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Timestamp: 2013-06-19 18:47:02
Document Index: 763225060

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Chapter 14.10WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS
14.10.020 Applicability.
14.10.030 Definitions.
14.10.040 Provisions for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
14.10.050 Compliance with landscape documentation package.
14.10.060 Penalties.
14.10.070 Elements of the landscape documentation package.
14.10.080 Water efficient landscape worksheet.
14.10.090 Soil management report.
14.10.100 Landscape design plan.
14.10.110 Irrigation design plan.
14.10.120 Grading design plan.
14.10.130 Certificate of completion.
14.10.140 Irrigation scheduling.
14.10.150 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.
14.10.160 Irrigation audit, irrigation survey, and irrigation water use analysis.
14.10.170 Irrigation efficiency.
14.10.180 Recycled water.
14.10.190 Stormwater management.
14.10.200 Public education.
14.10.210 Provisions for existing landscapes.
14.10.220 Irrigation audit, irrigation survey, and irrigation water use analysis for existing landscapes.
14.10.230 Water waste prevention.
14.10.240 Effective precipitation.
14.10.250 Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) table.
14.10.260 Water efficient landscape worksheet.
14.10.270 Certificate of completion – Required.
14.10.280 Relative water requirements of commonly used plants.
B. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects;
C. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes;
D. Use water efficiently without waste by setting a maximum applied water allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount;
E. Encourage cooperation between the City of Elk Grove and other local agencies to implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010; Ord. 7-2009 §3, eff. 5-1-2009; Ord. 2000-14A §1, eff. 10-25-2000; Ord. 2000-1 §1, eff. 7-1-2000]
A. After January 1, 2010, this chapter shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:
1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for public agency projects and private development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500 ft2) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;
2. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes which are developer-installed in single-family and multifamily projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500 ft2) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review;
3. New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-family and multifamily residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than five thousand (5,000 ft2) square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;
4. Existing landscapes limited to EGMC Sections 14.10.210, 14.10.220, and 14.10.230; and
5. Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to EGMC Sections 14.10.080, 14.10.150 and 14.10.160; and existing cemeteries are limited to EGMC Sections 14.10.210, 14.10.220, and 14.10.230.
2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
3. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
4. Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010; Ord. 7-2009 §3, eff. 5-1-2009; Ord. 2000-14A §1, eff. 10-25-2000; Ord. 2000-1 §1, eff. 7-1-2000]
1. “Applied water” means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape;
2. “Automatic irrigation controller” means an automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data;
1. “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;
1. “Certificate of completion” means the document required to be submitted to the City upon the completion of the project applicant’s landscape project;
2. “Certified 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association’s Certified Irrigation Designer program;
3. “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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program;
4. “Check valve” or “anti-drain valve” means a valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off;
5. “Common interest developments” means community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Section 1351 of the Civil Code;
6. “Conversion factor (0.62)” means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year;
1. “Drip irrigation” means any nonspray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants;
1. “Ecological restoration project” means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem;
2. “Effective precipitation” or “usable rainfall” (Eppt) means the portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth;
3. “Emitter” means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil;
4. “Established landscape” means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after one (1) or two (2) years of growth;
5. “Establishment period of the plants” means the first (1st) year after installing the plant in the landscape or the first (1st) two (2) years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one (1) or two (2) years of growth;
6. “Estimated total water use” (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape as described in EGMC Section 14.10.080;
7. “ET adjustment factor” (ETAF) means a factor of seven-tenths (0.7) that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two (2) major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. A combined plant mix with a site-wide average of five-tenths (0.5) is the basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. For purposes of the ETAF, the average irrigation efficiency is seventy-one hundredths (0.71). Therefore, the ET adjustment factor is (0.7)=(0.5/0.71). ETAF for a special landscape area shall not exceed one (1.0). ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes is eight-tenths (0.8);
8. “Evapotranspiration rate” means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time;
1. “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;
G. Reserved for future use;
1. “Hardscapes” means any durable material (pervious and nonpervious);
2. “Homeowner-provided landscaping” means any landscaping either installed by a private individual for a single-family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a homeowner. A homeowner, for purposes of this chapter, is a person who occupies the dwelling he or she owns. This excludes speculative homes, which are not owner-occupied dwellings;
3. “Hydrozone” means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated;
1. “Infiltration rate” means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour);
2. “Invasive plant species” means species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species;
3. “Irrigation audit” means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. 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;
4. “Irrigation efficiency” (IE) means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this chapter is seventy-one hundredths (0.71). Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems;
