HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1845- 'It i •t t { V� i
THE '' 1 COUNCIL C (I OF THE CITY ! i OF BUf':( (.NGSM
I A.!:',! lSl3; tip, WATER t ORVl (Ole IN LANDSCAPING
REGULATIONS
The Burlingame City Council does hereby ordain as follows:
�JI��I�A�, a reliable minimum supply of potable water is essential to the public
health, safety and welfare of the people and economy of the City of Burlingame,
California; and.
W>E�JE12�A�, carefi�l water management requires active water conservation
measures, not only in times of drought but continually, in order to ensure a reliable
minimum supply of water to meet current and future water supply needs; and
�I>E�lE1�AS, the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, also known
as the State Landscape Model Ordinance ("Model Ordinance"), has been implemented
by a Statewide Landscape Task Force which was overseen by the California Urban
Water Conservation Council; and
�Y�IEk�AS, the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act was
amended by the legislature's enactment of AB 2717 (Chapter 602, Stats. 2004) and AB
1881 (Chapter 559, Stats. 2006); and
1XIH�I�1-A Q
, AB 1881 requires cities and counties, no later than January 1,
2010, to adopt the updated Model Ordinance or their own local ordinance which is "at
least as effective as" the Model Ordinance in conserving water$ if cities and counties do
not take such action, the State's Model Ordinance will be deemed to be automatically
adopted by statute; and
WHEREAS,
the City of Burlingame has developed this local Water Conservation
In Landscaping Ordinance to meet the requirements and guidelines of the Model
Ordinance and to address the unique physical characteristics, including average
landscaped areas, within the City of Burlingame's jurisdiction in order to ensure that this
Ordinance will be "at least as effective as" the Model Ordinance in conserving water; and
WHEREAS,
although this Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance is
more streamlined and simplified than the Model Ordinance, the City Council of the City
of Burlingame finds that it is "at least as effective as" the Model Ordinance for the
following reasons: (1) this Ordinance applies to more accounts than the Model Ordinance
does because it lowers the size threshold for applicable landscapes from 2,500 square feet
or, in the case of single-family residences, from 5,000 square feet) to 1,500 square feet,
to better reflect the typical landscaped areas located within the City of Burlingame's
boundaries; (2) this Ordinance includes a default turf restriction of 25% of the irrigated
area and requires that at least 80% of the plants in non -turf landscape areas be native
plants, low-water using plants, or no -water using plants (unless the applicant elects to
perform a water budget); and (3) this Ordinance expands the requirement for dedicated
irrigation meters to all accounts with landscaping greater than 5,000 square feet; the
Model Ordinance does not contain any such default turf restrictions or specified plant
requirements and only requires dedicated irrigation meters on non-residential accounts
with landscaping greater than 5,000 square feet; and
`��I�l�A�, although this Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance is
more streamlined and simplified than the Model Ordinance, the City Council of the City
of Burlingame further finds that it is "at least as effective as" the Model Ordinance
because this Ordinance includes water budget parameters and values and landscape
parameters that are consistent with the Model Ordinance; by using the same water budget
parameters as the Model Ordinance (e.g., plant factors, irrigation efficiency), this
Ordinance will be as effective as the Model Ordinance in developing landscape water
budgets; and, by using the same landscape parameters as the Model Ordinance for,
among other things, slope restrictions and width restrictions for turf, irrigation times, and
minimum mulch requirements, this Ordinance will be at least as effective as the Model
Ordinance in achieving water savings; and
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution and Section
100 of the California Water Code declare that the general welfare requires water
resources be put to beneficial use, waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable
method of use of water be prevented, and conservation of water be fully exercised
with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof; and
WHEREAS, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has imposed an
interim water supply limitation on its wholesale customers, including local water
suppliers, until at least 2013; and
WHEREAS, current supply and demand projections for the Bay Area Water
Supply and Conservation Agency ("BAWSCA") member agencies, of which the City of
Burlingame is one, indicate that, in the absence of increased water conservation, water
demands will exceed available water supplies in 2015 and implementation of water
conserving ordinances is one mechanism by which agencies can reduce future water
demands and remain within existing supplies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Burlingame finds and determines
that this Ordinance is consistent with the provisions requiring reductions in outdoor
water use for landscaping in the California Green Building Standards Code, as such
provisions will be implemented in the coming years; such requirements include the
development of a water budget for landscape irrigation in accordance with methodology
outlined in either the Model Ordinance or pursuant to a locally adopted ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the State Legislature has identified the provision of a more
reliable water supply and the protection, restoration and enhancement of the Delta
ecosystem as high priorities for the California; accordingly, in November 2009, the
State Legislature passed Senate Bill 7 (7th Extraordinary Session) requiring certain
urban water suppliers to reduce per capita urban water use by 20% by the year 2020;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Burlingame finds that
implementation of this Ordinance is consistent with the policies and goals establis Led
by the State Legislature in enacting SB 7 (7th Extraordinary Session); and
WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution declares that a
city or county may make and enforce within its limits all local, policy, sanitary, and other
ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of this Ordinance is separate and distinct from the City
of Burlingame's possible future adoption of an ordinance relating to the use of recycled
water in outdoor landscapes, as required pursuant to the Recycled Water in Landscaping
Act, SB 2095 (Chapter 510, Stats. 2000); and
WHEREAS, the adoption and enforcement of this Ordinance is necessary to
manage the City of Burlingame's potable water supply in the short and long-term, to
avoid or minimize the effects of drought and shortage within the City of Btulin+1 and
LO ensure a reliable and sustainable mindmulll supply of water for the public health, safety
and welfare.
