HomeMy WebLinkAbout0396.092•
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September 10, 1992
1HE HONORABLE CITY COUNCll.
Palo Alto, California
1 a'"'s£alXi Water EfficieDQ' Standards aDd Recomms:ndatip:1S
Members of the Council:
Report ip Brief
This repon requests Council to amend the Palo AlIa Municipal Code to include a water
effident landscape ordinarn:e and adopt the Landscape Water Efficiency Standards for
the City of Palo Alto, &bibit A No change in budgeted funds are required and no
additioll1ll staff is needed.
B8ckiilmnd
The Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, AB 325 (the Act) requires that local
agendes (cities and counties) adopt an ordinance to addTess the efficient use of water in
landscaping, or to subntit findings that no ordinance is neces>ary, by January 31, 1993, or
the state's model ordinance shaJl take effect. The Resource Conservation Section of the
Utilities Departmen~ working with Planning Department staff, bas developed the
attached Landscape Water Efficiency Standards, Exhibit A The basis of the standards is
the requirements of the law, evolving induslry standards and external ccnswtant review.
The Act (0 copy of which is attached as Exbfoit B) requires the Department of Water
Resources (DWR) to develop a model ordinance, · .. hieh the cities or counties .IIIl\X adopt.
&bJbjt C is a oopy of the model ordinance. However, there is no requirement that Palo
Alto', ordinance contain any of the specifications of the DWR model. Indeed, it is
necessary only to "consider" the provisions of the model ordinance. From a technical
point f>f view, Palo Alto is working from a "clean slate:
DWR Model Ordinance '.
The DWR model or.linance was widely circulated as it was being developed, and staff
received updates as tiley were released. Staff also attended one of til. t>dblic hearings
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held by DWR 10 receive input from lbe borticulrural and design rommunity.
The DWR model is necessarily ODe th:!t rould fit into any Jype of city or roUDIy
administration, whether lbe administrative "Beney has connections to the wate' supplier
or not. In Palo A1Io, the City is both th. water "BenO'j, through the Utilities
IXpartmen~ and the permilting agency, through the P!anning IXpartment. The Utilities
Department believes that Palo Alto will be better served by landscape standards tailored
10 our 5pCcific circwnstan<:eS than by a generaliud model The proposed standards bave
becn~:
to he admlnistered within present City organlzlition,
to avoid cumbersome reporting aspects of !he DWR mod.~
10 avoid the confusion and lack of clarity in the DWR mod.! in the
wording regarding the use of effective rainfall in developing irrigation
schedules, and
to take advantage of tho latest research in predicting landscape water US<
and the skills of available horticulrural and irrigation consul tants.
Palo Alto I an4Kapc Standards
In developing the propc!<:d standards for No Allo. specific factors were ronsidered.
Water conservation guidelines hatre been in use in PaJo AJtCI since early
1990. Exhibit D is 2 copy of the currenl guidelines. These guidelines are
prescriptive in narure and do nOI Iimil overall water use. Also, these
guidelines limit rurf 10 25 percenl of the landscaped area and limit "non
droughl tolerant planl varieties" to !O percenl of the landscaped areas.
These limitations are not in ac<Ord with section 65597.(a) of the AB 325
stipulations fN the model The guideliDes are no longer appropriate.
University of California Cooperative Extf:nsion researchel"S have bee n
working hard since the droughl period of 1977, to apply wale, use
information obtained for commercial agriculture to ornamental
hurticulture. This information includes a fonnula for projecting waler use
of planted areas, and a water usc classification of plants list of over 1100
.... cies of plants available through commercial nurseries in Califort'.ia.
This information is all public and has been a significant factor in
developing the proposed standards.
The DWR model was developed by a group of capable and dedicaled
individuals, who, wbile prolecting indi'idual hortirulrural interests, also
understood the necessity of setting workable limits OD water use in
landscapes. The DWR D,odel was a starting point in developing the Palo
Alto proposed standards.
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Cjuppari59D of PrOJ!?5¢d Standards to DWR Mudej
The rn.cjor feature of both documents is the concept of a max] mum water allowance
(MW A) for each landscape. This is • straightforward multiplication of landscaped area
m square feet. an adjustment factor, refere[1Cf: evapotran."iipiration, and a conversion
factor into either gallons or CCF. (Definitions of all these f.ctors and an eumple are iL
the proposed standards ... weD as the DWR model.) This formula is the same in both
documents. This calculation is likely to berome a statewide standard for allocating water
for landscape use.
The p~d standards differ from the DWR model in several ways:
The specifications of the irrigation systems are more detailed and include
more features. Beca.use whatever hardware. is originally installed tends to
stay there a locg time, it is impoT'.ant for that installation to be as close to
current "state of the art" as posst'ble.
No irrigation schedule is required. Instead,. Water Use Calculations
Form must be filled ouL This form serves two functions. The rompleted
fonn (or a spreadsbeet printout with tho same data if the designer pref.,,)
will document the water requirements of each irrigation zone. Also, the
OU!Dple of the form in Appendix 3 of lbe standards indicates m to
calculate system water requirements (oe comparison to a waler budget
amounl for those landscape architects unfamiliar with the process.
We have not included the DWR ordinance requirement that existing
landscapes be auaited eve!)' five yean. The Energy Services Sectior;
already offers free waler audits and customer infonnation services to
rommercial/industrial customers..
A special section bas been included regarding monitoring new landscapes
after lbey have been installed. The water budget for a site can be tracked
annually through our existing computerized utility bil!ing system, and
projects would be ::v-tarded with publicity for Ir.ahltaining water efficiency.
Only projects failing to meet their target us" would be required to subrrJ(
formal water audit reports to the Utilities Department. In tte loog term,
positive recognition lry the City is expecte.! to significantly increase water
dficiency in Palo Alto landscapes.
Allbaugh not specifically applicable to Palo Alto. lbe language of AB 325 requires lbat
Ioc:al agencie .. adopting a woler efficieDC)! ordinance after the DWR model is adopted,
CQns;der a list of specific provisions for landscape water efficiency "to the ""tent feasible."
Our draft standards address mosl of these. There are three exceptions:
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In regard to educating water useI"St the Resource Conservation Section has
been providing educational information for our customers since its
inception. We provide workshoP'. factsbeets, bill inserts, speake" for the
local setlOOts, and free waler audits.
Regional differences are not significant within the City limits,
whlcll are also the limits of our service territ"ry. The "Palo Alto Foothills
Fire Management Plan' WllS de\'eloped by the Fire Department 10 address
fire preYention needs in the foothiU area.
The use of ecoIJomic incentives to promote the efficient use of water is
already in effect in the inverted ticr rate struChl r~ for water. This structure
was modified 10 reflect even higher rales in !he upper tiers during tbe
eur .1 water e.mergency.
The copy of the text cf AB 325, Exlubit B, is annotaled to indicat. the specific sections
of the proposed standards whicb address the provisions of the Act.
Review by the Local Community
The initial draft of the proposed standards was sent to 85 landscape architects, irrigation
designers, landscape contractors, agency official;, consultants, and members of tbe Green
Industry Council Seven people responded with romments and suggestions. In addition,
staff met with the f",mer chairman of the Green Industry Council to discuss his
""",menU in detail. AU the suggestions and comments have been incorporated. Also,
the initial draft and subsequent revisions of the proposed standards were reviewed by the
landscape architect and irrigation design consultant retained by Resource Conservation.
The directors of both the Utilities Department and the Planning Departmenl have "en
the pr~d standards and their comments are incorporated. The City A<torney bas
aIM> reviewed the proposed standards for conformance to legal requirements. In its June
18 meeting, tbe Archi!ec:tural Review Board moved to recommend to Council <ltat the
standards be adopted for Palo A110. The proposed standards were reviewed by the
Utilities Advisory ('Almmission on July ISL
Implementation qf New Standards.
Should the City Council approve adoption of these new .tandards, they will be presented
to the iandscape design community in & variety of WdYS, which will include contracts with
City consu]tanlS for a series of wor<shops to explain the new standards. We may be able
to offer simple spreadsheet software to assist irrigation designers with water use
eaJeulations. AJso. a rornprehensive romputer spreadsheet/database application to
eaJeulate water budgets is being developed by privale consultants. This database will
include water requirements of plants in Califor~ bliSed on research recently conducted
through UC Cooperative Extension, and should be available this summer. The
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availability of classes, new software, and the .tate"icie publioity DWR »ill provide should
greatly facilitate a=ptance and use "f these more tcohnically demanding standards.
Staff in both the Resource Conservat;')n ~ction and the Planning Department ."
Q.lI!cntly developing a "''By to integrate processjng of landscape plans under these new
standards in,o !be rO'Jtine projeCl application S)"teDL Both the Planning Deparunem
and the Resource Conservation Section review landscape plans for oonformance to City
requirements and existing guidelines, respectively. The preliminary fl"'" chart indicates
that no ad<litiocal procedures other then updating checJUisL< will be neoessary. Further
meetings wilb PIa."UIing Department staff involved in the review process »iU be held until
all steps in the process are finalize<l. PlaI! review in Resource Ccnservation »ill be
facilltat=<! by !be irrigation plao information required. Documentati..:>n of water use
calculations will reduce staff time spent on checking those numbers. No additional staff
staff is required
Enfgrcement Md Monitori OK
Both the proposed standards and the DWR mOOel require installation of separate
landscape water meters. fer each site. (A Tequiremr-nt for separate meters for new or
renovated non-residential landscapes was included in the recent revision of the Utility
Rules and Regulations. See Rule and Regulation 21, Item F.} One of the information
fields in each landscape water meter aerount will be the Maximum Water Allowance
(MWA) of that si~. Beginning one year after the end afthe 18 month plant
estahlisbme~t period, annual water consumption can easily be oompared to the original
MW A. This ",ill allow the Department oi Utilities to reward water efficient designers
and their clients, with plaques, commendations, special sign..age at their property, etc.
Aoonunts failing 10 meet their MW A would be required to submit a full-fledged, certified
water audit within 90 days, rmd/or be subject to persistent and pointed reminders.
The W .. er Use Regulations, existing Ordinance 3884, also provide an enforcement
mechanism for amtToliing runoff and ovcrspray from ineffective or broken irrigation
systc~ Although an ir;igatiOD system designed according tD the specifications in the
proposed star.dards is unlikely to have ove!Spray or have a controller schedule which
would allow runoff, the ordinance allow. the Utility Department to bring prable tm to the
the attention of Ibe responsIble party.
The proposed standards reflect the most current research in irrigation design and
maintenance, wlule providing maximum design flexibility for Ibe landscap< .,cbitect.
The calculations of projected water use are based on published and accepted principles,
which have already been incorporated by irrigation designers into their work. Computer
software being developed for release this year by private consultants ..;II greatly simplify
design calculations. The proposed standards can be adrrJnisterod within the existing plan
review process. Future water use of landscape water accounts wil1 be ea."'}' 10 monitor.
The Utilities Department believes implementation of tbe.se standards wIli promote water
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efficiency in IancIs<:ape3 and also encourage variety and inoovatio~ in planning and
design.