5. “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;
6. “Irrigation water use analysis” means an analysis of water use data based on meter readings and billing data;
J. Reserved for future use;
K. Reserved for future use;
1. “Landscape architect” means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the State of California, Section 5615 of the Business and Professions Code;
2. “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 nonpervious hardscapes, and other nonirrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation);
3. “Landscape contractor” means a person licensed by the State of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems;
4. “Landscape documentation package” means the documents required under EGMC Section 14.10.070;
5. “Landscape project” means total area of landscape in a project as defined in “landscape area” for the purposes of this chapter, meeting requirements under EGMC Section 14.10.020;
6. “Lateral line” means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve;
7. “Local water purveyor” means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water company that provides retail water service;
8. “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, drip lines, and bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants;
1. “Main line” means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet;
2. “Maximum applied water allowance” (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in EGMC Section 14.10.080. It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the ET adjustment factor, and the size of the landscape area. The estimated total water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Special landscape areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed one (1.0);
3. “Microclimate” means the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces;
4. “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;
5. “Mulch” means any organic material such as leaves, bark, 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;
1. “New construction” means, for the purposes of this chapter, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building;
2. “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 U.S. Department of Agriculture invasive and noxious weeds database;
1. “Operating pressure” means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate;
2. “Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems” means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors);
3. “Overspray” means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area;
1. “Permit” means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes;
2. “Pervious” means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil;
3. “Plant factor” or “plant water use factor” is a factor that, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this chapter, the plant factor range for low water use plants is zero (0.0) to three-tenths (0.3), the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is four-tenths (0.4) to six-tenths (0.6), and the plant factor range for high water use plants is seven-tenths (0.7) to one (1.0). Plant factors cited in this chapter are derived from the Department of Water Resources 2000 publication “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species”;
4. “Precipitation rate” means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour;
5. “Project applicant” means the individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package required under EGMC Section 14.10.070, to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the City of Elk Grove. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee;
Q. Reserved for future use;
1. “Rain sensor” or “rain sensing shutoff device” means a component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains;
2. “Record drawing” or “as-builts” means a set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor;
3. “Recreational area” means areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing surface;
4. “Recycled water,” “reclaimed water,” or “treated sewage effluent water” means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption;
5. “Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven- (4" – 7") inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated;
6. “Rehabilitated landscape” means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, meets the requirements of EGMC Section 14.10.020, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500 ft2) square feet, is fifty (50%) percent of the total landscape area, and the modifications are completed within one (1) year;
7. “Runoff” means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape 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 slope;
1. “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;
2. “Soil texture” means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay;
3. “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;
4. “Sprinkler head” means a device which delivers water through a nozzle;
5. “Static water pressure” means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing;
6. “Station” means an area served by one (1) valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously;
7. “Swing joint” means an irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent equipment damage;
1. “Turf” means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, 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;
U. Reserved for future use;
1. “Valve” means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system;
1. “Water conserving plant species” means a plant species identified as having a low plant factor;
2. “Water feature” means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation;
3. “Watering window” means the time of day irrigation is allowed;
4. “WUCOLS” means 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;
X. Reserved for future use;
Y. Reserved for future use;
Z. Reserved for future use. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010; Ord. 7-2009 §3, eff. 5-1-2009; Ord. 2000-14A §1, eff. 10-25-2000; Ord. 2000-1 §1, eff. 7-1-2000. Formerly 14.10.050]
The City may designate another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this chapter. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. Prior to construction, the City shall:
1. Provide the project applicant with this chapter and procedures for permits, plan checks, or design reviews;
2. Review the landscape documentation package submitted by the project applicant;
3. Approve or deny the landscape documentation package;
4. Issue a permit or approve the plan check or design review for the project applicant; and
5. Upon approval of the landscape documentation package, submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor.
B. Prior to construction, the project applicant shall submit a landscape documentation package to the Public Works Department of the City of Elk Grove.