41 f J • W • ; ! ITIJU
■WaURLINGAMEDOES ORDAINASFOLLOWS.
Chapter 18.17 of the Burlingame Municipal Code, "Landscaping", is hereby
repealed in its entirety.
Anew Chapter 18.17, entitled "Water Conservation in Landscape Ordinance", is
hereby added to the Burlingame Municipal Code, to read as follows:
This Ordinance shall be known as the City of Burlingame Water
Conservation in Landscape Ordinance.
18,17.020 Applicability
A. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all of the following
landscape projects:
1. Tier 1 Landscapes: All new construction and rehabilitated
landscapes with irrigated landscape areas between 1,500 square
feet and 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit,
plan check or design review, or requiring new or expanded water
service.
2. Tier 2 Landscapes: All new construction and rehabilitated
landscapes with gated landscape areas equal to or greater than
2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan
check or design review or requiring new or expanded water
service.
3. Existing landscapes, including existing cemeteries, shall only be
subject to the provisions for existing landscapes provided for in
Section 18.17.120 "Provisions for Existing Landscapes Over One
Acre in Size;" and
4.
New
and rehabilitated cemeteries shall only be subject to the
provisions of Section 18.17.080 "Water Budget Calculations",
Section 18.17. 100 "Landscape Audit Report", and Section
13.17.110 "Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule."
B. The provisions of this ®rumance shall not apply to:
1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes with irrigated
landscape areas less than 1,500 square feet or that do not require a
building or landscape permit, plan check or design review, or new
or expanded water service;
2. Landscapes or portions of landscapes that are only irrigated for an
establishment period;
3. 1Zegistered local, state or federal historical sites where landscaping
establishes a historical landscape style, as determined by a public
board or commission responsible for architectural review or
historic preservation;
4. Ecological restoration or mined -land reclamation projects that do
not require a permanent irrigation system; or
5. Community gardens or plant collections, as part of botanical
gardens and arboretums open to the public, agricultural uses,
commercial nurseries and sod farms.
A. "applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation
system to the landscape.
B. "automatic irrigation controller" means an automatic timing device
used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system.
Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events'Ns111g
either evapotranspiration (weather based) or soil moisture data.
C. "backflow prevention device" means a safety device used to prevent
pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse
flow of water from the irrigation system.
D. "cert
ified irrigation designer" means a person certified to design
irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution a
professional trade organization or other program such as the US
Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation
designer certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified
Irrigation Designer program.
E, "certified landscape irrigation auditor" means a person certified to
perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic
institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as
the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation
auditor certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified
Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
F. "certified professional" or "authorized professional" means a certified
irrigation designer, a certified landscape irrigation auditor, a licensed
landscape architect, a licensed landscape contractor, a licensed
professional engineer, or any other person authorized by the state to
design a landscape, an irrigation system, or authorized to complete a
water budget.
G. "conversion factor (0.62)" means the number that converts acre -inches
per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year
H. "drip irrigation" means any non -spray low volume irrigation system
utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measuied in gallons per
hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to
apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
I. "ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is
intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic
ecosystem.
J. "effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" (Eppt) means the portion of
Mal precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
K. "establishment period" means the first year after installing the plant in
the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated
after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one
or two years of growth.
L. "Estimated Total Water Use" (ETWU) means the total water used for
the landscape as described in Section 18.17.080 "Water Budget
Calculations."
