§ 20.10.390. Water efficient landscape requirements.

The purpose and objective of this Chapter is to promote the best interest of the City and its citizens, to conserve a precious and limited natural resource, namely water, to comply with the Water Conservation Act of the State of California, and to establish a comprehensive program for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of water efficient landscapes for all future construction projects in the City of Delano. This chapter is intended to promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible; to establish a structure for designing, installing and maintaining water efficient landscapes and new projects in compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and any future amendments thereto; and to establish landscape development standards and guidelines and new projects while promoting the installation of water efficient landscapes. In addition, the City of Delano Tree and Plant Handbook (July 2017) is hereby incorporated into these regulations.

1.

Definitions. The following phrases used in this Section 20.10.390 shall have the meanings as set forth below:

a.

Anti-drain valve or check valve shall mean a valve located under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads.

b.

Application rate shall mean the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour.

c.

Automatic controller shall mean a mechanical or solid-state timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application. The controller shall have a battery back-up. The controller shall utilize either an evapotransporation or soil moisture sensor data. The controller shall also utilize rain/freeze/wind sensing over ride devices.

d.

Backflow prevention device shall mean a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

e.

Common open space shall mean the open space within a development that is common to more than one structure often under the control of a homeowner's association or assessment district. Common open space may include recreational facilities and landscaping.

f.

Ecological restoration project shall mean a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

g.

Emitter shall mean drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly from the system to the soil.

h.

Established period shall mean from the time of planting to the point at which plants in the landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball.

i.

Establishment period shall mean the first year after installing the plant in the landscape.

j.

Hydrozone shall mean a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once established is a non-irrigated hydrozone.

k.

Infiltration rate shall mean the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour).

l.

Landscaped area shall mean the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, non-irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes - such as decks and patios, and other nonporous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens are not included.

m.

Lateral line shall mean the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.

n.

Main line shall mean the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.

o.

Mulch shall mean any material such as bark, straw or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purpose of reducing evaporation. The mulch must be a minimum of three-inch thick in all areas not in turf.

p.

Operating pressure shall mean the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed to operate, usually indicated at the base of a sprinkler.

q.

Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall mean those with high flow rates (pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.).

r.

Overspray shall mean the water that is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures or other nonlandscaped areas.

s.

Project shall mean any multi-family housing, industrial, or commercial development.

t.

Quick coupler shall mean a valve with a spring-loaded seat, which is forced open manually by a quick coupler key.

u.

Rain sensing device shall mean a system that automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.

v.

Record drawing or as-builts shall mean a set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked upon in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.

w.

Recreational area shall mean areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, schoolyards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic.

x.

Rehabilitated landscape shall mean any re-landscaping project that requires a permit.

y.

Runoff shall mean water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a severe slope.

z.

Soil moisture sensing device shall mean a device that measures the amount of water in the soil.

aa.

Soil texture shall mean the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

bb.

Sprinkler head shall mean a device which sprays water through a nozzle.

cc.

Static water pressure shall mean the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing.

dd.

Station shall mean an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

ee.

Tree and Plant Handbook shall mean the City of Delano Tree and Plant Handbook (July 2017) designed to be used for guidance of plant and tree selection for public spaces and infrastructure projects (public or private). The Tree and Plant Handbook contains the approved list of trees and plants for landscaping plans subject to Title 20, Section 20.10.390 Water Efficient Landscape Requirements of the Delano Municipal Code.

ff.

Turf shall mean a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual Ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.

gg.

Valve shall mean a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

2.

Applicability of Section 20.10.390.

a.

This Chapter shall apply to all the following projects, except as provided in Section 20.10.390, subsection c.:

(1)

New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than five hundred square feet requiring a building permit, plan check or other discretionary action from the City;

(2)

Developer installed landscaping in new multifamily projects;

(3)

All private development projects that require a permit or other entitlement from the City;

(4)

All other items listed or as amended within California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7.

b.

Single-family dwelling project or development which contains common open space landscaped areas, and then only as to said common open space landscaped areas within such a development.

c.

This Chapter shall not apply to:

(1)

Cemeteries;

(2)

Registered historical sites;

(3)

Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

(4)

Any project with an existing landscaped area being rehabilitated that is less than two thousand five hundred square feet;

(5)

Schools, parks, golf courses;

(6)

Church yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes.

3.

Landscape Documentation Package.

a.

A landscape documentation package conforming to the requirements of this Section shall be submitted to the City as part of all applications for projects that are subject to this Section 20.10.390. No permit shall be issued until the appropriate City department has approved the landscape documentation package.

b.

Each landscape documentation package, consisting of an electronic copy and hard copies, if necessary, in an amount and size identified by the Community Development Department, shall include the following elements:

(1)

A Landscape Design Plan, as defined in Section 20.10.390(4), certified by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field; and

(2)

An Irrigation Design Plan as defined in Section 20.10.390(5), certified by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, irrigation consultant, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field.

4.