C. Upon the City’s approval of the landscape documentation package, the project applicant shall:
1. Receive a permit or approval of the plan check or design review and record the date;
2. Submit a copy of the approved landscape documentation package along with the record drawings, and any other information to the property owner or his/her designee; and
3. Submit a copy of the water efficient landscape worksheet to the local water purveyor. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
The City may establish and administer penalties to the project applicant for noncompliance with this chapter to the extent permitted by law. Violation of any provision of EGMC Sections 14.10.010 through 14.10.280, inclusive, shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of EGMC Chapter 1.04. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
The landscape documentation package shall include the following six (6) elements:
A. Project information containing:
2. Project applicant;
3. Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s));
4. Total landscape area (square feet);
5. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed);
6. Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well;
7. Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package;
8. Project contacts to include contact information for the project applicant and property owner;
9. Applicant’s signature and date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the City of Elk Grove’s water efficient landscape requirements and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package”;
B. Water efficient landscape worksheet containing:
1. Hydrozone information table;
2. Water budget calculations including:
a. Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA);
b. Estimated total water use (ETWU);
C. Soil management report;
D. Landscape design plan;
E. Irrigation design plan; and
F. Grading design plan. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. A project applicant shall complete the water efficient landscape worksheet which contains two (2) sections (sample worksheet shall be obtained from the City):
1. A hydrozone information table (EGMC Section 14.10.260) for the landscape project; and
2. A water budget calculation (EGMC Section 14.10.260) for the landscape project. For the calculation of the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use, a project applicant shall use the ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in EGMC Section 14.10.250. For geographic areas not covered in the Reference Evapotranspiration Table, use data from other cities located nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration zone, as found in the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, Department of Water Resources, 1999.
1. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges from zero (0.0) to three-tenths (0.3) for low water use plants, from four-tenths (0.4) to six-tenths (0.6) for moderate water use plants, and from seven-tenths (0.7) to one (1.0) for high water use plants.
2. All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone.
3. All special landscape areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as described below.
4. ETAF for special landscape areas shall not exceed one (1.0).
C. Maximum Applied Water Allowance. The maximum applied water allowance shall be calculated using the equation:
MAWA = (ETo)(0.62)[(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
The example calculations below are hypothetical to demonstrate proper use of the equations and do not represent an existing and/or planned landscape project. The ETo values used in these calculations are from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in EGMC Section 14.10.250, for planning purposes only. For actual irrigation scheduling, automatic irrigation controllers are required and shall use current reference evapotranspiration data, such as from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.
Example MAWA calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Fresno, CA, with an irrigated landscape area of fifty thousand (50,000 ft2) square feet without any special landscape area (SLA = 0, no edible plants, recreational areas, or use of recycled water). To calculate MAWA, the annual reference evapotranspiration value for Fresno is fifty-one and one-tenth (51.1") inches as listed in the Reference Evapotranspiration Table in EGMC Section 14.10.250.
= Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
= Conversion Factor (to gallons)
= ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
= Landscape Area Including SLA (square feet)
= Additional Water Allowance for SLA
= Special Landscape Area (square feet)
MAWA = (51.1 inches)(0.62)[(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) + (0.3 x 0)] = 1,108,870 gallons per year
To convert from gallons per year to hundred-cubic-feet per year: = 1,108,870/748 = 1,482 hundred-cubic-feet per year (100 cubic feet = 748 gallons)
Example 2: the landscape project in Fresno, CA, has the same ETo value of fifty-one and one tenth (51.1") inches and a total landscape area of fifty thousand (50,000 ft2) square feet. Within the fifty thousand (50,000 ft2) square foot project, there is now a two thousand (2,000 ft2) square foot area planted with edible plants. This two thousand (2,000 ft2) square foot area is considered to be a special landscape area.
MAWA = (51.1 inches)(0.62)[(0.7 x 50,000 square feet) + (0.3 x 2,000 square feet)]
= 31.68 x [35,000 + 600] gallons per year
= 31.68 x 35,600 gallons per year
= 1,127,808 gallons per year or 1,508 hundred-cubic-feet per year
D. Estimated Total Water Use. The estimated total water use shall be calculated using the equation below. The sum of the estimated total water use calculated for all hydrozones shall not exceed MAWA.
= Estimated Total Water Use per year (gallons)
= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches)
= Plant Factor from WUCOLS (see EGMC Section 14.10.030)
= Hydrozone Area [high, medium, and low water use areas] (square feet)
= Irrigation Efficiency (minimum 0.71)
Example 1: ETWU calculation: landscape area is fifty thousand (50,000 ft2) square feet; plant water use type, plant factor, and hydrozone area are shown in the table below. The ETo value is fifty-one and one tenth (51.1") inches per year. There are no special landscape areas (recreational area, area permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants, and area irrigated with recycled water) in this example.
Plant Water Use Type(s)
Plant Factor (PF)*
Hydrozone Area (HA) (square feet)
PF x HA (square feet)
*Plant Factor from WUCOLS
= 1,102,116 gallons per year
Compare ETWU with MAWA: For this example MAWA = (51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) + (0.3 x 0)] = 1,108,870 gallons per year. The ETWU (1,102,116 gallons per year) is less than the MAWA (1,108,870 gallons per year). In this example, the water budget complies with the MAWA.