M. "ET adjustment factor" (ETAF) means a factor of 0.7, that, when
applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and
irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water
that needs to be applied to the landscape. ETAF for a Special
Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for existing non-
rehabilitated landscapes shall not exceed 0.8.
N. "evapotranspiration rate" means the quantity of water evaporated from
adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a
specified time.
O. "flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves
and emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per
hour, or cubic feet per second.
P. "hardscapes" means any durable material (pervious and non -pervious).
Q. "hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with
similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non -irrigated.
R. "invasive plant species" means species of plants not historically found
in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage
environmental or economic resources. "Noxious weeds" means any
weed designated by the Weed Control Regulations in the Weed
Control Act and identified on a Regional District noxious weed
control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California
Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds
database.
S. "irrigation audit" means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of
an irrigation system. An irrigation audit includes, but is not limited
to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution
uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that
causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
T. "irrigation efficiency" (IE) means the measurement of the, amount of
water beneficially used divided by Lite amount of water applied.
Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of
irrigation system characteristics and management practices. Tile
minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this Ordinance
is 70%. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well-
designed and maintained systems.
U. "irrigation survey" means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is
less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes,
but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written
recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
V.
"irrigation
wafer use analysis" means an analysis of water use data
based on meter readings and biiiing data.
W "landscape architect" means a person who holds a license to practice
landscape architecture iii California as further defined by the
California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.
X. "landscape area means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water
features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance calculation. The landscape area does not include
footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking
lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non -
pervious hardscapes, other nonirrigated areas designated for non.
development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation),
agricultural uses, commercial nurseries and sod farms.
Y. "landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the State of
California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the
development of landscape systems.
Z. "landscape project" means the total area comprising the landscape area,
as defined in this Ordinance.
AA. "lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to
the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
BB. "local agency" means the City of Burlingame which is responsible for
the adoption, implementation and enforcement of this Ordinance,
including but not limited to approval of a permit and plan check
or design review of a project.
CC. "local water purveyor" means any entity, including a public agency,
city, county, district or private water company that provides retail
water service.
DD. "low volume irrigation" means the application of irrigation water at
low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines %J
emitters such as drip, drip lines, and bubblers.
EE. "low water use plant" means a plant species whose water needs are
compatible with local climate and soil conditions. Species classified
as "very low water use" and "low water use" by WUCOLS, having a
regionally adjusted plant factor of 0.0 through 0.3, shall be
considered low water use plants.
F.
"Maximum Applied Water Allowance" (MAWA) means the upper
limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as
specified in Section 18.17.080 "Water Budget Calculations."
GG. "mined -land reclamation projects" means any surface mining
operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
IIHe "mulch" means any organic material such as leaves, at straw,
compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and
decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the
beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds,
moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.
II. "native plant" means a plant indigenous to a specific area of
consideration. For the purposes of these guidelines, the term shall
refer to plants indigenous to the coastal ranges of Central and
Northern California, and more specifically to such plants that are
suited to the ecology of the present or historic natural community(ies)
of the project's vicinity.
JJ. "new construction" means the construction of a new building or
structure containing a landscape or other new land improvement,
such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated
building.
ICK. "no -water using plant" means a plant species with water needs that
are compatible with local climate and soil conditions such that
regular supplemental irrigation is not required to sustain the plant
after it has become established.
LL. "operating pressure" means the pressure at which the parts of an
irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
MM. "overhead sprinkler irrigation systems" means systems that deliver
water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
"uverspray" iileariS the 1rr1gatloii vJater which
IS delivered beyond the
target area.
00. "permit" means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for
new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
PP. "pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of
water through the material and into the underlying soil.
QQ. "plant factor" or "plant water use factor" is a factor, when multiplied
by ETo, Estimates the amount of water needed by plants.
RR. " precipitation rate" means
the rate of application of water measured in
inches per hour.
SS. "project applicant" means the individual or entity submitting a Project
Landscape Application required under Section 18.17.060, to request a
permit, plan check, or design review from the City. A
project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
TT. "rain sensor" or "rain sensing shutoff device" means a component
which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
UU. "recreational area" means areas dedicated to active play such as
parks, sports fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing
surface.
VV. "reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard
measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water
use of plants.
WW. "rehabilitated landscape" means any re -landscaping project that
requires a permit, plan check, design review, or requires a new or
expanded water service application.
XX. "runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape
to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area.