RsoommepdaljQU
Staff recomrnencls that t!le City c<>uncil adopt the a<rompanyinll ordinance 10 amend
Section 12.32050 of Ch2pter 1232 of the Palo Alto Municipcl COO. to iDclude a water
~ent Ian<. ""'P'" ordinance. IUld fumer, \0 al'J>roye the acrompanying resolution
acIoptin& the Landsalpe Water Efficiency Standards for the City of Pelo Alto.
Ordimmce Rewha\sm
£:dubit A
£:duoit B
BlhlbitC
ubi!>;t D
CMR396,92 6
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ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FALO ALTO
AMENDI~G CHAPTER 12.32 [WATER USE REGULATIONSJ TO
ENABLE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE STANDARDS PL~U
ANT Tu THE WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAFING ACT
WHEREAS. the Wate~ conservation in Landscaping Act,
Gove~ent Code Sections 65590, ~ ~., provioes that a "modal
~ter efficient landscape ordinance aaopted by the ~partment of
water Resources: 'Will become bjnding upon the city of palo Alto,
unless the city has adopted a water efficient landscape ordinanc~
or £indings of infeesibility based upon climatic, qeological or
topographical nonditions: and
WHF.REAS., pursuant to· Government Code Section 65596, the
city Council has detennined to adopt its own water efficient
landscape ordinance a£ter giving due consideration to the draft
model ordinance prepared by the Department of Water Resources; and
WHEREAS, this o:cdinence and. any standaI"os proonulgated
pursuant to this Ordinance, in conjunction with Palo Alto's
existing-water use rules, regulations and C'rd.inanc~s implement the
constitutional water policy of the state of California~
NOW THEREFORE, the council of the City of Pal~ ~lt~ does
ORDAJN as follows:
SECTION 1~ Section 12~32.050 of Chapter 12.32 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follo~5:
E~~~;~P~,~.:,~::: !a~e,! ',~t~ 61ent" 1allds,c'ap~ ()'rdinanc8 ~
l'iirsuant '1:0 :'the,'~ater Conservation ,iriLandScaping 1'.ct,
G~:e,~ent COde ,'s,eCtio.n :65590, ~' ~. ",as it -may be. aJDen~ed from
~,{J.le,:,'t?::,ti~~ ~e ,CitY'CC'.J~il ,will '_adopt by resolutic;-n ,r-e~latiorls
~~3;;m~rds f'91.:" ,~:~,!l~.?P~ ~ate,r. eftic:i~ncy ip, ~e' ,>C~:t_y _.:Of , .. Pale
SEctION 2~ The City Council has determined that adoption
of this Ordinance and any implementing resolution is categorically
exempt from the California Environmen~al Quality Act pursuant to
Section 15301 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations
because this constitutes an action a\lthorized by State law to
ensurit the -maint_er..ance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural
resource where the l::egulatory process involves procedures for the
pr~tection of the environment~
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SEctION 3. This ordinance shall beco~e effective upon ~he
comm-encellent of the thirty-first day atter the day of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
A.SST£lITIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVI:D:
City Clerk Mayer
APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager
City Attorney Director of Utilities
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lU:SOLUTION 110.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TilE CITY OF PAW AL"O
ADOPTIIIG LANVSCAPE WATER EFFICIENC¥ STANDARDS
PURSUANT TO PAUl ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
~'.32.050
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WliEREAS, pursuent to section 12.32.050 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (the "water Efficient Landscape Ordinance" 1, the
city Co~cil ~y by resolution adopt standards fer landscape water
efficiency; and
WKEREAS r the City Council has determined that such
standards are approprjate pursuant to state law.
NOW THEREFORE, the council of the city of Palo Alto does
hez'eby RESOLVE as follows:
S!;CTION 1. The Landscape water Efficiency Ste.ndards for
the city of palo AltQ:, and attached hereto as Exhibit J.. and
incorporated by this reference# are hereby adopted~
SEctION 2~ The City Council has determined that adoption
of this Resolution is categorically e;-:empt {['"om the California
Environmental Qualii.:y Act pursuant to Section 15307 of Title 14 of
the California Code of Regulations because this constitutes an
action authorized by State law to ensure the ~aintenance.
restoration, or enhancement of a natural reso~rce ~here the
requlatory process involves procedures for the protection of the
environment,
SECTION 3, This ~esolution shall be effective upon the
thirty-first day following the passage and adoption of the city of
Palo's water efficient landscape ordinance, Ordinance. No, _____ _
IIITRODUCED AND PI\SSED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST' APPROVED:
City Cl-erk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORl!: City Manager.
City Attorney Director of Utilities
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AT1ACJtlolEN! A
lANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY
STANDARDS
for the
CITY OF PALO ALTO
in compliance with the
STATE OF CALlFCRNIA
WATER CONSERVATION
IN lANDSCAPING ACT
AB325
Developed by the City of paro Alto
Department of Utilities, Energy Services Section,
in cooperation with the
Department of Planning and Community Environment
May 26, 1992
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
L Purpose ............................................................. 1
U. Applicability ............................ " .. " .................... 1
IlL Definitions ......................................................... 1
IV. Calculation ofMaxirnwn Wa~r Allowance ....... 3
V. Requirements tor Landscape I'1l!ns .................... 4
A. Planting Design Plan .................................... 4
B. Grading Design Plan .................................... 7
C. Irrigation Design Plan .................................. 7
VI. ~rn"live Equipment or Design ....................... 14
vn. Certification orperfol'llUUlCe .............................. 14
vm. W8~r Use Monitoring ....................................... IS
Appendix 1: Landscape W~ Use Statement ............. 16
Appendix 2: Sample Starement of Design Intent .......... 17
Appeudix3: Sample Calculation Worksheet ................ 19
Table 1: Landscape Coell'lCients ........................... 22
Table 2: Design EmcieDCY .................................... 23
Appendix 4: Certifiesre or Performance ...................... 24
L Purpose
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
The purpooc of thcu standards is 10 promoo: efficient water usc Ihrough land,"",pe design and
irrigation IlUl!Ul£"l'l"I appropriak ., Palo NIO's eli mak =
II. Applicability
A 1'be standards ipply 10 new aJld rehabil itaim ind ustrial, oommercial anj institutiona!
la!xIscaping and an DeW or rehabiliUlCd multi.family common an:a<.
B. Single-famtly residences and mulu·fam,ly priva", ote8$ are exern pI from these s","·
dards. Howcvor, ali residents are enrouraged 10 follow them.
e. lbe standards do 001 apply k> cemeleric:::o or regiSll'red historical sites. However,
larxlscape managers 811hcse siae:s are encoura:.getj 10 follow efficieni irrigation system
management pr.!:!:C1ices It!j indicated in Section V.C2
D. The SllIndmIs do not apply 10 any landscaping which is i<rig.1ed SOlely by
reclaimed water and 10 which there is no pipeline ins;alled 10 dcliver po<ahle City
WOleJ.
E. School raIds, p"ks, playgrounds, sports flClds, and golf 00= are exempt from •
maxlmum water aIlowaDce.. Every othe: requirement of these standards is applicab[e.
including estimation of irrigation water requiremrt'lts and submitLa.1 of a CenificaLion of
Perfonru!<n, see Appe.,di. 4. In addition, turf or"'" of Ih= si"'" shall have • land·
scape irrigauCJD audit performed after the i r&ilJaticlfl ex renovation of the irrigdtioo
sysum.
ill. Definitions
The Imns used in this dOOJJN:nl bavo the meaning set forth below:
Common areas:
'Those areas in I resKJential development maintained by either the devcloper (Ir a
bomcowner~s .B$iOclatioo.
~ fOClOf (0.00083):
A number lhal C1J1'JVer\S the maximum water allov'a11cc from inches per square foot per
year 10 uni1S of one hundred cubic feet (CCF) per square foot per year. Wakr is
metered and ~d in Palo Alto in CCF units-.
nr conversion is calculated u follows:
(435.6 CQ"/43,560 sq.ft.)I12 inell", = 0.00083
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When: 05.6 CO' = wmr per acre foo<
43,560 sq. ft. = one ""'"
12 inches • one fOO(
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Effoctiw: Prec:i il.a1ion:
The. ~ oUota] precipit.atioo that is used by planl5 ill the latJdsc.ape. Precipi'.ation is
IX)( • rt:liabk: source of \\'3Ler but can cootriblJte U] some degree toward 1he water needs
of the landscape.
Eaimated Applied Waler
That portion of 10Ia1 water used in a landscape "' be supplied by the City metered wa1er
~~ The cstimaled applied water may DOl exceed the maximum WIlCI" aUowance
. in Section IV. The WOIer Use Calculatioos foon in Appendi. 3 indicates one
tDoihodology aa:ept.able for the purpc6<5 of conforming"' ui<se standards.
ET Adjuotment Fador.
A facIoc of .8, lhat wben applied 10 referena: evapotranspiration, adjusts pi ant wale,
requ~ts t.cd OD an average of plant 'VrtI'3!.e1 n:quLremen IS and irrigauoo system
efficicn.c), .
ITo: S«; Rcfcrooce Evapo!nmspi. ... tion
Hydrozrnc:
A~:c. oftbe laJx1scapcd ami having p1an~ wilb similar wate:J needs in a si.milar
microclimale. It may be served by 0Ile or man: valves. A bydrozonc may be irrigato;!
or oon-irrigated. For example,. a Datural~ area planted wltb native vegetation that
will DO( Deed supplemental irrigation once cst.ablisbed is • noo-L'Tigated bydrozonc.
Irrigation Efficiency:
A measuremenl of Ihe amoun1 of water beneficiaJiy used t'ivided by the amQUnI of
~ applied. Irrigation effICiency is derived from estimates of irrigation system
dcaign and managemcct prac!ic<:s.
Irrigation Zone:
Same as irrigation circutl An irrigation distribution Ilne and associated apphcation
deviocs controlled by ODe vaI",-
lnigation Zone Wa1er Requimncnt;
Tbe: plant water requirernaJt of en irrigation zone or tin,,'lli! divided by the estimated
design effICiency oT Ole type and configurdtion of app!icalion devices in that zone. 'The
re&Uit is c:xpr<ssed in CCF. Table 2 in AppetIdix 31is1S design efficiencies acceptable
forOOllfonning 10 the Landscape Standards.
L.ands.:aped Area:
tbe parcel minus building pad(s). d ri"""",)", parking areas, impervious bandscapes
such as decks and patios and other noo-porous surf""",. Examples of landscaped
IIl'CIIS could include: planl an::as.. water bodies,. porous walkwaY5 and natural are as. A
natural .area is one occupia! by mature plants, native or acctima!ed pJanlS growing on
undislurbed grodes, end which is no( irriS'to;!.
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J...m;Iscape Coeffici<nc
A facIOf derived from analysis of pram ~ plar.ting density, aOO mLcroclinune
which, wbaJ aJITlp.Yed 10 ET 0, n:suJ\S in an estimate of L'le amount of water requira:!
10 maintain a planted area.
T.ble 1 in Append;, 3 lisis numeric values devclc;x:d through r=arcll dono by
Cooperative ~0Il, University of CalLfornia, and others which are lICCep",blefor
the pmpaoes of the I.aodscapc Standam..
t..oc.J A'lllual Mean Procipi",ticn:
The 1'ItI'ttli~ amount of rain perycar bmed on an :average of &:I'.nual rainfart o\ler 230-
year period. in iDchcs. The ~year .verage for Palo Alto may be obtained from:
Oqlartment of Utilities, Energy s.:.vi=
2SO Hamilton A\lClIUC
Palo Alto. CA 94301.
