sr-121311-7f10
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City of
Santa Monica
To: Mayor and City Council
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: December 13, 2011
Agenda Item: 7 -1:
From: Dean Kubani, Director Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Subject: Proposed Amendment to the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter
8.108(b) regarding the City's Green Building Regulations and Proposed
Adoption of Resolution Amending the Water- Efficient Landscape and
Irrigation Standards
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1) Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance updating the City's Green
Building Ordinance Subpart B landscape and irrigation regulations to exempt
registered local, state or federal historical sites and plant collections as part of
botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
2) Adopt a Resolution updating the Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards to clarify definitions, applicability, and acceptable water - saving
irrigation equipment.
Executive Summary
The State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance provides exemptions for
landscapes in registered historical sites, botanical gardens, and arboretums. The City's
local ordinance must be at least as effective as the State ordinance. The City's current
Green Building Ordinance does not provide exemptions for these types of landscapes.
Staff recommends amending the ordinance to allow these exemptions. In addition to
the proposed changes in the ordinance, staff recommends adopting changes to the
Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards which contain specific requirements
for the design, installation and maintenance of public and private landscaping and
irrigation. These changes clarify definitions and acceptable water - saving equipment
that make it easier for the public to understand and comply.
Background
On April 22, 2008, City Council adopted the Green Building Ordinance 8.108, Subpart B
relating to landscape and irrigation regulations that promote the use of climate -
appropriate plants and water - efficient irrigation systems. On December 8, 2009 Council
adopted modifications to that ordinance and adopted the Water- Efficient Landscape and
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Irrigation Standards (Standards) to comply with the State Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance in Chapter 2.7 (commencing with Section 490) of Division 2 of
the Department of Water Resources Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations.
The current ordinance and Standards apply to all landscape, irrigation systems, and
water features, including City landscape projects such as Town Square and Palisades
Garden Walk, with a few specific .exemptions for public agencies, such as water
features. The ordinance and Standards are enforced by the Office of Sustainability and
the Environment.
Discussion
The State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance allows exemptions for specific
types of landscape projects including registered local, state or federal historical sites
and plant collections as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
Those exemptions were not included in the City's Green Building Ordinance. Staff
recommends amending the ordinance to allow these exemptions for projects with those
designations. For instance Town Square would be exempt, because City Hall is a
designated historical site.
In addition to the proposed
changes
in the ordinance, staff recommends
adopting
changes to the Standards
which contain specific requirements for the
design,
installation and maintenance
of public
and private landscaping and irrigation.
These
changes clarify definitions and acceptable water - saving equipment that make it easier
for the public to understand and comply.
The significant revisions include:
• Removing parkways from plan set and inspection requirements;
• Requiring the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance's Maximum
Allowable Water Budget Formula for landscape plans submitted through a
combination permit;
• Clarifying applicability of water feature requirements;
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• Exempting greywater from the irrigation requirements as it must be used within a
24 -hour period and as a result the water may be distributed in mulch basins or
through the use of higher flow irrigation equipment;
• Weather -based irrigation controllers that are listed by the EPA's WaterSense
program and /or the Irrigation Association's Smart Water Application
Technologies are acceptable.
The revisions to the Ordinance and Standards were developed collaboratively by City
staff from the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, Planning and Community
Development, Public Works, Community Maintenance, and the City Attorney's office.
Alternatives
As an alternative to adopting the ordinance modifications, the Council may choose to
keep the existing ordinance and require that historical sites and botanical gardens
comply with the ordinance and the Standards. The existing requirements would prohibit
certain types of plants and /or irrigation to be utilized in historical sites and botanical
gardens, which would impact the effectiveness of landscape as a demonstration
garden. Council may choose to keep the existing Standards.
.?
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There are no budget or financial impacts associated with the recommendations made in
this report. The costs associated with plan review and inspections are paid for by the
project applicant's building permit fees.
