPA :BS
PLANT TREE 2' AAINIMUM FROM
^JSIDE EDGE OF PLANTER CURB
l-i;
^ X 6' TRIE WEa
(OUTSIDE LENGTH)
Example: Parking Lot with Pervious Paving
PARKING LOT DESIGN USING LID FEATURES Figure 3-C
17 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
5' CLEAR LANDSCAPE •
AREA AT END ISLAND
(PARKING ON ONE SIDE)
NOTE: SHIFT TREE LOCATTONS TO ACCOMMODATE LI6HT
STANDARDS. FIRE HYDRANTS, IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT
AND/OR SI6HT DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS
Example: Standard Parking Lot Design with Landscaped Islands
PAVING STRIPS-
(OPTIONAL)
4' MIN. WIDTH
OF LANDSCAPE
•itxm SPACE
6" CURB
r MIN.
OUTSIDE WIDTH
Example: Landscaped "Finger" Island
(with optional paving strips)
t
lu >
a. a
i 4'
4' AAIN. WIDTH
OF LANDSCAPE
PAVING STRIP
(OPTIONAL)
6" CURB
6' MIN.
OUTSIDE WIDTH
Example: Landscaped Island between
Parking and Drive Aisle
(with optional paving strips)
STANDARD PARKING LOT DESIGN Figure 3-D
18 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
14. MICROCLIMATE ENHANCEMENT/SOLAR ACCESS
• Trees shaU be located to shade south and west facing windows, waUs, outdoor Uving spaces
except as Umited by the solar access requirements below.
• Site design and landscaping shaU provide solar access by adhering to the provisions in the State
laws described below:
The California Solar Rights Acts of 1978
^ Expressly adds the right of receiving sunUght upon or over land to the Ust of recognized
easements, to be known as "Solar Easements."
Defines a "Solar Energy System" to include active or passive systems and describes the
requirements of a solar easement.
The California Solar Shade Control Act of 1978 provides that no adjacent property owner shaU
obstruct more than 10% percent of a coUector's sky space (with possible exemptions) at any
time on any day of the year.
15. STREETSCAPE DESIGN
Refer to Section 6 - Streetscape Program for streetscape and median requirements.
D. Conceptual Water Conservation Plan
The Conceptual Water Conservation Plan shaU include, but not be Umited to the foUowing items:
1. WATERSUPPLY
• Indicate the existing and/or future recycled water systems.
• Provide a colored or hatched plan clearly showing where recycled water, graywater and potable
water are proposed to be used for irrigation.
• Irrigation systems for aU projects, except for service to a single-family residence or front yard
irrigation on individuaUy metered condos, shaU be designed to use non-potable, treated recycled
water, unless an exemption is approved by the City Utilities Department
2. WATER CONSERVATION FEATURES
Provide a written description of aU water conservation features including addressing Water Efficient
Landscape Principles (see Appendix A) that wUl be incorporated into the project.
3. HYDROZONE DIAGRAM*
Include one "hydrozone diagram" which identifies grouping of plants within the individual
hydrozones (high, moderate, low, very low or special landscape areas) and which indicates the square
footage and irrigation method of each area.
For more information, see Section 4.E - WELO Documentation.
19 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
4. MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA)*
A landscape project subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (see Section 1) shaU include
calculations which document the maximum appUed water aUowance (MAWA). A landscape project
shaU not exceed the MAWA. The MAWA for a landscape project shaU be determined by the
foUowing equation:
MAWA = (ETo)(0.62)[(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
MAWA
ETo
0.62
Maximum AppUed Water Allowance in gaUons per year.
Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
Conversion factor to gaUons per square foot.
0.7 ET adjustment factor for plant factors and irrigation efficiency.
LA Landscaped area includes special landscaped area in square feet.
The addifional ET adjustment factor for a special landscaped area (1.0 - 0.7 = 0.3)
Special landscaped area in square feet.
0.3
SLA
5. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU)*
A landscape project subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (see Section 1) shaU include
a preUminary estimate of the total water use (ETWU) using the foUowing equation. The calculations
shaU be shown on a Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix E) and shaU Ust each hydrozone
and shaU identifiy the plant types and water features in the hydrozone, the irrigation methods used,
the square footage, and the percentage of the total landscape area of the project that the hydrozone
represents.
ETWU = (ETo )(0.62) ^PFxHA ^.
-HSLA
J IE
The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
ETWU Estimated total water use in gaUons per year.
ETo
0.62
Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
Conversion factor to gaUons per square foot.
PF Plant factor from WUCOLS III
HA Hydrozone Area in square feet. Each HA shaU be classified based upon the data
included in the landscape and irrigation plan as high, moderate, low, or very low
water use.
Irrigation Efficiency of the irrigation method used in the hydrozone.
Special landscaped area in square feet.
IE
SLA
For more information, see Section 4.E - WELO Documentation.
20 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 3: PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLANS
E. Conceptual Fire Protection Plan
1. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The Conceptual Fire Protection Plan shaU demonstrate in a general way how the proposed project
wiU conform to the poUcies and requirements of this document, particularly the Fire PoUcies
(Section 2) and Fire Protection Requirements (Section 5).
2. FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
The plan shaU include a written and graphic plan and sections Ulustrating the foUowing:
• Fire hydrant locations.
• Rear yard setbacks.
• Fuel modification zones as outUned in Section 5.
• Emergency/maintenance access.
• Maintenance responsibiUty and schedule of frequency.
• Any other project modification to protect the development from fire hazards.
• Street widths dimensioned.
3. REDUCED FIRE BUFFERS
In rare occasions, reduced fire buffers may be approved by the Fire Code Official or his designee.
In these instances, the appUcant must provide written documentation from the Fire Code Official
that indicates the location and approved width of the fire buffer.
F. Conceptual Maintenance Responsibility Exhibit
The Maintenance ResponsibiUty Exhibit shaU be prepared at a scale and size (preferably one sheet)
that provides an overaU view of the project and shaU clearly identify the various areas of landscape
maintenance responsibiUties (private, common area/homeowners' association (HOA), City, etc).
21 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
This page is intentionaUy left blank.
22 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Landscape Construction Documents
Tandscape construction documents translate the provisions set forth in any
approved conceptual project submittals and the policies and requirements of this
manual into working documents for landscape construction.
A. Landscape Documentation Package
A Landscape Documentation Package is required for aU landscape projects that meet the
appUcabiUty requirements in Section 1. Projects that are exempt from the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance (under the WELO thresholds), but which require landscape plans, are not
required to submit the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet required with the WELO
documentation. The foUowing primary components shaU be included in the Landscape
Documentation Package:
^ WELO Documentation
^ Soil Analysis Report and Recommendations
Landscape Checklist
Planting Plan
^ Landscape Construction Plan
Grading Design
Irrigation Plan
The foUowing sections provide detaUed descriptions of each of the components Usted above as weU
as a Ust of the General Requirements and project-specific Special Requirements for landscape
submittals.
B. General Requirements
1. PREPARER
• Plans shaU be prepared by a Ucensed landscape architect, Ucensed civU engineer, Ucensed
architect, or other quaUfied professional Ucensed by the state to do this work.
23 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• Irrigation plans may be prepared by an irrigation consultant. However, plans must include the
stamp of the Ucensed landscape architect or other Ucensed professional responsible for the
work.
2. CONSISTENCY WITH CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE PLAN
The landscape construction documents shaU be designed in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of
this manual, and shaU incorporate aU of the features shown on the approved conceptual landscape
plan (if one was required).
3. PLAN SIZE AND FORMAT
• AU landscape plan submittals shaU include a City Titie Sheet as foUows:
The Standard Planning Division Title Sheet includes the City titie block; drawing index.
Declaration of Responsible Charge, Water Efficient Landscape Declaration, backflow
preventer testing information, inspection procedures, Dig7\lert information, and areas for
vicinity map, location map, and key map.
- The City Recycied Water Title Sheet includes the City tide block, general notes, signage
notes, legend, instructions for required project information, vicinity map, typical signs,
DigAlert information, inspection procedures, the Declaration of Responsible Charge, and
CMWD and Department of Environmental Health signature blocks.
• Plans shaU be prepared on standard 24" x 36" City of Carisbad "D" Sheets with the Planning
Division titie block. A one (1) inch border shaU be provided on the right hand side of the
sheet.
• Plans shaU be drawn at 1" = 20' unless otherwise approved by the City.
• Planting and irrigation plans shaU be drawn on a 50% screen of the civU engineer grading plans.
• For multiple sheet projects, each sheet shaU provide a "Graphic Key" (reduced overaU project
map) indicating the portion of the project that each sheet covers. The graphic key shaU be
included on the titie sheet.
• At a minimum, the plans shaU include aU ofthe General Contents items Usted in Section 3.B.3.
C. Special Requirements
In addition to the general requirements Usted above, the foUowing project types have additional
submittal requirements:
1. PROJECTS WITHIN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
• Projects in this category include, but are not Umited to, pubUc projects, medians, streetscapes,
pubUc or private projects within the pubUc domain and other City-maintained landscape areas.
• Specific Streetscape Program requirements are included in Section 6 of this manual.
• Plans shall be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
24 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• Landscaping within the areas described above are subject to specific irrigation and/or planting
requirements. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for informational materials.
2. PROJECTS SUBJECT TO FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
• Specific Fire Protection Requirements are included in Section 5 of this manual.
• When Fuel Modification Zones are required for a project, they shaU be iUustrated on the
planting plan or on a separate sheet in the Landscape Construction Document submittal
package.
3. SLOPE REVEGETATION/EROSION CONTROL PLANS
• Specific Slope Revegtation/Erosion Control Plan requirements are included in Section 7 of
this manual.
• Slope revegetation/erosion control plans may be included in the General Planting, Irrigation,
and Construction Plan submittal.
• Plans may be drawn at the same scale as used for the grading plan, provided that drawing scale
is no smaUer than one inch equals forty feet (1" = 40') unless otherwise approved by the City.
4. HABITAT RESTORATION PLANS
' Habitat Restoration Plans shaU be prepared as a separate Landscape Documentation
Package and shaU include the foUowing items:
- Restoration Plan that includes the required mitigation for habitat impacts.
- Long-term Maintenance, Monitoring, and Reporting Plan.
- Landscape Plans that reflect the specific planting requirements of the Restoration Plan.
- Irrigation Plans.
- Property Analysis Record (PAR).
• Plans may be drawn at the same scale as used for the grading plan, provided that drawUig scale
is no smaUer than one inch equals forty feet (1" = 40') unless otherwise approved by the City.
• Plans shaU incorporate, as appropriate, the recommendations contained in the City of Carlsbad
Habitat Management Plan (HMP) guideUnes. The guideUnes are avaUable on the HMP website
and include:
• Guidelines for Preserve Management.
• Guidelines for Habitat Creation and Restoration.
• Guidelines for Riparian and Wetland Buffers.
25 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
D. Water Conservation Requirements
1. PLANTING FOR WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES
• All plants shaU be grouped in hydrozones and the irrigation shaU be designed to deUver water to
hydrozones based on the moisture requirements of the plant grouping.
• A hydrozone may mix plants of moderate and low water use or mix plants of high water use
with plants of moderate water use.
• No high water use plants shaU be aUowed in a low water use hydrozone.
2. MULCHING
• A minimum three (3) inch layer of mulch shaU be appUed on aU exposed soil surfaces in each
landscaped area except in turfgrass areas, direct seeding appUcations, or erosion control
plantings where mulch is not recommended.
• The mulch thickness may taper down to one (1) inch thick in areas adjacent to hard surfaces
such as sidewalks curbs, or drives where the difference between the finish grade and top of the
hard surface is less than three (3) inches. Mulch may also taper down to one (1) inch adjacent
to trees, shrubs and ground cover plantings.
• Impervious materials shaU not be placed under the mulch.
• Highly flammable mulch material shaU not be used.
• The mulching portion of seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded appUcations satisfies the mulching
requirement of this section.
3. FOUNTAINS AND/OR WATER FEATURES
• Fountains and/or water features shaU have recirculating systems and shaU be designed to
minimize evaporative loss.
• Fountains, decorative pools and ponds shaU utiUze recycled water if avaUable or shaU be
designed to utiUze recycled water so that it can be utiUzed when it becomes avaUable. The
design and equipment shaU conform to state or local water and health agency requirements
related to recycled water.
• Use of recycled water in fountains or water feamres is subject to approval by the San Diego
County Department of Environmental Health or CaUfornia Department of PubUc Health.
4. MODEL HOMES
• New single-famUy residential developments containing one or more model home(s): A water
efficient landscaping brochure shaU be available for each group of adults visiting the model home.
At a minimum, each brochure shaU include information describing the water efficient features of
the model's landscaping; resources for additional information regarding water efficiency in
landscaping; contact information for the local water purveyor and Planning Division; and a
reference to the requirements of this landscape manual. A copy of the brochure shaU be provided
to the Planning Division prior to the City authorizing temporary occupancy as a model home.
26 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• An educational sign shaU be placed in the front yard of each model home so that it is visible
and readable from the roadway. The sign shaU be white with black capital lettering at least two
inches high and shaU state '^HiS MODEL HOME USES WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING AND
IRRIGATION".
E. WELO Documentation
A landscape project subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shaU include a Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet that calculates the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
and the Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) for the project. The MAWA and the ETWU for a
landscape project shaU be determined by the formulas shown in Appendix E. AdditionaUy, the
foUowing information shaU be included:
1. HYDROZONE INFORMATION TABLE
• Each hydrozone Usted in the table shaU identify the plant types and water features in the
hydrozone, the irrigation methods used, the square footage, and the percentage of the total
landscaped area of the project that the hydrozone represents.
• The plant types shaU be categorized as turfgrass/high water use, moderate water use, low water
use, or very low water use.
2. WATER BUDGET CALCULATIONS
The water budget calculations shaU use the formulas for the MAWA and ETWU, and shaU meet
the foUowing requirements:
' Plant Factor
Water budget calculations shaU use the plant factors from WUCOLS III. On a plan that mixes
plants that require a different amount of water within a hydrozone, the plant factor for the
highest water using plant in the hydrozone shaU be used.
Plant Factors
Very Low Water Use Plants 0.1
Low Water Use Plants 0.3
Moderate Water Use Plants 0.5
High Water Use Plants and Turfgrass 0.8
Temporarily Irrigated Areas
Areas with temporary irrigation shaU be included in the low water use hydrozone.
"TemporarUy irrigated" as used in this manual means the period of time when plantings only
receive water until they become estabUshed.
Water Features
The surface area of a water feature, including swimming pools, shaU be included in a high water
use hydrozone.
27 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Non-Vegetated Areas
Adjustment to landscaped area for non-vegetated areas such as rock and stone, or pervious
design features (such as decomposed granite ground cover) that are adjacent to a vegetated area
may be included in the calculation of the MAWA and ETWU provided the features are
integrated into the design of the landscape area and the primary purpose of the feature is
decorative.
Special Landscape Areas
Each special landscaped area shaU be identified on the worksheet and the area's water use
calculated using an Evapotranspriation Adjustment Factor (ETAF) of 1.0.
SPECIAL LANDSCAPED AREA (SLA)
The water use of a SLA may be calculated using an ETAF of 1.0.
Special Landscaped Areas include the foUowing:
X Areas of the landscape dedicated to edible plants.
5C An area irrigated with recycled water.
>C Water features that use treated recycled water.
X An area within a park, sports field or golf course where turfgrass
provides a passive or active recreational surface.
F. Soil Analysis Report and Recommendations
A soil management report and plan shaU be submitted to and approved by the City. If grading is
not required for the project, the report shaU be submitted with the landscape documentation
package. If the project involves mass grading of the site, the soU management report shaU be
submitted with the Certificate of Completion required by Section 8.
• The soU analysis shaU include information about the soU texture, soU infUtration rate, pH, total
soluble salts, sodium, and percent organic matter. Soil samples shaU be taken from enough
locations on the site to represent an adequate cross section of conditions.
• The report shaU identify any soU amendments, type, and quantity that may be necessary to
foster plant growth and plant survival in the landscaped areas.
• The approved recommendations for amendments and backfiU shaU be incorporated into the
landscape plans prior to the start of construction and shaU become part of the approved plans.
G. Landscape Checklist
A copy of the Landscape Checklist (Appendix B) shaU be included with the submittal of the
landscape construction documents. Note that the checkUst does not encompass aU of the
landscape manual requirements, nor does it include the entire text of the Usted items. The plan
preparer should refer to the main text of the landscape manual to ensure that aU of the design
standards and requirements are incorporated into the plans.
28 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
H. Planting Plan
I. PLANTING PLAN REQUIREMENTS
The planting plan shaU include the foUowing:
• Existing and proposed grades and drainage elements.
• AU elements shown on the approved conceptual landscape plan.
• AU existing and proposed outdoor elements including, but not Umited to, recreational areas,
outdoor eating areas, hardscape, trails and water features.
• AU amenities for employee eating areas (as required by the City for certain office/industrial/
commercial projects) including (at a minimum) site furniture, hardscape, trash receptacles, and
picnic tables.
• A graphic representation of aU plant material to be instaUed within each landscape area.
• A plant palette that Usts aU vegetation by common and botanical plant name and that includes
the total quantities by container size and species.
• Identification of aU areas permanentiy and solely dedicated to edible plants.
• Seed mix information, including at a minimum the mix, rate, purity, germination, inoculation,
fertiUzation, binder and mulch.
2. PLANTING DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Planting detaUs and specifications shaU include, but not be Umited to the foUowing:
• General planting notes, detaUs, and specifications.
• Planting details to ensure uniform planting of landscape.
• Slope planting detail (if appUcable) that indicates the rear of the planting pit shaU be graded to a
maximum 1:1 slope and that this slope shaU be covered with erosion control fabric, as
approved by the City.
• Double stake or guy (with fiagging) for non-self supporting trees.
• Specifications for root control barriers for trees located within five (5) feet of a sidewalk or hard
surface.
• Weed abatement program.
I. Landscape Construction Plan
Plans for landscape construction shaU include, but not be Umited to the foUowing:
• General landscape construction notes and specifications.
• Construction detaUs for aU landscape features, including fences, fountains/water features,
landscape Ughting, waUs, walkways/traUs, treUises, and signs.
29 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• If any aspects of the landscape construction (including those items Usted above) are shown on
the architect's or engineer's plans, that information shaU be indicated on the landscape plans
and referenced as to plans and sheet numbers.
• If signage is included on the landscape plans, a note shaU be included on the plan indicating
that aU project signs and/or monument signs require a separate permit.
J. Grading Design
A copy of the grading plan shaU be submitted with the landscape construction documents.
Previously approved grading plans, as-built grading plans, or grading plans undergoing the grading
permit approval process are acceptable submittals. If a project does not require approval of a
grading plan, the foUowing information shaU be included in the landscape plans:
• General information shaU include, but not be Umited to, elevations, slope heights, drainage
patterns, pad elevations, storm water management, and finish grade.
• The plans shaU indicate positive surface drainage (2% grade in planting areas) away from
structures and terminating in an approved drainage system.
• The grading on the project site shaU be designed for the efficient use of water by minimizing
soil erosion, runoff and water waste, resulting from precipitation and irrigation.
• The grading design shaU be designed to comply with best management practices required by
Municipal Code Chapter 15.12, Storm Water Management and Discharge Control.
K. irrigation Plan
1. PUBLIC PROJECTS
Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for a Ust of current approved equipment.
