HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-11-18; Municipal Water District; 11.01; Water Efficient Landscape OrdinanceCARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT - AGENDA BILL
AB # 11.01 DEPT. HD. WATER EFFICIENT TITLE:
MTG. 1 111 8193
DEPT. CMWD
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and recommend that the Board of
Directors approve and adopt it.
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE CITY ATTY
CITY MGR.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
The State of California's Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB325) became effective
on January 1, 1991. It requires the City to adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance prior
to January 1, 1993. If the City has not done so by that time, the State's "Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance'' shall take effect on that day and must be enforced by the
City and have the same force and effect as though it were a local ordinance.
The City of Carlsbad has a history of promoting water conservation in the landscape. The
original Landscape Manual adopted by the City Council in 1983 strongly encouraged low
water use planting. In November, 1990, the City Council adopted, by Resolution No. 90-384,
the revised Landscape Manual. The primary purpose for revising the manual was to
strengthen the water conservation requirements.
The adopted 1990 Landscape Manual includes an extensive "Water Conservation" section.
The policies address low water use plants, water saving irrigation design, use of reclaimed
water, general "xeriscape" principles, and many other water conservation requirements.
The ordinance proposed by this agenda bill essentially extracts the water conservation
sections from the Landscape Manual and makes them into the City of Carlsbad Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance. In doing this, the City will have adopted its own
comprehensive landscape water conservation ordinance tailored to the needs of Carlsbad.
This action will meet the requirements of AB325
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
EXHIBITS:
1. Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance No.
2. Water Conservation Section of the Landscape Manual.
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION OF CHAPTER 14.28
RELATED TO THE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of Carlsbad to promote the conservation and
efficient use of water and to prevent waste of this valuable resource; and
WHEREAS, landscape design, installation and maintenance can and should be water
efficient; and
WHEREAS, in November 1990, the City Council (herein called "Council") adopted,
by Resolution No. 90-384, the Landscape Manual which outlines an extensive section on
water conservation,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California does
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: The purpose and the intent of the City Council with respect to the
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is to:
(A) Promote a landscape ethic recognizing Carlsbad as a naturally semi-arid region
and encouraging landscape systems compatible with the natural environment.
(B) Conserve water resources through the use of current technology in the landscape
industry related to water conservation.
(C) To satisfy the requirements of the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act,
Government Code, Section 65591, by creating a water efficient landscape ordinance.
SECTION 2: That Title 14 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the
addition of Chapter 14.28 to read as follows:
/If
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"Chapter 14.28''
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
Sections:
14.28.01 Purpose and intent.
14.28.020 Incorporation of the Landsca
14.28.030 Designation of Section 1I.B a1
5 Manual by Reference.
1V.C. of the Landscape Manual as the
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
14.28.010 Pumose and intent. The water resources of the City of Carlsbad are of
limited supply and are subject to ever increasing demands. Current scientific knowledge and
technology in the landscape industry related to water conservation can provide significant
savings in water use. The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is intended to require
landscape plans approved by the City of Carlsbad to include water conservation as a primary
consideration.
14.28.020 Incorporation of the Landscape Manual bv reference. The Landscape
Manual, adopted by the Carlsbad City Council by Resolution No. 90-384 is hereby adopted
by reference and incorporated into this chapter.
14.28.030 Designation of Section 1I.B and 1V.C of the Landscape Manual as the
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Section 1I.B "Water Conservation Plan" and Section
1V.C "Water Conservation Policies and Requirements'' of the Landscape Manual are hereby
designated as the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption,
and the City Clerk shall certify to this adoption of this ordinance and cause it to be
published at least once in the Carlsbad Journal within fifteen days after its adoption.
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INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READ at a regular meeting of the Carlsbad City
Council held on the day of , 1992, and thereafter;
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of said Council held on the
day of , 1992, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
ATTEST:
AL,ETHA L. RAUTENKRANZ, City Clerk
(SEAL)
WATER CONSERVATION PIAN
Projects requiring discretionary approvals or as required by the City.
Submit in conjunction with the Landscape Concept Plan.
B.2-1 This Plan will demonstrate to the City how the proposed development will use ail practical means available to conserve water in the landscape.
B.2-2 The Plan will depict, in a general way, how the proposed project will conform to the policies and requirements of the following sections of this document, particularly the Water Conservation Policies and Requirement (Section IV.C).