Prepared by: Kim O'Cain, Water Resources Specialist
Approved:
Dean Kubani
Director, Office of Sustainability and the
Environment
Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Ordinance: Green Building Subpart B
2. Resolution Amending the Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards
3. Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards
S
Council Meeting 12 -13 -2011
Santa Monica, California
ORDINANCE NUMBER (CCS)
(City Council Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
UPDATING CHAPTER 8.108 SUBPART B OF THE SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATED TO LANDSCAPING, LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AND WATER
CONSERVATION
WHEREAS, in recent years there has been both worldwide and local concerns
raised about escalating water costs and the effects of global warming; and
WHEREAS, the State of California, including the City of Santa Monica, suffers
from recurring severe drought conditions and even during non - drought periods water is
a scarce resource throughout Southern California; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica receives on average less than 15 inches of
precipitation annually and in some years precipitation can be as little as 3 inches; and
WHEREAS, in recent years the City of Santa Monica has relied almost
exclusively on water imported from Northern California or from the Colorado River to
meet its water needs; and
WHEREAS, the imported water supply from Northern California and from the
Colorado River cannot be reliably depended upon by the City of Santa Monica due to
reoccurring drought conditions throughout the western United States, and due to federal
and state regulations limiting such water for urban uses; and
WHEREAS, conservation of water is critically important if the City of Santa
Monica is to sustain itself, survive drought as well as emergencies and natural
disasters; and
WHEREAS, water shortage conditions within the State of California and within
the City of Santa Monica can arise on short notice as a result of drought, natural
disaster, or other emergency events that critically impact the availability of water. As a
result, the residents and business operators of the City of Santa Monica live under an
almost constant threat of water shortage; and
WHEREAS, inefficient irrigation devices and watering practices, particularly
related to maintenance of landscapes, result in the waste of ever scarcer water
resources; and
WHEREAS, high water - demanding plant materials represent enormous drains on
the City's already limited water resources; and
WHEREAS, water features with large surface areas require significant amounts
of water to refill, due to surface evaporation, thus creating an unnecessarily high water
demand on the City's limited water resources; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to reducing inefficient use of water resources
for irrigation so as to maximize the availability of potable water for essential residential
and business uses; and
WHEREAS, the standards and requirements set forth in this ordinance are
consistent in principle with the goals, objectives, policies, land uses and programs
specified in the adopted General Plan; and
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WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65595 mandates the creation of an
updated state -wide model water efficient landscape ordinance, which would apply to all
municipalities in California, unless a local agency adopted a local water - efficient
landscape ordinance that is, based on evidence in the record, at least as effective in
conserving water as the updated state -wide model ordinance; and
WHEREAS, at its December 8, 2009 meeting, the City Council adopted a local
water efficient landscape ordinance which exceeds the standards set out in the state
model water efficient landscape ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has a long standing commitment to
leadership in water and other resource conservation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica continues to be committed toward
exceeding the standards set out in the state model water efficient landscape ordinance;
EQI
WHEREAS, botanical gardens, arboretums and historical sites within the City
serve important public purposes, including educating the public, preserving the City's
historical and cultural history, and fostering civic pride; and
WHEREAS, exempting such sites from requirements of the City's water efficient
landscape ordinance is fully consistent with the above public purposes and with state
law;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 8.108.080 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
added to read as follows:
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public.
8.108.080 Exemptions
This Subpart shall not apply to:
a)Registered local, state or federal historical sites; or
b) Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the
Section 2. Section 8.108.090 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
8.108.090 Definitions.
For purposes of Subpart B of this Chapter, the following words or phrases
shall be defined as follows:
(a) Hydrozone. A portion of the landscaped area having plants that are grouped
according to similar water needs based on microclimate, irrigation type and plant water
requirements among other factors. A hydrozone may or may not be irrigated.
(b) Impermeable Hardscape. Any form of pavement or other surface which is
not designed to permit water to pass through it to the soil below.
(c) Irrigation System. Any system, excluding water features, for distribution of
water through a pressurized system within the landscape area, including but not limited
to any system in which any portion is installed below grade or affixed to any structure.
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(d) Landscaped Area. Landscaped area, ' , as defined by
Section 9.04.02.030.430 of this Code.
(e) Landscaping. Modification of the ground surface with live planting materials
such as trees, shrubs, turf, groundcover or other horticultural materials; as well as non-
living materials such as mulch, synthetic turf, permeable hardscape, or stone.
(f) Maintenance. The upkeep of any landscaped area, landscaping or irrigation
system.
(g) Major Remodel. Repair, alteration or rehabilitation of any existing building
whereby the cost associated with such activities exceeds fifty percent of the building's
replacement cost, as defined by Section 8.84.040 of this Code.
(h) Modifications. Replacement or addition to any existing landscaping or
irrigation system.
(i) Mulch. Any organic material such as leaves, bark, wood chips, 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.
0) Parkway. The portion of the public right -of -way as defined by Section
7.24.030 of this Code.
Rl
(k) Permeable Hardscape. Any form of pavement or other surface that allows
the passage of water and air through the material and into the underlying soil, such as
but not limited to, driveways, walkways, patios, streets and alleys.
(1) Public Right -of -Way. As defined by Section 6.28.020 of this Code.
(m) Substantial Remodel. Alteration of or addition to an existing building as
defined by Section 9.04.18.085.
(n) Urban Runoff. Water and suspended or dissolved materials deposited on
surfaces and washed by storms or other sources of flowing water, through the flood
control system to the ocean.
(o) Water Feature. An outdoor design element in which open water performs an
aesthetic or recreational function. Water features may include ponds, lakes, waterfalls,
fountains, and streams, where water is artificially supplied. Constructed wetlands used
for on -site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not
irrigated and are used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water
features. Hot tub, spa, permanent swimming or wading pool are not considered water
features.
Section 3. Section 8.108.100 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
8.108.100 Requirements.
C.9
(a) Major remodel, substantial remodel or new construction projects, including
projects undertaken by a public agency, must comply with the following requirements:
(1) Compliance with the adopted Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards.
(2) Submission of plans and reports to the City for review and approval prior
to the installation of landscaping and /or irrigation system. The required plans under this
subsection may include: grading plan, urban runoff plan, landscape plan with hydrozone
matrix, irrigation plan, street tree protection plan, and any other plans or reports as
deemed necessary by the Manager of the Office of Sustainability and the Environment,
consistent with the purpose and requirements of this Subpart. Notwithstanding the
above, single - family properties installing no landscaping, other than mulch, and no
irrigation system are exempt from this plan submission requirement.