2. RECYCLED WATER
• Projects shaU be designed to utiUze recycled water and/or other alternative non-potable water
sources for landscaping to the satisfaction of the City, unless an exemption is approved by the
City UtiUties Department.
• A person who uses recycled water under this section shaU be entitied to an ETAF of 1.0.
• Dual distribution systems may be required for projects using recycled and potable water for
landscape irrigation, as approved by the City. Pipes carrying recycled water shaU be purple.
• AU regional and local water and health code requirements related to recycled water use that are
in force at the time of final landscape approval shaU apply including, but not Umited to,
instaUation of labeled or colored irrigation pipe and appurtenances to denote recycled water use.
• A physical separation shaU be provided between adjacent areas irrigated with recycled water and
potable water. Separation shaU be provided by distance, concrete mow curbs or other
approved methods.
• Projects using recycled water shaU include a peak watering window calculation proving that the
irrigation systems can complete aU watering cycles within a maximum eight (8) hour window.
30 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• Unless the drip Une is purple in color, it shaU be marked every 10 feet on center with approved
recycled water identification and markings.
• Hose bib connections are not aUowed on systems using recycled water.
• Irrigation signage is required stating that the landscaping is being irrigated with recycled water.
3. IRRIGATION PLAN REQUIREMENTS
• The plans shaU include aU general irrigation notes, detaUs and specifications, signature blocks,
and any other items that may be determined to be necessary by the City.
• The schematic plan shaU iUustrate the location, type and size of aU components of the irrigation
system that wUl provide water to the landscaped area, including the controUer, water Unes,
valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure
regulators, backflow prevention devices, and signage.
• A legend shaU be included which identifies aU symbols and indicates the manufacmrer,
precipitation rate, g.p.m.'s, radU of each head type and detail reference caU out as well as any
pertinent information about equipment used.
• 7\U systems shaU have their equipment sized, their control valve size and station number given,
and their gaUon per minute stated. Pipe sizes shaU be indicated numericaUy (i.c-Va", ¥4", etc.).
• AU water meters or other points of connection (P.O.C.), both temporary and permanent, shaU
be noted and sizes caUed out. Any temporary elements shaU note the intended duration of use.
• Plans shaU indicate the type of water meter (recycled or potable) and the location shaU be
identified by the street station number to coincide with the locations shown on the pubUc
improvement plans. PubUc potable and recycled water mains shaU be shown on the plans.
• Main Unes shaU be clearly delineated outside the street right of way unless otherwise approved by
the City.
• The plan shaU show the static water pressure at the point of connection to the pubUc water
supply, the maximum flow rate in gaUons per minute, and the design operating pressure in
pounds per square inch.
• Pressure calculations for the lowest pressure (worst case) system for each point of connection
shaU be submitted with the plans. Each piece of equipment shaU be Usted in the calculation
along with the associated loss. The calculation shaU include the total pressure loss of aU
equipment used in the system to the point of connection. The calculation shaU indicate the
total residual pressure by subtracting the total loss from the avaUable static pressure at the point
of connection. A minimum 10% residual pressure shaU be provided based on the existing
hydrauUc grade Une of the water system.
• The plan shaU identify each area irrigated with recycled water, graywater, and other non-potable
water.
• Separate water service for landscaping (including, but not Umited to connections, water meters,
and back flow preventers) shaU be provided for aU commercial/industrial projects, golf courses,
parks, and residential common areas in projects over four (4) dwelUng units.
31 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
4. IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY
• The irrigation system shaU be designed with a landscape irrigation efficiency necessary to meet
the MAWA.
• Irrigation circuits shaU be organized into hydrozones based on plants, sun and shade exposure,
topography, and soUs.
• The irrigation system shaU be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low-head drainage and
other simUar conditions where irrigation water flows or sprays onto areas not intended for
irrigation.
• The irrigation in a transitional area shaU be designed so that no overspray or runoff shaU enter
an adjacent native habitat area that is not irrigated.
• The irrigation system shaU be designed to apply water at a rate not exceeding the infUtration
rate of the soU.
• When irrigation wiU be used for vegetation within 24 inches of an impermeable surface,
overhead irrigation shaU not be permitted and only low volume or subsurface irrigation shaU be
used, unless the adjacent impermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to cause water to
drain entirely into a landscaped area.
- The plan shaU provide that any slope greater than 25% wiU be irrigated with an irrigation system
with a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less to prevent runoff and erosion. As used
in this chapter, 25% grade means one (1) foot of vertical elevation change for every four (4)
feet of horizontal length. An appUcant may employ an alternative design if the plan
demonstrates that no runoff or erosion wUl occur.
5. SPECIFIC IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
" Point of Connection
Water service (point of connection) instaUation for landscape shaU be in place as required to
coincide with planting timing.
• Backflow Devices
City approved backflow preventers to protect the potable water supply shaU be instaUed per
City standards and shaU comply with aU appUcable health and safety codes and detaUs as
required by the City UtiUty and Maintenance Department.
Backflow preventers are not required on recycled water services except where an injector or
other potential hazard is specified. Irrigation systems that are conditioned for recycled
water but wUl use potable water pending recycled water avaUabiUty wiU require backflow
assembUes.
- Backflow preventers shaU be tested by a certified tester and results must be given to the
owner and the Water District.
Pipe between the meter and backfiow preventer shaU be copper.
• Design Pressure
- Where static water pressure exceeds 60 psi at the control valve, "pressure regulating type"
remote control valves shaU be provided within each circuit.
32 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Pressure regulating device shaU be used where the static pressure at the point of connection
exceeds 80 psi. Pressure differential within the lateral piping circuits shaU not exceed 20%
of the designed operating pressure.
Pressure regulators shaU be instaUed between a meter and a backflow device.
The requirement for pressure regulators and pressure regulating valves may be waived if it
can be shown through the pressure calculations that the system wUl operate more efficiendy
without them.
Water velocities within any segment of pipe within the system shaU not exceed five (5) feet
per second.
Piping
AU pipe must be below grade except for risers and distribution tubing for drip irrigation systems.
On-grade pipe is not aUowed unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City that
the rocky condition of the slope would prevent trenching. In cases where on-grade pipe is
aUowed it shaU be the galvanized type or UVR resistant PVC approved by the City.
PVC pressure mains shaU be class 315 (2 inch or larger) or schedule 40 (1 V2 inch or smaUer).
Mainlines shaU be located outside of die street right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the City.
PVC lateral Unes shaU be class 200 except that Vi" shaU be schedule 40.
Minimum pipe coverage shaU be as foUows:
Pressure Unes less than 3" diameter - 18" cover
Pressure Unes 3" to 5 V2" diameter - 24" cover
^ Pressure Unes 6" or greater in diameter - 36" cover
Lateral Unes of aU sizes - 12" cover
Recycled irrigation systems shaU provide for two (2) layers of warning tape running
continuous along the route of the mainUne. One shaU be located immediately on top of the
mainUne pipe and one shaU be located 12 inches above the top of the mainUne.
Sleeving
Crossing of roads with irrigation pipe or wiring shaU be avoided wherever possible. Sleeves
shaU be instaUed if a crossing must be made.
Sleeves for irrigation lines under roads shaU be schedule 80 PVC and sleeves under paving (non-
roads) shaU be schedule 40 PVC, with a minimum size of two (2) times the size of the line it serves.
Minimum coverage for sleeves shaU be as foUows:
Sleeves under roads that are 6" or less in diameter — 36" cover
1^ Sleeves under roads that are greater than 6" in diameter — 48" cover
^ Sleeves under paving (non-roads) that are less than 3" in diameter - 18" cover
Sleeves under paving (non-roads) that are 3" - 5-1/2" in diameter - 24" cover
^ Sleeves under paving (non-roads) that are 6" or greater in diameter — 36" cover
ControUer wires located under streets or other permanent improvements shaU be instaUed
in separate PVC sleeves corresponding to the type and depth as specified above.
The locations of irrigation sleeves shaU be placed on the irrigation plans and on the
improvement plans (if appUcable) for reference.
33 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Thrust Blocks
Thrust blocks consisting of a minimum of one (1) cubic foot of concrete (200) psi) shaU be
instaUed around main Unes 3" and above at elbows and at points of change in direction.
Controller
AU irrigation systems shaU be operated by an automatic controUer(s). ~
AU irrigation systems shaU be equipped with an automatic controUer capable of dual or
multiple programming.
ControUers must have multiple cycle start capacity and a flexible calendar program.
Irrigation controUers shaU be equipped with rain shut-off devices (weather based system or
soU moisture detection system).
Shut-off/Zone Control Valves
The irrigation system shaU provide for the instaUation of a manual shutoff valve as close as
possible to the water supply. Additional manual shutoff valves shaU be instaUed between
each zone of the irrigation system and the water supply.
Quick Coupling Valves
Quick coupUng valves shaU be instaUed at a maximum of every 150 feet along the mainUne
and as needed to adequately service the area.
^ Quick couplers for recycled water shaU include reverse ACME type threads.
^ Quick couplers for potable water shaU be the lug type.
Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads shaU have matched precipitation rates within each control valve circuit and
head types shaU not be mixed within the circuit.
Sprinkler head spacing in turfgrass areas and where stream sprays, rotors or impacts are
used shaU be equal to 50% of the diameter spray.
Pop up heads shaU be used within 10 feet of any pedestrian use.
Only pop-up heads or drip systems shaU be used in the pubUc right-of-way.
Risers over 12 inches in height must be staked (staking shaU be with galvanized pipe and
clamps (2) or as approved by the City).
Check Valves
Check valves shaU be used to prevent low head drainage.
Serviceable check valves located in valve boxes or on risers (above grade) are required
where elevation differential may cause low head drainage.
Deep Watering Device
All trees in turfgrass areas shaU be irrigated with a "deep watering device" (drip or bubbler
appUcation inside a drain pipe).
34 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Fire Protection Requirements
A. Tire Protection Plan is required when a proposed project contains or is
bounded by hat^ardous vegetation or when a proposed project is within an area
bounded by a Very High Tire Hazard Severity Zone, or as determined by the
Tire Code Official or his representative.
A. Application
The appUcant shaU develop a Fire Protection Plan which meets the fire protection requirements of
the Landscape Manual and which conforms to the most current requirements for WUdland Urban
Interface Areas, as adopted by the City of Carlsbad. Environmental constraints or other
restrictions placed upon the development shaU not be considered justification for modification or
subordination of fire protection standards. The site planning of the development shaU satisfy both
the fire protection standards and environmental constraints.
In addition to the General Requirements Usted below, the design, instaUation, and modification of
existing vegetation shaU be in conformance with one of the foUowing "Conditions" for fuel
modification zones or as required or modified by the Fire Code Official or his/her designee.
B. General Requirements
1. CALIFORNIA FIRE AND BUILDING CODES
The plan shaU conform to Chapter 49 of the CaUfornia Fire Code and/or Chapter 7a of the
CaUfornia Building Code, as adopted by the City of Carlsbad.
2. OFFSITE FIRE HAZARD AREAS
It is the appUcant's responsibiUty to secure agreements with owners of adjacent property to
modify/mitigate offsite wUdland fire hazards to the subject property, so that conformance with the
fire protection plan and adopted standards is achieved and maintained.
3. ACCESS
Maintenance access shaU be provided to aU fire protection areas. AU maintenance access points
shaU be identified on the recorded drawings and a maintenance access agreement shaU be recorded
for the subject property.
35 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
4. DEBRIS REMOVAL
Debris and trimmings produced by maintenance and thinning shaU be removed from the site or
shaU be converted to mulch by a chipping machine and evenly dispersed over the area to a
maximum depth of four (4) inches.
5. INSPECTIONS
Inspections of fuel modification zones may occur throughout the year. The Fire Code Official or
his representative shaU provide detaUed maintenance requirements in the event of a dispute. 7\U
required maintenance wiU be in accordance with the approved plans. Additional maintenance may
be required at the discretion of the Fire Code Official.
6. FENCING
Fencing returns that are attached to a structure and/or any fence located within the drip Une of the
eaves shaU be constructed with noncombustible materials if located within 100 feet of undisturbed
native areas.
7. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
The Fire Code Official may require documentary photographs of slopes at the time of treatment.
These photographs wiU remain in possession of the City as a reference for future compUance
inspections by the City.
C. Condition A - Manufactured Slopes
Tuel modification t^ones for manufactured slopes abutting hazardous native
vegetation. (See Tigure 5-A)
ZONE A-1
Zone A-1 shaU be measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of any
habitable structure(s) or inward from the top of slope.
Planting within Zone A-1 shaU consist of ground cover or low growing shrubs species (less
than three (3) feet in height) known to have fire resistive quaUties.
No trees or shrubs (over three (3) feet in height at maturity) shaU be aUowed.
Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
AU attachments to the structure shaU be noncombustible.
No soUd fuel fire pits or outdoor fire places shaU be permitted.
ZONE A-2
Zone A~2 shaU be measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of Zone A-1.
Planting within this zone shaU consist of low water use plant species known to have slow
burning, low fuel characteristics.
No trees shaU be aUowed.
Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
36 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
• If Zone A-2 crosses over a fence Une, a six (6) foot wide strip of modified landscaping shaU be
provided paraUel to the fence Une in order to provide access for firefighters. Plants located
within the six (6) foot access area shaU not exceed a height of 18 inches at maturity.
ZONE A-3
• Zone A-3 shaU be measured outward from the outiying edge of Zone A-2. It shaU include the
remainder of the area between Zone A-2 and high risk fire areas.
• The horizontal distance from the structure(s) to hazardous native vegetation shaU not be less
than 60 feet.
• Planting within this zone shaU consist of low water use or drought tolerant plant species known
to have slow burning, low fuel characteristics.
• Trees may be aUowed at the discretion of the Fire Code Official provided that, at maturity, a
20-foot spacing can be maintained between the tree canopies.
• Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
37 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
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38 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
^ Fuel Modification Zones • Native
Zone A-1
1
Zone A-2 Zone A-3 Vegetation
1 t 1
• 20 feet • 20 feet • 20 feet • Undisturbed native
• Fire resistive plants • Slow burning/low • Slow burning/low vegetation
• No trees or shrubs fuel plants fuel plants • No irrigation
• Irrigated • No trees • Tree canopies spaced
• No solid fuel fire • Irrigated 20 feet apart
pits or fireplaces • Irrigated
• Only noncombustible
patio covers
4 J i» • /
Existing vegetation shall be
trimmed to 18 inches high
within 6 feet of fence
(if fence is present)
Fuel modification zones for mcnmade
slopes abutting native vegetation
CONDITION A - MANUFACTURED SLOPES Figure 5-A
39 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
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SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
D. Condition B - Natural Slopes with Native Vegetation
Tuel modification t^nes for natural slopes with native vegetation where
removal of native vegetation is restricted. (See Tigure S-B)
ZONE B-1
• Zone B-1 shaU be measured horizontaUy 20 feet from the outiying edge of any habitable
structure(s) toward the native vegetation or inward from the top of slope or edge of native
vegetation.
• Planting within this area shaU consist of ground cover or low growing shrub species (less than
three (3) feet in height) known to have fire resistive quaUties or as otherwise required by the City.
• No trees or shrubs (over three (3) feet in height at maturity) shaU be permitted.
• Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
• AU attachments to the structure shaU be noncombustible.
• No soUd fuel fire pits or outdoor fire places shaU be permitted.
ZONE B-2
• Zone B-2 shaU be measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of Zone B-1
• "High fuel" species, as Usted in Appendix C, shaU be removed.
• Up to 50% of the volume of the "moderate fuel" species, as Usted in Appendix C, shaU be
removed by selective pruning.
• Planting within this zone shaU consist of low fuel species.
• Trees and large tree-form shrubs (e.g. Oaks, Sumac, Toyon) which are being retained shaU be
pruned to provide clearance equal to three (3) times the height of the surrounding understory
plant material or six (6) feet, whichever is higher. Dead and excessively twiggy growth shaU be
removed.
• Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
• If Zone B-2 crosses over a fence Une, a six (6) foot wide strip of modified landscaping shaU be
provided paraUel to the fence Une in order to provide access for firefighters. Plants located
within the six (6) foot access area shaU not exceed a height of 18 inches at maturity.
ZONE B-3
• Zone B-3 shaU be measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of Zone B-2.
The outer edge of Zone B-3 shaU extend horizontaUy to a point at least 60 feet from structures.
• "High fuel" species, as Usted in Appendix C shaU be removed.
41 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Up to 50% of the volume of vegetation shaU be thinned. Shrubs may be retained provided that
they are pruned to a maximum height of four (4) feet.
Trees and tree-Uke shrubs (e.g. Oaks, Sumac, Toyon) which are being retained shaU be pruned
to provide clearance equal to three times the height of the surrounding understory plant
material or six (6) feet, whichever is higher. Dead and excessively twiggy growth shaU also be
removed.
Irrigation is not required.
42 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Fuel Modification Zones
Zone B-1 Zone B-2 Zone B-3
Native
Vegetation
20 feet
Fire resistive plants
No trees or shrubs
Irrigated
No solid fuel fire
pits or fireplaces
Only noncombustible
patio covers
20 feet
Selective pruning
of 50% of the
volume of native
vegetation
100% removal of
high fuel species
Slow burning/low
fuel plants
Irrigated
20 feet
Selective pruning
of 50% of the
volume of native
vegetation
100% removal of
high fuel species
No irrigation
• Undisturbed native
vegetation
• No irrigation
Existing vegetation shall be
trimmed to 18 inches high
within 6 feet of fence
(if fence is present)
Prune trees and large
shrubs to provide a
clearance of 3 times
' the height of the
understory plants
For areas where removal of native vegetation is
restricted within the fuel modification zones
CONDITION B - NATIVE VEGETATION ON NATURAL SLOPES Figure 5-B
43 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
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SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
E. Condition C - General Fuel Modification
Tuel modification t^ones for manufactured or natural slopes which occur
outside the fence line orproperty. (See Tigure 5-C)
ZONE C-1
• Measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of the fence Une.
• Planted with ground cover or low growing shrub species (less than three (3) feet in height)
known to have fire resistive quaUties.
• Trees are aUowed.
• Irrigation shaU be required and maintained.
ZONE C-2
• Measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of Zone C-1. This condition
may exist in either a manufactured slope or a native slope.
• Zone standards are as foUows:
For manufactured slopes refer to Condition A - Zone A-2.
For natural slopes with native or hazardous vegetation refer to Condition B - Zone B-2.
• If the configuration is Condition A (an irrigated manufactured slope) then trees are aUowed
provided that, at maturity, a 20 foot spacing can be provided between the tree canopies.
ZONE C-3
• Measured horizontaUy 20 feet outward from the outiying edge of Zone C-2. This condition
may exist in either a manufactured slope or a native slope, and extend horizontaUy to a point at
least 60 feet from the fence Une.
• Zone standards are as foUows:
For manufactured slopes refer to Condition A - Zone A-3.
For native slopes refer to Condition B - Zone B-3.
• If the configuration is Condition A (an irrigated manufactured slope) then trees are aUowed
provided that, at maturity, a 20 foot spacing can be provided between the tree canopies.