Maximum water allowance:
For design pwposcs, the upper limit of aMu2..l water use for the establi.~ed landscaped
area .which may be supplied through City water meter.; as:specified by Iile formula in
Scc!KJn IV.
Plant Water Requirement:
An estimate of the amoun! of water rcquim:f 10 m ainLain an acceptable degree of
health and vigor in the planting or group of plants irrigated by one vaJve.
Reference Evapotrampira';"" (ET 0):
A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use
of plants. ETo [.oj; measured in inchespct day, month, or year and is derived from
measurements of evapotranspiratioll from a lest plot of fOUT to seven-inch tat! turf
in an open field that is well watered.
TOIal WalC" Use:
Th: swn ofW8lCT Dum the: City metered water supply and also from efIectr.'e
pm:ipi"'_ estimataf to be usaf for • landscape.
IV. Calculation orMaximom Water Allowance
A MaJtimIJm WOitej Allowance
A Maximum Wa1et Allowance (MVw'A) will be CiUlhHshed for each s[tes~bmitted for
review:
MWA=(ETo) •. 8. (lA) .0.00083
MW A :; Maximum Water Allowa..-x:e in CCF
ETo :; AnnuaN\e(erence EvaJXltranspiration in iocheo; for Palo Alto
0.8: Local ET ,dj us\men[ focto<
lA = la ndscapcd area in "luan: feet
Q.()()()8J .= Conver.;;ion factor into CCF per square fool
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Example for lone acre site:
MW A • 43.1 • .8 x 43560 • 0.00083
MWA = 1246.6 = IMual water .I~
Tbe MWA will be ilaUizcd on ll..andscapo: Water Use S.!I.emen' form provided by
the OIl'. See Appendix 1 for. sample form.
NoIe: For the purposes of tbese standards, Ibe annual ET 0 for Palo Alto rna)' be
ronsidet«l ., be 43.1 indle<,I;iquare fDOlt,...... Using ....J·tiJne ITo d,,. for irrigalion
management aflcr plao' installatiorl, e.g.,from tbe c.Jiforoialrrigati01l Man'llement
Informalion System (C!MrS~ or other sile"pecific, electronically moni·.ored, ET 0
calculation system is encourag<d.
B. Effective Prccipi ta tion
It ts. understood that rairJ'all may provide some or all of a landscape's water
requirements dlJring some winter months in Palo Alto's climate zone. A! the
option of the ISi'Jdscape architect or irrigalion designer, landscape water use
caJcula[ions may include: up 10 25% oI1h:: local annual mean precipi181ion. This
pc:rccntage shaH be: refe:rred to as ·effective: pro:cipitaiion."
All provisions of Sectioc VIIf, Waaer Use Mocitoring. sball apply lO the:
metered water usc of lanrJscape water accounts whe.her effective precipitation is
inc1uded ill the landscape water use calculalions or DOL
v. Requirements for LaDdscape PIaDS
A Planting Ocsi gn P!II !'I.
1.: Landscape Design Rt'9uirements
!.:. Plant Selection and Grouping
L Any plants may be used in Ibe landscope. provided the
lOLal mea:rm watf1' use does 00( exceed the maximum landscape
Willer atlowmce plus aBO'W'able effective precipitation and iliallhe
plants meet the specifications set fort.l] in Sections ii. and i Li. belo\1.".
Table I ill Appendi. 3 prm-ides values which may be uscd to
derive eslimaled water we for various types of landscaped areas.
il. PlarllS having simJlar wale! use shall be grouped IOgether
in distioct hydrozones.
4
•
iii. Plan,. 5hal i be select<:<! appropriatdy !,..;cd upon their
adaptability 10 the c!imatic, geologic, and IOpograpbbal
coocIit:ions of1be si~ ProLcd.ion aDd ~a!ton of native
>pOe"" and nalU13l = is ClalUIlIgcd.
iv. !be plant ",ablisl'.ment period is conside:td 10 be I B months
for the purposes of tIae statxlards. [.and,caP'" may requ ire more
irrigation than the maximum water allowance during the fm;t 1 B
months after planting.
~ Water Features
i.. Water needed to fill and maintain kvcls in Wil1CT features sha!l
be WllcuIala! in C'CF and included as pan of the ma"(i7:1um
1andscapo water allowonce.
n. Fountains or other types of decorative water
bOOics where waler is sprayed into the: air are discouraged .
.. Misting"' will not be: allowed. Any waLer feature 5ubmiutrl
for review shan be dc.-i~ to ;ninimize evaporation.
iii. Rairc:ulating water shall be used lor any water feature.
iv. Use of rcchiimed water for foontains and wa1.er features.
is enoourngoo. Rodaimed water used in litis way need Dot
be induded in cakulation uribe maximum landscape
wale< oIIowauce.
\I. Refilling of an fountains and/or other types of deco.ative
water bodi~ wLth potabte water may be prohibited during 8
Ci!y-Council-dectared waler emergency.
~ Horticultura T Soils. Anal yS15
i. For projects with. landscaped area greater than 44,000
square feeL,. a basic soll chemistry anaJysis or boni.:ultural
suhabitily analysis from a laboratory specializing in land-
scape soils is req\J[red. The soH analysis shall be made for
approved projC(;ts after mu~h grading is completed. If soil is
imported lOr use in the landscaped area, an anatysis shall be
submitted from each different 5(Jura of origin of that fill material.
Samples will be sclocted Cor analysis from each different soil type
area of tlIe proj eel
Final inspections or lb. project will Dot be oomploted
without receipt or the soils test report.
ii. Soil wiB be amended according to the soiJs lest report
recommendations.
k Documents to be submitted for Planting Plan review
!:. Statement of Design Infect
Eocb laDdscape plan submit"'" for =~ sball be accompanied by
I Statemenl of :J::>esign JnlCnL This st.atemcnl &ha 11 consist of 1) a
brief .talCmen' of tbe dClign =1" and d=rip'ion of tbe
project II mil turily. 2) • description of lbc irrigation of the pro
~ project d=ribing bow !he J)'S1Cm conforms to Palo Alto's
trrigalKJD dC'Si~ requirements, and )) • summary of the projected
long !1Inge IIlJllDtenance of the project DnlL! maturity.
A sample Slat.emcnl of Design Intent appears in Appendix 2.
1'..:. Landscape Planting Plan
The plan 'ing pl.n shall be draWl] on projec. o..e sbee .. at a sea Ie
that accurately IrA Clearly identifies:
i.. AIl hydrozones.
ii. Landscape materials. trees, shrubs, groundcover. turf. and
other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be: clearly drawn and
plants labekd by bolao:ical name, common name, container size,
spacing, and' quactitiC:S of eacb group of pJants indicated.
jii. Proper1y tine$ and street n.1m~,
iv. Streets.. driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
\!. Pools, poods. waler features, fences and retaining walls.
vi. Ex~ting and ~ buiid iDg'i and slr\lCturcs including
c1evalkm, jf appl ieable.
vii. Natural iealures including, but Dot limited to, rock
outcroppingi. c.xisting Uta, and shru bs thai will rema in.
viii. Location, sfz.e, and speclc:s of nisting street trees.
ix. Spot eic.val~ns used in ma'king the grad ing plan.
x. A calculation of the total laudscaped area in square feel
6
!Q. PI.n~ing Specificalions and details
Planting specifications shalt include details of tree staking and
plQUc installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable
planting: and l.'lStallalioD details. These. specifications must include
the following:
A minimum of2 iJlche; ofrrudch shaIl be added in non-o"1areas
10 soil surfQ.c~ ~r plmuing exap( for areas pkinted wWt (J non
turfgroundcaver whkh shall have a minimum of 1 i.'I<h ofmulch
added to the;oil swjac<_ YlSqU'en, sheet plastic, and other non
par_ rnaIeriJ21 s/uill1lOt be placed under the mulch. Porous
weed-barrier fabril:s an acceptable.
B. Grading Design Plan
Grading design plans satisfying lhe following conditions shall be submitted
with the documents fo< landscape "".;e...:
1.
2.
A grad ing desigt'i plan shan be drawD 0[1 project base sheets OD tne same
scale as the landscape planting plan. It snould be separate from, bu.t usc:
!be same fOnillil as. the landscape planticg plac.
1be grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and eleva
tions of the landscaped ar",. including the height of 8J1idod ,lopes. drain
age patterm, pad elevations, and finish grade,
C lrrigation Dcsi gn Phm
1. Irrigation Design Plan Requirements
!:. Maximum Water Allowance
A maximum waiCr allowance shall be established for new
projects.
S« the Landscape Waler Use SLatemen, io Appendix 1.
!h Unified Plumbing Code
Specificafions for inigalion systems shall ensure that all
requirements of the adopted unif>ed plumhi!'lg code are meL
~ Water Meiers
A separate waler meter shall be installed 10 irrigale each ap
proved Jandscape. This meter shall be designated as an irrigation
account and DO other utilities will be billed OIl soch aCCOtlnlS.
7
;,,:.~.§tS~" 1
'0,"
·-'" ..
o
!L. Bac5..f1ow Prevent ion
~'-' . ,--.. ',",
The irrigatioo system shaH be separated from the City of Palo Alto
water supply by • backflow prevention device Ol' devices approved
by lhc: City Utilities Dcpartmeol. For a lisl of approved dcvlces
contact:
Cross Connecliob OffLccr
Department 0: Util ities
Field Opcnotions (415)4%-6972
WritWn requests ma)' k madc 10:
Cross C<lllDCCliOll O[focer
Department of U,ilitiesiField Opc:tations
City of Palo Alto
P.O. Box 10250
Palo A11O. CA 94303 .
.t:. Soil· Wale!" Relationships
Soil types aDd infi!traHon rates shall be-considered wbee dcsigning
irripdon systems. All ini~liOQ syslCms shaH bI! designed to
avoid runoff.. low bead dramage. cwil!rspray. or other similar
condilioDS where water flows onto adjacent property. non-irrigated
areas, walks. toad'iA.·ays.., or structur.es. Proper irrigation ealJipment
shall be used 10 closely malt:h application rates 10 infiltration rates
thereby minimizing runoff an.-1 ovc!'Spray .
.L Irrigation Zoneg
Irrigation zone; sf'la 11 bave Ute following cbaracteristics:
L AIl plants sball have approximately similar water require-
ments.
ii. Irrigation :t.OnCS s.hall encompass oruy one micrcx::1 imale.
111. AIl BpplicatioD devi-ces shall have matched precipitation and
distribu.ion uniformity.
&:. Irrigation E~uipmeTlt
Irrigation system components shall be selected on the basis that
they are appropriate for the task. Criteria shall include perlar.
mil!lCC-, case of maintenance,. and pub! ic safety.
~ Sprinklers
AJl sprinklers for turf (microsprays, spray beads, rotors,etc.) shall
have spring retracted pop-up operalion with flex.ible connections to
piping. SprinUers shai[ be sekcted .and spaced for maximum
distribution uniformit)'. No overhead sprinkler irrigation sys
terns ,ball be iDStaIJed In areas less tha. eigbt (8) red
wick.