(3) No certificate of occupancy or final building permit shall be issued until
the landscaping and /or irrigation system has been installed and demonstrated to
operate in full compliance with this Code.
(b) Modifications to any existing landscaping or irrigation system or installation
of any new landscaping or irrigation system not associated with major remodel,
substantial remodel or new construction projects, including such activities undertaken
by a public agency, must comply with the adopted Water- Efficient Landscape and
Irrigation Standards.
7
(c) Maintenance of any existing landscaping or irrigation system, including such
maintenance activities undertaken by a public agency, must comply with the
Maintenance Section of the adopted Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards.
(d) Landscaped areas maintained without an irrigation system are exempt from
all irrigation requirements of the adopted Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards.
(e) New water feature installations must comply with the requirements of the
Water Features Section of the adopted Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards.
Section 4. Any provision of the Santa Monica Municipal Code or appendices
thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such
inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary
to effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would
have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause,
or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion
of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
9
Section 6. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of
this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the official
newspaper within 15 days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective 30
days from its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
M SHA N S MOU RIE
City Attor ey
0
Water- Efficient Landscape and
Irrigation Standards
Revised 44"9210I L201
The following standards a e e%-4er—apply to the design, installation and
maintenance of landscape and irrigation systems in the City of Santa Monica
per the Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) 8.108.
These requirements are based on the California Department of Water Resources State Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance and the Irrigation Association's Turf & Landscape Irrigation Best
Published by the City of Santa Monica
Office of Sustainability and the Environment .... dom
Watershed Management Section
200 Santa Moniea Pier-, Suite G —.90
Santa Menka, CA 90191 City of
(310) 458 -2213 Santa 51antaa
www.sustainablesm.org/landscape
Wnko1- Fffkle(.t tal dscup u cmd it tig,ation Siandc:rc;s 2
Management Practices, 20052010- edition and tailored to the ordinances, policies and climate of the
City of Santa Monica.
Table of Contents
TitlePage .........................................................................................................
............................... 1
Tableof Contents .............................................................................................
............................... 2
Section1: Definitions .....................................................................................
............................... 4
Section 2: Plan Submittal Requirements for Major Remodel, Substantial
Remodel or New
ConstructionProjects .......................................................................................
............................... 5
A. Landscape Plan ..............................................................
..............................5 :: --- Formatted: Font: Times New ROman
B. Irrigation Plan ..............................................................
............................... .. 6 - ::. <.. Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
BC. Urban Runoff Reduction
Plan ............................................ ..............................7
- -:: - -r Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
DE. Street Tree Protection
Plan................................................ ..............................7
Section 3: Requirements for New Landscaped Areas for Major Remodel, Substantial Remodel
or New Construction Projects .......................................... ...............................
............................ 989
A. Plant Material Requirements ...............................................................
............................... 989
B. Amendments and Mulch Requirements ..............................................
............................... 989
C. Irrigation System Requirements .............................. ...............................
............................ 989
a. General Irrigation Requirements ............................. ...............................
............................989
b. Water Supply & Meter Requirements ...............................................
............................... 10910
c. Pipes Requirements ..........................................................................
............................... 10910
d. Automatic Irrigation Controller Requirements ..............................
............................... 114011
e. Sprinkler Irrigation Requirements ..................................................
............................... 114011
I. Drip Irrigation Requirements .........................................................
............................... 124412
g. Installation Requirements ..............................................................
............................... 124412
h. As -Built Plans Requirements .........................................................
............................... 131213
Section 4: Modifications to Any Existing Landscaped Areas Excluding Major Remodel,
Substantial Remodel or New Construction Projects .............................
............................... 144 -314
A. New Landscaping Requirements - The following requirements apply when all new plant
materials are installed, excluding street trees: ...................................................................
144 -314
a. Plant Material Requirements ................................. ...............................
........................14 -1314
It. Amendments and Mulch Requirements ........................................
............................... 141314
Vvcil�r -E£r eion' Lmin sc<r, o arid h,r jwk'n Staridxu'c;,
3
B. Existing landscaping
Requirements ....... ............................... ...........................4315
a. Plant Material
Requirements— .......................................................... ..............................4415
b. Mulch
Requirements .................................................... ............................... 1-4,15
c. Irrigation -
Requirements .................................................... ...........................4 -41 5 ..
1. General Irrigation System
Requirements ............ ............................... ..........................+415
ii. Requirements for New Sprinkler Irrigation or Replacement of Existing Sprinkler Irrigation
164415
iii. Requirements for New Drip Irrigation or Replacement of Existing Drip Irrigation.... 164 -516
Section 5_ Water Features Requirements .............................................. ............................... 181 -718
Section 6_ Landscape and Irrigation System Maintenance Requirements ......................... 194319
Wcf.�r- L {flcia�` Lai dscroe and Irrigation StandurlIs 4
Section 1: Definitions
For purposes of the Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards, the following words or
phrases shall be defined as follows:
A. Anti Siphon Valve. Backflow device configured with a single moving part, a float, which Formatted: Justified
moves up or down to allow atmospheric air Into the piping system to prevent back
siphoning of water fromspfh lerirriaation lines into the drinking water. Must be installed
at least 6 Inches above the highest sprinkler, elevated piping or emission outlet On the
valve.