45 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
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46 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 5: FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Yard
Landscaping
Fuel Modification Zones
Zone C-1 Zone C-2 Zone C-3
Native
Vegetation
No restrictions on:
• Fire pits
• Fire places
• Patio covers
20 feet from edge of
Property or fence line
Fire resistive plants
Trees and shrubs are
allowed
Irrigated
20 feet
For manufactured
slopes refer to
Zone A-2 requirements
For natural slopes with
native vegetation refer
to Zone B-2 requirements
20 feet
For manufactured
slopes refer to
Zone A-2 requirements
For natural slopes with
native vegetation refer
to Zone B-2 requirements
Undisturbed
native vegetation
No irrigation
Existing vegetation shall be
trimmed to 18 inches high
within 6 feet of fence
(if fence is present)
Fuel modification zones for manmade or natural
slopes which occur outside the fence line or property
CONDITION C - GENERAL FUEL MODIFICATION Figure 5-C
47 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
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SECTION 6: STREETSCAPE PROGRAM
Strec^tscape Program
Visual corridors play an important role in developing an image of Carlsbad,
which in turn creates an enduring impression to aid in the City's sense ofplace
and community pride. The streetscape program includes requirements that
ensure a safe streetscape design and contribute to a pleasing vehicular and
pedestrian experience that accentuates the positive, natural, historical and
architectural elements of Carlsbad.
A. Applicability
Projects that include the foUowing elements are subject to the Streetscape Program requirements:
^ Arterial landscaped medians
^ IVIanufactured slopes abutting public/private streets
^ Frontage setbacks abutting public/private streets
^ Rear and side yards that abut public/private streets
B. Street Tree Requirements
• Provide a minimum of one (1) tree for every 40 feet of street frontage. Trees may be planted on
center or grouped.
• Street tree planting located on a major or prime arterial shaU be designed to provide continuity
with the estabUshed street scene.
• Master Plans or Specific Plans may include project-specific street tree requirements.
• Trees shaU be selected from the approved tree replacement Ust identified in Chapter 6 of the
Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan, unless approved otherwise.
• Street trees shaU be located:
- A minimum of seven (7) feet from any sewer Une.
- In areas that do not confUct with pubUc utiUties.
49 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 6: STREETSCAPE PROGRAM
Outside of sight distance areas.
A minimum of three (3) feet outside the pubUc right of way, unless approved otherwise by
the City as noted below.
• Street trees may be located within the pubUc right-of-way, subject to approval by the City, for
projects that are:
Within a pubUc street (ie. arterial medians, traffic circles).
- WitiUn die VUlage Review (V-R) Zone (CMC Chapter 21.35).
Subject to the Planned Development Requirements (CMC Chapter 21.45).
- Witiiin the Beach Area Overlay (BAO) Zones (CMC Chapter 21.82).
Subject to City CouncU PoUcy 66 -Livable Neighborhoods.
• Trees planted within five (5) feet of pubUc sidewalks or other hardscape shaU be instaUed with
root barriers approved by the City.
C. Arterial Road Requirements
These prime and major arterial roadways throughout the City have individual streetscape themes
that create a recognizable identity for each particular thoroughfare or segment. The themes are
based on the character or heritage of that specific area of Carlsbad and are described in more detail
in Appendix D - Arterial Street Themes. Substimtions for the landscape and hardscape elements
described for each theme are permitted, provided that the median island concrete and landscaping
within the median and right-of-way are designed to provide street scene continuity. Alternative
median designs using Low Impact Development features are also possible, as described below.
The specific trees creating a streetscape theme are made up of four types of trees: Median, Theme,
Support, and Project Identity/Accent Trees.
PERCENTAGE TOTAL OF
STREETSCAPE TREES
IMedian Island Trees — These trees complement the
street trees and shaU be instaUed as part of the
required street improvements.
Theme Trees - These trees set the overaU character
of the streetscape and are located along the roadside
but outside the right-of-way.
Support Trees - These trees complement the theme
tree. Select trees which fit the project site conditions.
Project Identity/Accent Trees - The appUcant can
choose the best tree for the project and submit it for
approval.
N/A
50%
(100% OF STANDARD)
30%
20%
50 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 6: STREETSCAPE PROGRAM
D. Median Landscape Construction Requirements
(Arterial Roadways)
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
• Unless otherwise approved by the City, median improvements on pubUc streets are considered
to be pubUc improvements. Therefore, construction drawings for median landscaping,
irrigation, and concrete surfacing shaU be submitted on separate sheets as part of the PubUc
Improvement Plans, and shaU be submitted to the Land Development Engineering Division.
• The order of precedence with regard to landscaping standards for pubUc improvements shaU be:
a) Cit}' of Carlsbad Landscape Manual.
b) City of Carlsbad Engineering Standards, latest version.
c) Standard Specifications for PubUc Works Construction ("Green Book"), latest version.
2. MEDIAN CONCRETE
• The median layout shaU be in conformance with the Arterial Median Layout detail (Figure 6-A)
unless approved otherwise by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Concrete color and pattem shaU be as specified under Arterial Landscape Themes (Appendix D)
unless approved otherwise by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Prior to instaUation, a 10 foot x 10 foot square sample shaU be poured at the job site. This
sample shaU be approved by the City prior to instaUation of the median concrete.
• Concrete shaU be a minimum of 560-C-3250 with 6x6—10x10 welded wire mesh throughout.
• Alternative median designs using Low Impact Development (LID) features may deviate from
these standards, subject to approval by the City.
•MEDIAN TREE (1 OR MORE)
"MEDIAN SHRUB
CONCRETE PATTERN
CURB
* SPACING TO ACHIEVE 100% COVERA6E WITHIN 1 YEAR
ARTERIAL MEDIAN LAYOUT Figure 6-A
51 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 6: STREETSCAPE PROGRAM
3. SOIL
• Finish grade shaU be two (2) inches below the concrete surface of the median.
• Soil shaU be suitable for plant growth and free of harmful substances or deleterious materials.
4. MEDIAN PLANTING
• Trees and shrubs shaU be as specified in Appendix D - Arterial Street Themes unless approved
otherwise by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Trees shaU be 24 inch box minimum size; one or more per planter.
• Shrubs shaU be five (5) gaUon minimum size.
• Shrub spacing shaU be such that 100% coverage wiU occur within one year.
• InstaUation detaUs shaU conform to the Public Project Landscape Details avaUable through the
Parks and Recreation Department.
E. Irrigation Requirements
1. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTERIAL ROADS AND MEDIANS
• AU irrigation components shaU conform to the Approved Irrigation Equipment List avaUable
through the Parks and Recreation Department. Any substitutions must be approved, in writing,
by the Parks and Recreation Department prior to preparation and submittal of plans.
InstaUation details shaU conform to current City of Carlsbad codes, poUcies, and standards.
ControUers and backfiow devices shaU be located two (2) feet inside the pubUc right-of-way in
the planting area unless specified otherwise by the City.
Water meters shaU be instaUed as required by the pubUc water purveyors.
ControUers shaU be instaUed in separate steel locking enclosures. Enclosures shaU have the
foUowing words stencUed with two (2) inch high white letters on the side facing the street. "CITY
OF CARLSBAD MEDIAN IRRIGATION"
Sleeving shaU conform to the irrigation requirements in Section 4 - Landscape Construction
Documents.
No irrigation circvdt shaU span separate islands.
No irrigation circuit shaU span more than five planters.
The irrigation system shaU consist of pop-up overhead spray heads servicing the shrubs and
deep watering devices (bubbler inside a drain pipe) servicing the trees.
Quick couplers shaU be instaUed along the mainUne at a minimum of 150 feet on center or no
less than every third median planter.
The pubUc median irrigation shaU be metered separately from the private parkway irrigation
supply to ensure that pubUc and private irrigation systems wiU function independentiy.
52 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 7: SLOPE REVEGETATION/EROSION CONTROL
Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control
Soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and siltation of waterways and lagoons is
detrimental to the quality of life in Carlsbad. Establishing permanent
landscaping on slopes or disturbed areas is the most effective way to control
erosion.
A. Slope Planting
1. AREAS OF APPLICATION (Planting)
• Slopes — 6:1 or steeper and:
3 feet or less in vertical height and adjacent to pubUc walks or streets require at a
minimum Standard #1 (cover crop or erosion control matting.).
Greater than 3 feet to 8 feet in vertical height require Standards #1 (erosion control
matting shaU be instaUed in Ueu of a cover crop), #2 and #3.
In excess of 8 feet in vertical height require Standards #1 (erosion control matting shaU
be instaUed in Ueu of a cover crop), #2, #3 and #4.
• Areas graded flatter than 6:1 require a cover crop per Standard #1 when they have one or
more of the foUowing conditions:
Sheet graded pads not scheduled for improvements within six (6) months of completion of
rough grading.
A potential erosion problem as determined by the City.
Identified by the City as highly visible areas to the pubUc or have special conditions that
warrant immediate treatment.
2. SLOPE PLANTING STANDARDS
Slopes requiring erosion control measures, as specified above, shaU be treated with one or more of
the foUowing planting standards:
53 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 7: SLOPE REVEGETATION/EROSION CONTROL
• Standard #1 - COVER CROP/ AND EROSION CONTROL MATTING
Cover crop shaU be a seed mix typicaUy composed of quick germinating and fast covering
grasses, clovers and/or wild flowers. Submit the specific seed mix for City approval prior to
appUcation.
The cover crop shaU be appUed at a rate and manner sufficient to provide ninety (90%)
percent coverage within thirty (30) days.
Type of erosion control matting_shaU be as approved by the City and affixed to the slope as
recommended by the manufacturer.
On slopes 3 feet or less in vertical height where adjacent to pubUc walks or streets:
^ When planting occurs between August 15 and AprU 15, erosion control matting shaU be
required.
^ During the remainder of the year, the cover crop and/or erosion control matting may be used.
On slopes greater than 3 feet in height, erosion control matting shaU be required and a cover
crop shaU not be used, unless otherwise approved by the City.
• Standard #2 - GROUND COVER
One hundred (100%) percent of the area shaU be planted with a ground cover known to
have exceUent soU binding characteristics (planted from a minimum size of flatted material
and spaced to provide fuU coverage within one (1) year).
• Standard #3 - LOW SHRUBS
Low spreading woody shrubs (planted from a minimum of 1-gaUon containers) shaU cover a
minimum of seventy (70%) percent of the slope face (at mature size).
• Standard #4 - TREES AND/OR LARGE SHRUBS
Trees and/or large shrubs (planted from a minimum of 1 -gaUon containers) shaU be instaUed
at a minimum rate of one (1) plant per two hundred (200) square feet.
3. PLANTS
Plant materials used on slopes shaU be those species that are known to have low water requirements
and rooting systems of various depths that wUl minimize erosion and soU sUppage.
4. HYDROSEED
• Hyrdroseed in Ueu of Standard #2 may be aUowed if approved by the City and under the
foUowing conditions:
- Native plants are required to be planted as a condition of approval of the project by the City
or other presiding agency and the required species are commerciaUy unavaUable in container
or flatted stock.
- The slope is determined by the City to be too rocky for hand planting.
• The hydroseed mix shaU consist of a variety of long Uved plant materials with root systems of
varying depth.
54 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 7: SLOPE REVEGETATION/EROSION CONTROL
5. ROCKY SLOPES
Planting is not required for:
• Cut slopes that are determined by the City Engineer to be rocky in character and not subject to
damage by erosion.
• Any rocky slopes that are protected against erosion damage by other methods that have been
SpecificaUy recommended by a soils engineer, engineering geologist, or equivalent authority and
found to offer erosion protection equal to that provided by the planting specified in this section
and they are approved by the City Engineer.
B. Slope Irrigation
1. AREAS OF APPLICATION (Irrigation)
AU slope areas requiring planting shaU be irrigated with a permanent automaticaUy controUed
irrigation system covering 100% of the planted area and in conformance with the foUowing slope
irrigation standards:
2. SLOPE IRRIGATION STANDARDS
• Water service
The plans shaU demonstrate that the water service wUl be assigned to the proper current or
fumre property owner(s) by ensuring that the water meter or point-of-connection (POC) is
located within the ownership boundaries of the landscaped area served by the water meter.
This is especiaUy important on subdivisions and other complex projects that involve offsite
work.
Plans shaU specify the size and type of proposed water service and meter. The location shaU
coincide with locations provided by the pubUc improvement plans.
Plans shaU provide pressure loss calculations for each POC to ensure a minimum ten (10%)
percent residual pressure based on the existing hydraulic grade Une of the existing water
system and the worse-case zone of the irrigation layout.
• Pipe
On-grade pipe is not aUowed unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City that the
rocky condition of the slope would prevent trenching.
In cases where on-grade pipe is aUowed it shaU be the galvanized type or UVR resistant PVC
approved by the City.
' Master control valve
Projects with over 50,000 square feet of slopes shaU instaU a "master control valve"
(normaUy closed) to be activated by the automatic controUer.
The master control valve shaU be located just downstream of the point of connection.
55 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 7: SLOPE REVEGETATION/EROSION CONTROL
Separate circuits
The top, bottom, and middle of slopes shaU be designed to operate on separate circuits.
Level planting areas five (5) feet or greater in width and adjacent to roads or waUs shaU be
irrigated separately from the slopes.
Sprinkler head types
The plan shaU provide that any slope greater than twenty-five (25%) percent wiU be irrigated
with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less to prevent
runoff and erosion. A 25%) grade means one (1) foot of vertical elevation change for every
four (4) feet of horizontal length. An appUcant may employ an alternative design if the plan
demonstrates that no runoff or erosion wiU occur.
56 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
Installation and Completion
This section provides general installation and maintenance requirements
that apply to all landscape projects within the City. Additionally, a list
of documents that are required prior to receiving final approval for the
landscape portion of a project are included and followed by a more
detailed description of the contents of each of the required documents.
A. General installation Requirements
1. MONITORING
• The professional of record is required to monitor the instaUation of aU irrigation and landscaping.
• The contractor shaU contact the professional of record prior to beginning landscape work and
the designer of work shaU review the project utiUty locations and revise plans accordingly to fuUy
screen aU utiUties from view and protect aU utiUties (above & below grade) from invasive plant
growth and roots.
• InstaUation shaU be complete prior to requesting final inspection for the project.
2. CHANGES TO APPROVED PLANS
AU projects requiring approval of landscape plans must instaU and maintain the landscape in a
manner which substantiaUy conforms to the approved plans. Any changes to the approved
landscape plans, prior to or during installation, must be approved by the City in advance per the
foUowing processes:
• Substitutions. Any materials substimtions shaU be approved in writing in advance by the City.
• Minor Construction Drawing Change. Changes to approved construction drawings where less
than 25% of the design is modified shaU be subject to a Minor Construction Drawing Change
and submitted through the City Planning Division review process as required for approval per
the Landscape Constmction Change Submittal CheckUst.
• Major Construction Drawing Change. Changes to approved construction drawings where
between 25% and 75%) of the design is modified shaU be subject to a Major Construction
Drawing Change and submitted through the City Planning Division review process as required
for approval per the Landscape Construction Change Submittal CheckUst.
57 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
• Over 75% Modification to Approved Plans. Changes to approved construction drawings where
more than 75% of the design is modified wUl be considered as a new submittal and subject to
new fees and fiiU review.
3. PLANT INSTALLATION
Plants shaU be instaUed in accordance with the San Diego Regional Standard Drawings unless
approved otherwise.
B. General Maintenance Requirements
1. GENERAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
• Planting areas shaU be pruned and maintained to ensure a healthy and thriving condition.
• Dead, dying and diseased vegetation shaU be replaced.
• Planted areas shaU be maintained in a relatively weed-free condition and clear of undergrowth
which may cause undue fire hazards.
• Invasive species shaU be eradicated.
• Landscape shaU be maintained to avoid obstructing motorist's views.
• Mulch shaU be replenished as needed. Supplemental soU amendments shaU be added when
necessary to support and maintain healthy plant growth.
• Plants shaU be fertiUzed and watered at such intervals as are necessary to promote optimum
growth.
2. GENERAL IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
• Landscape irrigation shaU be appUed at a rate not exceeding the infiltration rate of the soU
(minimising erosion and water waste) but sufficientiy to aUow for healthy plant growth.
• Routine inspections shaU be performed to guard against runoff and erosion and to detect plant
or irrigation system faUure.
• The irrigation system and its components shaU be repaired and replaced as necessary.
3. MAINTENANCE OF FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES
• Areas of developments approved and subject to the requirements of Section 5 (Fire Protection
Requirements) of this manual shaU be maintained by the responsible private party (ie: underlying
property owner or easement holder) in conformance with the approved Fire Protection Plan.
• Plants shaU be kept pruned to the volume requirements of the appUcable Fuel Modification Zone.
58 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
C. installation for Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control
1. COMMENCEMENT OF IRRIGATION INSTALLATION
InstaUation of irrigation as shown on the approved plans shaU commence within 10 days of the time
when each slope is brought to grade as shown on the approved grading plans, unless otherwise
permitted by the City's engineering inspector.
2. COMPLETION OF PLANTING AND IRRIGATION INSTALLATION
Planting and irrigation for the areas described in Section 7 (Slope Revegetation/Erosion Control)
shaU be completely instaUed, as shown on the approved plans, within 30 days after the irrigation
instaUation first commences, unless otherwise permitted by the City's engineering inspector.
D. Documents Required for Project Completion
The foUowing Ust of documents must be submitted to the City's landscape inspector prior to final
approval of landscape instaUation and release of security:
^ Certificate of Completion (Landscape Installation)
^ Soil Analysis Report and Recommendations
^ Irrigation Watering Schedule (Not required for projects exempt from WELO)
^ Maintenance Schedule (Not required for projects exempt from WELO)
^ Final As-built Plans
V Letter of Certification (Release of Security)
^ Added Requirements - Public Projects, Medians and City-maintained Landscape
Areas
1. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION (Landscape Installation)
• The Certificate of Completion shaU be submitted on the form provided by the City of Carlsbad
and shaU be signed by the professional of record.
• A statement shaU be included verifying that the landscaping and irrigation has been instaUed in
conformance with the approved landscape and irrigation plans, aU recommended soU
amendments were incorporated, the instaUed irrigation system is functioning as designed and
approved, the irrigation control system was properly programmed in accordance with the
irrigation schedule, and the person operating the system has received aU required maintenance
and irrigation plans.
• Private developments. The Certificate of Completion shaU be submitted prior to granting a
Permit of Occupancy. If the project is not encumbered by securities, the Letter of Certification
and final irrigation as-buUts must also be provided prior to occupancy.
• For work done on public property that will be City-maintained, the Certificate of Completion
shaU be submitted prior to City approval of the work and prior to the required maintenance
period.
59 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
2. SOIL ANALYSIS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• Projects that require a grading permit. If the project involves mass grading of the site, the
SoU Analysis Report and Recommendations, required under Section 4, must be submitted with
the Certificate of Completion.
• Projects that do not require a grading permit. If a grading permit is not required for the
project, the report shaU be submitted with the landscape documentation package and approved
prior to the start of construction.
3. IRRIGATION WATERING SCHEDULE (WELO Requirement)
An irrigation watering schedule shaU be prepared by the professional of record for aU landscape
projects subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The schedule shaU be submitted to
the City prior to granting a permit of occupancy and shaU include the foUowing information:
• A description of the automatic irrigation system that wiU be used for the project.
• The ETo data reUed on to develop the irrigation schedule, including the source of the data.