8
I •
1. Bl.abbfcT'S
AU tH~bblen; shall be pressure compensating. Bubblers exceeding
.33 gpm shall be used only iD planLing basins with perman~nt
bum walls to prev~D\ n:ooCC (:.t., l.reC' wells in bardscape areas,
planteD., conlaine~ e!c.)
1 Drip Systems
Drip sr,lCms shan be dcsigned lO provide waler uniformly to th£
area 0 • matuTC I'OOUone. Drip systems shall use PVC lateral
piptng ~Iow grade (Of primary distn"bution of water 10 emillers or
groups of emitters. Scx:ondary distributIDIl lines may be of other
materials.
~ Electric Control Valves CECV,\
At each ECV, there >haIl be a pressure gauge valve (Schrader
Valve) for measuricg woe: prcssun: during operation. This valve
may be: an integral part of the ECV or it may be "tapped" into I
PVC fiuing dO'W'IlStream of tbe ECV outleL
b Irrigation Controllers
Electronic controllers shall be reqLiired fer all projeclS. They shall
be C8pBble of managi ng an aspet..15 of thf: irrig2tioD system design.
Micimum controller requirements are as follows:
i. Precise individual station timing.
ii~ Runtime ca~bilities for extrema in precip[tatioo rates.
iii. At k.ast one program for each bydrozone :!lind microclimate.
iv. SuffIcient multiple cycles lo avoid runoff.
v. Exteodr:c! day calendar for deep-rooled plants.
vi. Power failure backup for atl programs.
!!!.:. Anti-Drair. Valves
The irrigation system shall be designed to pn:vent gravity drainage
ofwaler through appfication devices. Two Bnti-draio valvcs which
are availabte are in-line check valves for [ateral piping. or in-bead
ched:: valves 10 prevent low head: dr.:lLnage.
9
o
!L Rain Sensing Devices
Irrigation systems shall be equipped wi.b rain sensing: devices 10
pn:vent irrigation durin~ raiiilj weather. Soil moisture sensors shall
!lOt Ix IJSC'd as rain semmg devices.
2:. Tree Irrigatioq
Trees i.e mixeC planting areas of shrubs and/or ground covers .shall
have an additional mc:.ans of irrigation for deep watering (i.c:. drip
or bubblers) which shall be .separate !rom all other cirClJits aDd
UTVed by separale valves.
Trees may nO( be pian Led ;0 turf unless surrounded by I mulched
area of I diam«!:le1 equallO the diameter of Ibe projected median·
life crown drip line.
b lITigation Sys~m Man3gemcIlI
Irrigation management pracljeu shall consist of dfickenl scheduling.
E:yslem inspections. and maintenance.
!:. IrrigatLon Operation
Inigation shall be scheduled according 10 an) emergency
waler usc: ordinance in efiect.
~ Estzblishmenl Period
The pi..,! establislunen! period .ball be considered 10 be
18 monU.s.
~ Real-Time ETo Data
Whencver possible, irrigation Ir.anagemenl shaU incorporate the
usc: aheaT-time ETo data from the California rrrigation Manage
menl Inronnalion System (CJMIS). or other site-specific, elec
tronically mon[tored, ETo calculating system.
4. Irrigation System Irupec1ions
The irrigation system should be 1nspected after eacb mow[ng for
turf areas aed bi-monthly in other areas for t.h~ life of the system.
Tbis 'wcl-cbeck:' inspection consists of opera1ing the valves and
observing the pcrfonnance or each irrigation zone.
10
. '. ,
1:. lnigelion System Maintenance
!be irrigation system should be kept clean and properly adjusted.
Damaged ~uipment should be repaired promptl~' with wemica 1
cqu.ipmcnt lO mairll,ain the original design integnty.
~ Irrigation Efficiency
Irrigation systems sball be designed, CODStruCled, managed, and mairt
t.ai~ IlJ achieve as high an overall efficieccy as possible. Irrigation
efflCicDcy (IE) is calc,lil«l as folio,""
IE c Design EfJkiency (DE) • Min,sement Efficiency (ME)
!:. [)CSign Efficiensy
DE is based on equipment performance and design factors. Table 2
in Append ix 3 lists efficiencies which are acceptable for the
purpose of conforming wi:b these standards.
~ Management Efficiellcy
ME is based on scheduling procedures and mainteDance practices.
The management efficiency shiH be assumed to be: 70% with the
use of monthly Irrigation .schedules, ir,speclioD of turf areas alte{
mowing. bi .. motlthl'j DOn-tu.rf irrigation system inspecdons.
controllol'$ tume.d off during rainy periods,. aDd appropriate system
maintenance. The marlagement efficiency may be: increased by
adding automated scbeduling equipment and flow sensing control
systems as dC'6cribed below 10 the above requ Lremects.
The City will not consider I lower management rfficiency percent.
age in the calc'UlatioD oC maximum water requirements. If inspec
tion and maintenance are neglected~ the overaU efficiency of the
system wH1 decrease over tlme. The result is lilcet)! to be iocl'ea.~
costs, either in replacing plant materia!s or in excess water use, or
roth.
!!..:. Automated Scheduling EqUIpment
With the additional installation of aUlOmatic scheduling equip
ment, management efficiency shal J be assumed 10 be increased by
10%. Automa!ed scheduling equipment includa; Central Com
pllteI Contro1 utilizing an ET 0 weai.her station (CIMIS) or soii
moislure sensors. Use of $Oil moisture sensors must meet the
following conditions.:
II
i. Tbe irrigation base schcdu:" shan be used as I reference fot
moisture ~JlSOT settings.
ii. There'Sball be: a minimum of O;JC sensor for each bydrozone
a.ttd/Qr microclimate. One: sensor per irrigalLoo zone is encour·
aged.
In. The soil rtloistun:: sensing system shall be designed so that
adjustments. caD be made from I central conuol unit al the co; 'rol
lei. Field adjustmenls oball DO! b< required.
iv. Sensors shall be monitored on I weekly basis.
!t. flov-.o SensinS Control System
With the illSLaI!alion of a flow sensing control system in addition
to tbe basic practices itemized in Section b. above, manage:
ment eficien...,. shall be assumed to be increased by 10% when the
followir'b rood ilions are me:t:
i. A master eJectric CODlrOl valve shall be installed just down
stream of tbC' bactflow device.
j i. The nm.· sensin~ control system sha [J include a 110'0\' sensor
and an inte:gr:.l irrigauOD controller (hat can monitor station GPM
for overflows.. L>ndcrflOw5 aoc! rna in line bruks.
iit. The controller shall be: capable of shutting off 1) malfuru::
tionins individual stations '9,"' lOut disrupling the remaining pro-
gam and 2) the. master valve in the event of a mainline: Of val .. 'e
ailure downstream.
~ Documents lO be submitted for Irrigalion Plan Review
!:. "later Use Statement
A landscape waler use stateme:rJt ie tile form which appear.; in
Appendix 1 shall be submitted with the plans for every project
This landscape water use Aatement defines the-maximu.m
landscape water al10waDce ror eacb site. Tberdore it should
be <-omplel<d before rmar plantlng or Irrigation designs are
developed.
Copies of this form arc avaLlable from the Cit),:
Dept. of Planning and' Community EDvLn:mmenl
2.50 HamiltoD Ave..
Palo Aha, CA 94301
12
•
Irrigation Draw-in gs a nd Details
,~
0'
Drawings shall be tbc: SIlImc scale as I1:Jc 1 and.s.t"'..ape planti ng plan
and £~all acD.Lrately snd clearly ider.tify:
i. Location and size oftbe landscape water meter.
ii. Minimum SUllie prc::ssu~ at the point of connectiOfi. Tne
nominal system static pressure for each of the Palo Aha water
s.c:rvice arC"..a:; is available from the P.al0 Alto Water Transmissioo:
Supervisor at:
Departmenl of Util iii"
Water..(;as-Wasicwater!Mullicipal Services Center
3201 E. Bayshore Blvd.
Palo AI'.o, CA 94303
iii. Locati~n, Iype,. and size of all compone.nts of the: irrigation
system. including electronic con1rollers, main and lateral lines,
valves. applicat[oD devices. rain shu fOfr sensors., flo""" sensors, soil
moisture sensors, booster pumps and bactf]ow prc\lcntioD devices.
iv. Stationtlooe number, val,,, 51:re, flow rate (GPM). and
operating pressure for each irrigation zone.
Y. Spot elevations used in making the gradlns plan.
vi. Details of assembly and installation.
£::. lnigalion Specifications and Details
Specifications shall prescribe q~lily of materials. standards of
worlcmanship, c:xpcctcd results, and guarantees and include details
as required.
~ Calcuia!ion Worksheets
A summary. of the infonnation used 10 determine landscape water
requirements and irrigation effiCiency shall be submitted in a form
similar to the Water Use Calculations r.heel in Appendix 3. The
City r~uires documentalioll of the "alues. used 10 delermine the
lOta T es.tlmated irrigation requirement. Documentation in other
fonnats which provide substanliatly the same information and
which are clearly itemized and concise may be submitted' for
review.
13
.;~ ...
• -....E_ .. -<,-
":;. .-. ;'-~/ '.
-~:<-', . -~ ..
(~_~.:.{_;~-, ... C~'_-:' .. _ ~ ...... ~ ......... _-_'-";_:-:-..~~~ :T~1~t\.
o
VI. A1umative Equipment or Design
The ell)' realizes that more. and more research is being rond ucted on plant wa ter Cieeds,
in mixed plantings;as well as for individual species. As this data becomes available and is
0C<lCpIed by landscape professionals, more delli 10:4 data may be .. anable than .hat ilem
i.zrd in Table I, Appendix 3. The Cily will accept IlLemalivc: e1ethodologies for c:alcutat
iDg plall' waler _ as kmg as the mcthodolog)' has been cndor5<Xl and a"""pled by
lIP'Pf'O'PrialC 8Cadernic and profess iooal organ:zatiocs.
Als<\ oew and increasingly efficient irrigatloo equipment is being d'CSLgned and mar:ufac·
lured. Irrigation designers may submit ttst data 10 IU~ different efficiencies for
irrigation applicalioD devic::s other thac t..'1osc Jisted In Table 2. Appendix 3-. ~ptabl~
u:st data ..... iII inelur;!e, at a minimum, results based 00 rteld' I.eSt[ng. no! be!lCh leSling,
c:ndorscd and aoocpicd by appropriale professionals.
VII. CertificatiOD or Performan ce
A Upon oomplCling!be installation of ~Je irrigation s)'Slern, • foeld inspectioo 5ha1l be
oondUdCd by 01_ landscape architect. ""'if Jed irri.sation d<signer. or other
bexnsed or a:rtitlcd pro!essiooal in I reJa\ed freld. This Inspection shaH be accom
plished befo<e any ground= is planlell.
B.
c.
D.
The purpose of lhe inspection is ~ determi ne that Ux: irrigation sysltm is instaned
at=rding 10 Ihc irrigation specifocations.