B. Bubbler. Water emission device that tends to bubble water directly to the ground or that
throw water a short distance, on the order of one foot, (300 mm) before water contacts
the ground surface.
C. Drip Irrigation. Method of micro irrigation wherein water Is applied to the soil surface as
drops or small streams through emitters on or within polyethylene tubing at a rate ofless
than 2 gallons per hour or lam.
D. In -line Remote Control Valve. Valve which Is actuated by an automatic controller by
electric or hydraulic means.
E. Multi Outlet Emitter. A point source emission device consisting of two or more drip Formatted: Justified
emitters connected to 1/4 inch or 1 /8 Inch distribution tubing.
F. Nitrolized Mulch. Mulch that has added nitrogen or has been processed to aid in its
decomposition _ - Formatted: Font: Not Bold
F:G__New Landscaped Area. A new landscaped area or modifications to an existing
landscaped area as part of a major remodel or substantial remodel or new construction.
G-H. Plant Material. Living plants, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses b, ulbs and -
edible plants.
N:I_Point of Connection. Location where Irrigation system is connected to the water supply.
!..).,,_Precipitation Rate. The rate at which water is applied to a landscape area by an
Irrigation system or watering device measured in inches per hour.
JX. Spray head. Sprinkler head that does not rotate.
K.l.Sprinkier. Any watering device which distributes water by projecting it into the air.
L:M. Turfgrass. Any plant listed as turfgrass in WUCOLS.
MM. Watering Device. Any device for distribution of pressurized water to landscaping.
M;O. WUCOLS. Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
California Department of Water Resources.
OX. ----Valve. A device that opens and closes to allow pressurized water to flow through
pipes.
Wcder -cfi dem lxmd5capa and Imucatlon Siandwds
Section 2: Plan Submittal Requirements for Major Remodel, Substantial
Remodel or New Construction Projects.
5
The following items will be required prior to the Issuance of a building permit, except for single-
family properties that are not installing landscape and irrigation. In those cases. the Site Plan must
include note stating that no new landscape and irrigation are being Installed. Any revisions to
the approved plans will require re- submittal and approval.
A. Landscape Plan.
a. The landscape plan may be designed by an unlicensed landscape designer,
licensed landscape architect, or licensed architect. The final landscape plan shall
be signed by a licensed landscape architect or a licensed architect prior to
submittal for - approval.
b. Include the name, size, quantity, location and water use needs of each plant-,
specify soil amendments as necessary_; mulch type, depth, and location. Include
hydrozones for all plants.
c. Include the following measurements in square feet: parcel size hieleding -peri we•y,
total building footprints, total existing hardscape, total existing landscape area,
and total area to be landscaped.
d. If using non - fruiting, non - invasive, sterile varieties or cultivars of invasive plants,
specify this on the plans.
e. Include planting specifications.
f. Include a Hydrozone Matrix with planting areas arranged into hydrozones
according to watering needs. Describe for each zone the following: the square
footage, percentage of total landscaped area, percentage of slope at finished
grade plant type, hydrozone basis, hydrozone description, exposure or micro -
climate, irrigation method, irrigation devices (including manufacturer / model /
number), zone pressure, precipitation rates, zone gallons per minute, and - controller
station number,, device flow rate in gallons aer
hour, and number of sprinkler heads, bubblers or emitters per zone.
g. Include a Soil Analysis Report which may include but is not limited to soil texture;
infiltration rate or soil texture infiltration rate tablet pH'- total soluble salts';
sodium'-, percent organic matter't and recommendations determined by laboratory
test.
WC,Ie, EffidenI Lansisc<lpa and irrigation StanduICis
0
It. Include Landscape Elevation Drawings at clantina and two-year arowth. This
requirement may be satisfied through submission of a grading plan. prepared by
a civil engineer, to the City, which may be otherwise required pursuant to state or
local law.
I. Include calculations for the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) for the total area to be landscaped according
to the protocols set forth in the State of California's Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance AB 1881.
Formatted: Font: Tw Can MT, 12 pt
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5 ", No bullets or
numbering
Formatted: Font: Tw Cen MT, 12 pt
h:j. Submitted plans must include the following notation: S. Formatted: [ndenC Left: 0.5 ", No bullets or
1. "Landscape fale is, -, -hen submitted, shall EOMPIY,&Ith SMMC
numbering
70
siJ. 'For open- trench and final inspections, call Building and Safety at (310)
458 -2201 plus the Inspector's extension or on -line at -
www smgov.net8-333."
III. "Parkway permits must be eletalied ffem and appFe-ed by the Public
Works- BeparhneM '
1. - "Prior to construction of landscaped area or irrigation, the contractor must
obtain and review a copy of the Water- Efficient Landscape and Irrigation
Standards."
ii. "All landscaping and irrigation systems must comply with all local, state, and
federal laws and regulations."
B. Irrigation Plan.
a. The irrigation plan may be designed by an unlicensed landscape designer,
unlicensed irrigation designer, licensed landscape architect, or licensed architect.