• The time period when overhead irrigation wiU be scheduled and confirm that no overhead
irrigation shaU be used between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Irrigation systems using recycled water shaU be scheduled for use between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• The parameters used for setting the irrigation system controUer for watering times for:
The plant estabUshment period
EstabUshed landscaping
Temporarily irrigated areas
Different seasons during the year
• The consideration used for each station for the foUowing factors:
The days between irrigation
Station run time in minutes for each irrigation event, designed to avoid runoff
Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event, designed to avoid runoff
Amount of water to be appUed on a monthly basis
The root depth setting
The plant type setting
The soU type
The slope factor
The shade factor
60 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
4. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (WELO Requirement)
A maintenance schedule for the landscaping and irrigation system shaU be prepared for aU landscape
projects subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The schedule shaU be submitted to
the City prior to granting a permit of occupancy and shaU include provisions for the foUowing:
" General Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance. The schedule shaU identify the entity that wiU
be responsible for maintenance and shaU provide for aU of the general landscape and irrigation
maintenance requirements Usted in Section 8.B.
• Water Efficient Landscape Maintenance. In addition to the general maintenance requirements,
the maintenance schedule for landscape projects that are subject to the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance shaU include provisions to:
Maintain and operate the landscaping and irrigation system on the property consistent with
the MAWA.
Maintain the irrigation system to meet or exceed an irrigation efficiency necessary to meet
MAWA.
Replace broken or malfunctiorung irrigation system components with components of the
same materials and specifications, their equivalent or better.
Ensure that when vegetation is replaced, replacement plantings are representative of the
hydrozone in which the plants were removed and are typical of the water use requirements
of the plants removed, so that the replaced vegetation does not result in mixing high water
use plants with low water use plants in the same hydrozone.
5. FINAL AS-BUILT PLANS
• Final as-buUt plans shaU be submitted and approved prior to release of securities.
• Private projects require submittal of irrigation as-builts only. Final as-buUt plans shaU be
drafted clearly to the satisfaction of the City Planner.
" Public Projects, Medians and Other City-maintained Landscape Areas require submittal of
irrigation, planting, and construction as-buUts. Final as-buUt plans shaU be drafted clearly to the
satisfaction of the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Final as-built plans shaU include (but not be Umited to) the foUowing minimum information:
Irrigation:
Dimension aU mainUne and control wires (maximum every 100 feet along routing), and
mainUne changes in direction from two permanent points of reference.
^ Dimension aU mainUne equipment (water meter, backflow, flow sensor, master valve,
remote control valves, quick coupler valves, baU/gate valves, etc.) from two permanent
points of reference.
Planting:
• Changes in plant layout (minor changes are not required to be noted).
Substitutions in plant materials.
61 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
SECTION 8: INSTALLATION AND COMPLETION
Construction:
Changes in site layout (minor changes are not required to be noted).
6. LETTER OF CERTIFICATION (Release of Security)
Prior to the release of security, the professional of record on the project shaU submit a letter to the
City's landscape inspector certifying that he or she has inspected the work and that the project
compUes with the foUowing conditions:
• Planting and irrigation has been maintained in substantial conformance to the approved plans.
• Plant materials are growing in a healthy and thriving condition.
• AU planting and related erosion control measures are in place and functional. Erosion control
plantings provide a minimum 90% cover of the slope areas.
• There is no evidence of excessive runoff firom the irrigation system causing a soU erosion problem
and/or wasting water.
7. ADDED REQUIREMENTS - Public Projects, Medians and Other City-maintained
Landscape Areas
• Maintenance Schedule. A schedule, showing the proposed maintenance activities and
frequencies, shaU be submitted to the City for approval at the time of acceptance of the median
landscape construction or other City-maintained landscape area, and prior to commencement of
the landscape maintenance period.
• Maintenance Period for Medians. The developer is responsible to maintain aU median
hardscape, landscape and irrigation per the approved plan for 120 days from the date of the last
inspection and approval by the City's landscape inspector, or untU the street improvements have
been accepted by the City, whichever of the two periods is determined to be longer. Prior to
acceptance, landscaping shaU be deemed estabUshed and the irrigation system shaU be operating
properly to the satisfaction of the Parks and Recreation Director.
• Prior to Final Acceptance. Landscaping shaU be deemed healthy, estabUshed, and free of pests
and diseases. AU trash and debris shaU be removed in addition to any weeds.
• Pinal Acceptance. At the time of final acceptance, the City shaU be given aU controUer
enclosure keys, quick coupler keys, operation manuals, colored controUer charts, and other items
caUed out in the approved plans and specifications as necessary to maintain the landscape.
62 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Appendices
Seven Principles for
Water-Efficient Landscapes
1. Planning and Design
Design for aesthetics, practicaUty and above aU, water efficiency.
Use plants for natural heating and cooUng opportunities next to buUdings.
Take advantage of interesting and colorful drought tolerant plants.
Consider sun orientation, soU type, slopes, location of utility Unes and planned usage.
Soil Analysis
Test soUs to determine the need for specific soU amendments.
Incorporate soU amendments prior to instaUation of irrigation and planting.
Add compost and aerate soUs for better water absorption and to improve water-holding capacity.
Appropriate Plant Selection
Select plants that are native to your region.
Select plants based on their ultimate size in order to reduce pruning maintenance.
Group plants together according to their water and sun needs (hydro2ones).
Use plants with minimal water requirements on hot, dry areas with south and west exposures.
Limit the use of plants that require more moisture, and if used, select planting areas that are in the
cooler areas on north and east facing slopes and waUs.
Reduce evaporation by using trees to shade the soU and block the wind.
Practical Turfgrass Areas
Limit the use of turfgrass to reduce maintenance and watering costs.
Design turfgrass areas for practical purposes such as play areas.
Efficient Irrigation
Water deeply and infrequendy to develop deep root systems.
Water in the evening or early morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Adjust your controller monthly to accommodate changing weather conditions.
InstaU rain-sensor devices that automaticaUy shut off irrigation during rain events.
Adjust irrigation systems to eliminate runoff, low head drainage and overspray.
6. Use of Mulches
Use mulch to keep plant roots cool, minimize erosion and reduce weed growth.
Add organic mulches to decompose and add nutrients to the soU.
Limit the use of rocks around plants because it wiU make the area hotter.
Appropriate Maintenance
Use organic fertilizers and composting to improve soU texture.
Replace mulch as it decomposes.
Occasional pruning of trees and shrubs to remove dead stems promotes blooming and controls
height/spread.
Aerate turfgrass areas in the spring and faU.
Regularly inspect, maintain and adjust irrigation systems.
Appendix A
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Landscape Checklist
The following are excerpts from the requirements found in the body of the landscape manual They do
not necessarily encompass the entire extent of each requirement, but rather represent the essence of each
item. When clarification is needed, the plan preparer should refer to the main text of the landscape
manual for the complete requirement.
This checklist must be photocopied, filled out, signed and submitted with plans.
PROJECT NAME:
PROJECT NUMBER:
(CT, SDP, etc.)
TYPE OF PLANS (check all that apply)
• Private Project • PubUc Project
• Habitat Restoration • Recycled Water
• Fire Protection Plans • Slope Revegetation
• Medians
• Model Homes
•
• Streetscapes
• Trails
•
YEi:, N/A GEIIiliiL Ri^lREMENTS Reference
Submittals contain all required information and conform to the applicable formats. AU Sections
Submittals conform to the plan size and format requirements. Section 3.B.2
Section 4.B.3
Plans prepared by licensed landscape architect, civil engineer, architect, or other
qualified professional licensed by the state.
Section 3.B.1
Section 4.B.1
24" X 36" standard City tide sheet with Planning Division titie block is used and aU
information provided.
Section 4.B.3 24" X 36" standard City recycled water titie sheet is used and all information provided
when recycled water is being proposed for use. Section 4.B.3
24" X 36" standard City of Carlsbad 'D' sheets with Planning Division tide block.
Section 4.B.3
Plans drawn at r'=20' (unless otherwise approved by the City).
Section 4.B.3
Planting and irrigation plans drawn on 50% screen of civil engineer grading plan. Section 3.B.2
Section 4.B.3
Each plan sheet provided with bat scale, north arrow and graphic key for multiple sheet
projects.
Section 3.B.3
Section 4.B.3
Existing and proposed grades and drainage elements shown. Section 3.B.3
Section 4.H.1
AU elements on approved landscape concept plan shown, (check all that apply)
• existing features • recreational areas • play structures
• hardscape • outdoor eating areas • water features
• outdoor structures • employee eating areas • Site furniture
• drinking fountains • other: • other:
Section 3.C.9
Sections 4.B.2
and 4.H.1
Property lines, right-of-ways, existing and proposed easements shown and labeled. Section 3.B.3 Vehicular sight lines shown and labeled {CalTrans and 25 foot sight distance triangle). Section 3.B.3
Storm water treatment systems shown and labeled. Section 3.C.8 Show and label impervious and pervious pavement. Section 3.C.8
Appendix B
1 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
YES N/A WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE Reference
General
Provide for all requirements of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
If N/A, indicate why:
Section 3.D
Sections 4.D
and 4.E
Hydrozone diagram. Section 3.D.3
Section 4.E.1
Water Efficient Ordinance certification statement. Section 3.B.2
Section 4.B.3
MAWA calculations provided. Section 3.D.4
Section 4.E.2
ETWU calctilations provided on City forms and total does not exceed MAWA. Section 3.D.5
Section 4.E.2
Appendix E
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet provided on City form. Appendix E
Plants with similar cultural requirements of exposure, soUs and water needs are grouped
together in hydrozones. Section 4.D.1
3" layer of mulch applied on all exposed soil surfaces excluding mrf grass or direct
seeding applications. Section 4.D.2
Irrigation circuits organized into hydrozones.
Section 4.K.4 Irrigation system designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low-head drainage. Section 4.K.4
Where irrigation is located within 24 inches of an impermeable surface overhead
irrigation is not permitted and low volume or subsurface irrigation is used (unless water
flows from impermeable surface into the landscape area).
Section 4.K.4
Soils IVkMHij^nient Report
If a grading plan is not required by the City, submit Soil Analysis Report &
Recommendations - Incorporate soils recommendations into plans.
Section 4.F
If a grading plan is required by the City, submit Soil Analysis Report &
Recommendations with Certificate of Completion.
Section 4.F
Section 8.D.2
Analysis of soil that includes information on soil texture, soil infiltration rate, pH, total
soluble salts, sodium, and percent organic matter with recommendations on soil
amendments and mulch provided. Recommended amendments incorporated Lato plans.
Section 4.F
YES N/A PLANTING AND DESIGN FEATURES Reference
General design
Invasive species shall not be added to a landscaped area. Section 3.C.4 No trees located within public utility easement. Avoid planting trees and large shrubs
above or near utilities.
Section 3.C.4
Trees minimum 15 gallon size (except on slopes 3:1 or steeper).
Section 3.C.6 50% of shrubs minimum 5 gallon size (except on slopes 3:1 or steeper). Section 3.C.6
Woody shrubs planted over herbaceous ground cover to cover 60% of ground cover
area.
Section 3.C.6
Vehicular sight lines and views of pedestrian crossings, driveways, roadways and other
vehicular travel ways maintained.
Sections 3.C.11
and3.C.12
Plants in a transitional area consist of a combination of site adaptive and compatible
native and/or non-native species. Section 3.C.7
Evergreen plants used to screen unsightiy elements and provide 100% screen within 2
years.
Section 3.C.7
Appropriate plant palette and landscape design for:
• Low Impact Development (LID).
• Stormwater
Section 3.C.8
2 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
YES N/A PLANTING AND DESIGN FEATURES (continued) Reference
General technical
General planting notes, details and specifications. Section 4.H.2
Graphic representation and location of aU existing plant material to remain and to be
removed and proposed plant material to be instaUed.
Section 3.C.3
Section 4.H.1
Trees over 12" in diameter identified by caliper size, type & label to be retained or removed. Section 3.C.3
Plant palette that Usts aU existing and proposed vegetation by common and botanical
name and includes total quantities by container size and species.
Section 3.C.2
Section 4.H.1
Areas permanentiy and solely dedicated to edible plants identified. Section 4.H.1 Seed mix information to include mix, rate, purity, germination, inoculation, fertilization,
binder and mulch.
Section 4.H.1
Trees staked or guyed. Section 4.H.2 Slope planting detaU indicates the rear of planting pit shaU be graded to Maximum 1:1
slope and slope covered with erosion control fabric.
Section 4.H.2
Trees located within 5 feet of pubUc sidewalks or other hardscape have root barriers. Section 4.H.2
Section 6.B
Streetscape.re<|uirements v'iv
One street tree per 40 feet of street frontage (planted on-center or grouped). Section 6.B
Street trees located on major or prime arterial roads designed to provide continuity with
estabUshed street scene or Arterial Street Tree Themes.
Section 6.C
Appendix D
Street trees located:
A minimum 3 feet outside of the pubUc right of way.
A minimum 7 feet away from sewer lines.
So as not to conflict with pubUc utiUties.
Outside of vehicular sight lines.
Section 6.B
Street trees are located within the pubUc right-of way.
If YES, state reason why: Section 6.B
ParfcingJOtS;
Minimum 3% of parking area landscaped.
Section 3.C.13
Trees provided at minimum rate of 1 tree per every 4 parking staUs.
Section 3.C.13
Trees planted a minimum of 2 feet from back of curb.
Section 3.C.13 5 foot wide planting strip next to through traffic lane. Section 3.C.13
4 foot clear landscaping in planters between double parking rows (where appUcable).
Section 3.C.13
Islands at the end of each parking row shaU be used as planted area.
Section 3.C.13
Minimum 8 foot wide perimeter landscape strip around parking faciUties.
Section 3.C.13
3 foot high screen around parking lots (berms, shrubs and/or waMs).
Section 3.C.13
SIblFteiivegetatlon/erosion control
Slopes 6:1 or steeper and in excess of 8 feet in vertical height have:
a) Standard #1 - cover crop and erosion control matting
b) Standard #2 - ground cover from flats; 100% coverage within 1 year
c) Standard #3 - low spreading shrubs (min. 1 gal.); 70% coverage
d) Standard #4 - trees and/or large shrubs (min. 1 gal.); one plant/200 sf
Sections 7.A.1
and 7.A.2
Slopes 6:1 or steeper and greater than 3 feet and up to 8 feet in vertical height have
Standard #1, #2, and #3 above. Sections 7.A.1
and 7.A.2 Slopes 6:1 or steeper and 3 feet or less in vertical height and adjacent to pubUc walks or
streets shaU have Standard #1 above.
Sections 7.A.1
and 7.A.2
Slopes graded flatter than 6:1 have standard #1 above when they have one or more of
the foUowing conditions:
a) Sheet graded pads not scheduled for improvements within 6 months of
completion of rough grading.
b) Potential erosion problem.
c) Highly visible area.
Sections 7.A.1
and 7.A.2
Plant materials and seed mixes consist of a variety of long Uved, low water requirement
plant materials with root systems of varying depth. Section 7.A.3
3 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
N/A Reference
General
General irrigation notes, detaUs and specifications.
Section 4.K.3
Illustrate location, type and size of aU components of the irrigation system.
Section 4.K.3 Legend explaining aU symbols with manufacmrer, precipitation rate, g.p.m's, radU of
each sprinkler type and detaU reference.
Section 4.K.3
AU equipment sized, their control valve size and station number provided and gaUon per
minute stated. Pipe sizes indicated.
Section 4.K.3
Pressure loss calculation provided for worst case valve with minimum 10% residual
provided.
Section 4.K.3
Section 7.B.2
Designed for use of recycled water (excluding private residential or front yards of
individuaUy metered condos) (current or future). If exempted from this requirement,
provide documentation from the City of Carlsbad Utilities Department.
Section 3.D.1
Section 4.K.2
Irrigation provided to fire suppression areas where appUcable. Sections 5.C,
5.D and 5.E
Point of connectlon/baekflow
Separate water service for landscaping (except residential projects under 4 units). Section 4.K.3 Water meters shown with type (recycled or potable), sizes noted, static pressure
provided, and maximum flow rate in gaUons per minute with design operating pressure.
Section 4.K.3
Water meter location shaU coincide with locations provided by the pubUc improvement
plans. Note the street station number on the irrigation plan.
Section 4.K.3
Section 7.B.2
Pipe between meter and backflow is copper. Section 4.K.5 Backflow preventers provided per code and/or City standards. Section 4.K.5
Backflow testing notes.
Section 4.K.5
Pressure regulation
Pressure regulating valves used when pressure exceeds 60 psi at the valve.
Section 4.K.5 Pressure regulating device used when pressure exceeds 80 psi at POC. Section 4.K.5
Pressure differential within circuits less than 20%
Section 4.K.5
ContlNoller
Automatic controUer capable of dual or multiple programming and multiple cycle start
capacity. Section 4.K.5
Equipped with rain shut-off (weather based system or soil moismre detection).
Section 4.K.5
Valves
Manual shut-off valve at water supply.
Section 4.K.5
Manual shutoff valves instaUed between each zone of system and water supply.
Section 4.K.5 GaUons per minute provided for each remote control valve. Section 4.K.5 Quick couplers instaUed at a maximum of 150 feet along mainUne. Section 4.K.5
Lug type qiuck couplers for potable water.
Section 4.K.5
Check valves to prevent low head drainage.
Section 4.K.5
Serviceable check valves where elevation differential may cause low head drainage.
Section 4.K.5
Pipe/sleieves
Water velocities in pipe at 5 feet per second or less.
Section 4.K.5
AH pipe below grade (18" minimum for main and 12" for laterals).
Section 4.K.5
PVC mains Class 315 (2" or larger) or Schedule 40 (l-'/a" or smaUer).
Section 4.K.5 PVC lateral Class 200 (except for Vz" shaU be schedule 40). Section 4.K.5
Sleeves under improvements (Sch. 80 under roads minimum 36" cover; Sch. 40 other
than under roads minimum 18" cover) 2 times the Une size.
Section 4.K.5
Sleeves provided for control wires under improvements.
Section 4.K.5
Thrust blocks on mains at direction changes on mains 3" and larger.
Section 4.K.5
Irrigation designed to apply water at a rate not exceeding the infiltration rate of the soU. Section 4.K.4
4 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
YES N/A PIpe/sleeves (continued) Reference
Irrigation in transitional areas designed to prevent overspray or runoff from entering
adjacent native habitat area that is not irrigated.
Section 4.K.4
MainUne located outside of right-of-way unless otherwise approved by City. Section 4.K.3 Identify each area irrigated with recycled water, gray water and other non-potable water. Section 4.K.3
Sprinider heads''^,
Matched precipitation rates within each control valve circuit.
Section 4.K.5
Spacing in turfgrass not to exceed 50% of diameter.
Section 4.K.5 Spacing of stream sprays, rotors or impacts not to exceed 50% of diameter. Section 4.K.5
Pop-ups used where sprinklers located within 10 feet of any pedestrian use.
Section 4.K.5
Pop-ups or drip used in pubUc right-of-way.
Section 4.K.5
Risers over 12" above grade staked.
Section 4.K.5
Deep weltering device
Trees in turfgrass irrigated with deep watering device. Section 4.K.5
Refilled wat^ iise
Physical separation provided between recycled and potable water use.
Section 4.K.2
Include peak watering window calculation with 8 hour or less window.
Section 4.K.2
AU equipment is marked for recycled water use.
Section 4.K.2 2 layers of warning tape above mainline. Section 4.K.2
Quick couplers have reverse ACME threads.