Landscape Design Plan. A Landscape Design Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package and drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies:

a.

Design of hydrozones;

b.

Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing and quantities of each group of plants indicated; (see the City of Delano Tree and Plant Handbook (July 2017).

c.

Property lines;

d.

Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas;

e.

Pools, ponds, water features, fences and retaining walls;

f.

Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevations, if applicable;

g.

Natural features including but not limited to rock outcroppings, existing trees, and shrubs that will remain;

h.

Tree planting and staking details;

i.

Location, type, size and conformance of plant materials;

j.

Soil amendments as recommended by a soils report supplied by the applicant and prepared by a certified lab. A copy must be supplied to the City;

k.

Location and names of existing and proposed streets;

l.

Area lighting;

m.

Grade elevations;

n.

Other improvements related to site work to be covered by the landscaping contract;

o.

A calculation of the total landscaped area including percentage of turfed areas proposed; and

p.

Designation of recreation areas.

5.

Irrigation Design Plan. An Irrigation Design Plan meeting the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:

a.

Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.

(1)

Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes to avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than ten feet, and in median strips.

(2)

No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in median strips less than ten feet wide.

(3)

The use of low gallonage sprinkler heads when mounding is incorporated into the landscape.

b.

Each irrigation plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It will be separate from, but the same format as, the Landscape Design Plan and the plan shall show location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain sensing device, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices.

c.

Equipment.

(1)

Water Meters. All new water services installed shall be metered. Additional water services requested by the property owner for landscaping purposes shall be metered.

(2)

Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design. Controllers must utilize either evapotransportation or soil moisture sensor data.

(3)

Valves. Separate valves shall irrigate plants, which require different amounts of water. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage.

(4)

Sprinkler Heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each controller valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance. Check valves are required on all sprinkler heads.

(5)

Service Protection. An approved backflow prevention device shall be required immediately downstream from city service connection in accordance with Title 17 of the Public Health, Department of Health Services.

(6)

Rain/Freeze/Wind Sensing Override Devices. Rain/freeze/wind sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems.

(7)

Manual Shut-off Valve. Appropriate manual shut-off valve is required as close as possible to the point of connection.

(8)

Flow Sensor. Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by damage or malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes and all residential landscapes over five thousand square feet.

(9)

Master Valve. Master shut off valves are required.

6.

Certification. Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping and irrigation system, and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, a field observation shall be completed by the project licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field. A Certificate of Substantial Completion shall be submitted to the Community Development Department by the licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field. The certificate shall specifically indicate that the plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as designed, along with a list of any deficiencies.

Certification shall be accomplished by completing a Certificate of Substantial Completion, in the form as follows:

CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION PROJECT SITE:

PROJECT NUMBER:

PROJECT LOCATION:

POST-INSTALLATION INSPECTION: (Check indicating substantial completion)

_____A.

Plants installed as specified

_____B.

Irrigation system installed as designed

_____C.

Project submittal package and a copy of certification has been provided to owner/manager and City of Delano

COMMENTS:

I/We certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract documents.

Licensed Landscape Contractor/Installer/Signature/Date/State License Number

I/We certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract documents.

Landscape Architect/Designed/Signature/Date/State License Number

I/We certify that I/we have received all of the contract documents and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with the contract documents.

Owner____________Signature__________Date________

Note: Authority cited Section 65594, Government Code. Reference: Section 65597, Government Code.

Return to
Community Development Department
1015 11th Avenue
Delano, Ca. 93215

7.

Landscape Development Standards. The following landscape development standards are hereby imposed on all projects subject to this Section 20.10.390:

a.

General Standards.

(1)

All exterior areas not set aside for parking, storage, driveways, and walkways or loading areas shall be landscaped. A minimum of five percent of the gross lot area shall be so utilized;

(2)

Landscaping shall be used to screen storage areas, trash enclosure, parking areas, public utilities and other similar land uses or elements which do not contribute to the enhancement of the surrounding area. Landscape screening shall be of a height and density so that it provides the desired effect within three years growing time;

(3)

At least ninety percent of the plants selected in nonturf areas shall be well suited to the climate of the region and require minimal water once established. Up to ten percent of the plants may be of a nondrought tolerant variety, but shall be grouped together and irrigated separately. A plant list is available from the City's Community Development Department;

(4)

All landscaping plans shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department as to type, density of planting and size of plants intended for use;

(5)

All landscaping on public property and parks shall conform to standards adopted by the City Council on the recommendation of the Community Development Director;

(6)

The plant material, not including tree coverage, shall cover eighty percent of the landscape area after five years of growth; and

(7)

All landscape areas not in turf shall be covered in a three-inch minimum layer of mulch.

b.

Trees.

(1)

Planters with street frontage shall have a general minimum standard of one, fifteen-gallon tree for each twenty feet of frontage; and

(2)

Trees planted in parking lots shall be of a type that will form a full head on a single trunk.

c.

Shrubs.