The final irrigation plan shall be signed by a licensed landscape architect or a
licensed architect prior to submittal for approval.
b. Include point of connection, water supply type (potable, greywatergrevwater,
eWem- rainwater recycled).
c. Include all parts and their make and model, including but not limited to: pressure
regulators, valves, backflow prevention devices, filters, piping and piping depth,
pressurized main lines and lateral lines, sprinkler heads showing head -to -head
coverage, drip irrigation components and drip irrigation layout.
d. Include a static pressure reading for the irrigation system measured from the point
of connection.
V /cY�r- EfflciHi} Ern: „lsrx;p:a ono SPandcif its
7
e. Include irrigation details, with applicable detailed drawings, and specifications.
f. Irrigation design shall accommodate hydrozones accordingly. For example;
separate zones may be required for trees, shrubs, flowers, shady or sunny areas,
drip irrigation and /or sprinklers.
g. Submitted plans must include the following notation:
i. "The Irrigation system must comply with all local, state, and federal laws
and regulations.”
ii. 'The irrigation designer or landscape architect or landscape designer shall
perform one or more site observations during system installation to check
for adherence to the design, including the proper installation of the
backflow prevention assembly, main line, laterals, valves, sprinkler heads,
drip irrigation equipment, control wire, controllers, and sensors and should
assure that the Intent of the Irrigation design has been preserved."
b. Grade so that all on and - weinfelF remai rs, A
sheet f ie%, on to impermeable harrdseapes
C. Urban Runoff Reduction Plan.
a. If urban runoff reduction is required per SMMC Section 7.10.050 no additional
plans are required for compliance with these Standards.
D. Tree Protection Plan.
Wclisr -Ftf tiel Lund ... l "arcdlmr' ration SPavlzvids
8
a-1n accordance with SMMC Section 7.40.160, a Street Tree Protection Plan is
required for compliance with these Standards.: .e"a' be rfe nd-at e i the
City's website at _m _....tea
Wcrfk�c- Fffk:e.rt Laudkr"sp® and Irriyatirn stanfnrds
0
Section 3: Requirements for New Landscaped Areas for Major Remodel,
Substantial Remodel or New Construction Projects
A. Plant Material Requirements
a. The maximum area permitted for installation of turf grass and high water need
plants defined for Region 3 in the current edition of the Water Use Classification
for Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Issued by the Department of Water Resources
is twenty percent of the total landscaped area. Alternative documentation of
water use may be presented for plants not listed in WUCOLS. Public agencies are
exempt from this requirement.
b. Turfgross is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is
adjacent to on impermeable hardscope and where 25% means I foot of vertical
elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100
= slope percent). _
c. Plants listed in the current Invasive Plant Inventory for the southwest region by the
California Invasive Plant Council are prohibited, except for known non - fruiting,
non- invasive, sterile varieties or cultivars.
d. Multi - family property units and commercial property units are subject to the
requirements of SMMC Section 9.04.10.04.
e. Single family properties are not required to Install plant material.
f. Plants shall be grouped together Into hydrozones based on similar watering needs.
g. Root vegetables shall not be irrigated with graywetergrey liter.
a. Amendments and Mulch Requirements
a. Soil amendments shall be added based upon soil analysis results and
recommendations performed by a soil laboratory.
b. A minimum two inch (2") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces, except in areas covered by groundcovers.
c. No mulch shall be applied within twenty -four Inches (24 ") of the base of trees,
unless it Is nitroltzed mulch. Nitrolized mulch shall not be placed on the trunk of
trees.
C. Irrigation System Requirements
a. General Irrigation Requirements
i. Landscape areas may be watered by hand, manual or automatic irrigation
systems. Permanent irrigation systems are not required. Hoses shall be
equipped with an automated, shut off nozzle and a hose bibb vacuum
breaker.
Ii. Irrigation systems must be designed and installed in such a manner that a
precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour is not exceeded in any portion of
the landscape. Greywater irrigation systems are exempt from this
requirement.
Wot�r- EfHde� t Lc dscupe and hngndon SP,andolds - 10
iii. Sprinklers, drip irrigation and bubblers must be on separate valves.
iv. Design landscape and irrigation systems in parkways according to all local,
state, and federal laws and regulations. Installation of an irrigation system
within a parkway cannot result in the damage of the roots of any existing
street trees.
v. GfeyweterGreywoter irrigation systems must conform to Title 24, Part 5,
Chapter 16A of the California Building Code as adopted by the City of
Santa Monica.
vi. G64e Rainwater harvesting irrigation systems must conform to all local,
state, and federal laws and regulations.
vii. Low head drainage Is prohibited. Anti -drain valves or check valves In
sprinkler heads and drip emitter devices are required as necessary to
prevent low head drainage.