YY. "soil moisture sensing device" or "soil moisture sensor" means a �
device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device
may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.
ZZ. "Special Landscape Area" (SLA) means an area of the landscape
dedicated solely to edible plants, areas irrigated with recycled water,
water features using recycled water and areas dedicated to active
play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf
provides a playing surface.
AAA. "sprinkler head" means a device which delivers water through a
nozzle.
BBB. "station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves
that operate simultaneously.
CCC. "turf"means
a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual
bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and
Tall fescue are cool -season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass,
Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo
grass are warm -season grasses.
DDD. "valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the
irrigation system.
EEE. "water feature" means a design element where open water performs
an aesthetic or recreational function. Nater features include
ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and
swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied).
FFF. "WUCOLS"
JAI the Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species published by the University of California Cooperative
Extension, the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of
Reclamation, 2000.
A. All owners of new construction and rehabilitated landscapes of applicable sizes
shall:
1. complete the Landscape Project Application (Section 18.17.060); and
2. comply with the Landscape and hrigation Maintenance Schedule
(Section 18.17.110) requirements of this Ordinance.
B. All owners of existing landscapes over one acre in size, even if installed before
enactment of this Ordinance, shall:
1. comply with City programs that may be instituted relating to
irrigation audits, surveys and water use analysis, and
2. shall maintain landscape irrigation facilities to prevent water waste and
runoff.
A. The City shall:
1. Provide the project applicant with the Ordinance and Landscape
Project Application requirements azid the procedures for permits,
plan checks, design reviews, or new or expanded water service;
2. Review the Landscape Project Application submitted by the project
applicant;
3. Approve or deny the project applicant's Landscape Project Application
submittal;
4. Issue or approve a permit, plan check or design review that complies
with the approved Landscape Project Application or approve a new
or expanded water service application that complies with the
approved Landscape Project Application;
B. The project applicant shall:
1. Prior to construction, submit all portions of the Landscape project
Application, except the Landscape Audit Report, to the City;
2. Construct the Project incompliance with the minimum water
use efficiency standards for indoor fixtures and appliances
provided for in the Indoor Water Use Efficiency Table and
Checklist;
3. After construction, submit the Landscape Audit Report portion of the
Landscape Project Application to the City.
A. The elements of a landscape must be designed to achieve water efficiency and
will comply with the criteria described in this Ordinance. In completing the
Landscape Project Application, project applicants may choose one of two
options to demonstrate that the landscape meets the Ordinance's water
efficiency goals. Regardless of which option is selected, the applicant must
complete and comply with all other elements of the Ordinance. The options
include:
1. Planting restrictions:
a. The turf area may not be more than 25% of the landscape
area; and
b. At least 800/n
of the plants in non -turf landscape areas shall be
native plants, low-water using plants, or no -water using plants;
or the
2. Water Budget Calculation option (Section 1 �.17.0�0).
B. The Landscape Project Application shall include the following elements:
1. Project Information;
.Outdoor Water Use Efficiency Checklist (Section 18.17.070);
3. Water Budget Calculations, if applicant selects to use a water budget
approach rather than comply with the turf area limitations or specified
plant type restrictions (Section 18.17.080);
4. Landscape and Irrigation System Design Plans (Section 18.17.090);
5. Landscape Audit Deport (Section 18.17.100).
The City of Burlingame has developed an Outdoor Water Use Efficiency
Checklist (Checklist), based on the criteria described below. For Tier 1 projects,
either the project applicant or a certified or authorized professional shall complete
the Checklist and submit it to City along with the Landscape and Irrigation
Design Plan. For Tier 2 projects, a cer-tifiedoor authorized professional shall
complete and submit the Checklist to City along with the Landscape and
Irrigation Design Plan.
A. Plant Material
1. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use that
are selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to
the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site.
2. The turf area shall not be more than 25% of the landscapeunless
the project applicant develops a site-specific water budget and the
ETWU of the landscape area does not exceed the MAWA.
3. Turf shah not be planted on slopes greater than 25% or iii ar
eas that are
less than eight feet wide, unless irrigated with subsurface irrigation or a
low volume irrigation system.
4. At least 80% of the plants in non -turf landscape areas shall be native
plants, low-water using plants, or no -water using plants, unless the
project applicant develops a site-specific water budget and the
ETWU of the landscaped area does not exceed the MAWA.
5. Fire -prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches should be
avoided.
5. Theuse
of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly
discouraged.
7. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development shall not
prohibit or include conditions that have the effect,of prohibiting the use
of low-water use plants as a group.