Section 4.K.2
Dual distribution system (potable/recycled).
Section 4.K.2
InstaU signs: "Recycled Water - Do Not Drink"
Section 4.K.2
Sloj|ie revegetetii^n/eroslon control
Water service located within ownership boundaries of property owner.
Section 7.B.2
AU slopes requiring planting have permanent automatic irrigation systems.
Section 7.B.2
On-grade pipe not aUowed unless approved by City.
Section 7.B.2 Master control valve (normaUy closed) provided for projects with over 50,000 square
feet of slopes. Master valve located at point of connection.
Section 7.B.2
Separate circuits top, bottom, and middle of slopes.
Section 7.B.2
Level plantings areas 5 foot or greater in width and adjacent to roads or waU are
irrigated separately from slopes.
Section 7.B.2
Precipitation rate not to exceed 0,75 inches per hour on slopes greater than 25%. Section 4.K.4
Section 7.B.2
YES N/A MEDUUNS Reference
'.General
Median layout in conformance with the "Arterial Median Layout" Section 6.D.2
Landscaping within medians are subject to specific irrigation and/or planting
requirements. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for informational materials
Sections 6.D.4
and 6.E.1
InstaUation details conform to the "PubUc Project Landscape DetaUs" avaUable through
the Parks and Recreation Department Section 6.D.4
Plants instaUed in accordance with the San Diego Regional Standard Drawings Section 8.A.3
Planting'
Median planting conforms to the Streetscape Program requirements. Section 6.D.4
Appendix D Trees and shrubs as specified in the "Arterial Street Themes"
Section 6.D.4
Appendix D
Trees 24" box size minimum; one or more per planter.
Section 6.D.4 Shrubs 5 gaUon minimum size. Section 6.D.4
Shrub spacing such that 100% coverage occurs within 1 year.
Section 6.D.4
SoU suitable for plant growth and free of harmful substances or deleterious materials. Section 6.D.3
5 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
YES N/A MEDIANS ((^Mitlmied) Reference
irrigationf
Irrigation is metered separately from private parkway irrigation
Section 6.E.1
Irrigation equipment conforms to the Parks and Recreation Department approved
equipment Ust.
Section 6.E.1
ControUers and backflow devices shaU be located 2 feet inside the pubUc right-of-way in
the planting area.
Section 6.E.1
ControUers instaUed in separate steel locking enclosures. Enclosures have "CITY OF
CARLSBAD MEDIAN IRRIGATION" stencUed witii 2" high white letters on side
facing street.
Section 6.E.1
No irrigation circuit spans separate islands.
Section 6.E.1
No irrigation circuit spans more than 5 planters.
Section 6.E.1
Irrigation system consists of pop-up overhead spray heads servicing the shrubs and deep
watering devices (bubbler inside a drain pipe) servicing trees
Section 6.E.1
Quick couplers instaUed minimum of 150 feet on center or at minimum every third
median planter.
Section 6.E.1
Gonsthiction. i.'
Concrete layout in conformance with Arterial Median Layout.
Section 6.D.2 Concrete color and pattern as specified under Arterial Landscape Themes and as
approved by the Parks and Recreation Director. Section 6.D.2
Plans specify a lO'xlO' square sample.
Section 6.D.2
Concrete a minimum of 560-C-3250 with 6/6 - 10x10 welded wire mesh.
Section 6.D.2
Fmish grade in medians shall be 2 inches below concrete. Section 6.D.3
"YEiy "'iiiiiiiiiii<?tiONi'''s^^^ Reference
Fire hydrant locations shown and labeled. Section 3.E.2
Rear yard setbacks and aU fire zones shown and labeled. Plant and irrigation design
provided that meets fire suppression requirements.
Section 3.E.2
Sections 5.C,
5.D and 5.E
Emergency/maintenance access shown and labeled.
Section 3.E.2 Maintenance responsibility and schedule of frequency specified. Section 3.E.2
Street widths dimensioned.
Section 3.E.2
Fencing returns attached to a structure and/or fencing located within the drip Une of the
eaves constructed with noncombustible materials if located within 100 feet of
undisturbed native areas.
Section 5.B.5
N/A HABITAT RESTORATION Reference
Plan scale no smaUer than 1" = 40'.
Section 4.C.4
Plans incorporate recommendations contained in "Guidelines for Preserve
Management", "Guidelines for Habitat Creation and Restoration", and "Guidelines for
Riparian and Wedand Buffers". Section 4.C.4
Restoration Plan.
Section 4.C.4
Long Term Maintenance, Monitoring, and Reporting Plan.
Section 4.C.4
Landscape and Irrigation Plans (See Planting and Irrigation).
Section 4.C.4
Property Analysis Record (PAR).
Section 4.C.4
YES N/A CONSTRUCTION PLAN Reference
General landscape construction, notes, detaUs and specifications.
Section 4.1 Graphic representation and layout of aU landscape construction elements to be installed. Section 4.1
Aspects of landscape construction shown on architects', engineers' or other plans is
indicated on the landscape plans and references plans and sheet numbers where occurs.
Section 4.1
6 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
YES N/A CONSTRUCTION PLAN (continued) Reference
Fountains/water features shaU have recirculating systems. Section 4.D.3 Fountains, decorative pools and ponds shaU utilize recycled water if avaUable. Section 4.D.3
DetaUed description of each water feamre included in the landscape area. Section 3.C.9
AU signage including monuments require separate permits. If signage is included on the
plans a note is to be added as foUows: "AU project signage and monuments shaU require
a separate permit under the city of Carlsbad signage review process."
Section 4.1
Model homes'^
Educational signage with text specified. Section 4.D.4
YES N/A GRADING DESIGN (For projects that do not require approval of a grading pian
and an as-bullt grading plan or previously approved grading plan does not
exist)
Reference
Elevations, slope heights, drainage patterns, pad elevations, storm water management
and finish grades shown.
Section 4.J Plans indicate positive drainage away from structures and termination in approved
drainage system. Section 4.J
Grading designed for efficient use of water, minimizing soU erosion, runoff and water
waste.
Section 4.J
Grading designed to comply with best management practices.
Section 4.J
Integrates Low Impact Development (LID) features. If YES, briefly describe types: Section 3.C.8
PLAN PREPARER:
COMPANY NAME:
DATE:
7 of 7 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
High and Moderate Fuel Plants
HIGH FUEL PLANTS
The foUowing species are highly flammable and should be avoided when planting within the first 50
feet adjacent to a structure. The plants Usted below are more susceptible to burning, due to rough or
peeling bark, production of large amounts of Utter, vegetation that contains oils, resin, wax, or pitch,
large amounts of dead material in the plant, or plantings with a high dead to Uve fuel ratio. Many of
these species, if existing on the property and adequately maintained (pruning, thinning, irrigation,
litter removal and weeding), may remain as long as the potential for spreading a fire has been reduced
or eUminated. This Ust is intended as a guide only and does not incorporate aU flammable species.
The appUcant/designer is responsible to research aU proposed plantings to insure they are low fuel
species.
BOTANICAL NAIWE
Abies species
Acacia species
Adenostoma sparsifolium**
Adenostoma fasciculatum**
Agonisjuniperina
Araucaria species
Artemesia califomica**
Bambusa species
Cedrus species
Chamaecyparis species
Coprosma pumila
Cryptomeria japonica
Cupressocyparis kylandii
Cupressus forbesii**
Cupressus glabra
Cupressus sempervirens
Dodonea viscosa
Eriogonum fasciculatum**
Eucalyptus species
Heterotheca grandiflora**
Junipems species
I^rix species
Lonicera japonica
Miscanthus species
Muehlenbergia species**
Palmae species
Pennisetum setaceum
Picea species
Pickeringia Montana**
Pinus species
Podocarpus species
Pseudotsuga men:qesii
Rosmarinus species
Salvia mellifera**
Taxodium species
Taxus species
Thuja species
Tsuga species
Urtica urens**
COMMON NAME
Fir Trees
Acacia (trees, shrubs, groundcovers)
Red Shanks
Chamise
Juniper Myrtie
Monkey Puzzle, Norfolk Island Pine
CaUfornia Sagebrush
Bamboo
Cedar
False Cypress
Prostrate Coprosma
Japanese Cryptomeria
LeylandU Cypress
Tecate Cypress
Arizona Cypress
ItaUan Cypress
Hopseed Bush
Common Buckwheat
Eucalyptus
Telegraph Plant
Junipers
Larch
Japanese Honeysuckle
EulaUa Grass
Deer Grass
Pakns
Fountain Grass
Spruce Trees
Chaparral Pea
Pines
Fern Pine
Douglas Fir
Rosemary
Black Sage
Cypress
Yew
Arborvitae
Hemlock
Burning Nettie
** San Diego County native species
Appendix C
1 of 2 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX C: HIGH AND MODERATE FUEL PLANTS
MODERATE FUEL PLANTS
The foUowing species are moderately flammable and should be avoided when only slow burning/low fuel species
are permitted within a given fuel modification zone. Many of these species, if existing on the property and
adequately maintained (pruning, thinning, irrigation. Utter removal and weeding), may remain as long as the
potential for spreading a fire has been reduced or eUminated. This Ust is intended as a guide only and does not
incorporate all moderate fuel species. The appUcant/designer is responsible to research all proposed plantings to
insure they are low fuel species.
BOTANICAL NAME
Heteromeles arbutifiolia
Malosma laurina
Quercus dumosa
Rhus integrifolia
Ajlococucus bi-color
Or other species as specified by the City.
COMMON NAME
Toyon
Laurel Sumac
Scrub Oak
Lemonade Berry
Mission Manzanita
References:
Gordon, H. White, T.C. 1994. Ecological Guide to Southern Califomia Chaparral Plant Series. Cleveland National Forest.
Willis, E. 1997. San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association. Wildtandl Urban Interface Development Standards.
City of Oceanside, California. 1995. Commmity Services Department lEngirieeringDiiision) landscape Development Manual, Vegetation
Management.
City of Vista, Califomia 1997. CandscapingDesign, Development and Maintenance Standards. Undesirable Plants. Section 18.56.999.
^y^yw.be^waterwise.com. 2004. Fire-resistant Califomia Friendly Plants.
www.ucfpl.ucop.edu. 2004. University of CaUfornia, Berkeley, Forest Products Laboratory, College of Natural Resources. Defensible
Space Landscaping in the Urban I Wildland Interface. A Compilation of Fire Performance 'Ratings of'Residential iMndscape Plants.
County of Los Angeles Fire Department. 1998. Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines. Appendix I, Undesirable Plant List, and Appendix II,
Undesirable Plant List
2 of 2 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Arterial streetscape Themes
Alga Road
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1), MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Coastal foothiils
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Pinus canariensis, Canary Island Pine
Coprosma kirkii (west of El Camino Real)
Tantana M. species (east of El Camino Real)
Pinus canariensis, Canary Island Pine
Eucalyptus torquata Eucalyptus
Pine species
To match existing median condition in Alga Road
Cannon Road - Carlsbad Boulevard to El Camino Real
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1), MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Lagoon vistas and wetiands
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
*Surface Texture:
*Color:
Melaleuca leucadendra, Cajeput Tree
Umoniumpere:^i, Statice
Baccharis pilularis. Coyote Brush
Pinus torreyanna, Torrey Pine
Eucalyptus species
Melaleuca leucadendra, Cajeput Tree
Exposed aggregate with brick bands around
each planter.
Concrete (natural), brick (charcoal)
*or to match existing median condition in
Cannon Road
(1) A pervious paving altemative to median island concrete may be used within median islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
Appendix D
1 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX D: ARTERIAL STREETSCAPE THEMES
Cannon Road - El Camino Real to Eastern City limit
Riparian corridor THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
*Surface Texture:
*Color:
Uquidamher styraciflua
Umonium pere^i, Statice
Baccharis pilularis. Coyote Brush
Platanus acerifolia, London Plane Tree (multi-trunk)
Oak species
Uquidamher styraciflua
Riverstone ("Bomanite" pattern or equal).
"Santa Barbara Brown" (Scofield Co. color
or equal) *or color to match existing median
condition in Cannon Road
Carisbad Bouievaid - South of Cannon Road
Scenic sea coast drive THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1) MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Surface Texture:
Color:
Washingtonia robusta , Mexican fan palm
Umoniumpere^i, Statice
Carissag. 'Prostata" ,Prostrate Natal Palm
Cupressus macrocarpa, Monterey Cypress
Melaleuca nesophila
Myoporum
Riverstone to match existing
("Bomanite" pattern or equal)
Natural with exposed aggregate
(Only applicable if street is improved to current arterial standards.)
(1) A pervious paving alternative to median island concrete may be used within median islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
2 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX D: ARTERIAL STREETSCAPE THEMES
College Boulevard - Except Palomar Airport Road to El Camino Real
Neighborhood identity and character THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1) MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Surface Texture:
Color:
I^rus kawakamii. Evergreen Pear
Carissag. 'Prostata", Prostrate Natal Palm
Cinnamomum camphora. Camphor Tree
Eucalyptus species
Uriodendron tulipifera. Tulip Tree
Herringbone Brick
("Bomanite" pattern or equal)
Mocha Brown
("Scofield Co." color or equal)
El Camino Real
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Scenic corridor tying City together
Formal
Ijophostemon confertus, Brisbane Box
Rhaphiolepis i. 'Pink Cloud", Indian Hawthorn
Uphostemon confertus, Brisbane Box
Eucalyptus species
Eriobottya deflexa. Bronze Loquat
Pinus Canariensis, Canary Island Pine
l^phostemon confertus, Brisbane Box
To match existing median condition in El Camino Real
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
A pervious paving alternative to median island concrete may be used within median islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
3 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX D: ARTERIAL STREETSCAPE THEMES
La Costa Avenue - La Costa/El Camino Real to 1-5 Freeway
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Lagoon vistas and wetiands
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Surface Texture:
Color:
None
Mahonia a. "compacta". Compact Oregon Grape
Raphiokpsis i. 'Pink Cloud", Indian Hawthorn
Salix babylonia. Weeping WiUow
Eucalyptus mminalis, Manna Gum
Platanus racemosa, Califorrua Sycamore
Running Bond Cobblestone ("Bomanite"
pattern or equal) with exposed aggregate
natural
Palomar Airport Road -1-5 to El Camino Real
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Oak grove woodland
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Quercus ilex. Holly Oak
Agapanthus orientalis, lilly of the Nile
Oak species
Alnus rhomifolia. White Alder •
Platanus racemosa, California Sycamore
(multi-trunk)
To match existing median condition in Palomar Airport Road
(1) A pervious paving altemative to median island concrete may be used within median islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
4 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX D: ARTERIAL STREETSCAPE THEMES
Palomar Airport Road - f / Camino Real to Eastern C/iy limit
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Agricultural history/vaUey vistas
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Surface Texture:
Color:
Eucalyptusficifolia. Red Flowering Gum
Agapanthus orientalis, lilly of the Nile
Schinus molle, California Pepper
Eucalyptus ficifolia. Red Flowering Gum
Oak species
Flagstone ("Bomanite" pattern or equal)
"Santa Barbara Brown"
(Scofield Co. or equal)
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
Poinsettia Lane - East of El Camino Real
THEME: Riparian and historical context
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
(1), MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Surface Texture:
Color:
Melaleuca leucadendra, Cajeput Tree
Trachelospermum Jasminoides, Star Jasmine
Alnus rhombifolia. White Alder
Uquidamber styraciflua
Populusfremontii. Western Cottonwood
Riverstone ("Bomanite" pattern or equal)
Dark Grey
(1) A pervious paving alternative to median island concrete may be used within median islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
5 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX D: ARTERIAL STREETSCAPE THEMES
Poinsettia Lane - V^est of El Camino Real
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1) MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Flowering streetscape
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Magnolia grandifolia. Southern Magnolia
Pittosporum t. "Wheeleri", Wheeler's dwarf
Magnolia grandifolia. Southern Magnolia
Brachychiton acerifolia. Flame Tree
Stenocarpus sinuatus. Fire Wheel Tree
To match existing median condition in Poinsettia Lane
Rancho Santa Fe Road/Melrose Drive
THEME:
PLANTING SCHEME:
LANDSCAPE:
(1) MEDIAN ISLAND
CONCRETE:
Foothills landscape
Informal
Median Tree:
Median Shrubs:
Theme Tree:
Support Trees:
Quercus agrifolia. Coast Live Oak
Junipems c. 'Pfit^rana compacta" (Rancho Santa Fe)
Pittosporum t "Wheelerii" (Melrose Drive)
Pinus torreyanna, Torrey Pine
Jacaranda acutifolia, Jacaranda
Pinus canariensis, Canary Island Pine
To match existing median condition in Rancho Santa Fe Road
(1) A pervious paving alternative to median island concrete may be used within median Islands, subject to review and approval by
the Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Development Engineering Division.
6 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
WELO Worksheets
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required element of the Landscape
Documentation Package.
HYDROZONE INFORMATION TABLE
Please complete the hydrozone table(s) for each hydrozone. Use as many tables as necessary to
provide the square footage of landscape area per hydrozone.
Controller
#
Hydrozone* Zone
or
Valve
Irrigation
Method**
Plant
Type/Factor***
(PF)
Hydrozone
Area
(Sq. Ft.)
% of Total
Landscaped
Area
Total 100%
* Hydrozone
VLW- Very Low Water Use Plants
LW- Low Water Use Plants
MW- Moderate Water Use Plants
HW - High Water Use Plants
**Irrigation Method
MS = Micro-spray
S = Spray
R= Rotor
B= Bubbler
D=Drip
O = Other
***Plant Factor from
WUCOLS III or Ust as water
feature as appropriate
Appendix E
1 of 4 City of Carisbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX E: WELO WORKSHEETS
Maximum Applied Water Allowance
A landscape project subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall include the MAWA
for the plans, including the calculations used to determine the MAWA. A landscape project shall
not exceed the MAWA. The MAWA for a landscape project shall be determined by the following
equation:
MAWA = (ETo)(0.62)[(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
MAWA
ETo
0.62
Maximum Applied Water Allowance in gallons per year.
Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
0-7 ET adjustment factor (ETAF) for plant factors and irrigation efficiency.
LA
0.3
SLA
Landscaped area includes special landscaped area in square feet.
The additional ET adjustment factor for a special landscaped area (1.0 - 0.7 = 0.3)
Special landscaped area in square feet.
Show Calculation:
Maximum Applied Water Allowance = gallons per year
2 of 4 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX E: WELO WORKSHEETS
Estimated Total Water Use
A landscape project subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall include the ETWU
for the plans, including the calculations used to determine the ETWU. The ETWU for a proposed
project shall not exceed the MAWA. The following equation shall be used to calculate the ETWU
for each landscaped area and the entire project:
ETWU = iETo)i0.62) ^PFxHA ^
IE
+ SLA
The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
ETWU
ETo
0.62
Estimated total water use in gaUons per year.
Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
PF Plant factor from WUCOLS III
HA Hydrozone Area in square feet. Each HA shall be classified based upon the data
included in the landscape and irrigation plan as high, moderate, low, or very low
water use.
Irrigation Efficiency of the irrigation method used in the hydrozone.
Special landscaped area in square feet.
IE
SLA
3 of 4 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
APPENDIX E: WELO WORKSHEETS
Hydrozone Table for Calculating ETWU
Please complete the hydrozone table(s). Use as many tables as necessary.