All. Specify pressure regulation to Insure that the dynamic pressure at each
emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range
for optimal performance.
ix. Pressure regulation may Include a single master filter and /or master
pressure regulator and may be used for the entire system, and must be
located after the backflow device and /or master valve. In this case, if the
system does not include a master valve, heavy -duty grade filters and
pressure regulators that can tolerate constant pressurization must be used.
b. Water Supply & Meter Requirements
1. Manual shut -off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve)
shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the
water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a
main line break) or routine repair.
ii. Cross - Connection Prevention (Backflow Prevention) as required by SMMC
Section 7.12.370.
c. Pipes Requirements
i. Specify main and lateral pipe sizes that will result In the velocity of water
moving through these pipes at a rate not exceeding 7- 5 feet per second.
ii. Use Schedule 40 or Class 315 solvent weld -type PVC pipe for mains,
below grade laterals, or piping under roadways. Class 125 pipe is not
permitted.
iii. IPS €flexible PVC Rpipe or flexible HDPE pipe may be substituted for rigid
PVC pipe below grade (in lateral lines only) to avoid underground
obstructions encountered during trenching or tunneling.
iv. ve
bo>�.�9facl- -'perUuse Schedule 80 or metal piping for all above grade
aloes.
v. Pipe lekkin the same trench must be laid side -by -side and not overlapped.
Provide 3 Inch vertical and horizontal clearance between irrigation lines
Wntc,r -P id(c in I4ld$GTI I and II I iCi 'It I., Stand'Vdi
and 6 inch clearance between lines of other work. Do not Install parallel
lines directly over any other line.
vi. PVC fittings must be of the some chemical compound as pipe on which they
are Installed.
vii. PVC cement must be of an appropriate chemical compound for the pipe on
which it is used.
viii. Trench or tunnel depth must be sufficient to obtain a minimum depth of
cover over the installed pipe and control wire which conforms to the
following dimensions. Where pipe and /or conduit are placed below
paving or hardscape the minimum burial depths are:
1. Pressure Lines 52 inches in landscaping 12 IT
2. Pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping 18.1
3. Pressure Lines under non - vehicular paving 18"
4. Pressure Lines under vehicular paving 24"
5. Non - pressure Lines 52 inches in landscaping
8"
6. Non - pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping
12"
7. Non - pressure Lines under non - vehicular paving
12"
8. Non - pressure Lines under vehicular paving
18"
9. Conduit in landscaping
12"
10. Conduit under non - vehicular paving
18.1
1 1. Conduit under vehicular paving
24"
d. Automatic Irrigation Controller Requirements
1. Weather -based irrigation controllers (WBIC) are required. Only Smart
Water Application Technologies tested and published WBICs or EPA
Watersense labeled weather -based landscape Irrigation controllers are
permitted. Once installed disabling the climate -based sensor or moitturg-
based sensor features on the controller is prohibited.
e. Sprinkler Irrigation Requirements
1. Sprinklers shall have a minimum operational lower quarter distribution
uniformity of 71 %.
ii. No sprinklers shall be located within twenty -four Inches (24 ") of any trees
or impermeable hardscape, Including but not limited to sidewalks,
driveways, alleys, streets, walkways, fencing.
iii. Irrigation shall not runoff nor overspray onto impermeable surfaces
Including but not limited to buildings, fencing, property line, public right -of-
way.
iv. Sprinkler heads on the some valve shall have matched precipitation rates.
The precipitation rate shall not exceed 0.75 Inches per hour.
v. Spray heads with or without multi- stream, multi- trajectory rotating nozzles,
shall have built -in pressure regulation in the body or stem or shall have
VV'cifrr -Ef _:d I iaudsCr+pa owl G'rk;a:ioi: SN'T"k,ld,
12
pressure regulating swing joints.
vi. Sprinkler heads shall have swing points or other riser - protection components.
Al. Sprinkler heads must have a minimum of head -to -head coverage (minimum
of 50% of diameter). Wind derating, if used, should be based on wind
criteria for the time period that the system is normally operated. -
f. Drip Irrigation Requirements
I. Drip irrigation shall have a minimum operational lower quarter emission .. -- formatted: Font: Not italic
uniformity of 80 %.
ii. Drip Irrigation is required for all plants one - gallon or larger in size.
Exception: Tree Bubblers emitting 0.5 gallons per minute or less may be
used for 24" box or larger. o___ z ..-__ _.__ __ devices for r._ _ _.._.;e
installation Bubblers emitting 0.25 gallons per minute or less may be used
for vines. A precipitation rate of 0.75 Inches per hour cannot be exceeded.
iii. Trees shall be irrigated on a separate valve.
iv. Drip irrigation emitters shall emit no more than 2.0 gallons per hour.
Y. Multi- outlet emitters are prohibited.
vi. Container Plantings and Raised Plant Beds may use 1/4" or 1/8" solid
tubing (also referred to as "spaghetti" tubing,) or 1 2mm tubing. nNowhere
else may-V41_14" or 1 /8" solid tubing be used for Irrigation.
Al. Drip irrigation valve assemblies are required for each drip zone and must
include:
1. Anti - siphon valve, if a master backflow protection device is not
specified;
2. In -line remote control valves; only If there is a master backf low
prevention device at the p-Point of cEonnection;
3, pPressure regulator, if a master pressure regulator for the entire
irrigation system is not specified;
4. Filter with a 150 - 200 mesh, wye or tee filter with a stainless steel
screen If a master filter for the entire irrigation system is not
specified;
5. Pressure regulator and remote control valve must have a minimum
flow rate that is lower than the zone flow rate.