(1)

At least twenty-five percent of shrubs planted shall be of five-gallon minimum size; and

(2)

Shrubs within a required setback shall be spaced in such a way as to achieve a minimum of five plants per one hundred square feet.

d.

Mounding.

(1)

Turf on mounds requires slope rates no steeper than 1:8. Mounds with groundcovers require slope rates no steeper than 1:5. Steeper slopes may be allowed for shrub applications if irrigated by drip system;

(2)

Mounds shall be compacted prior to planting to prevent excessive settlement. To reduce runoff, till in three inches of forest humus into the top six inches of soil on the entire surface of mound; and

(3)

Plastic lining material is not permitted under woodchips on mounds, or slopes in general.

e.

Groundcover.

(1)

To achieve desired coverage, low-growing, lawn substitute groundcover plants taken from flats shall be planted a maximum of twelve inches on center. This type of groundcover shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the total living groundcover area, or except as approved by the Community Development Director.

(2)

Low-growing, lawn substitute, shrub type groundcovers in one-gallon cans shall be planted a maximum of three feet on center. Spacing may be increased to four feet on center for fast growing plants as approved by Community Development Department.

f.

Turf.

(1)

Turf shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the total landscaped area.

(2)

No turf will be allowed in the following applications:

(a)

Parkways or planting areas less than ten feet in width;

(b)

Storm drainage ponds with slopes steeper than 1:6;

(c)

On mounds or slopes steeper than 1:8.

(3)

Exceptions to turf in parkways or planting areas may be granted in cases where pedestrian access is necessary.

(4)

Only warm season turf is allowed to be planted.

g.

Irrigation.

(1)

Water efficient systems (drip, low-flow spray, bubbler type) shall be used whenever feasible.

(2)

All irrigation systems shall be equipped with an automatic controller capable of dual or multiple programming. Controllers must have multiple cycle capabilities and a flexible calendar program, with battery back-up. Controllers must utilize either evapotransporation or soil moisture sensor data and rain/freeze/wind sensor.

(3)

Separate valves shall be installed based on water use of planting and exposure. Separate valves on all irrigation systems regardless of size shall irrigate turf areas and non-turf areas.

(4)

Sprinkler heads must have matched precipitation rates within each control valve, and include check valves.

(5)

Sprinkler head coverage shall be designed for head-to-head coverage and placed at a maximum of fifty percent of the diameter of throw for square spacing and sixty percent for triangular spacing.

(6)

Overhead sprays shall not throw water onto hardscape or other nonplanted or bare ground areas, including sidewalks between landscaped areas.

(7)

Pop-up sprinklers in turf areas must have at least a four-inch pop-up height and must clear all plant material and obstacles in its throw zone.

(8)

Serviceable check valves and separate valves according to water zones are required where elevation differential may cause low head drainage.

(9)

Drip or bubbler irrigation systems are required on all trees and shrubs regardless if planted alone, in groundcover or turf areas.

(10)

A manual shut-off valve is required. Place as close to point of connection as possible.

8.

Maintenance of Landscaping. All landscaping and structural features that are required pursuant to this Chapter shall be maintained in a healthy and attractive condition. Maintenance shall include but is not limited to watering, fertilizing, weeding, cleaning, pruning, trimming, spraying and cultivating. For purposes of enforcement, the owner and the occupant of the property shall be responsible for such maintenance. In the case of a vacant building, the owner shall be responsible for such maintenance.

9.

Landscaping of Model Homes. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 20.10.410, and as to this Section only, any new single-family project or development:

a.

Consisting of eight or more lots;

b.

In which one or more model homes are built; and

c.

Which landscapes said model home(s), shall provide the following:

(1)

All landscaped model home shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter; and

(2)

A four square foot sign shall be placed in the front yard of each said model home that contains such water efficient landscaping, such that it is clearly visible to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Said sign shall state that the model features a water saving landscape and irrigation system; and

(3)

Within said models, there shall be located a drawing, or combination of drawings, providing a schematic and description of the landscaping and irrigation system, including a key identifying the common names of all plantings which are part of said landscaping.

10.

Appeals. Any party disagreeing with any decision of a City department pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter may appeal such decision in writing within ten days of such action to the City Council. Thereafter within thirty days, the City Council shall hold a public hearing and rule on said appeal. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

11.

Enforcement and Penalties.

a.

No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any project for which landscaping is required pursuant to this Chapter, until all landscaping and improvements shown on the approved plans have been completed. The Community Development Department may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy, where completion of the landscaping work is delayed because of adverse weather. An extension may be granted upon execution of an agreement with the City and providing a cash deposit or letter of credit in an amount equal to the cost of completing the work. If modification or changes to submitted landscape plans have been previously approved, as-build plans shall be submitted prior to occupancy.

b.

Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 20.1.40 and 20.1.50 of this Title.

(Ord. No. 2008-1174, § 1(Exh. A), 5-5-2008; Ord. No. 2017-1294, § 1(Exh. 2), 11-20-2017)