B.3- 1 Plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect registered in the State of California or as specified in B.3-2.
B.3-2 Plans may also be prepared by a licensed civil engineer, architect, or contractor
registered in the State of California to the extent that his or her license allows.
B.4-1
B.4- 1.1
8.4-1.2
B.4-1.3
PLAN SIZE
Prepared on a 50% screened copy of the Landscape Concept Plan.
Special areas may require enlargements as required by the City.
After the project has been approved by the City, the applicant must provide the
City with the approved plan on mylar (24” x 36) or microfilm (as specified by the City).
B.5-1
To include but not be limited to:
Extent of Planting Zone 1 (“Lush’) - Indicate percentage of Zone 1 planting (per Appendix A) of the total landscaped area (as defined in Appendix G). Provide justification for the appropriateness of where Zone 1 plants are used in terms of water conservation. For example, are Zone 1 plantings in areas of shade where they will use less water and/or has the soil been suitably amended so as to retain relatively greater moisture?
B.5-2 Proposed turf areas. (See limitations in lVC.34.2) Give percentage of turf of the total landscaped area (as defined in Section lV C.34.2-3 and Appendix G).
B.5-3 Accommodations for reclaimed water (existing or future) and outline planting areas proposed to use reclaimed water.
B.54 Written description of water conservation features including addressing xeriscape principles (see Appendix B) within the project.
Preliminary Submittals m1
WATER CONSERVATION POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS
c.1-1 Carlsbad is in a naturally semi-arid region. The landscape ethic should be towards designing and maintaining landscape systems compatible with the natural environment.
c.1-2 Current technology in the landscape industry related to water conservation in irrigation and planting can provide significant savings in the use of water.
C.l-3 Landscape design shall include water conservation as a primary criteria.
C.1-4 The principals of xeriscape shall be incorporated into design and maintenance
of landscape.
C.l-5 Plants known to have relatively high water needs shall be used sparingly and in situations where they will require the least amount 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.
C.l-6
C.l-7 Alternative water sources (non-potable) shall be used and/or planned for landscape irrigation.
c.1-8 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.
Include but not limited to:
- General Planting and Irrigation Policies and Requirements - Slope RevegetatiodErosion Control Policies and Requirements - Installation, Bonding, and Maintenance Requirements
C.3- 1 Model Homes -- Housing projects featuring a model home(s) shall designate at least one model as the ‘Water Conservation Landscape Model” or “Xeriscape Model.” The landscaping of this unit(s) shall incorporate all the principals of xeriscape and shall have a sign program to describe to prospective buyers the water conserving elements and plant types utilized in the design.
All model landscaping shall utilize the principals of xeriscape.
C.3-2 SOIL CONDITIONING
C.3-2.1 SOIL TEST
C.3-2.2 After rough grading, soil samples shall be taken from enough locations on the site to represent an adequate cross section of conditions.
Policies and Requirements 1
WATER CONSERVATION POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS (cont)
(3-2.3 Soil test shall be performed by a soil testing laboratory (pre-approved by the City).
The test shall indicate but not be limited to the following:
a. organic matter content b. N, P, K c. pH d. EC e. soil texture (silt, clay, sand) f. recommendations for amendments, leaching, and maintenance fertilizations.
C.3-2.4 The results and recommendations of the soil testing laboratory shall be submitted to and approved by the City. The approved recommendations for amendments and backfill shall be incorporated into the landscape plans prior to the start of construction and shall become part of the approved plans.
Products specified by product name by the soil lab in the recommendations may
be substituted with “or equal” products approved by the City.
c.3-3 MULCHING
C.3-3.1 A minimum of 3” of organic mulch shall be added in non-turf planting areas with
slopes less steep than 3:l to cover the soil surface completely.
Where adjacent to hard surfaces such as sidewalks curbs, or drives (where finish grade shall be 1” below the top of the hardsurface), the mulch thickness may taper down to 1” thick.
Non-porous materials shall not be placed under the mulch.
C.3-3.2 I
C.3-3.3
c.3-4 PLANTING
C.3-4.1 Plants with similar cultural requirements of exposure, soils, and water needs, etc. shall be grouped together and located on the project site in microclimates where they will require the least water for optimum growth and maintenance.