CITY OF CARLSBAD ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU)
Hydrozone Number (1-5 with SLA Zone Below - use as many tables
as necessary to complete aU hydrozones)
Process Step
No. (Below) 1 2 3 4 5 SLA
Evapotranspiration Rate
(ETo)* 1
Conversion Factor 2 0.62
(Step 1 X Step 2) 3
Plant Factor (PF)** (From
WUCOLS) (VLW - HW)
(0.1 - 0.8)
4
Area of Hydrozone (sq. ft.)
(HA) 5
(Step 4 X Step 5) 6
Irrigation Efficiency (IE)*** 7
(Step 6 ^ Step 7) 8
(Total AU Step 8 + Total
SLA sq. ft. in Step 5) 9
(Step 3 X Step 9) Estimated
Total Water Use in gallons
per year (ETWU) - Total
shall not exceed NL\WA
10
ETo*
West of 1-5 = 40.0
East of 1-5 and West of El Camino Real = 44.0
East of El Camino Real = 47.0
Applicant may provide a different ETo if
supported by documentation subject to approval
by the City Planning Division
** Plant Factor & Water Use
0.1 = VLW- Very Low Water Use Plants
0.3 =LW- Low Water Use Plants
0.5 = MW- Moderate Water Use Plants
0.8= HW-High Water Use Plants
***IE
Micro-spray = .80
Spray = .55
Rotor = .70
Bubbler = .75
Drip =.80
Applicant may provide a different IE if
supported by documentation subject to
approval by the City Planning Division
(Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best
Management Practices, April2005)
4 of 4 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Sustainable Landscaping Brochure
Appendix F
City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
Sustainable Planting Design
• Select watef-^3i»5seF«mg natwe or dbnarts
apprapriste plants that miU not requare
* Seieet species that require njirajual *earing
and that are ^Sabte te the sue of the
Tyr^rass Reistrictioas
• lAnit tuf^rass to sl(^te.s iKS than: 25 p»cefW..
» SestBct ase of tBr^^ass'm areas less than 6
feet wide.
* iknst the use of wtstsr-'wtmtsfm Imdscapifif
and tJirfpass areas.
Plant 6fOBj»ngs
* Grssap ptants with simiaf water t^e^'wmmeas
(h-plreaor»es| so tfief cmm be rnigatKl:
wilti the same controBer.
• Use a 3 inch lla^ sf mufldi on ai! exposed
soil syrfacss wiltiifi badscape (rfsnter areas.
Additional itesoyrces
Search aay these «• foar wffife: teweseirs
Cilf jrf GiifislBisI laadsrape Manual
Cartek^ Ssiismmg Tlpi
Se Wfafcrwse
Ihe Water Csmxn^fm sBarigB
H1«ISE Water Swer Uamm
Water Wiser
Caifcmia lansfcc^a Cojwrartjsrs Assesiatla
Create m SMStmmizeA wstemm^ sdwistie
Water Siwif^ Laaisc^^^ Baos
&liforBia Iswaslwe Piamt Cosffdi
Sustainable
Landscaping
A homeowner^s guide
to eco-friendfy &
woter efficient
landscape practices
Sustainable Irrigation Design
WmtB Waste f%-«»«ntis»i
• Ircsrporate m nairs shiut-cfff fewcs into the
irrigirtitm syst«n.
• Mjast irrigation sfsimm to eSStniHate iia»ff,
low hestl draifi^^ and owerspray.
A¥Giii irrigstJE^ iarisig times of Isgfj
temp«3ture or mm4.
IrtigatMMi Water Soof«
• Install a ram garsisn ^tem, ram harwst
systejB, or graywatsf stem.
Citf-of Cartsiiad
Connrnunif & EMnoinic
ttodlopnent Departiroent
163S Faratfay tee.
Cartsbad,« 9JMB
fax7m-mi-B554
C I T V O F
CARLSBAD
Community &
•conomtc Development
Visit us onine at: www,.:3ri5i;.jcj
Sustainable Landsmping
Homeowner's Guide
Sustainaisle Site Design
• R^iK;B5*onin«(at»Fun-<5ffttinji^l5theiise
of planted^ swales, mm garisns and B*gr
Low krtfsaCt iDewetopraent {lIDj soteksns..
» Minwiize w»p«nK>us surfsces-
• ysepeirneabfe pawing BBaeeriaists reduce
stsmswatef rutwjff Sfiij aitaw ram ii»a»r to
be afcsorbed into *e gruBiMi and replenish
grotir»dsi»ater.
Eoergf Coasmtstkm
• Create an snsrgfHBfHcient landSscape teign
throiugh the pmpw placesmewt ami sgleetiim:
of shade tress send cnsartion of wind breaks.
•• Reduce the "heiat isstaiitf" elffect by Mau§ low
heat-efjsittfng pavh^ malsBrialS and msmmxe
Aadi^ stall: paved areas.
• Use Mfiar-fmrner^ SmmiS€S^ i^ithig.
• Uu> mmkh mwde. fmm recfderf WExrf
ciSftstTOction ttiateriails.
Fira Ptmmmtkm
• InoMiKifate fws baffers in sress i^Jarai* to
natwe tebilait-
• Use iBisK-raufitwstibie plant raateriafs its ttse
fwe btrffers.
festainabte f%tM!usts.
• Use siBtaimiatoly hiiMvested wosd or
composite wood products fm decking and
sHrni lantfacape proiects.
• Use recycled prodiKts, such as glass awi old
bf kks to rroate psvmg stones m atiisr
lantscape feabirss.
Ssil Cenditiow
t Provide 2 itmims at eeir^jost tilled irto the
top Ste 12 jndhes of soil.
• SeiKKwe aid stsrs topsEsil before gradtoig.
• Protect s«! frora C0m(»rtk3ss dariBg:
aanstrectiffln,
• Aerate cEjiupactKd sals before plaatif^.
• iBCBilKjrMs scwl araendnsenB ss
recoBwmeJMled by a soils tstit^ latonrtorv-
¥rddif« Habitat &
}falw€: Want Cammuinities
• Enhance wiidSfe habitat iBurteji
emsrooraents by usmg nejnrmvasira ptant
materials.
• Use appreiprtate buffers betwe«»
dewefopment and native areas.
W%l/se Mulch?
* Water toss due to aafaperatiOB is reioc««l
bf usmg mutch.
* Makh ke^s ttss rarts cssoi,
* Weed ysiwth fe rwlBwd «**»«n raufch Is
used.
* Myteh he(fB to fnaairnse eresaon, dast
and mmt prahtefns.
* As milch iscB»apt>5es, r»i«leBts are
asfeted to the sj*.
* LaBtWi masie »d cests af dtsfMssat we
reduced.
* Miafcfctng mowers decrease the an
of fertiiier oeeitei in lawRS.
What are Hydrozones?
r«|Uif«Be»tts »l siiii eKjMsiire, s»M^ tfijes »(i
water needs. Wants thsl are grenjped into
h¥»lro£eHi»es and irr^ted acEordir^ to tiww
amwrnm ms^ retire tte teas* mmmn «f
CARLSBAD
Glossary
Approved
Automatic Inrigation Controller
Bar Scale
Building Permit
City
Common Recreation Area
Corner Siglit Distance
Cover Crop
Days
Developer
Director
Discretionary Permit
Erosion Control
Estimated Total Water Use
(ETWU)
Evapotranspiration
Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
Means approved by the City of Carlsbad.
Means an automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that
operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controUers shall schedule
irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (ETo) (weather-based) or
moisture sensor data.
Means the scale of the drawing notated on a line such that when the plan is
reduced or enlarged, the corresponding scale can be measured off of the Une.
Means a permit to engage in a certain type of construction on a specific
location.
Means the City of Carlsbad.
Means a recreation area owned in common by a development and set apart
from other areas of the project by the lot lines or other distinct elements.
Common Recreation area is the area used to meet any recreation requirements
of the City.
Means a 2one between the tight of way and a line connecting two points that
are measured along the curb line of two intersecting streets. The points are
measured 25 feet outward from the beginning of curve on one street segment
and 25 feet outward from the beginning of curve on the other street segment
(see Figures 3-A and 3-B).
Means a relatively fast growing, quick spreading plant material applied to an
area so as to provide erosion control prior to establishment of the more
permanent, long-lived plants.
Means calendar days.
Means a person who seeks or receives permits for or who undertakes land
development activities who is not a single family homeowner. Developer
includes a developer's partoer, associate, employee, consultant, trustee or
agent.
Means the City of Carlsbad Director of Community and Economic
Development or anyone to whom the Director has designated or hired to
administer or enforce this chapter.
Means any permit requiring a decision making body to exercise judgment
prior to its approval, conditional approval or denial.
Means short and long term protection of soil surfaces from wind and water
soil transport.
Means the estimated total water use in gallons per year for a landscaped area.
Means a factor that when applied to reference ETo, adjusts for plant water
requirements and irrigation efficiency, two major influences on the amount of
water that is required for a healthy landscape.
1 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
GLOSSARY
Evapotranspiration (ETo)
Finisli Grade
Finisli Surface
Fire Code Official
Fuel Modification Zone
Grading
Grass/Grasses
Graywater
Means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soU and other surfaces
and transpired by plants during a specified time period. "Reference
evapotranspiration" means a standard measurement of environmental
parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per
day, month, or year and is an estimate of the ETo of a large field of four-
inches to seven-inches taU, cool season turfgrass that is weU watered.
Reference ETo is used as the basis of determining the MAWA so that
regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
Means the final grade or elevation of the non-hardscape portion of a project
after all construction is complete as caUed for in the plans.
Means the final grade or elevation of hardscape portions of the site after aU
the construction is complete as caUed for in the plans.
Means the City of Carlsbad Fire Chief or his/her designee.
Means a strip of land where combustible vegetation has been modified and
partiaUy or totaUy replaced with approved drought-tolerant, fire-resistant,
and/or irrigated plants to provide an acceptable level of risk from
vegetation fires. Fuel modification reduces radiant and convective heat,
thereby reducing the amount of heat exposure on the roadway or structure
and providing fire suppression forces with a safer area in which to take
action.
Means any excavation, fiU, clearing and/or grubbing of vegetation, or any
combination thereof as defined by Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 15.16.
Means a ground cover surface of non-mowed grasses such as Carex, Juncus,
Acorus species, and other non-mowed grasses or hybrid derivatives of such
grasses that are typicaUy used for bio-swales. Low Impact Developments
(LID) and non-recreational uses.
As defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12, means
untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge,
has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodUy wastes,
and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing,
manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Gra5rwater" includes wastewater from
bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and
laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
Hardscape
Higli/Moderate Fuel Species
Means non-planted areas consisting of any pervious or non-pervious durable
surface material including, but not Umited to, concrete or concrete products,
brick, asphalt, appUed decomposed granite surfaces, etc.
Describes a species of plant based on the amount (high or moderate) of
available and potentially combustible vegetative material, usuaUy expressed as
tons/acre.
Higli Risit Fire Area
Higli Use Driveway
Means a native or manmade landscape consisting of primarUy of woody
shrubs and trees that have a relatively high potential for sustaining fire as
determined by the Fire Code Official.
Means a driveway that handles equal to or more than 500 ADT, defined per
the City of Carlsbad Engineering Standards, latest version.
2 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
GLOSSARY
Homeowner-Provided
Landscaping
Hydrozone
Inside Edge of Curb
Invasive Species
Irrigation Consultant
Irrigation Efficiency
Landscaped Area
Landscape Manual
Landscape Plans
Licensed
Long Lived
Low Head Drainage
Means landscaping instaUed either by a homeowner or a Ucensed contractor
hired by a homeowner for a single-famUy residence.
Means a portion of the landscape area having plants with simUar water needs.
A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
Means the face of the curb that is adjacent to a planting area.
Means species of plants not historically found in CaUfornia that spread
outside cultivated areas and may damage environmental or economic
resources. (See CaUfornia Invasive Plant CouncU at www.cal-icp.org1
Means a person considered an expert in the irrigation field and the majority of
his/her work is in preparing irrigation construction documents.
Means the measurement of the amount of water beneficiaUy used divided by
the water appUed. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and
estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
Means an area with plants, turfgrass and/or other vegetation. A landscaped
area includes a water feamre either in an area with vegetation or that stands
alone. A landscaped area may also include non-vegetated design feamres
adjacent to an area with vegetation, provided that the feamres are integrated
into the design of the landscape area and the primary purpose of the feamres
are decorative. A landscaped area does not include the footprint of a buUding,
decks, patio, sidewalk, curbs, driveway, parking lot or other hardscape. A
landscaped area also does not include an area without irrigation designated for
non-development such as designated open space or area with existing native
vegetation. The landscaped area refers to the area to be landscaped as part of
the work for which the current approval by the City is being sought.
Means the manual, approved by the Carlsbad City CouncU, that estabUshes
specific design criteria and guidance to implement the requirements of
Carlsbad MurUcipal Code Chapter 18.50 - Water Efficient Landscape.
Means plans that cover the proposed construction of landscaped items
including planting, irrigation, patios, sidewalks, and other hardscape items,
signs, waUs, trelUses, etc.
Means Ucensed by the State of CaUfornia.
Means perennial plant material that under normal growing conditions has a
Ufe span of greater than 8 years.
Means a sprinkler head or other irrigation device that continues to emit water
after the water to the zone in which the device is located has shut off.
Low Impact Development (LID)
Low Volume Irrigation
Means site design methods that limit the use of impervious surfaces and
encourage methods that drain rainfaU runoff through landscape areas to
encourage fUtering of urban runoff prior to discharge from the site. When
employed, these methods reduce mnoff rates and durations resulting from
development. For more information, refer to the City SUSMP.
Means the appUcation of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of
mbing or lateral Unes and low volume emitters such as drip Unes or bubblers.
Low volume irrigation systems are specificaUy designed to apply small
volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
3 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
GLOSSARY
Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA)
Medium Use Driveway
Mulch
Non-Vegetated Areas
Overspray
Park
Parking Areas
Pervious
Plant Factor
Professional of Record
Public Water Purveyor
Rain Gardening
Rain Harvesting
Reclaimed Water
Means the maximum aUowed annual water use for a specific landscaped area
based on the square footage of the area, the ETAF and the reference ETo.
Means a driveway that handles greater than 200 Average DaUy Trips (ADT)
but less than 500 ADT, as defined per the City of Carlsbad Engineering
Standards, latest version.
Means an organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel or decomposed granite left loose and appUed
to the soU surface to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil
temperamre or prevent soU erosion.
Means an area that includes features such as rock or stone, or pervious design
features such as decomposed granite, which are adjacent to a vegetated area.
Means the water from irrigation that is deUvered outside an area targeted for
the irrigation and makes contact with a surface not intended to be irrigated.
Means a pubUc or private recreation area/faciUty as a separate unit, set apart
from other development by property lines or other distinct elements.
Means areas used for access drives, aisles, staUs, maneuvering, and
landscaping within that portion of the site that is devoted to vehicle parking
and circulation (excluding any required parking setbacks).
Means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into underlying soU.
Means a factor when multipUed by the ETo, estimates the amount of water a
plant needs (see Section 4.E).
Means the preparer of the project's landscape concept plans and/or landscape
construction documents. The professional of record shaU be a Ucensed
landscape architect, Ucensed civU engineer, Ucensed architect, or other
landscape professional Ucensed by the state to do this work.
Means a pubUc utiUty, municipal water district, municipal irrigation district or
municipaUty that deUvers water to customers.
Means a method of managing stormwater and fUtering poUutants by directing
stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways or other impervious surfaces into
shaUow, vegetated landscape areas (rain gardens) where it can soak into the
ground and be namraUy filtered by plants, bacteria and soU. Rain gardens are
often designed as low maintenance landscaping feamre planted with perennial
native plants that are namr;iUy adapted to wet conditions.
Means a method of coUecting water-from a roof, driveway, or other hard
surface during a rainfaU-and channeling it into a rain barrel or other container
to be saved for use in landscaping or in the household.
Means tertiary treated effluent, suitable for use in landscaping or water
feamres as determined by the presiding water district (see "recycled water").
4 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
GLOSSARY
Recycled Water
Reference Evapotranspiration
Runoff
Run-off
Sometimes referred to as "reclaimed water", means water obtained from the
treatment of domestic water waste which is suitable for direct beneficial u,se
or a controUed use that otherwise would not occur and also meets the highest
level in conformance with CaUfornia Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division
4, Chapter 3 (use of recycled water for irrigation and for impoundments),
currentiy section 60304 and section 60305.
See Evapotranspiration.
Means water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
appUed and flows from the landscaped area.
Means irrigation water that is appUed at a rate above the infUtration rate of the
soU which causes water to drain away on the surface from the landscape area
it is intended to service.
Sight Distance Triangle
Sight Distance Corridor
Special Landscaped Area
See Corner Sight Distance and Sight Distance Corridor.
Means a prescribed area with Umitations where no obstructions such as
planting, trees, fences, monuments, etc shaU be instaUed that would impede
the view restrictions per this manual.
Means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible plants, an area irrigated
with recycled water, or an area dedicated as mrfgrass area within a park, sports
field or golf course where mrfgrass provides a passive or active recreational
surface.
Structure
SUSMP
Subsurface Irrigation
Transitional Area
Turfgrass
Typical Species
Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Means anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground
or attached to something having a location on the ground, but not including
fences or waUs used as fences less than six (6) feet in height.
Refers to the City's Standard Urban Stormwater Management Plan, latest
version. This document outUnes the stormwater process and requirements for
development projects.
Means an irrigation device with a deUvery Une and water emitters instaUed
below the soU surface that slowly and frequendy emit smaU amounts of water
into the soU to irrigate plant roots.
Means a portion of a landscaped area that is adjacent to a namral or
undismrbed area and is designated to ensure that the namral area remains
unaffected by plantings and irrigation instaUed on the property.
Means a ground cover surface of mowed grasses such as bermuda, bluegrass,
fescue, rye, St. Augustine, zoyzia, and other mowed tarfgrasses or hybrid
derivatives of such mrfgrasses that are typicaUy used for a recreational use.
Means a group of plants with simUar appearance and culmral requirements,
(not intended to be a complete Ust of such plants).
Means an area, designated by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection
pursuant to Chapter 49 of the CaUfornia Fire Code, which is not a state
responsibiUty area.
5 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
GLOSSARY
Water Feature
WELO
Woody Plants
WUCOLS ill
Means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. A water feamre includes a pond, lake, waterfaU,
fountain, artificial streams, spa and swimming pool. Constructed wetiands
used for on-site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management
practices are not water feamres.
Means Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Means plants that have stems and trunks that consist of bark.