This field in.Ipodion shaD be pafonncd and paid for by an agent of !be project appli
canL This lancIscapc architect, irrigation designer. orolha "",if" j professional.hall
be solely =pomibk: for !be validi ty of !be Ccn1flCa'ion.
Tu:fgntsS areas of si\cs lisl.c:d uOOCT Section H.E. shal! have a la:ndK:ape irriga1i<ln audit
pc:i formed after instal lation or renovation of the irrigation sYSLem. The aud i t sball be ~l
acaJrdance with the Cal Lfomia 1.:andscape Water Managemenl Pro~ as deKnOed in
the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document wllicb is berclJ)'
lDcorporalell by rcfcrtnce. See: Landscape Irrigation Aud ltor Handbook. DepL of
Wiler Resruras, W.tcrO:lO.a".tion Off"",,1..., 1990, vmioo 55. An audit teporI
shall accanpany the CcrtWC3tion ofPc:formarn.
A CmifICB1e of Ptrfonnanoe shall be rompielell and delivered to !be City before filial
inspection o!the ,it: ;, mado. An example of this form, w bicb wili be provided by the
City, appcor.; in Appendix 4.
14
VID. Water US~ Monitoring
A. l.andscapc water US(' w!ll be: monitored 00 an annUAl bEis fa-canparison to !he
MWA All irription acaJ\IIllS wbich have been established IS • r=1t of an approved
Imdscape plan will be Sllbjcct 10 llMual review by !be Depanmcn' of Utilities.
1. Walt::" \Be will be b&sc:d on 1Jtility reards of the: "'ata me1ef instalkd as the
irrigation meier fur eacb 13ndscape.
2. The fi", 18 moo,bs alII:<" planting will be consjderod as tbe establishment
periad for !be lands<:ape plan' materials.
3. Irrigation water U'ie will tlO\ be compared 10 tbe MW A fur that landscape ""til
12 months a!ter !be 18-rnOlllh esIa blishment period.
B. 'I'be Department of Ulllitics will detcnnine whether the irrigation ac::ount wa~ usage
is lower tba, or equal 10 L'>e MW A. or greaccr \ban the MWA eslablishal for tha,
J.e.-xf.<ca;>e.
I. If!be irrigatioo BOCOl!nt wal<T "'" ;, lower than or equal 10 !be MV"A. the
!andscapi slall be designated '" a water-efficient landscape.
a n.c propmy ~r. or party responsible for utilities payment., IS
appmpria1<, will be F<=ntcd willl a W ..... ·EfflCien' ~
award. The lands<:ape will !ben be eligible for display of a nottoe or
sign from !be Department of Util itics regarding ilS sta'us.
b. A copy of the Wa<er·Eflicien. Landscape award will also be =t or
JII'C"<II'Cd 10 the Landscape Ard!itcct aad", Irriga'ioo Designer
laIpOIISIble fur !be plan' ",kclion aod irrigation deoign.
~ TheWa5er~EfflC.ienl Landscape statlJS. will remain in effect as 1cng as
the inigalKm water use remains IcwC" than 01 equal 10 the MW A
2. If Ox: irrigation ao:ounl water use is greater t.'lan the M\\o'A, the landscape shall
have a landscape irrigation aud;L
a. AI a minimum, Ole audit shall be in acwrdance wiLn the California
Landscape W_ Managem<nt Program as desmbcd in !be Landscape
Irrigation AudilOC Haodbook, the enti n: doeutn<nt wbicb i> hereby
incorporated by reference. See: Landscape Irrigation AudilOr Hand·
book, Dept. of Water Resources, Wa<er Com<tva'ioo Office, June
l~. version S.5.
b. Tbe audit report shan be derlverOO: to the Department of UtitJiies wit,hin
90 days of noli fication of txc:es.s water use.
15
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APPENDIX 1
Landscape Water Use Statement
Applicant Date
Addrees of Project
Project Name
Total LandSC3.ped Area (No-ofiquarc: feeL.)
Maximum Water Allowance:
Maximum water usc for projects in Palo Alto is based on the: iortn1Jta below.
Annual ETo is 43.1 inches per year. The ET adjustment factor.is 0.8.
The number.OO(lS3 oonverts incbes per year into CCF.
43.1 x 0.8 • x -1)0083 = CCF
(ETO) (AtIj.rQCltx) (Ana> I'CmWl'!'rSiOIl IfImwa'
toCCF) TOla!)
Landscape Waler Requirements:
Enter the landscape water required,e,g., from a w.ater use catcula.tions form.
The Citimated appiied watu use may DOl exceed the Maximum Waler Allowance.
Eslima\Cd I...andscape Irrigation Wa.ter Requlred: CCF
Estimated Non-irrigalioll Landscape Waler RequLred: CCF
Estim.~ Applied Water Use, CCF
-
Certification:
I certify thallhis landscape plan has been developed according to the. Landscape Water
Efficiency Ordinance oC the City of Palo Alto and thol this statement represents the
Landscape water allowance and estimated wat~r requirements of this projeC't.
Name of l..ands.cape Archi1C:c1 or Irrigation Designer Telephone
Address Date • @~i)] Signature
"'='
16
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APPENDIX 2
Projccl:
SAMPLE STATh\1ENTQf DESIGN L'ITE!'il
(fill in project name, e.g, "Shady Acres Homesi""'")
(10 be fiUed in)
1. Sla1emCllt of Aesthetic and Fwx:ricmaJ YlSioo anJ Description of Landscape: at IMaturit),.
Shady Acres Homesi"" is • planned forty-five borne development GJmp<Rd largely of oak
woo:IllOd, oonsisting of CoIoi!Uvc Oaks (Oue<=; .grifol ia) and vestiges of funner coas1al
jnirie (primarily native Cal (forni, bunch grasses), this area has b= Jos8e<l and graud during
tbe past CDC bundmd years. The goal of tbc landscape p1an!ings propa<cd io this Plan is OJ
inlegral< tbc 11b • .:.cape with tbc existing oaIc woodland and with ille existing vestiges of prairie
an:! grasslands. AI maturity the landscape will consis' lazgely of nor1hem Califomi. plants tha,
grow naturally in oak: woodlands of Ihi£ ~yp; And.a mmbmstioa of exo,jc materials, all of
whicb have low mairllcnmceand Jaw water-use ch&.racta 'lies. fo.iaterials will be a mix of
deciduous and evugmm plantings. The bulk of:be oolarful aspects of the lands::ape wi!! Juve
lO do wilh sea.nnaJ 00101", seasonal flowering, and usc afvariegalc:d Wfoons in Ii:u of high
mainlCllana: f'Iawer pl!ntinp..
2. SlaJement Related OJ Planting and IrrigaOOn Sys.:ms.
Site planning has incl00ed marlcing the specifIC location> of oaks more!ban .ix inclx:s in
diamelf'l (five fOOl diameter _ beigbl~ Prior OJ ins13llalion of new plaoting and irrigation
sysICmS, certain oaks have been lagged for In'!l'pian'ing. an:!1hese oaks wi II be transpl .med
an:! irrigal<d duri.ng gnKIing operations 10 anow for. long period of establishmenL
The plant materials 10 be u.~ ba\.e been chosen for water~ving and nxhrr.d-main1e
nanoe char&c&eristics. Plantings ","m be done in container sizes that are c.ummanly available
Ihrougb nurseries and Iha! are optimum for fuWre plan, growth. Nursery container slzes will
vary from ~Ion OJ fift=-galloo sizes. with the exception of water-conservi"g tall fescue
lunwhicll wiil be installed in park areas and fron, yard ,reas designata! for tunlhruugh
bydltReding. Ground oover will 001 be planta! from flats, bUI rather from ooe-gallon siz<:
cans in ordCl L'1atlhe plants ma), be irrigalCd by OJ drip system. All ground roVet, shrub, and
tree areas will receive t\\o-o i.nchc:s (2') of one-haLfsi:ze fir bark mulch.
17
I
:' '-.
. -
,",
'The inig8tion system for the project will be aUfDmated through the t1'!iC of a series o!" elcc(fooic
irrigation ""'troDers. lrtigatioo valve circuits will be primarily for drip irrigaLioo, exe<;lt for
Ihase areas wbm ,urf is used In small turf areas, low pr<eipil&ioo spray bead:; wiU be used.
and in large turf """", sudl L J>e parks, low prccipil&ioo "Ie roIOr beads will be used,
SeJectiOIl of specific irrigation equiJXlleD' will olk>", for pressure romper.sa""" where needed,
jn.line or in-hcod cheek valves 10 P=liow hcod drainage, and specific arc designations 10
prevent o.erspraY ODIO .idew> 1ks, SlIUCtUJeS, or kn= adj.c:",10 irrigalCd areas,
3, Pmjecled Long.Rmge Mai~ ofllle Projecl ""cil Maturity.
1bc landscaped ate!,S: are designed to have a 'natural' appr-.:af'3J1Ce at maturity_ Eccause materi
a15 -were seJccted for their WIler oometVing and minimal maintenance qual ities, the primary
goal of mainlenana: at maturity will be 10 keep large turf arus in parlcs, .nd small turf areas
near t<Oideooa;, well mainlained. As tall fescue Il!tf is 10 !x-1Nld, it is projeclCd Illat at matu
rity irrigation JlpplicatKn rates will oc greatly t!iminisbed and irrigation controners wil f be used
!bat give \he option for Ioog durations hetweer! waterinf "1"'\es. Planting 00"", and subse·
q'''''' MainICnance Guideline!; will direct the landsca p. .ainlCrulnce rontractor 10 remove the
fus! row of ground cover adjacent 10 waJkwaysaftcr the lirst year of growIh. This wi\! elimi
nate the need l:) shear {]f edge ground' COYer !llantings,. since the remaining planlS will grow 10
mature silJ:: wiLho;:;: impacting pedestrian activity 00 the stde-w-alk. The same is true for shrubs
which will be planlCd at spaciogs 'hat will pndude \he need for shearing.
As malCrials have been mi=llo creale. 'poiy-cul'wal' landscape and """'use malCrials
""'istm'lO oak mol fungus (Armillaria spp.) will be US«I, it is anticipalCd that !here will be 00
.-l for additiooal spraying for insects or disezes al maturicy. A pre-emcrgenl he:bicide ",ill
be specified in ground COVet and shrub planting.areas ini!iany. and mulcbe!i will be used in all
bare areas for the life of the projecl. and until such time as ground rovers and shrubs have
!lldwally formol canopies OY<\' \he ground. Therefore. the use nf herbicides is noC predic"",
beyond the first one 10 two years.. and then only in scleaed ~ where mc:chanLcal cullivation
would create more problems than it would 501,"",
In general, it is pr<:diCl«l that !he mature landscape wili Deed virtually no pel'O-CbemiColI
support. Also, rn05l of the work 10 be dor.e OIl the site can be done by hand tools, rather than
through rna:::banical lOOis, which will eliminace the disturbing side effect of the noise fruIT!
power equipment
18
APPENDIX 3
Water Use Calculations
L City R!?IJuircments
The City ~ c!ocumenlatioo of the values used in deIerm ining the IOIaI ""im.ted land·
""'PO irripioo nquimnenJ fer. pmjea. The Wa"" Use Calculations fonn ~ •
CO<JYenicDt format fur =I!rizing <ffvmc infonnation and deriving those values. Lands<:ape
archiSC:c:.& or irri.ga1ioo designers may wish 10 \ISC anotbcr formal or sofuo.:.are application with
_ they ~ already flImiliar. Othc:t formalS wbicll provide substantially sim:Jar information
am whk:b are c1early iiemizcd and coocise may be SUbmiLl,ed for review.