All. 'Twist -lock" type fittings are prohibited.
ix. Wire stakes shall be U- shaped galvanized steel wire stakes and shall be
installed at minimum every 3 feet.
x. Drip tubing shall be made of polyethylene.
g. Installation Requirements
I. Contact all appropriate utility companies prior to beginning Installation, to
locate underground utilities including gas lines, electrical, telephone, cable,
and so forth. State laws require anyone who digs to notify utility
companies before starting. The installation should not be started until all
Wcfer- Ptflden# Lmdscepe and lmOoflon S'randmd,
13
underground utilities are located and marked and plans have been
approved.
it. Install the irrigation system according to the approved design,
specifications and manufacturer's published performance standards.
ill. An open- trench inspection by city staff Is required prior to covering below
grade pipes, laterals and mains.
Iv. Installer shall test the irrigation system to verify that it meets the approved
design and specifications.
v. Installer must program the WBIC.
A. Final Inspection by Celty staff is required prior to certificate of occupancy
to ensure that the system was built to approved plans and specifications.
Al. Provide the property owner or his /her agent with keys, tools, warranties,
and operating instructions for all equipment.
h. As -Built Plans Requirements
1. Provide a complete As -Built set of plans to the property owner.
w d <2'..HfickA { and 3rr.9atinh sm"da1d5
14
Section 4: Modifications to Any Existing Landscaped Areas Excluding Major
Remodel, Substantial Remodel or New Construction Projects
A. New Landscaping Requirements - The following requirements apply when all
new plant materials are installed, excluding street trees:
a. Plant Material Requirements
I. When Installing all new plant material in the landscaped area, excluding
street trees, the maximum area permitted for installation of turfgross and
high water need plants defined for Region 3 In the current edition of the
Water Use Classification for Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Issued by the
Department of Water Resources is twenty percent of the total landscaped
area. Alternative documentation of water use may be presented for plants
not listed in WUCOLS. Public agencies are exempt from this requirement.
Ii. Turf grass is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the
slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1
foot of vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise
divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
iii. Plants listed in the current Irvasive Plant Inventory for the southwest region
by the California Invasive Plant Council are prohibited, except for known
non - fruiting, non - Invasive, sterile varieties or cultivars. -
iv. Planted areas shall be covered with a minimum of two inches (2 ") of
organic mulch, except in areas covered by groundcovers or within twenty-
four (24 ") Inches of the base of a tree.
v. Root vegetables shall not be Irrigated with grayweferareywater.
vi. Multi - family property units and commercial property units are subject to
the requirements of SMMC Section 9.04.10.04.
Al. Single family residences are not required to have plant material.
b. Amendments and Mulch Requirements _
I. A minimum two Inch (2 ") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces, except in areas covered by groundcovers.
ii. No mulch shall be applied within twenty -four Inches (24 ") of the base of
trees unless it is nitrolized mulch. Nitrolized mulch shall not be placed on the
trunk of trees.
Vdafaf- Effldcnt IO dks apa and hngution SYamiarulr
IIN
B. Existing Landscaping Requirements - The following requirements apply when
existing plant materials are replaced, excluding street trees:
a. Plant Material Requirements
I. for commercial and multi- family properties, plant replacements must
comply with SMMC Section 9.04.10.04.100 (b).
II. Single family residences are not required to have plant material. _
III. Root vegetables shall not be irrigated with greyvretergreywater.
Is. Mulch Requirements
1. A minimum two inch (2 ") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces, except in areas covered by groundcovers.
ii. No mulch shall be applied within twenty -four Inches (24 ") of the base of
trees unless it is nitrolized mulch Nitrolized mulch shall not be placed on the
trunk of trees,
c. Irrigation System Requirements
1. General Irrigation System Requirements
1. Landscaped areas may be watered by hand, manual or automatic
irrigation systems. Hoses shall be equipped with an automated, shut
off nozzle and a hose bibb vacuum breaker.
2. All existing Irrigation systems must conform to SMMC Section
7.12.370 Cross - Connection Prevention and SMMC Section
7.16.020 Water Conservation Requirements.
3. Specify pressure regulation to insure that the dynamic pressure at
each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended
pressure range for optimal performance.
4. Pressure regulation may include a single master filter and /or
master pressure regulator may be used for the entire system,
located after the backflow device and /or master valve. In this case,
.. if the system does not Include a master valve, heavy -duty grade
filters and pressure regulators that can tolerate constant
pressurization must be used.
5. Design landscape and Irrigation systems in parkways according to
all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Installation of an -
irrigation system within a parkway cannot result in the damage of
the roots of any existing street trees.
6. New irrigation systems must be designed and installed in such a
manner that a precipitation rate of 0.75 Inches per hour is not
exceeded in any portion of the landscape. New greywater _
Irrigation systems are exempt from this requirement.
7. Low head drainage is prohibited. Anti -drain valves or check valves
Water- Effhe,�t Landscape and IrricJatipn Sranccu'sis
Ir
in sprinkler heads and drip emitter devices are required as
necessary to prevent low head drainage.
It. Requirements for.New Sprinkler Irrigation or Replacement of Existing
Sprinkler Irrigation
1. No sprinklers shall be located within twenty -four inches (24 ") of any
trees or impermeable hardscape, Including but not limited to
sidewalks, driveways, alleys, streets, walkways, fencing. Public
agencies are exempt from this requirement.