Means "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species" pubUshed by the
University of CaUfornia Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water
Resources, August 2000, or the most recent version thereof
6 of 6 City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
1 ORDINANCE NO.
2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MUNICIPAL CODE
3 AMENDMENT TO REPEAL AND RE-ENACT CHAPTER 18.50 -
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE OF THE CARLSBAD
4 MUNICIPAL CODE.
CASE NAME: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE MANUAL
5 CASE NO.: MCA 11-01
6 WHEREAS, in 2006 the State of California adopted the Water Conservation in
7 Landscaping Act, Government Code Sections 65591 et seq. to provide for greater efforts at
8 water conservation and more efficient use of water in landscaping; and
9 WHEREAS, on September 10, 2009, the Department of Water Resources
10 adopted a State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) as required under the
11 Water Conservation in Landscaping Act; and
12 WHEREAS, on May 11, 2010, the City Council adopted a Water Efficient
13 Landscape Ordinance - Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 18.50 (CMC Chapter 18.50) in
14 accordance with Government Code Section 65595 which required local agencies to adopt a
1^ water efficient landscape ordinance that is equivalent to or at least as effective as the State
MWELO developed by the Department of Water Resources in accordance with the Water
Conservation in Landscaping Act (2006); and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to remove the technical details and
procedures from CMC Chapter 18.50 and integrate those requirements into the City of Carlsbad
Landscape Manual Policies and Requirements; and
WHEREAS, CMC Chapter 18.50 incorporates by reference the Landscape Manual
Policies and Requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, does
ordain as follows:
That Chapter 18.50 ofthe Carlsbad Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and
re-enacted as follows:
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1 Chapter 18.50
2 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
3 Sections:
18.50.010 Purpose.
4 18.50.020 Authority.
18.50.030 Incorporation of the landscape manual by reference.
5 18.50.040 Findings.
18.50.050 Definitions.
6 18.50.060 Applicability.
18.50.070 Recycled water.
7 18.50.080 Waste water prevention.
18.50.090 Enforcement.
18.50.100 Fees.
9 18.50.010 Purpose.
A. The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act
10 (the "Act"), Government Code sections 65591 et seq., that the State's water resources are in
limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is essential to the quality
of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance and management must be water
efficient. The general purpose of this chapter is to establish water use standards for
landscaping in the city of Carlsbad that implement the 2006 development landscape design
requirements established by the Act. Consistent with the Legislature's findings, the purpose of
this ordinance is to:
1. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to
utilize water and other resources as efficiently as possible;
,r 2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and
managing water efficient landscapes in new construction;
3. Promote the use, when available, of treated recycled water, for irrigating
landscaping;
4. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use for landscaping to the
lowest practical amount; and
5. Encourage water users of existing landscapes to use water efficiently and without
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waste.
18.50.020 Authority.
A. The city planner or designee, shall administer this chapter.
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18.50.030 Incorporation of the landscape manual by reference.
22 A. The City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual Policies and Requirements (landscape
manual) is incorporated by reference into this chapter. Should any provision of the landscape
23 manual conflict with any provision of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take
precedence.
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18.50.040 Findings.
25 A. This chapter implements the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act. The
requirements of this chapter reduce water use associated with irrigation of outdoor landscaping
26 by setting a maximum amount of water to be applied to landscaping. The landscape manual
contains the technical procedures related to the planning, design, installation, maintenance and
27 management of water efficient landscapes consistent with the water allowance. The provisions
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1 contained in this ordinance and/or the landscape manual are equivalent to and at least as
effective as the provisions of the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance because the
2 calculation of MAWA and the resulting restrictions on irrigation and process are similar, though
tailored to the city of Carlsbad's existing regulatory procedures.
3
18,50.050 Definitions.
4 A. Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the
meaning established by this section:
^ 1. "Building permit" means a permit to engage in a certain type of construction on a
specific location.
2. "Developer" means a person who seeks or receives permits for or who
undertakes land development activities who is not a single family homeowner. Developer
includes a developer's partner, associate, employee, consultant, trustee or agent.
8 3. "Discretionary permit" means any permit requiring a decision making body to
exercise judgment prior to its approval, conditional approval or denial.
9 4. "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor that when applied to reference
ETo, adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiency, two major influences on the
10 amount of water that is required for a healthy landscape.
5. "Evapotranspiration" (ETo) means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent
11 soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time period. "Reference
evapotranspiration" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect
12 the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year and is an estimate of the
ETo of a large field of four inches to seven inches tall, cool season turf that is well watered.
13 Reference ETo is used as the basis of determining the MAWA so that regional differences in
climate can be accommodated.
14 6. "Grading permit" means the document issued by the city engineer pursuant to
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 15.16.110.
7. "Homeowner-provided landscaping" means landscaping installed either by a
homeowner or a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner for a single-family residence.
8. "Landscaped area" means an area with plants, turfgrass and/or other vegetation.
2y A landscaped area includes a water feature either in an area with vegetation or that stands
alone. A landscaped area may also include design features adjacent to an area with vegetation,
jg provided that the features are integrated into the design of the landscape area and the primary
purpose of the features are decorative. A landscaped area does not include the footprint of a
19 building, decks, patio, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot or other hardscape. A landscaped area
also does not include an area without irrigation designated for non-development such as
20 designated open space or area with existing native vegetation. The landscaped area refers to
the area to be landscaped as part of the work for which the current approval by the city is being
21 sought
9. "Landscape Manual" means the manual, approved by the Carlsbad City Council,
22 which establishes specific design criteria and guidance to implement the requirements of this
chapter.
23 10. "Licensed" means licensed by the State of California.
11. "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the maximum allowed
24 annual water use for a specific landscaped area based on the square footage of the area, the
ETAF and the reference ETo.
12. "Public water purveyor" means a public utility, municipal water district, municipal
2g irrigation district or municipality that delivers water to customers.
13. "Recycled water", sometimes referred to as reclaimed water, means water
27 obtained from the treatment of domestic water waste which is suitable for direct beneficial use
or a controlled use that othenwise would not occur and also meets the highest level in
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1 conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 3 (use of
recycled water for irrigation and for impoundments), currently section 60304 and section 60305.
2 14. "Turfgrass" means a groundcover surface of mowed grasses such as bermuda,
bluegrass, fescue, rye, St. Augustine, zoyzia, and other mowed turfgrasses or hybrid derivatives
3 of such turfgrasses that are typically used for a recreational use.
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4 18.50.060 Applicability.
A. This chapter, together with the landscape manual, shall apply to the following
project types which require a landscape plan in conjunction with a building permit, grading
permit or a discretionary permit:
1. New commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-family residential projects where
the total landscaped area for the development is 2,500 square feet or more.
2. Developer-installed residential and common area landscapes where the total
landscaped area for the development is 2,500 square feet or more.
3. A new single-family residence with homeowner-provided landscaping where the
landscaped area is 5,000 square feet or more.
4. A model home that includes a landscaped area.
.Q 5. A public agency project, including, but not limited to public parks and recreation
facilities, maintenance districts, and street medians which contain a landscaped area of 2,500
J J square feet or more.
6. A rehabilitated landscape for an existing commercial, industrial, institutional,
12 public agency, or multifamily use where a building permit or discretionary permit is being issued
and the applicant is installing or modifying 2,500 square feet or more of landscaping.
22 B. The following development types are exempt from the requirement for a Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet. However, this does not relieve these project types from
14 compliance with all other applicable sections of the landscape manual:
1. A new single-family residence with homeowner provided landscaping, where the
15 landscape area is less than 5,000 square feet.
2. A registered local. State or federal historical site.
Ig 3. An ecological restoration project that does not require a permanent irrigation
system.
lY 4. A mined land reclamation project that does not require a permanent irrigation
system.
18 5. A botanical garden or arboretum that is open to the public.
6. Any single-family residence that is being rebuilt after it was destroyed due to a
19 natural disaster, such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane or tornado.
20 18.50.070 Recycled water.
A. A person who obtains a permit for a project that is subject to this chapter shall
21 use recycled water for irrigation when recycled water is available from the water purveyor who
supplies water to the property for which the City of Carlsbad issues a permit.
22 B. This section does not excuse a person using recycled water from complying with
all state and local laws and regulations related to recycled water use.
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18.50.080 Water waste prevention.
24 A. No person shall use water for irrigation that, where due to runoff, low head
drainage, overspray or other similar condition, results in irrigation water that flows onto adjacent
25 property, non-irrigated areas, structures, walkways, roadways or other paved areas.
B. No person whose landscape is subject to a landscape approval pursuant to this
26 chapter shall apply water to the landscape in excess of the MAWA.
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1 18,50.090 Enforcement.
A. The city manager, or designee, shall investigate and enforce instances of non-
2 compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Any city authorized personnel or enforcement
officer may exercise any enforcement powers as set forth in Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 of the
3 Carlsbad Municipal Code including, but not limited to, recording a notice of violation.
B. The city manager, or designee, may delegate to or enter into a contract with a
4 local agency or other person to implement and administer any of the provisions of this chapter
on behalf of the City.
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18,50.100 Fees.
6 A. An applicant for a project subject to this chapter shall include with the application,
all fees established by the city council by resolution to cover the city's cost to review an
7 application, any required landscape documentation package and any other documents that the
city staff reviews pursuant to the requirements of this chapter and the landscape manual.
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1 EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its
2 adoption, and the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause it to be
3 published at least once in a publication of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within
4 fifteen days after its adoption.
5 INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a regular meeting of the Carlsbad City
6 Council on the day of 2012, and thereafter.
7 PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
8 Carlsbad on the day of 2012, by the following vote, to wit:
9 AYES:
10 NOES:
11 ABSENT:
12 ABSTAIN:
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14 APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
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^6 RONALD R. BALL, City Attorney
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MATT HALL, Mayor
ATTEST:
LORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 18.50
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
Sections:
18.50.010 Purpose.
18.50.020 Authoritv.
18.50.030 Incorporation ofthe landscape manual bv reference.
18.50.040020 Findings.
18.50.050030 Definitions.
18.50.060040 Applicability.
18.50.050 Landscape approval.
18.50.060 Administration and Landscape Manual.
18.50.070 Landscape documentation paokago.
18.50.080 Soil management report.
18.50.090 Planting and Irrigation plans.
18.50.100 Water efficient landscape worksheet.
18.50.110 Grading design plan.
18*50.120 Irrigation schedule.
18.50.130 Maximum applied water use.
18.50.140 Estimated total water use.
18.50.150 Adjustment to landscaped area for non-vogotatod area.
18.50.160 New single-family residential projects with limited landscaping.
18.50.170 Comotorlos.
18.50.180 Regulations applicable to use of turf on landscaped areas.
18.50.190 Projects with model homes.
18.50.070200 Recycled water.
18.50.210 Landscaping and irrigation installation.
18.50.220 Landscaping and irrigation maintonanco.
18.50.230 Certificate of completion.
18.50.080240 Waste water prevention.
18.50.090250 Enforcement.
18.50.100260 Fees.
18.50.010 Purpose.
A. The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act
(the "Act"), Government Code sections 65591 et seq., that the State's water resources are in
limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is essential to the quality
of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance and management must be water
efficient. The general purpose of this chapter is to establish water use standards for
landscaping in the city of Carlsbad that implement the 2006 development landscape design
requirements established by the Act. Consistent with the Legislature's findings, the purpose of
this ordinance is to:
1. Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to
utilize water and other resources as efficiently as possible;
2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining,
and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction;
3. Promote the use, when available, of treated recycled water, for irrigating
landscaping;
4. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use for landscaping to the
lowest practical amount; and
5. Encourage water users of existing landscapes to use water efficiently and without
waste.
18.50.020 Authoritv.
A. The citv planner or designee, shall administer this chapter.
18.50.030 Incorporation of the landscape manual bv reference.
A. The Citv of Carlsbad Landscape Manual Policies and Requirements
(landscape manual) is incorporated bv reference into this chapter. Should anv provision
of the landscape manual conflict with anv provision of this chapter, the provisions of this
chapter shall take precedence.
18.50.040020 Findings.
A. This chapter implements the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act. The
requirements of this chapter reduce water use associated with irrigation of outdoor landscaping
by setting a maximum amount of water to be applied to landscaping. The landscape manual
contains the technical procedures related to the planning, and—by—designing,
installinginstallation. and maintainingmaintenance and management of water efficient
landscapes consistent with the water allowance. The provisions contained in of-this ordinance
and/or the landscape manual are equivalent to and at least as effective as the provisions of
the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance because the calculation of MAWA and the
resulting restrictions on irrigation and process are similar, though tailored to the city of
Carlsbad's existing regulatory procedures.
18.50.050030 Definitions.
A. Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the
meaning established by this section:
A-. "Automatic irrigation controller" means an automatic timing device used to
r-emotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers shall
schedule irrigation ovonts using either evapotranspiration (ETo) (weather-based) or moisture
censor data.
21. "Building permit" means a permit to engage in a certain type of construction on a
specific location.
32. "Developer" means a person who seeks or receives permits for or who
undertakes land development activities- who is not a single family homeowner. Developer
includes a developer's partner, associate, employee, consultant, trustee or agent.
A-. "Diroctor" means the City of Carlsbad Planning Diroctor or anyone to whom the
Oireotor has designated or hired to administer or onforoe this chapter.
§3. "Discretionary permit" means any permit requiring a decision making body to
exercise judgment prior to its approval, conditional approval or denial.
"Estimated total water use" (ETWU) means the estimated total water use in
gallons per year for a landscaped area.
74. "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor that when applied to reference
ETo, adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiency, two major influences on the
amount of water that is required for a healthy landscape.
85. "Evapotranspiration" (ETo) means the quantity of water evaporated from
adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time period.
"Reference evapotranspiration" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters
which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year and is an
estimate of the ETo of a large field of four inches to seven inches tall, cool season turf that is
well watered. Reference ETo is used as the basis of determining the MAWA so that regional
differences in climate can be accommodated.
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6. "Grading permit" means the document issued bv the citv engineer
pursuant to Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 15.16.110.
ST "Graywater," as defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section
17022.12, means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge,
hac not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhoolthy bodily wastes, and does not
procont a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating
wastos. "Graywater" includes wastewater from bathtubSi showers, bathroom washbasins,
clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen
sinks or dishwashers.
"Hardscape" means any durable surface matorial, pervious or non-pervious.
407. "Homeowner-provided landscaping" means landscaping installed either by a
homeowner or a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner for a single-family residence.
44-: "Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscape area having plants with similar
water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
42-. "Invasive species" means species of plants not historically found in California that
cproad outside cultivated areas and may damage environmental or economic resouroes.
43: "Irrigation efficiency" means the measuremont of the amount of water bonoficially
uood divided by the water applied.—Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and
estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
448. "Landscaped area" means an area with plants, twfturfgrass and/or other
vegetation. A landscaped area includes a water feature either in an area with vegetation or that
stands alone. A landscaped area may also include design features adjacent to an area with
vegetation, provided that the features are integrated into the design of the landscape area
and the primarv purpose of the features are decorative when allowed under Section
18.50,150. A landscaped area does not include the footprint of a building, decks, patio,
sidewalk, driveway, parking lot or other hardscape that does not meet the criteria in Section
18.50.150. A landscaped area also does not include an area without irrigation designated for
non-development such as designated open space or area with existing native vegetation. The
landscaped area refers to the area to be landscaped as part of the work for which the
current approval bv the citv is being sought.
+§9. "Landscape Manual" means the manual, approved by the Carlsbad City Council,
that which establishes specific design criteria and guidance to implement the requirements of
this chapter.
4O10. "Licensed" means licensed by the State of California.
"Low head drainage" means a sprinkler head or other irrigation device that
continues to emit water after the water to the zone in which tho device is located has shut off.
"Low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at low pressure
through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low volume emitters such as drip lines or
bubblers.
401J.. "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the maximum allowed
annual water use for a specific landscaped area based on the square footage of the area, the
ETAF and the reference ETo.
20^ "Mulch" means an organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or inorganic
mineral materials such as rocks, gravel or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil
surface to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature or prevent soil
erosioft.
3A-. "Overspray" means the water from irrigation that is delivered outside an area
targeted for the irrigation and makes contact with a surface not intended to be irrigated.
22: "Pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water
through the material and into underlying soil.
23^ "Plant factor" means a factor when multiplied by the ETo, estimates tho amount
of water a plant needs.
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2412. "Public water purveyor" means a public utility, municipal water district, municipal
irrigation district or municipality that delivers water to customers.
2513. "Recycled water", sometimes referred to as reclaimed water, means water
obtained from the treatment of domestic water waste which is suitable for direct beneficial use
or a controlled use that otherwise would not occur and also meets the highest level in
conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 3 (use of
recycled water for irrigation and for impoundments), currently section 60304 and section 60305.
20:^ "Runoff" means water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscaped area.
27: "Special landscaped area" means an area of the landscape dedicated to edible
plants, an area irrigated with recycled water, or an area dedicated as turf area within a park,
sports field or golf course where turf provides a passive or active recreational surface.
28: "Subsurface irrigation" means an irrigation device with a delivery line and water
emitters installed below the soil surface that slowly and frequently emit small amounts of water
into the soil to irrigate plant roots.
20: "Transitional area" means a portion of a landscaped area that is adjacent to a
natural or undisturbed area and is designated to ensure that the natural area remains
unaffected by plantings and irrigation installed on the property.
3014. "TwfTurfgrass" means a groundcover surface of mowed grasses such as
bermuda. bluegrass. fescue, rye. St. Augustine, zovzia. and other mowed turfgrasses or
hybrid derivatives of such turfgrasses that are tvpicallv used for a recreational use.
"Water feature" means a design element where open water performs an
aesthetic or recreational function. A water feature includes a pond, lake, waterfall, fountain,
artificial streams, spa and swimming pool. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater
treatment or stormwater best management practices are not water features.
32^ "WUCOLS III" means Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published
by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resourcos,
August 2000, or the most recent version thereof.
18.50.060040 Applicability.
A. This chapter, together with the landscape manual, shall apply to the following
projects types which require a landscape plan in conjunction with a building permit, grading
permit or a discretionary permit:
1. A project for an New commercial, industrial, commercial, institutional, or multi-
family residential tjse-proiects where the total landscaped area for the development is greater
than or equal to 2,500 square feet or more.
2. Developer—installed residential and common area landscapes where the total
landscaped area for the development is greater than or equal to 2,500 square feet or more.
3. A new single-family residence with homeowner—provided landscaping where the
landscaped area is greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet or more.
4. A model home that includes a landscaped area.
5. A public agency proiect. including, but not limited to public parks and
recreation facilities, maintenance districts, and street medians which-that contains a
landscaped area of 2,500 square feet or morei.
6. A rehabilitated landscape for an existing commercial, industrial, commercial,
institutional, public agency, or multifamily use where a building permit or discretionary permit is
being issued and the applicant is installing or modifying 2,500 square feet or more of
landscaping.
7-. A cemotory under limited requirements in Section 18.50.170.8.A new single-
family residence with homeowner provided landscaping, where the landscape area is less than
5,000 square feet, under limited requirements in Section 18.50.160
%: A new single-family residence with homeowner providod landscaping, where the
landscape area is loss than 5,000 square feet, under limited requirements in Section 18.50.160
B. This chapter shall not apply to the followinglhe following development types
are exempt from the requirement for a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. However,
this does not relieve these proiect types from compliance with all other applicable
sections ofthe landscape manual:
1. A new single-family residence with homeowner provided landscaping,
where the landscape area is less than 5.000 square feet.
42. A registered local. State or federal historical site.
23. An ecological restoration project that does not require a permanent irrigation
system.
34. A mined land reclamation project that does not require a permanent irrigation
system.
45. A botanical garden or arboretumT that is open to the public.
§6. Any single-family residence that is being rebuilt after it was destroyed due to a
natural disaster, such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane or tornado.
18.50.050 Landscape approval.
A^ No person shall install landscaping for a project subject to this chapter without
the review and approval required by this chapter.