Example 2: ETWU calculation: total landscape area is fifty thousand (50,000 ft2) square feet, two thousand (2,000 ft2) square feet of which is planted with edible plants. The edible plant area is considered a Special Landscape Area (SLA). The reference evapotranspiration value is fifty-one and one tenth (51.1") inches per year. The plant type, plant factor, and hydrozone area are shown in the table below.
= (31.68) (33,099 + 2,000)
= 1,111,936 gallons per year
Compare ETWU with MAWA. For this example:
MAWA = (51.1) (0.62) [(0.7 x 50,000) + (0.3 x 2,000)]
= 31.68 x [35,000 + 600]
= 31.68 x 35,600
= 1,127,808 gallons per year
The ETWU (1,111,936 gallons per year) is less than the MAWA (1,127,808 gallons per year). For this example, the water budget complies with the MAWA. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:
A. Submit soil samples to the laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
1. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
2. Soil analysis may include:
b. Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil infiltration rate table;
B. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one (1) of the following:
1. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the Public Works Department of the City of Elk Grove as part of the landscape documentation package; or
2. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall be submitted to the City as part of the certificate of completion.
D. The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the City with certificate of completion. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:
a. Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the estimated total water use in the landscape area does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following are highly recommended:
i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
ii. Selection of water-conserving plant and turf species;
iii. Selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;
iv. Selection of trees based on the City’s local tree preservation and tree shading guidelines; and
v. Selection of plants from the City’s applicable land use planning documents, the WUCOLS (see EGMC Section 14.10.030(W)(4)), and as described in EGMC Section 14.10.280.
b. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in EGMC Section 14.10.110(A)(2)(d).
c. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following are highly recommended:
i. Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate;
ii. Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines); and
iii. Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.
d. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty-five (25%) percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty-five (25%) percent means one (1' 0") foot of vertical elevation change for every four (4' 0") feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
e. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per Section 4291(a) and (b) of the Public Resources Code. Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches.
f. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly discouraged.
g. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
3. Mulch and Amendments.
a. A minimum two (2") inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.
b. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
c. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
d. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see EGMC Section 14.10.090).
1. Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;
2. Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;
3. Identify recreational areas;
4. Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;
5. Identify areas irrigated with recycled water;
6. Identify type of mulch and application depth;
7. Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;
8. Identify type and surface area of water features;
9. Identify hardscapes (pervious and nonpervious);
10. Identify location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground;
b. Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow, and filter pollutants; and
c. Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff;
11. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.);
12. Contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria established by the City of Elk Grove in EGMC Chapter 14.10 and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan”; and
13. Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:
a. Dedicated landscape water meters are highly recommended on landscape areas smaller than five thousand (5,000 ft2) square feet to facilitate water management.
b. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
c. The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
g. High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are recommended.
h. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto nontargeted areas, such as adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
i. Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
j. The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.
k. The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in EGMC Section 14.10.080 regarding the maximum applied water allowance.
l. It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency inquire with the local water purveyor about peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
m. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
n. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
o. Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s recommendations.
p. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to high traffic areas.
q. Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems.
r. Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight (8' 0") feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low volume irrigation system.
s. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within twenty-four (24") inches of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow nonspray technology. The setback area may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:
ii. The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping; or
iii. The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology as part of the landscape documentation package and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria in subsection (A)(1)(h) of this section. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
t. Slopes greater than twenty-five (25%) percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding seventy-five hundredths (0.75") inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
c. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.
f. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the Hydrozone Information Table (see EGMC Section 14.10.260). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller.
B. The 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 rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;
5. Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in EGMC Section 14.10.180;
6. The following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of EGMC Chapter 14.10 and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan”; and
7. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package. A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local agency permits satisfies this requirement.
A. The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
1. Height of graded slopes;
2. Drainage patterns;
3. Pad elevations;
4. Finish grade; and
5. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
B. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that project applicants:
1. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain onto nonpermeable hardscapes;
2. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and
3. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
C. The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of EGMC Chapter 14.10 and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading design plan” and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. The certificate of completion (see EGMC Section 14.10.270 for a sample certificate) shall include the following six (6) elements:
1. Project information sheet that contains:
e. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address;
2. Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project has been installed per the approved landscape documentation package;
a. Where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction, these “as-built” or record drawings shall be included with the certification;
3. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller (see EGMC Section 14.10.140);
4. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule (see EGMC Section 14.10.150);
5. Irrigation audit report (see EGMC Section 14.10.160); and
6. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with landscape documentation package, and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations (see EGMC Section 14.10.090).