2. When a sprinkler head Is changed, all of the sprinkler heads on the
some irrigation valve must be changed to the some manufacturer
make and type.
3. All new or replaced sprinkler heads on the some valve shall have
matched precipitation rates. The precipitation rate shall not
exceed 0.75 Inches per hour.
4. All new or replaced sprinkler heads must have a minimum head -to-
head coverage (minimum of 50% of diameter). Wind derating, if
used, should be based on wind criteria for the time period that the
system is normally operated.
5. All new or replaced spray heads, with or without multi - stream,
multi - trajectory rotating nozzles, shall have built -in pressure
regulation in the body or stem or shall have pressure regulating
swing joints.
b. All new or replaced sprinkler heads shall have swing joints or other
riser- protection components.
III. Requirements for New Drip Irrigation or Replacement of Existing Drip
Irrigation
1. Drip irrigation emitters shall emit no more than 2.0 gallons per hour.
2. Drip Irrigation Is required for all new plant materials that are I
gallon or larger In size within a new hydrozone. Exception: Tree
Bubblers emitting 0.5 gallons per minute or less may be used for
existing - trees. Bubblers emitting 0.25 gallons per minute or less
may be used for newly - planted vines.
3. For existing plant material that Is I gallon or larger and a new
irrigation system is Installed for that hydrozone, the irrigation
system must be a drip Irrigation system. Exception: Tree Bubblers
emitting 0.5 gallons per minute or less may be used for existing
trees. Bubblers emitting 0.25 gallons per minute or less may be
used for existing vines.
4. Newly planted trees shall be irrigated on a separate Irrigation
valve. Tree Bubblers emitting 0.5 gallons per minute or less may be
vd,&). -H f ;elsf 1 . nd,c,lpo and I nig"flon siandw" , 17
used for new trees 24 Inch box or larger. Speeify tree watering
devices for belew grade installotle�A precipitation rate of 0.75
Inches per hour cannot be exceeded.
5. The installation of multi-outlet emitters Is prohibited.
6. Container Plantings and Raised Plant Beds may use ;41 LA inch or
1/8 inch solid tubing (also referred to as "spaghetti" tublng7) or
I 2mm tubing. nNowhere else may 11*j.14 inch or 1/8 inch solid
tubing be used for irrigation.
7. The installation of new drip irrigation systems require drip valve
assemblies for each drip zone and must Include;
a. Anti-siphon valve If a master backf low protection device is
not specified;
b. In-line remote control valves only if there is a master
backf low prevention device at the Point of connection;
c. pPressure regulator If a master pressure regulator is not
specified for the entire Irrigation system;
d. Filter with a 150 — 200 mesh, wye or tee filter with a
stainless steel screen if a master filter for the entire
irrigation system Is not specified;
a. Pressure regulator and remote control valve must have a
minimum flow rate that is lower than the zone flow rate.
B. "Twist-lock" type fittings are prohibited.
9. Wire stakes shall be U-shaped galvanized steel wire stakes and
installed every 3 feet.
10. Drip tubing shall be made of polyethylene.
I
V; F,`fi ui Ernr,^isuspa oy'd lit iuceHon 5tancfntd5
Section 5 Water Features Requirements
M
A. A &A outdoor water features installed In the-any
landscaped area after the effective date of these Standards -_
er- sprit, shalh Formatted: Font: 11 pt, Font wlor. Auro
A,cp__ Hhave a maximum total cumulative exposed water surface area of twenty- - - - - -- Formatted
five square feetp
9-,b .Al' allowed water s__.._. ..w_ Uuse a water recirculation system,
c. not have anyAN -water that is sprayed into the air from - Mewed- visibly land
outside the water features) and _ _ _ _ _- Formatted: Font: it pt, Font color: Auto
CA Not have must fornain within the vetei, feeture eiid 5hall not be allowed -
tea iy water spray or run onto surrounding landscape or Impermeable hardscape
areas.
D-.R3 -- _ Public agencies are exempt from e&the requirements of Section 5 of these
Standards.
Wc,lc� EEff d(ir 13 and InicaVon S%andwdr
Section 6 Landscape and Irrigation System Maintenance Requirements
19
A. Irrigation systems must be maintained according to the manufacturers' specifications and in
accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
B. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency using sustainable or
environmentally - friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance.
C. All landscaped areas shall be permanently maintained and kept free of weeds, debris,
and litter. For single family properties, all plant materials shall be maintained in a healthy
growing condition and diseased or dead plant materials shall be replaced, in kind,
pursuant to the approved plans within thirty days. Alternatively, diseased or dead plant
materials may be replaced with plant materials that have low water needs, as rated in
the current edition of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the
California Department of Water Resources, or equivalent documentation.
D. Multi- family property units and commercial property units are subject to the requirements
of SMMC Section 9.04.10.04.
E. Chemical products used for plant pest control or fertilizing plant material shall meet EPA
approval.
F. Maintenance of parkways is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, in
accordance with SMMC 9.04.10.04.1001
Reference Resolution No.
10646 (CCS).