B. Mulch
A minimum two-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces
of planting areas, although a three-inch layer is recommended.
C. Irrigation System
An irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the
manufacturers' recommendations. The irrigation system and its related
components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation,
management, and maintenance.
1. Dedicated landscape water meters shall be required for landscape areas
greater than 5,000 square feet and are highly recommended for
landscape areas greater than 2,500 square feet.
2. Tier 2 Landscapes are required to have automatic irrigation controllers
that utilize either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data for
irrigation scheduling.
3. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that
suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather
conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems.
4. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions.
5. Low volume irrigation required in mulched areas, in areas with slope
greater than 25%, and within 24 -inches of anon -permeable surface, or
in narrow or irregularly 'shaped areas that are less than eight feet in
width in any direction.
6. Average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 70%. hrigation systems
shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an
average landscape irrigation efficiency of 70%.
7. Irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless
unfavorable weather prevents it or otherwise renders irrigation
unnecessary.
I�. flydrozone
1. Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
2. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on
what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
3. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs,
groundcovers, and turf.
4' .Individual hydrozones that mix plants with different water uses may be
allowed if a water budget is performed, and the plant factor calculation
is based on the proportion of the respective plant water uses or the plant
factor of the higher water using plant is used.
E. Water Features
1. Recirculating water systems will be used for water features.
2. The surface area of a water feature will not exceed 10% of the
landscape area and will be counted as a high-water using plant for
purposes of a water budget calculation.
3. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
F. Soil Amendments
Soil amendments, such as compost, shall be incorporated according to the soil
conditions at the project site and based on what is appropriate for the selected
plants.
The project applicant may elect to complete a water budget calculation for the
landscape project. A Tier 1 water budget maybe developed and completed by the
project applicant. A Tier 2 water budget calculation must be completed by a
certified or authorized professional. Water budget calculations, if prepared, shall
adhere to the following requirements:
A. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges froze.
0.0 to 0.3 for lo��� �,vater use plants, from 0.4 to 0.5 for moderate water use
plants, and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
B. All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone.
C. All Special Landscape Areas (SLA)s a e identified and their water use
included in the water budget calculations.
D. The reference evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for SLA shall not
exceed 1.0. The ETAF for all other landscaped areas shall not exceed 0.7.
E. Irrigation system efficiency shall be greater than or equal to 70%.
F. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) shall be calculated using the
equation below:
Where:
MAWA =Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons)
0.7 = Reference Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
LA = Landscape Area including SLA (square feet)
0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
G. A local agency or project applicant may consider Effective Precipitation (25%
of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following
equation to calculate the MAWA:
H. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) will be calculated using the equation
below. The sum of the ETWU calculated for all hydrozones will not exceed
the MAWA.
ETWU = (ETo)(0.62)
PF x HA
IE
+SLA
Where: ,
ETWU =Estimated Total Water Use per year (gallons)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
PF = Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see Section 491)
HA = Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas]
(square feet)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
0. 62 = Conversion Factor
IE = Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.70)
A. Tier 1 Landscapes: The Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan may be prepared
by, and bear the signature of, the project applicant, or that of a certified or
authorized professional.
B. Tier 2 Landscapes: The components of the Landscape and Irrigation Design
Plan shall be prepared as follows:
1. The landscape design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the
signature of, a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape
contractor, or that of a certified or authorized professional; and
2. The irrigation design portion shall be prepared by, and bear the
signature of, a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer,
licensed landscape contractor, or that of a certified or authorized
professional.
C. The landscape design portion of the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan, at a
minimum, shall:
1. Delineate and label each hydrozone;
2. Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water
use;
�. Identify ai �,andscape areas �a.e., recreational
areas; areas
permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants; areas irrigated with
recycled water);
4. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
5. Identify type and surface area of water features;
6. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non -pervious); and
7. Contain the following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of
the mater Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied. them
for the efficient use of water in the Landscape and Irrigation Design
Plan."
D. The irrigation design portion of the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan,
at a minimum, shall contain:
1. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape;
2. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation
system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves,
sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick
couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices;
3. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water
supply;
4. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application xate (inches per hour), and
design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each
station;
5. Irrigation schedule;
6. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of the
Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and applied them
accordingly for the efficient use of water in the Landscape and
Irrigation Design Plan."