TURF LIMITATIONS: turf areas shall be limited by type of project and percentage of landscaped area in accordance with the following chart: C.3-4.2
C.3-4.2-1 PROJECT TYPE % OF TURF ALLOWED (of landscaped area)
A RESIDENTIAL (per general plan designation)
1. RH (high density) 50% (cool season grass)
2. RMH (medium high) 30% (cool season grass)
3. RLM (low medium density) 15% (cool season grass)
B. COMMERCIAUINDUSTRIAL 10% (cool season grass)
or 80% (warm season grass)
RM (medium) or 50% (warm season grass)
RL (low density) or 25% (warm season grass)
or 15% (warm season grass)
2 pdicii and Requirements
WATER CONSERVATION POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS
(cont)
C.3-4.2-2
C.3-4.2-3
c.3-4.3
c.3-4.4
c.3-4.5
C.3-4.6
EXEMPTIONS: The following areas are exempt from the turf % limitations:
a. common recreation areas associated with Planned Unit Developments
b. single family individual lots. c. projects that have reclaimed water service at the time the approved
(PUD’s) or Planned Industrial Permits (PIP‘S).
landscape is installed and will utilize the reclaimed water on the proposed turf areas. d. public or private parks and golf courses as defined in Appendix G.
For purposes of this requirement, landscape area shall be as defined in Appendix G and shall not include natural or manmade slopes 2:l or steeper or areas designated as “Open Space” by the City.
No turf shall be allowed in:
a. median islands b. areas less than 6 feet wide c. slopes over 4:l steepness
shall not be allowed in areas generally not visible to the public or site occupants (i.e., backs of buildings, service areas, behind fences and screens etc.) unless this area is designed as a recreation area.
Areas of public and private recreation facilities (i.e. parks and golf course) that
can be non-turf without affecting the recreational use shall be designed toward this goal.
Woody shrubs shall be planted over herbaceous ground cover areas to cover 60% of the ground cover area (at mature size).
c.3-5
C.3-5.1
C.3-5.2
c.3-5.3
c.3-5.4
IRRIGATION
Projects shall be designed to utilize reclaimed water and/or other alternative non-potable water sources for landscaping to the satisfaction of the City. All regional and local water and health code requirements in force at the time of final landscape approval shall apply including] but not limited to, installation of labeled
or colored irrigation pipe to denote reclaimed water use.
The above requirement may be waived if the City determines that the project is out of the service area of future reclaimed water as shown in the City’s Reclaimed Water Master Plan or other related documents.
Provide separate water service for landscaping including but not limited to connections, water meters, and backflow preventers for all commercialhndustrial projects, residential common areas in projects over 4 dwelling units, parks, and
golf courses.
Irrigation circuits shall be organized into ‘Tiydro zones” based on plants, sun and shade exposure, topography, and soils.
Sprinkler head spacing in lawn areas and where stream sprays, rotors or impacts are used shall be equal to 50% of the diameter spray.
Policies and Requirements 3
c WATER CONSERVATION POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS
(cont)
C.3-5.5 The systems shall be designed for minimum runoff and overspray onto non-irrigated areas.
Sprinkler heads shall have matched precipitation rates within each control valve circuit and head types shall not be mixed within the circuit.
The irrigation system shall be designed to apply water at a rate not exceeding the infiltration rate of the soil.
C.3-5.6
C.3-5.7
C.3-5.8 All trees in lawn areas shall be irrigated with a “deep watering device” (drip or bubbler application inside a drain pipe -- See Appendix D).
Serviceable check valves located in valve boxes or on risers (above grade) are required where elevation differential may cause low head drainage.
All irrigation systems shall be equipped with an automatic controller capable of dual or multiple programming. Controllefs must have multiple cycle start capacity and a flexible calendar program.
A rain shut off device shall be included in the irrigation system affecting all stations.
Moisture sensors or hydrometers may be required at the discretion of the City,
C.3-5.9
C.3-5.10
C.3-5.11
C.3-5.12
C.3-6 FOUNTAINS
C.3-6.1
C.3-6.2
Fountains shall have recycling systems.
Fountains, decorative pools and ponds shall utilize reclaimed water if available or be designed to utilize reclaimed water so that it can be utilized when it becomes available. When reclaimed water becomes available, the water feature shall be immediately converted to reclaimed use. The design and equipment shall conform to local water and health agency requirements related to reclaimed water.
Fountains shall be designed to minimize evaporative loss. C.3-6.3
4 Policies and Requirements