& A person constructing a project subject to the requirements of this chapter shall
obtain approval for the landscaped area as follows:
4T A person applying for a building permit for a single family residence shall obtain
an approval of the landscaping from the City of Carlsbad as part of the permitting process,
unless exempt per Section 18.50.0^0.
Or. A person applying for a discretionary permit described in Section 18.50.0'10:
3r. Shall submit a landscape concept plan a required by the discretionary permit
application.—The concept plan shall include all requirements as outlined in the landscape
manual, including representation ofthe site features, proposed planting areas and the proposed
method and type of irrigation.
b^ Shall obtain approval for landscaping as part of the permitting process for each
building permit for each project segment that requires installation of a water meter or connection
to an existing water meter.
& May use "typical" plans for Developer installed landscaping for single-family
homes.
18.50.060 Administration and Landscape Manual.
A: The Planning Director shall administer this chapter.
S: The Landscape Manual, adopted by resolution of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on November 13, 1990, and as may be amended from time to time, is incorporated by
reference into this chapter.—Should any provision of the landscape manual conflict with any
provision of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.
18.50.070 Landscape documentation package.
A: Except as provided in subsections B and C below, building permit applications for
projects subject to Section 18.50.0'10 shall include a landscape documentation package that
complies with the provisions of this chapter and with the Landscape Manual.
& An applicant for a building permit for a single family residence with a landscaped
area less than 5,000 square feet is not required to submit a landscape documentation package
with the permit application, but shall comply with Section 18.50.160.
G: An applicant for a permit for a cemetery is not required to submit a landscape
documentation package, but shall comply with Section 18.50.170.
& The landscape documentation package shall contain the following:
4: A soil management report and plan that complies with Section 18.50.080 that
analyzes the soil within each landscaped area of the project and makes recommendations
regarding soil additives.
2r. Planting and Irrigation plans that comply with Section 18.50.090 that describe the
landscaping and irrigation for the project.
3: A water efficient landscape worksheet that complies with Section 18.50.100 that
calculates the MAWA and the ETWU for the project.
4-. A grading design plan that complies with Section 18.50.110 that describes the
grading of the project. If the project applicant has submitted a grading plan with the application
for the project, the Director may accept that grading plan in lieu of the grading design plan
required by this subsection if the grading plan complies with Section 18.50.110.
18.50.080 Soil managomont report.
A: The soil management report required by Section 18.50.070 shall be prepared by
a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape
professional licensed by the state to do this work and shall contain the following information:
^. An analysis of the soil for the proposed landscaped areas of the project that
includes information about the soil texture, soil infiltration rate, pH, total soluble salts, sodium,
and percent organic matter; and
2r. Recommendations about soil amendments that may be necessary to foster plant
growth and plant survival in the landscaped area using efficient irrigation techniques.
B-. When a project involves mass grading of a site the applicant shall submit the soil
management report that complies with subsection A above with the certificate of completion
required by Section 18.50.230.
G: The soil management report shall include information regarding proposed soil
amendments and mulch:
^. The report shall identify the type and amount of mulch for each area where mulch
is applied. Mulch shall be used as follows:
Sh. A minimum two-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces
in each landscaped area except in turf areas, herbaceous ground covers or direct seeding
applications where mulch is contraindicated.
b-. Stabilizing mulch shall be applied on slopes over 3:1.
& The mulching portion of seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall
comply with subsection A above.
d. Highly flammable mulch material shall not be used.
2r. The report shall identify any soil amendments and their type and quantity.
18.50.090 Planting and irrigation plans.
A^ The planting and irrigation plans required by Section 18.50.070 shall be prepared
by a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape
professional licensed by the state to do this work. The plans shall:
4 Include the MAWA for the plans, including the calculations used to determine the
MAWA. The calculations shall be based on the formula in Section 18.50.130.
2: Include the ETWU for the plans, including the calculations used to determine tho
ETWU. The calculations shall be based on the formula in Section 18.50.140.
3^ Include a statement signed under penalty of perjury by the person who prepared
the plan that provides, "I am familiar with the requirements for landscape and irrigation plans
contained in the City of Carlsbad's Water Efficient Landscape Regulations. I have prepared this
plan in compliance with those regulations and the landscape manual.—I certify that the plan
implements those regulations to provide efficient use of water."
A-. Demonstrate compliance with best management practices required by Municipal
Code Chapter 15.12, Storm Water Management and Discharge Control.
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5: Address fire safety issues and demonstrate compliance with applicable
requirements for defensible space around buildings and structures and shall avoid tho use of
fire prone vegetation.
B-. The planting plan shall meet the following requirements:
4 The plan shall include a list of all vegetation by common and botanical plant
name, which exists in the proposed landscaped area. The plan shall state what vegetation will
bo retained and what will be removed.
2: The plan shall include a list of all vegetation by common and botanical plant
namo, which will be added to each landscaped area. No invasive species shall be addod to a
landocaped area. The plan shall include the total quantities by container size and species. If
tho applicant intends to plant seeds, the plan shall describe the seed mixes and applicable
purity and germination specifications.
3: The plan shall include a detailed description of each water feature that will be
included in the landscaped area.
4-. The plan shall be accompanied by a drawing showing on a page or pages, the
spocific location of all vegetation, retained or planted, the plant spacing and plant size, natural
features, water features, and hardscape areas. The drawing shall include a legend listing the
common and botanical plant name of each plant shown on tho drawing.
5: All plants shall be grouped in hydrozones and the irrigation shall be designed to
deliver water to hydrozones based on the nioisture roquiroments of the plant grouping.—A
hydrozone may mix plants of moderate and low water use or mix plants of high water use with
plants of moderate water use. No high water use plants shall be allowed in a low water use
hydrozone.—The plan shall also demonstrate how tho plant groupings accomplish the most
officiont use of water.
The plan shall identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants.
The plan shall demonstrate that plants, when installed and at maturity, will be
positioned to avoid obstructing motorists' views of pedestrian crossings, driveways, roadways
and other vehicular travel ways. If the landscaping will require maintenance to avoid obstructing
motorist's views, the plan shall describe the maintenance and the frequency of the proposed
maintenance.
8^ The plan shall avoid the use of plants with known surface root problems adjacent
to a paved area, unless the plan provides for installation of root control barriers or other
appropriate devices to control surface roots.
9^ Plants in a transitional area shall consist of a combination of site adaptive and
compatible native and/or non-native species.—No invasive species shall be introduced or
tolorated in a transitional area. The irrigation in a transitional area shall be designed so that no
overspray or runoff shall enter an adjacent area that is not irrigated.
40: On a project other than a single-family residence, the plan shall identify passive
and active recreational areas.
G: The Irrigation Plan shall meet the following requirements:
The plan shall show the location, type and size of all components of the irrigation
cystom that will provide water to the landscaped area, including the controller, water lines,
valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure
regulators, and backflow prevention devices.
3r. The plan shall show the static water pressure at the point of connection to the
public water supply and the flow rate in gallons, the application rate in inches per hour and the
design operating pressure in pressure per square inch for each station.
3: The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, low head
drainage and other similar conditions where irrigation water flows or sprays onto areas not
intended for irrigation. The plan shall also demonstrate how grading and drainage techniques
promote healthy plant growth and prevent erosion and runoff.
A-. The plan shall identify each area irrigated with recycled water, graywater, and
othor non potable water.
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5^ The plan shall provide that any slope greater than 25 percent will be irrigated with
an irrigation system with a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less to prevent runoff and
erosion. As used in this chapter, 25 percent grade means one foot of vertical elevation change
for every four feet of horizontal length. An applicant may employ an alternative design if the
plan demonstrates that no runoff or erosion will occur.
§: The plan shall provide that all wiring and piping under a paved area that a vehicle
may use, such as a parking area, driveway or roadway, will be installed inside a PVC conduit.
7-. The plan shall provide that irrigation piping and irrigation devices that deliver
water, such as sprinkler heads, shall be installed below grade if they are within ten feet of a
vehicle or pedestrian use area. On-grade pipe is not allowed unless it is demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Planning Director that the rocky condition of the slope would prevent
trenching.—In cases where on-grade pipe is allowed it shall be the galvanized type or UVR
resistant PVC approved by the Planning Director.
8: The plan shall provide that only low volume or subsurface irrigation shall be used
to irrigate any vegetation within 24 inches of an impermeable surface unless the adjacent
impermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to cause water to drain entirely into a
landscaped area.
9^ The irrigation system shall provide for the installation of a manual shutoff valve
as close as possible to the water supply. Additional manual shutoff valves shall be installed
between each zone of the irrigation system and the water supply.
10: The irrigation system shall provide that irrigation for any landscaped area will be
regulated by an automatic irrigation controller.
44T The irrigation system shall be designed with a landscape irrigation efficiency
necessary to meet the MAWA.
The plan shall describe each automatic irrigation controller the system uses to
regulate the irrigation schedule and whether it is a weather based system or soil moisture
detection system.—The plan shall depict the location of electrical sen/ice for the automatic
irrigation controller or describe the use of batteries or solar power that will power valves or a
smart controller.
18.50.100 Water efficient landscape worksheet.
A: The water efficient landscape worksheet required by Section 18.50.070 shall be
prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or othor
landscape professional licensed by the state to do this work and shall contain the following:
4^ A hydrozone information table that contains a list of each hydrozone in the
landscaped area of the project and complies with the following requirements:
For each hydrozone listed, the table shall identify the plant types and water
features in the hydrozone, the irrigation methods used, the square footage and the percentage
of the total landscaped area of the project that tho hydrozone represents.
b: The plant types shall be categorized as turf, high water use, moderate water use
or low water use.
2: Water budget calculations, which shall meet the following requirements:
a-. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS III. The plant factor shall be 0.1 for
very low water use plants 0.3 for low water use plants, 0.5 for moderate water use plants and
0.8 for high water use plants. A plan that mixes plants in a hydrozone that require a different
amount of water shall use the plant factor for the highest water using plant in the hydrozone.
fe: Temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone
Temporarily irrigated as used in this chapter means the period of time when plantings only
receive water until they become established.
C: The surface area of a water feature, including swimming pools, shall be included
in a high water use hydrozone.
d. The calculations shall use the formula for the MAWA in Section 18.50.130 and
for tho ETWU in Section 18.50.1^10.
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e^ Each special landscaped area shall be identified on the worksheet and the area's
water use calculated using an ETAF of 1.0.
18.50.110 Grading design plan.
A: The grading design plan required by Section 18.50.070 shall be prepared by a
California licensed civil engineer, licensed landscape architect, licensed architect, or other
landscape professional licensed by the state to do this work and shall comply with following
requirements:
The grading on the project site shall be designed for the efficient use of water by
minimizing soil erosion, runoff and water waste, resulting from precipitation and irrigation.
3r. Grading plans shall include site grading information including, but not limited to,
elevations, slope heights, drainage patterns, pad elevations, storm water management, and
finish grade.
3: Previously approved grading plans, "as built" grading plans, or grading plans
undergoing the grading permit approval process are acceptable submittals.
18.50.120 Irrigation schedule.
A: The irrigation schedule required by Section 18.50.230 shall be prepared by a
licensed landscape architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, or other landscape
professional licensed by the state to do this work and provide the following information:
4 A description of the automatic irrigation system that will be used for the project.
2r. The ETo data relied on to develop the irrigation schedule, including the source of
the data.
3: The time period when overhead irrigation will be scheduled and confirm that no
overhead irrigation shall be used between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The parameters used for setting the irrigation system controller for watering times
feff
an The plant establishment period.
b: Established landscaping.
& Temporarily irrigated areas.
d: Different seasons during the year.
The consideration used for each station for the following factors:
SH The days between irrigation.
b^ Station run time in minutes for each irrigation event, designed to avoid runoff.
Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event, designed to avoid
runoff.
d:—Amount of water to be applied on a monthly basis.
e:—The root depth setting.
f: The plant type setting.
9^—The soil type.
h^—The slope factor.
h The shade factor.
18.50.130 Maximum applied water use.
A: A landscape project subject to this chapter shall not exceed the MAWA. Tho
MAWA for a landscape project shall be detemiined by the following calculation:
4 MAWA - (ETo)(0.62)[(0.7 x LA) * (0.3 x SLA)]
B: The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
4r MAWA - Maximum Applied Water Allowance in gallons per year.
3r. ETo ~ Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
3: 0.62 - Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
4 0.7 = ET adjustment factor for plant factors and irrigation efficiency.
5: LA - Landscaped area includes special landscaped area in square feet.
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§: 0.3 - the additional ET adjustment factor for a special landscaped area (1.0—Or?
7-. SLA - Portion of the landscaped area identified as a special landscaped area in
square feet.
18.50.140 Estimated total water use.
A: An applicant for a project subject to this chapter shall calculate the ETWU for
each landscaped area and the entire project using the following equation:
4 ETWU - (ETo)(0.62)(PF x HA / IE * SLA)
B-. The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
4^ ETWU - Estimated total water use in gallons per year.
Or. ETo - Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
3: 0.62 = Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
4 PF - Plant factor from WUCOLS III
HA - Hydrozone Area in square feet. Each HA shall be classified based upon
the data included in the landscape and irrigation plan as high, medium or low water use.
&: IE - Irrigation Efficiency of the irrigation method used in the hydrozone.
7: SLA = Special landscaped area in square feet.
Q-. 8: The ETWU for a proposed project shall not exceed the MAWA.
18.50.150 Adjustment to landscaped area for non-vegetated area.
A^ Rock and stone or pervious design features, such as decomposed granite
ground cover that are adjacent to a vegetated area may be included in the calculation of the
MAWA and ETWU provided the features are integrated into the design of the landscape area
and the primary purpose of the feature is decorative.
18.50.160 New single-family residential projects with limited landscaping.
A^ An applicant for a building permit for a new single-family residence subject to this
chapter where the landscaped area of the project is less than 5,000 square feet shall, as a
condition of obtaining a building permit, submit an application to establish a MAWA and/or a
best landscape design practices checklist for the property on the form approved by the Director.
18.50.170 Comotorlos.
A: A person submitting an application for a cemetery shall include the following:
4 A concept plan, as described in Section 18.50.050;
3r. A water efficient irrigation worksheet that calculated the MAWA for the project
with the application that complies with Section 18.50.100; and
3:—A landscaping and irrigation maintenance schedule that complies with Section
18.50.220.
18.50.180 Regulations applicable to use of turf on landscaped aroas.
A^ The following regulations shall apply to the use of turf on a project subject to this
chapter:
4r No turf shall be allowed:
a-. On a slope greater than 25 percent grade;
te^ Where any dimension ofthe landscaped area is less than six feet wide;
On a center island median strip or on a parking lot island within a commercial,
industrial, institutional, or multi -family project, and/or
4-. In a landscaped area that cannot be efficiently irrigated, such as avoiding runoff
or overspray.
2: A ball field, park, golf course, cemetery and other similar use shall be designed to
limit turf in any portion of a landscaped area not essential for the operation of the facility.
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18.50.190 Projects with model homes.
A: A person who obtains a permit to construct a single-family residential
development that contains a model home or homes shall provide a water efficient landscaping
brochure to each group of adults visiting the model home. At a minimum, each brochure shall
include information describing the water efficient features of the model's landscaping, resources
for additional information regarding water efficiency in landscaping, contact information for the
local water purveyor and planning department, and a reference to the requirements of this
chapter.
B: An educational sign shall be placed in the front yard of each model home so that
it is visible and readable from the roadway. The sign shall be white with black capital lettering at
least two inchos high and shall state "THIS MODEL HOME USES WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION".
18.50.070200 Recycled water.
A. A person who obtains a permit for a project that is subject to this chapter shall
use recycled water for irrigation when recycled water is available from the water purveyor who
supplies water to the property for which the City of Carlsbad issues a permit.
B: A person using recycled water shall install a dual distribution system for water
received from a public water purveyor. Pipes carrying recycled water shall be purple.
G A person who uses recycled water under this section shall be entitled to an ETAF
eMrOr
OB. This section does not excuse a person using recycled water from complying with
all State-state and local laws and regulations related to recycled water use.
18.50.220 Landscaping and irrigation maintenance.
A: A property owner using water on property subject to a landscape approval other
than a single family residence with a total landscaped area less than 5,000 square feet, shall
prepare a maintenance schedule for the landscaping and irrigation system on the project. The
schedule shall provide for:
4; Routine inspection to guard against runoff and erosion and to detect plant or
irrigation system failure;
3r. Replacement of dead, dying and diseased vegetation;
3^ Eradication of invasive species;
4-. Repairing the irrigation system and its components;
Replenishing mulch;
Addition of soil amendments when necessary to support and maintain healthy
plant growth;
7-. Fertilizing, pruning and weeding and maintaining turf areas;
8^ Maintenance to avoid obstruction of motorists' view; and
9: Identification of the entity who will be responsible for maintenance.
B-. After approval of a landscape plan, the owner is required to:
4 Maintain and operate the landscaping and irrigation system on the property
consistent with the MAWA;
2: Maintain the irrigation system to meet or exceed an irrigation efficiency
necessary to meet MAWA;
3^ Replace broken or malfunctioning irrigation system components with components
of the same materials and specifications, their equivalent or better; and
4 Ensure—that—when—vegetation—is—replaced,—replacement—plantings—afe
representative of the hydrozone in which the plants were removed and are typical of the water
use requirements ofthe plants removed, provided that the replaced vegetation does not result in
mixing high water use plants with low water use plants in the same hydrozone.
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18.50.230 Certificate of completion.
A: Prior to receiving final approval for completion of the project, each applicant,
other than for a single family residence with a total landscaped area less than 5,000 square feet,
shall submit a signed certificate of completion and final documentation for the project under
penalty of perjury.
The certificate of completion shall:
a-. Be submitted on a form provided by the City of Carlsbad;
b-. Include a statement verifying that the landscaping and irrigation were installed as
allowed in the approved landscape and irrigation plan, all approved soil amendments were
implemented, the installed irrigation system is functioning as designed and approved, the
irrigation control system was properly programmed in accordance with the irrigation schedule,
and the person operating the system has received all required maintenance and irrigation plans;
& Be signed by the professional of record for the landscape design.
2r. The final submittal shall include:
a-. An irrigation schedule that complies with Section 18.50.120, that describes the
irrigation times and water usage for the project;
b: A landscaping and irrigation system maintenance schedule that complies with
Section 18.50.220;
&: A soil management report that complies with Section 18.50.080, if the applicant
did not submit the report with the landscape documentation package; and
d^ Final "as built" plans, submitted by the professional of record:
18.50.080240 Water waste prevention.
A. No person shall use water for irrigation that^ where due to runoff, low head
drainage, overspray or other similar condition, results in irrigation water that flows onto
adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, structures, walkways, roadways or other paved areas.
B. No person whose landscape is subject to a landscape approval pursuant to this
chapter shall apply water to the landscape in excess of the MAWA.
18.50.090250 Enforcement.
A. The city manager, or designee, shall investigate and enforce instances of non-
compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Any city authorized personnel or enforcement
officer may exercise any enforcement powers as set forth in Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code including, but not limited to, recording a notice of violation.
B. The city manager, or designee, may delegate to or enter into a contract with a
local agency or other person to implement and administer any of the provisions of this chapter
on behalf of the City.
18.50.100260 Fees.
A. An applicant for a project subject to this chapter shall include with the application,
all fees established by the city council by resolution to cover the city's cost to review an
application, any required landscape documentation package and any other documents that the
city staff reviews pursuant to the requirements of this chapter and the landscape manual.
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