E. Grading
If the Landscape Project will be graded, then the grading shall be designed to
minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. All grading should Ue
conducted to:
1. Maintain all irrigation and normal rainfall within property lines and
avoid drainage onto non -permeable hardscapes;
2. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil;
3. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas; and
4. Be consistent with city and county grading requirements.
A. Tier 1 Landscapes: Landscape irrigation audits for new or rehabilitated
landscapes installed after March 18, 2010 shall be conducted after
the landscaping and irrigation systems have been installed. The audit may be
conducted by the project applicant or by a certified landscape irrigation
auditor.
B. Tier 2 Landscapes: Landscape irrigation audits for new or rehabilitated
landscapes installed after [Ordinance adoption date] shall be conducted by a
certified landscape irrigation auditor after the landscaping and irrigation
system have been installed.
C. The Landscape Audit Report shall include, but is not limited to: inspection to
confirm that the landscaping and irrigation system were installed as specified
in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan, system tune-up, system test with
distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes overland
flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
D. The Landscape Audit Report shall include the following statement: "The
landscape and irrigation system has been installed as specified in the
Landscape and Irrigation Design Plan and complies with the criteria of the
Ordinance and the permit".
E. City shall administer on-going programs that may include, but not be
limited to, post -installation landscape inspection, irrigation water use analysis,
irrigation audits, irrigation surveys and water budget calculations to evaluate
compliance with the MAWA.
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency.
A. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine
inspection; adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components;
aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning;
weeding in all landscape areas; and removing obstructions to emission devices.
B. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed
components or their equivalents.
C. A Project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or
environmentally -friendly practices for overall Landscape maintenance.
rIt
Stormwater best management practices shall be implemented into the landscape
and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and
infiltration and should be consistent with city, county, state and federal
Stormwater management requirements.
This section shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before March
18, 2010 and are over one acre in size.
A. Irrigation Audit, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation Water Use Analysis.
1. For landscapes that have a water meter, the City shall
administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation
water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate
water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce
landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the MAWA for
existing landscapes. The MAWA for existing landscapes shall be
calculated as,
MAWA = (0.8
) (ETo)(LA)(0.62).
2. For landscapes that do not have a meter, the City shall
administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation
surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide
recommendations as necessary in order to prevent water waste.
3. All landscape izrigation audits for existing landscapes that are greater
than one acre in size shall be conducted by a certified landscape
irrigation auditor.
B. Water Waste Prevention.
The City shall prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape
irrigation by prohibiting runoff from leaving the target landscape due to low head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent
property, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
A. olation Notice of Correction.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation subject
to the requirements of this Ordinance to fail to comply with the outdoor water use
efficiency requirements of this Ordinance.
B. Notice of Correction
Whenever the City determines that a violation of this Ordinance has occurred, the
City may serve a notice of correction on the owner(s) of the property on which the
violation is situated. The owner(s) of record shall have ninety (90) days to take
corrective action.
C. Enforcement.
If the owner of the propei-iy which is the subject of the violation
fails to take corrective action within ninety (90) days, the City may
enforce this ordinance according to the provisions of Chapter 1.12
of this code.
A. The City shall provide information to all applicants regarding the
design, installation, management, and maintenance of water -efficient
landscapes and irrigation systems.
B. Ail model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written
information to
demonstrate the principles ofwater-efficient landscapes that are described in
this Ordinance."
If any section, subsection, provision or part of this Ordinance, or its application to
any person or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the
remainder of this Ordinance, and the application of such provision to other person
or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and
effect and, to that end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
Division 0. Ordinance Categorically Exempt
The City Council of the City of Burlingame finds and determines that this
Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public
Resources Code Section 2100 et seq.) ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15307 (the
activity assures the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of a
natural resource) and Section 15378(b)(2) (the activity is not a project as it
involves general policy and procedure making) of the State CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, since it makes and
implements policies and procedures to ensure that water resources are conserved
by reducing water consumption through the establishment of a structure for
planning, designing, installing,
landscapes.
Division 6. Effective Date
maintaining and managing water -efficient
This Ordinance shall become effective on March 1 S, 2010.
&t��k ffxo�
Cathy Baylock, Mayor
I, Mary Ellen Kearney, City Clerlc of the City of Burlingame, do hereby certify
that the foregoing ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Ciiy Council held
on the 1 st day of February, 2010, and adopted thereafter at a regular meeting of the City
Council held on the 16th day of February, 2010, by the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers:BAYLOCK, BROWNRIGG, DEAL, KEIGHRAN, NAGEL
NOES: Councilmembers:NONE
ABSENT: CouncilmemberS:NONE