§ 26-88-110. Low water use landscaping.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this landscape ordinance is to effect efficient water use through proper landscape design and management. County decision-making bodies or the planning director may grant exceptions from this code section where appropriate and justified in light of unique project circumstances or conditions. Any such exception shall be conditioned upon the applicant providing alternative means of water conservation. For the purpose of this chapter, "landscaped areas" shall be defined as ornamental planted areas, patios, decks, walkways and natural areas (excluding creek setback zones) within that portion of the lot to be developed. Pools, ponds and fountains will be considered on an individual basis.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

The landscape ordinance is applicable to all new and rehabilitated landscaping in projects that are subject to county discretionary review, including common areas. When two (2) or more model homes are proposed in a residential complex, at least one (1) shall comply with this chapter. The low water use model home shall be identified with signage as water conserving.

(2)

The following projects are exempt from the landscape ordinance:

(i)

Landscaping on existing and proposed single-family lots. It is recommended but not required that front yard landscaping installed by developers on existing and proposed single-family lots comply with this chapter;

(ii)

Areas devoted to agricultural cultivation;

(iii)

Projects utilizing individual wells drawing groundwater for landscaping in water availability zones No. 1 and No. 2, as specified in the county general plan or by the county health department;

(iv)

Areas utilizing reclaimed wastewater for irrigation;

(v)

Public parks, golf courses, cemeteries, school recreational areas and private active use recreational areas where the applicant can demonstrate no other feasible alternative exists to turf groundcover.

(c)

Plant Selection. Plants selected in landscaped nonturf areas shall be well suited to the climate of the region and require minimal water once established. Plants that are of a higher water use variety shall be grouped together and be irrigated separately from water conserving plants.

(d)

Turf Selection and Limitations. Turf shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) (or thirty percent (30%) for drought tolerant turf varieties) of the projects landscaped areas. Infill lots, corner lots and other lots with more than one (1) street frontage may be permitted to have turf up to thirty-five percent (35%) (or forty percent (40%) for drought tolerant turf varieties) of the projects landscaped areas, where necessary to provide consistent streetscapes.

No turf shall be allowed:

(1)

In areas eight feet (8′) wide or less;

(2)

On slopes exceeding ten percent (10%), or twenty-five percent (25%) where other project water-saving techniques can compensate for the increased runoff. A level buffer zone of eighteen inches (18″) shall be provided between bermed turf areas and any hardscape (i.e., streets, walkways, etc.).

(e)

Soil Conditioning and Mulching.

(1)

A minimum one-foot (1′) depth of uncompacted soil shall be available for water absorption and root growth in planted areas.

(2)

Soil tests for horticultural suitability shall be required at time of landscape installation. Soil shall be prepared and/or amended as appropriate.

(3)

A minimum of two inches (2″) of mulch shall be added in nonturf areas to the soil surface after planting. Plant types that are intolerant to mulch shall be excluded from this requirement. Nonporous material shall not be placed under the mulch.

(f)

Irrigation.

(1)

All landscaped areas shall be irrigated with an automatic system. Water-efficient systems (drip, minispray, bubbler-type, etc.) shall be used whenever feasible. Low gallonage type sprinkler heads with matched precipitation rates shall be used when spray or rotor-type heads are specified for watering shrubs and ground cover areas. Lawns shall be sized and shaped so they can be efficiently irrigated. Spray or run-off onto paved areas shall be avoided.

(2)

Dual or multiprogram controllers with separated valves and circuits shall be used when the project contains more than one (1) type of landscape treatment (lawn, ground cover, shrub, tree areas, etc.), or a variety of solar aspects. Soil moisture-sensing devices and rain sensors shall be used on larger projects (fifty thousand (50,000) plus square feet of landscaped area) to minimize or eliminate overwatering.

(3)

Watering shall be scheduled at times of minimal wind conflict and evaporation loss.

(4)

Sprinkler heads must have matched precipitation rates within each valve zone.

(5)

Check valves are required where elevation differential may cause low head drainage.

(6)

Within sixty (60) days of project completion, it is recommended a water audit be conducted by a certified consultant to insure efficient water usage.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)