The JilDdsctpe archi1ect or irrigation designer may choose whether Of rot 110 1D;[ude effective"
pm:;pilatiot> in oomplding the calculation<. Up to 25% of IocaI annual mean precipitation
may be used.
The J().ycar mean in PaJoAlto from I95J·I980 is 14.n inches.
Tbc 25% ofm] mean annual precipi~Lion is used in completing the plam waler reqwremenl
furmuJa in ooIumn (I) of the Wata Use Ca1culatiom Form. The column offers two options.
Option I ....,. referena: evapotranspiration. ilem (a). Option 2 uses the calculation for e!recti"
pm:;pitation to derive. Net ET 0 wlue, i_ (s~ for use in the fannul •.
Only"",, option auybe selcctc<l fO! jlUIjl<RS of completing the fonn. Whjchever opt jon is
sclocIcd must be used throughout the calculations.
19
o
·IL __________________ ~ __ a_te_r __ u_s_e_C_a_l_c_u_'a_t_io_n_s __________________ ~
Project Ac!dreos _________________ _ Date _______ _
Total Plant<d Alu (sqJt), ______ --",--
-fj)
Toto! meon local precipit&tion (inJyear): 14.77 (ql
Effecti.e Precipitation (q x 25%): 371.. (f)
Not ETo (a -r): 39.4 (.)
Irrigation System Desi", Facto"
""'"ON< ......,. A'tfAAG[ ~ ...... _en .... ""'" WiOSCAP> ,.,.,.
COlR'IOINT
(b) (0) (d) (.)
-----I
f !' .. .~ ... ..
j
... -.. + -~ ~
f ,.'! '" i i
l --+-• "'" -.
j
~
~
Tot"rs
iT oW s,.Ft.)
Ql
ekca!-avnc CtMIS dada may be used, .
20
ETo: 43 I'
(a)
(palo Alto. 1951-1980)
1'lJoNTWTP.. SYSTi>1
UQl'n':CO n1'i
m ~l
~ -'" '" ! ~ • • :g ~ • • ! ~ • • f ~ .. "'" -t;t-i t t ! · . li · ~
i i
( .E .. -N
! t
Q.
. I
(10Ul in tCF)
(1<;
EST"",rEO ZON! wn... """" ''''''-MQ'l'":T 5;.Cf
(b) 01
-g ..
]
i
e -i = '" .. i o!!
~ "
!t-~
j
.g
(5r>t"" ToW.
an 10Ml)
(I)
Aver<lge Design efficiency: <m)
(k) dI\'lde1:I '"'Y (1)
-~---
·;;;:. .
-,,:. ,.:
~" 0 ~. .
WATER USE CALCULATIONS, conUnued: Pa" 2 012
krlptJol! System ""onopment Practices:
EFfICIENCY
70%
+ 10%
+ 10%
DESCI\IPnON -~
Mirtimum reqLlirements ~ Irriptio.., &se Schedules. Routine
Irription System Inspections, Appropriate Sysum I".alntenance as de·
","Oed in Section V.Cl.b.
The-use cfalJtOmated sc:hedulillg equipment and 'Ofl mOisture sensOf"!ii
irm:alled as descn'bed in Section V.C.).c. in addition to minimum requi..-e
met>i.S, zbove.
The we of a flow !ensing control' .ystem instaned as indicated in Section
V.C3.d. in addition to minimum requirements.. at;,o~
...... rage Man",..""n, E1f,ciency:. _______ {n)
Estlml1ted Irrigation Water Requirement:
Irrigation Efficiency: 101
"',..,.." 0.. ..... EIf,d.",y. (m), ..me. """'eo Manaf'""'" Etfk'.ncy.(n) )
Total Estimated Irrigation Requiremenc CCF (P)
(Total PIon< w...,. ~ .......... (1<). _ by Imption Eff'ocMncy, (0).)
Enter the Total Estimated lrrigation Requirement from this page on the Lan~ Water Use State·
ment The Total Estimated Irrigation Requirement may Dot exceed the Maximum Water Allowance.
21
•
Table 1: Landscape CoeIflCients
This :able ilanizG .Iandscope cxx:1Iicient m<'hodology which is aro:ptable for !he purpa;<: of con
forming 10 these SI!lldard>.' The tneIlrod is bas<d on !he fonnul.:
"t. = K, x ~ x Kmc
Who<: "t. ~ landscape: ooefficio1t
K, ~ species fac:Ior
K.!' d<m;ty faaoo: Kmc. microciimB1e fac!or
The Kt derived frnro tWs fonnula may be ins<n<d in column (d) of \be Water Use Calculations ,heel
The PUm! Water Requimnent may \ben be calculated .. itemitt<l in column (i) of the ,heel
Table 1: Estmatsd values for species, dansty, a"Id f!l icrociimar:e taaOfS used to datermine the landscape
roofficiEo. CKt) for _ ~ ,types'
Species fador Denslly faa'" M~atefaclor
vegotalion (1<,;) CKd) (K",cJ
IypO 19 .... low high ave low tigh "". low
Trees' 0..9 D,S 0.2 1.3 I,D 0..5 1,4 1.0. 0.,5 -0..7 0.,5 o.~ 1.1 1,0. 0.5 1,3 1.0. 0..5
~ 0.7 0.5 0.,2 1,1 l,e 0..5 1.2 I.e cs
Mixed-0..9 0.5 0..2 1,3 1.1 0..6 I,' 1,0. 0.5 ---~
TurfQrOS$' 0.,8 0.,7 0.,6 1.0. 1.0. 0..6 ! 1.2 I.e 0..8
'Spec;os __ lor ........ _ based 00 """"'"" from ~ .. at tre9 crops, ,,,,,n.
~ estimates n based on prefrni1ary reseerdl findings in Caifcmia
rrhe tree. shr\.t), and grCUldCXPw'Bl' car~ istec! are 101" ~ thai: .are composed ~ oc pl'edon1 i-
~ :I: one at !hose -"'" typos.
_ jlIartings ... co;npo58d "'two Of" ttne ~!;-pes (i.e., where a sngle vegota!ion type does
"'" pta<fcnlinae),
'A low K"vale (0..5) &IlOiJId be assigned \0 warm·......,., hi", and. high vatue (0., B) \0 coot-OEoaSOO tun.
NOTE: ~ is assumed that tIlero is no bare soi SU'f2!:o wt"" tile landscape pIa."'-ing. Otherwise, Ko shOuld be
inaaased 10\0 20%, e&pecia/ly 101'" trees a'ld shnb, due fO sci surface ev&1lOfliIion
RopinIecI wth pennisoion from Estimating Water Requiromerts Of und=pe PIa~., 00.,.'1:>, Matheny,
_ Clark, Coc:pefatiw Exlension iJftvefslly ofCaifoma, DMoion Of AgriculrCJle and Natural Resources.
LBa1Iet 214113.
., See Nolc:. p.23
22
' ........... --------
Table 2: Design Elrociency
This fable lisb design efficiencies which ~ accq>table for the ~ oj cooform ing 10 L~= .Ian
data.. •
Tho d!i<:iI:Dcy _!age of the application devices for a sta\ion or ron. may be inscned in col,""" (b)
of the Walcr Use CalculJttions sbcd. That numbct is then usol in the calClJla,ion indicate<! in ",1umn
(J) of the sbeet to obtain the Zone W.Ier RcquirnncnL
Tho following lable assumes: I.
2-
3.
Infiltration uniformity equals dislnbution uniformity.
OpWnum and coosisIcnt opcratill8 pressure.
Irrigation m!lC pr=ure diffemllia! maximum 10%.
T_Z: AVERAGE DESIGN EFFiCIENCIES OF VARIOUS APPUCAnON DEVlCES
NOTES' !\PPUCAnON OEVlCE RANGE AVERAGE
F'ERCENT PERCENT
... Mut:ipto s:n..m & Impact ROIO!S 60·80 70
A SIngle _ Rctas 50·70 60
A Spray-.0-60 50
B Miao 5p'ay -6 Ft Rodus Of_ 60-80 70
B Micro Spray . 6 FL Radius or more ""·60 50
C PrNoure Ccmponsatlng But>!>Ieo; eo·90 85
0 PT-..e Ccmpoosaling Ct'!> Emltoni SO-90 90
'Foanaoes:
~ ~ _ hoac!-tl>head spacing. mMehod ~"" winds _til""
5 mph
{B} No plait _, wind Iosslhan 5 m ....
(C) ~ ptacod " wat.nng _to 1"""""" ""'"'.
(OJ Efficiency Itt>ps WIt' all" [Le .• CIogging. no ~ for expa'ld'mg root zones).
-Note: Alternative data may be submitted fer thaI which l!; listed in either Table 1 or Table 2. Refer La
Section VI, p.14.
23
APPENDIX 4
CERTIFICATE OF PERFORMA.'IICE
~~---------------------------
~N~ ____________________________ __
~~~------------------------------
Pa.!-lnstaJilillon InspocIioo (checI: ifm rompli,,-""")
o Irrigation sysIem installed as designed
o Minimal runoff Of """"pray
o Umdscape Irrigation Audit if required unler Section VILe
COmmam:, ________________________ _
Certiratloo:
I eenify _ ~~~ ... .,., of!his si~ lIlat work!m been <XlITIpleted lind !bat !he iniga-
tioo installation -willl!he 0JlIlW"I'd pl.", and speciflOltioos.
Name, typed or printed
Uceme or C'crtifiaJioo No,
24
oale
Expiralioo ~~ of Uc:ense
or Certificate
~Iy Bill No. 325
CRAPTElI 11411
"'''~A~.~.4.''''''''''''''''
AT:... ,'':iiMDIT B
An act to add Article 10.8 (commencing with Section 65..."i90) to
Chapter 3 of DivUion 1 ofTitIe 7 of the Government Code. relating
to water conserlation.
I~ by Covemor September ~, 19!iICL Faed with
Se::ftota:y of State SeV'-embe!' 21, 1990.J
LEGISU."I!VE OOONSEL"S DIGEST
AB 325, Clute. Water conservation: IandscapiJ1g ordinance.
(i} Under existing law, local agencies ar~ not required to adopt
ordinances conceming landscape water c:onservation.
This bill would requiTe the Department of Water Resources hi
F~bruary 1. 1991, to appoint an advisor)' task force t<:l work with tile
department in the drafting of • model we.ter effident la.cdscape
ordi.n.ance U1d to rubtnit the zlf'C'Ommended ordinance to tht
deparlmeut by May I, 1991. The bill would reqlrire tho department
br January I. 1992. aft .. bolding • public hearing, hued on
recommendlltions of the task force. to adopt a model local water
efficient laxJdsc:ape ordinance which each loca1 agency, a.s defined,
may adopt. !be biD woold provide that if any local agency has cot
adopted. water-landscape ordinance or findings, based QD specified
fa.cton, that no ordinance is n.e:ces:sary. by JlU11W')' I. 1993, !:he model
0Tdmane0 m.n take e!rect and shall be enforeed br thot locaI'goney
and have the same force and effect LS ifadopted by that loca,! agency.