B. The project applicant shall:
1. Submit the signed certificate of completion to the Public Works Department of the City of Elk Grove for review;
2. Ensure that copies of the approved certificate of completion are submitted to the local water purveyor and property owner or his or her designee.
C. Upon receipt of the signed certificate of completion, the City shall either approve or deny the certificate of completion. If the certificate is denied, the project applicant shall be provided information regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010; Ord. 7-2009 §3, eff. 5-1-2009; Ord. 2000-14A §1, eff. 10-25-2000; Ord. 2000-1 §1, eff. 7-1-2000. Formerly 14.10.090]
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
A. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
B. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local water purveyor, the stricter of the two (2) shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the estimated total water use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to maximum applied water allowance (MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor data.
D. Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each of the following:
1. The plant establishment period;
2. The established landscape; and
3. Temporarily irrigated areas.
E. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:
1. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);
2. Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
3. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
4. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;
5. Application rate setting;
6. Root depth setting;
7. Plant type setting;
8. Soil type;
9. Slope factor setting;
10. Shade factor setting; and
11. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the certificate of completion.
B. 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 any obstruction to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
C. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents.
D. A project applicant is encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
B. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1, 2010, as described in EGMC Section 14.10.020:
1. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the certificate of completion to the Public Works Department of the City of Elk Grove that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule;
2. The City shall administer programs that may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the maximum applied water allowance. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
For the purpose of determining maximum applied water allowance, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be seventy-one hundredths (0.71). Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency of seventy-one hundredths (0.71). [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
B. Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water purveyor stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future.
D. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for special landscape areas shall not exceed one (1.0). [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
B. Project applicants shall refer to EGMC Chapter 15.12 for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans.
C. Rain gardens, cisterns, and other landscapes features and practices that increase rainwater capture and create opportunities for infiltration and/or on-site storage are recommended. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. Publications. Education is a critical component to promote the efficient use of water in landscapes. The use of appropriate principles of design, installation, management and maintenance that save water is encouraged in the community.
1. The City shall provide information to owners of new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.
B. Model Homes. All model homes that are landscaped shall use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this chapter.
1. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape featuring elements such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, and others that contribute to the overall water efficient theme.
2. Information shall be provided about designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
The City of Elk Grove may designate another agency, such as a water purveyor, to implement some or all of the requirements contained in this chapter. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. This section shall apply to all existing landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2010, and are over one (1) acre in size.
1. For all landscapes in this section that have a water meter, the local agency 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 maximum applied water allowance for existing landscapes. The maximum applied water allowance for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (0.8)(ETo)(LA)(0.62).
2. For all landscapes in this section that do not have a meter, the local agency 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.
B. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A. The City of Elk Grove 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, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally.
B. Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if:
2. The adjacent nonpermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
The City may consider effective precipitation, twenty-five (25%) percent of annual precipitation, in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate maximum applied water allowance:
MAWA = (ETo - Eppt) (0.62) [(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)].
[Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
Fair Oaks 1.0 1.6 3.4 4.1 6.5 7.5 8.1 7.1 5.2 3.4 1.5 1.0 50.5
Sacramento 1.0 1.8 3.2 4.7 6.4 7.7 8.4 7.2 5.4 3.7 1.7 0.9 51.9
Twitchell Island 1.2 1.8 3.9 5.3 7.4 8.8 9.1 7.8 5.9 3.8 1.7 1.2 57.9
* The values in this table were derived from:
1) California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS);
2) Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California Department of Water Resources 1999;
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987) Bulletin 1922;
4) Determining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426.
The project applicant shall submit a water efficient landscape worksheet as a required element of the landscape documentation package. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A certificate of completion shall be obtained from the City and the project applicant shall fill out the certificate to the satisfaction of the City upon completion of the landscape project. [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010]
A list of plants that are commonly used in landscape designs with water requirement classifications of low (L), medium (M), or high (H) shall be adopted by resolution of the Council. To use species other than those listed by Council resolution or identified in the WUCOLS (see EGMC Section 14.10.030(W)(4)), the designer shall provide the City with information indicating the water requirement of the species. Information shall include the listing of a plant in an acceptable reference stating its water requirement characteristics, comparing it to a species in the plant list, field data, etc. Acceptable references include the “Sunset Western Garden Book”; “Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes,” Robert Perry; and “Water Wise Gardening,” East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). [Ord. 3-2010 §3 (Exh. A), eff. 3-12-2010; Ord. 7-2009 §3, eff. 5-1-2009; Ord. 2000-14A §1, eff. 10-25-2000; Ord. 2000-1 §1, eff. 7-1-2000. Formerly 14.10.120]
The Elk Grove Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2013, passed April 10, 2013.