The bill would require each local agency, not later thaD January 3J,.
1m, to £ik, with the department a copy of the water efficient
landscape otdinance adopt~ or the findings whi('h state that DO
ordinance is necessary, thereby imposing I state-mandated local
program.
The biD would r.equire the department to report to the J.egisIature
011 the ""'"' of these local ord!zw>oes br July I, Hl9:l
The bill would require the model ordinance to contain specified
prov;s;om and would specify related "",tten.
The biD would mUe leg;Jlative £iDdingJ and declarations and
would declare legislative iDtent
(.2) The Ca1ifom.ia Constitution requires the state to reimburse
local agen_ ODd school districts fer oertain 00Sls man&ted by the
""to. Sbtu10ry prcMslons .... blish procWures rc,. maIcinz that
reimbunemenL
This biD wou\d prtMde thot no reimbunoement" required by tIili
act for • specified reason.
~e of Me St8te of CsJ:iforrlU do eDIlCt as h~
.. 50
i'::-----------~
Ch. 1145 -!-
SECI'lON I. ArIiclo lo.a (eonunenctng with SeobOD 55.5OOi is
added to Chapter 3 ofDivi.~on 1 of TitJe 7 or the eovemmer!t Qxfe,
to read::
Article lOA Water Comervation in T -andscapi.ng
65590. Thi$ article may be cited and shaD. be known a.s the Water
Con"ervatiOZl in L.andscaping Act.
65.591. The LegislatUre finds and declares aD of the (onowing:
(aj The-waters of the state are of limited supply and are rubjec~
to ever 1zlcreasing demands.
(b) The continuation of California', eoonomic prosperity is
dependent 00 act.equate supp~ of water being avdabJe rOt future
wes.
(ej It ~ the policy of the state to promot!: the OQnservation and
efficient use or W&t~r and to prevent the \t'aste of this valuable
resotn'ce.
(d) L.anOscape.s are esseJltial to the quahty of life in California b)'
provic:l!ng areas for actiy~ and p:LSSi"'e .recreation an~ a.s an
enhancement to the emironment by cleaning air and water.
preventing ere:s:ion, oifering Are protection,. and replacing
ecosystems lost to development
(ej Landscape design. i.J!stallation. and mjl'nteppnce can and
should be water efficimL
6559115. (a) It iI the intent or the Legislature that the
Depart:ment of Ware:-Re50urces prepare and promote the use of a
model water effitient laodscape ordinance which local agencies may
adopt.
(b, It " the in'on' of the LepsIo"". that the Department of
Water Resources ad,-"r: a model WQteT efficient landscape or-iinance
based on reccrnmeodp nons from .. task force representing the
land5i!"8pe, water, and building indu.rtries-. !ocalagencies, and others.
(c) It is the intent of the Leg:W.a.~e that the ta.sk for~ reach
genenl agreement on those provisions which will be included in the
model \\"'8.ter .efficient landscs.pe ordinance.
(d) It-is the lotent of the Leglslature that the w.k EorC't! (;.:mside:r
the most ~t information on ef:fi.clent Imdscapa irrigation
tecl!!lologieo and those elemen .. of edsting water o!Iicient landscape
ordiDanoes which have proven :JU.CCe1SfuJ in reducing water
consumption.
10) ]. is the intent or the Logislmu. that the model water
effideJlt tanriseJpe ordinance deveJoped punuant to this article
p!'CmOte the most effident use or water in the landscape while
~ the cc-onomic, environmental, ae:stl:letic, and lifestyle
choices of individuals and property crwners.
6$592. Unless the context requires othetwise, the de£iojticru used
in t:h:iJ section govet1l the construction of tIW article:
(a) "'Department" me&n.<; the DepartrDent of Water ResmJrCes.
~ o!" "'< }.-"'~ . "-.--:--
'" '"
n
o
..
-3-Ch. 1145
{b) "Loca.I agency"' means Q.Cy ctty. county, or city and county.
(cj ''Water ei5cient landscape ordbanee" means an ordim.nce or
resolution adopted by a local agetiCY to addr~ the efficient use of
water in lancUcaping.
S5.593. Not Ia..,. than February 1, 1991. the department ilialI
appoint an advisory task rorce to work with departIlle.ct-staff in the
drafting 01 • model water efficient 1.andsca.pe ordinance. The task
force shall consist of the following members:
(:&I) OIle membet-.selected from • list ~rovided by the I..,eQgue of
C&1ifomia Cities..
{b) One member .wiected from a list provided by the County
Supenison A..~n of California..
(c) One member .selected from a list provided by I recognized
professional LHOclation in California representing wa.ter agencies.
(d) One member ~lected from a li~ provided by a recognized
association in California representing commercial builders..
(e) One member selected from • list provided by a recognizM
profes.tiorul association in California representing !es:idential
huiIden.
(f) One member re;:::{E!$eDting a nonprofit environmental
protection organization or .. water conservation organization whose
principal Purpo!e includes promoting the efficient we of water or
water conservs.tion.
(g) One m€mber selected bom a list provided by a recognized
professional tUSOdatiOll io California representing the nursery
industry.
(b) One member $eiected from a list pYovided by a recognized
professional association in Califomia. representing landscape
contractors..
(i) One member selectPd from a list provided by a recognized
professiona1 association in California representing landscape
arcrutects.
tj) One membe~ selected from a list provlded by !I recognized
profeSonal B.S::1ItOciation in Califonria representing the IIWlufacturers
Qr d~gners of irrigation equipment.
(11:) One member representing the Green Industry Council of
Glifontia..
(l} One member .seiected fr::»m & list provided by a recognized
as:sociation in Califor.rla. representing the growers or producers of
huf graso.
{m) One ~ selected by the Director of Water Rewurces.
Mombetship of the <uk fore" .ball. to the .ment pndicable. be
representative of the state's cultural. racial, and ethnic diversity and
gender bala.n~ .
.All meetings of the task force &ball be subject to .-\rticle 9
(commencing mth Section 11lOO) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division
J of Title! of the Government Code.
The Le:gislature declares that some. individuals appointee! as
Be 100
/
-4-
members of the task force must be choren as representativ~ of the
iIld_ and proEemocs Impacted by locaI water coruer..ati<nl
ordinances, and that their representation 01 these iIld!!Stries and
profess:ioCJI does serve the general public interest as thA!-y have
unique l.nform.ation. ext'" ,.-tile. and experience on the issue of water
eonse:rvatiOD and landsc" 'J..D.f that mould be taken ic.to consideration
by the department as it Dn.Dd~ the development of model wate'r
conservativn of'Ciianea ThereEore. for-purposes of persons who
hold this o£Bce, the industries and professions which are represented
on tbe tuk force constitute the p-:.;;blic generally within the meaning
of Section 87103 of the Government Code in those decislons
impacting those specific indust:ries and profeuioru, unless the results
of their act:ions taken a.o; t:.ask force members hay,. I material financial
effect on those membe~ distinguishable from their effect on other
members of their respective !.ndustries and pro{e:ss:ioru generally.
The task force shaD submit the recommended modd local water
efficient landscape ordinBnce to the department on or before May 1,
1991.
The department shall adopt a model local water efficient
landscape ordinance based on the recommendatioru of the task
force.
The t.as.k force .shaD cease to exist on the date the depart::ment
adopts a model local water efficient tm~pe ordinance or-January
1, 1992. whichever occurs fi .. '"st.
65594. (a) Not later than January 1, 1992,. after holding a public
bearing. the cepartment,. based on recommendations of the task
force established pu:rsuant to Section 655S3. shaD adopt a model local
.... "ater efficient 1andscape ordinance which each local agency may
adopt
(b) In developing the model o~, the task ~ shaD
recognize and promote the beneA.ts of consmC'nt loca1 ordinances in
areas having similar climatic, geological. or topographical conditions..
(c} The department .shal1 notify and deliver a copy of the mode!
local water efficient landscape ordinance to the Joint Legislative
Budget Committae. The Joint Legi:dative Budget Committee shaD.
have 60 days to :review the model ordinanc:e before it is formaDy
adupted by the department.
(d) Not later than January 31, 1992, the departmen. shaD
distnoote the adopted model ordinanee to all Ioea! &gendes and
other intereded parties.
\e) 'Ihe department sb~.n promote the benefits of consistent local
OTdiwu:ices in areas having similar climatic. geologjcal. or
topognophloaJ AreaL
65595. If by January 1, 1993. a local &J(eIlCY "Q~ ~~ 4~{:·t!!~ a
water efficient landscape ordinance or has Dot adopted findings
based OD climatic, geolo,"'fcal, or topograpmcal OODditions, ot" water
avai.lability, which state; :at a water efficient landscape ordinance is
unneoeuary. the model water efficient landscape ordinance adopted
" IJ<J
.. ...:
.. "£
"
•
-'-,.,. /-
'.,,-
-5-
by the departm<wt pursuan' to subdivilioo (a) of Section ~ shall
tUe effect OD January 1. 1993. ADd ahaD. be ~ by the lccal
agency and lave the same force and effect .. if arloptod by the local
.. geney'.
65.596. To tht, e%I:eilt feaa"ble, Jocal agenc:ie:s that adept I water
eBl6ent l ap d'17'pe' ordinAnce Uter the model ... -a::er efficient
landocape o<dinance Is adopUod by the departmen~ shall consider
the pro'l .. isiow of the model
fSm. The ~ model ordiumoe ohal! contain, but not be
IJmjtod to, !be foIlowmg
(a> PrcYisi~ for water ~OD through the appropriate we
and ~ ofplants that .... well adapted to particular sites and
to particular cJlmal;c, geological, or topographical conditio ... The -">:;;" 4 . 1 ." .
model ord.i.nance shaD not pTObiliit or _~.!!ro ~-etific phwt :specie$,
but it may include conditions for the use of plant species. However.
the model man not include cooditions which have the effect of
prohibiting or requirtns specific plant specieI.
(b) Provisions for the use of au~c irrigattioo syst«a& and
-..onaI irrigation schedules, mcorporating .... ~ COOIerVBth'O -IT' (
design and utilizing m.thods .ppro~ for specific te.-ram., soU--'3> )I., .
r:ypes. 'Wind conditions, temperature5, and other environmental
factors, in order to ensure a high degree of water efficiency.
{c) Provisiow for grading and drainage to promote b.e<hy plant '~(;"ofJ 'II!: --lo ~,g.
growth and to prevent exceuive erosion and runoff, and the use of . _.. _
mulches in dlrub areas. garden beds. and landscaped areas where ~ #'.nd -1' .... ,.4 , ... .(
appropriate.
(d) Provisions for the we of reclaimed water suppued through --~ ~ 0 .
dual distnbutio.n.syst:enls, if fea.nole and cost etfectiv~, and subject to
.ppropriAte heoIth standards. . . i b II L if. .1 (e) Provisions to educate "-ater~ on the efStieDt use of water ....>;, ';r.:,C<).l.-j $ .... ~1:.dJ.ii :s ~ , '>f1.<:-tTiI~t'l'&
&.:ld the benefits of doiDg 110. :" ILT nr~",,,;/'It"U~ ~It,u, /,'....,i'~€
(f) Provi!i~ adflress:ing regi~ differences where necessuy...." f. It' i)-p," .. {ili:,~,1tt r:r;itl.l/:., F.". "hi i1.~ "IWJ.
and iea.1ID1e. mclading me prevention noeds.. ' '. Jto'r i< ..... ' 1S;:r' ,,~~,J.A ... '.<-€" (8) Provisions to eJ'empt landscaping wbich ii part of a registered '. j ~, ~,I ...
historical' site, ",here feasible. ---;. IT. (
{b, PrU"Visions fur the use or ecoootnic m~ti ... es to prcmote the ______ . ______ • r!OI~, :.,.,h,-, .. lrJ, ?,t.~'.. I"
efficient use of water, where fea.Sl.Ole. '. ,I, T fI"if",,;' h'l:t5 ,'~ '-'i.: ..... ~,ot..
(i) Provisions fot-landscape :maintenance prac-tices which forter
Jong--trmn lan-chcape water co~rvation. r..and"t"8pe maintenance
pracdcet m!.y include., but lU'e not limited to. performing: routine ~ ~ :s
lnigation system repair-a:nd adjustments. schedulinginigatioo based ---~ lc-. L.
on CIMlS (CalifonUa Jrrigalion Management Jnformatio:> Syrtem).
condocting wa!er audib., and prerenOing the amouot of water
applied per landscaped acre.
__ ll>e ",op;oed model onIinance >ball uempt cemeteries _-,:> :: (.
£rom an provisions of the ordinance except those provisions adopted
to confonn with subdivmons (e), (h). and Ii) of Section 6S5!I7. In
adopting language opEcific to cemeteries, the bIsk rore. shall
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ATTA..~"':.:ttNT c
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6/15/92
MODEL
WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE
ORDINANCE
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TEXT OF PROPOSED REGULATIONS
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In Division 2. Title 23. California Code 01 Regulations. adC: Chapter 2.7.
Sections 490 through 495. inclusive to read as kl"ows:
2
Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
INDEX
Page
490. Purpose 4
491. Definitions 5
492. P,ovisions for New or Rehabil~ated Landscapes 1 ,
a. Applicability 11
b. landscape Documentation Package 1 2
c. Elements of the Landscape Documentation Pacl<age 13
1. Sample Water Conservation Concept Statement 14
2. MaJ(imum f<pplied Water Anowance '6
3. Estimated Applied Water Use 17
4. Estimaled Total Water Use 17
5. Landscape Design Plan 1 B
(1.) Plant Selection and Grouping 1 B
(8) Water Features 18
(e) Landscape 0&5;gn Plan SpeCIfications 19
6. trrigation Design Ptan 1 9
(A) Irrigation Design Criteria 20
(8) Recycled Water 21
(C) Irrigation Design Plan Specifications 22
7. Irrigation Schedules 23
8. Maintenance Schedules 24
9. Landscape Irrigation Aud~ Schedules 24
10. Grading DeSign Plan 24
11. Soils 25
12. Certification 26
Sample Cert. of Substantial Comptetion 27
d. PubliC Education 29
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493. Provisicns lor Existing Landscapes 30
a. Waler Managemenl 30
b. Water Waste Prevention 30
494. Effective Precip~ation 31
Sample EffecUve Precipitation Disclosure Statement 32
495. Reference Evapetranspira.tio~ Rales 33
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480. Purpose.
ra) The State Legislature has found:
(1) that the limited supply of state walers are subject to ever
increasing demands;
(2) that California·s economic prosperity depends on adequate
supplies of water;
(3) that state policy promotes conservation and efficient use
of water;
(4) that landscapes provide recreation areas, clean the air and
water, prevent erosion, offer fire plotection, and replace
ecosystems displaced by development. and
(5) that landscape design, installation, and maintenance can
and should be water efficient.
(b) Consistent with the legislative findings, the purpose of thiS
model ordinance is to:
(1) promote the values and benefits 01 landscapes while
recognizing the rY.uu to invest water and other resources as
efficiently as possible;
(2) establish a structure for designing, installing, and
maintaining water effiCient landscapes in new projects; and
(3) estabUsh provisions lor water management practices an~
water waste preventiOn for estabnshed landscapes.
Note: Authority c.lted: Sections 65591.5, 65594, Gov. Code Reference:
Sections 65591, 65591.5, 65597, Gov. Code.
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491. Definitions.
Tile words used in this ordinance have the meaning set forth below:
(a) "antl-draln vatve" or "check valve" means a valve located
under a sprinkler head to hold water in Ihe system so rt minimizes
drainage from the lower elevalion sprinkler hClads.
(b) "application rate" means the depth of water applied 10 a
given area, usually measured in inches per hour.
(c) "applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the
irriga~on system to the landscape.
(d) "automatic controller" means a mechanical or solid stale
timer. capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length
of time 01 a water application.
(e) "backfJow prevention device" means a safety device used to
prevent pcllution or contamination of the water supply due to the
reverse flow 01 water from the irrigatior! system.
(f) "converalon factor (0.62)" means a number that converts the
maximum applied water allowance !rom acre-inches per acre per
year to gallons per square foot per year. The conversion faClor is
calculated as follows:
(325,851 gallonsl 43,560 square feel)l12 inches
325,851 gallons = one acre fool
43,560 square floe! = one acre
12 inches = one fool
(0.62)
To convert gallons per year 10 l00-clJbic-fael per year, anolher
common bilHng unit fof water, dlvida gallons per year by 748. (748
gallons = 100 cubic feel.)
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(II) "eco:>loglcel r •• toratlon project" means a project where Ihe
site is intentionally allered 10 establish a defined, indigeoous,
hisloriC ecosyslem.
(II) "e"ectlve precipitation" or "ussbl. rainfall" means lhe
portiOn of Iotal predpil8tion thaI is used by the plants.
Precipitation is not a reliabls source of water, but can contribute 10
some degree toward the water needs of the landscape.
(II "emitter" means drip irrigation finings that deliver water
slow! y from th e system to the son.
(j) "established 'endlcape" means the point at which plants in
the landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent 10 the root
ball.
(k) "establishment pariod" means the first year atter installing
Ihe p1anl ir the landscape.
(I) "Estimated Applied Wat"~ Use" means Ihe por1'lOn of Iha
Estimated Tolal Water Use that is derived from applied water. The
Estimated Applied Water Use shall nOl exceed the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance. The Estimated Applied Water Usa may be Ihe sum
of the water recommended through the irrigation schedule, as
referenced in Section 492 (e) (3).
(m) "Estimated Total Water Use" means the annual lotal
arnou nl of water estimated to b& needed to keep the plants j n the
landscaped area hea~hy. It is based upon such factors as Ihe lOcal
evapotranspiraton rate, the size of the la ndscaped area, the types
01 plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system, as described
in Section 492 (cl (4).
(n) "ET edlultment fal:tor" means a factor 01 o.e, that, when
applied to reference evapotranspiralion, adjusts for plant factors
and ;rrigation efficiency, two major in"uences upon the amount 01
water that needs to be applied to the la ndscape .
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A combined plan! mix with a site-wide average of 0.5 is the basis of
the plant !actor ponion of this calculation. The irrigation
efficiency for purposes of the ET Adjustment Factor is 0.625.
Therefore, the ET Adjustmen! Factor (0.8) = (0.5/0.625).
(0) "evapgtranaplmlon" means the quantity of water eV8piJrated
from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a
specific time.
(p) "flow rate" means the rate at which wate, ffows through
pipes and valves (gaffens per minute or Clibic leet pElr second).
(!I) "ltydrozone" means a ponion of the tandscaped area hav'ng
plan!s with similar waler needs that are served by a vaive or set 01
valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non
irrigated. FOl' example. a naturalized area plamed with nalive
vegelahon that will not need supplemental irrigation once
eSlabnshed is a non-irrigated hydrozone.
(r) "infiltration rat.-means the rate of waler e~lry into the soil
expressed as a depth of water per unil of uma (inches per hour).
(s) "irrlgltlon efficiency" means the measurement of tile
amount of water beneficially used c1ivided by Ihe amount of water
applied. Irrigation 9fficiency is derived from measurements and
estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The minimum irr'.gaUon efficiency for purposes of this
ordinance 1$ 0.625. Greater Irrigation efficiency can be expected
from weft designed and maintained systems.
(I) "~and.c.pe Irrigation 8udH" means a process to perform
site inspections, evaluate irrigation systems, aM develop efficienl
irrigation schedules.
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lu) "landscaped ara." means the entire parcel less the building
footprint, drivaways, non-imgated portions of parking IDts,
hardscapes-such as decks and patios, and olher non-porous areas.
Water features are indU<led in the calculation of the landscaped
area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or
vegetable gardens are nol included.
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(v) "latera' Une" means IIle water delivery pipeline that supplies
water to Ihe eminers or sprinklers from the valve.
(w) "main lin." means the pressurized pipe nne that danvers
water from t~e weter source to the valve or o<ltlet.
(.) "Maximum Applied Water Allowance" means, for design
purposes, Ihe upper limit of annual applied water for the establiShed
landscaped area as specified in S~on 492 tel (2). 11 is based upon
Ihe area's reference evapotranspiration, thE' ET Adjustment Factor,
and the size of the landscaped area. The Estimated Applied Water
Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
(y) "mined-land reclamation projects" means any surface
mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance
wit~ the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.
(z) "mulch" means any material such as leaves, bark, slraw or
oiller malerials left loose and applied to the soil surface !or Ihe
benefiCial purpose of reducing evaporatiO~ .
e .. ) 'operatlng pr ... ure" means the pressure at which a system
01 sprinklers is designed to operate, usuaNy indicated at the base of
a sprJ nkler.
(bb) "overh.ad sprinkler Irrlg.tion systems" means those
With high flow rates (pop-ups, impulse sprinklers, rotors, etc.)
(cc) "onr.pr.y" means the water which is delivered beyond the
landscaped araa, wetting pavemems, widks, structures, or other non
landscaped areas.
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(dd) "plant f.ctar" means a factor that when multipliec! by
r.ferance evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used
by plants. For purposes of this ordina"Ce, tM average plant factor
of low water using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3. for avaragfl waler
using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water using plants
the range is 0.7 10 1.0.
(ee) "r.'n aenll"g device" means a system which aulomatically
shulS off tne irrigation system when ij rains.
(If) "record drawing" or "as"builts" means a set 01
reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work
made during construction and which are uscally based on drawings
f\'1arked up in the fierd and other data furnished by the contractor.
(99) "recreational .rea" means areas 01 active play or
recreation such as sports fieldS, school yards. picniC grounds, or
other areas with intense loot traffiC.
(hh) "recycled water." "reclaimed water," or "treated
sewage effillent water" means treated or recycled waste water
of a qualijy suitable tor nonpotable uses such as landscape
irrigation: not intended for human consumption,
(ii) "ref.renelt evapDt,an,piration" or "ETo" means a standard
measvrement of en,ironmental parameters which affect the water
use of plants. ETo is \liven in inches per day, month. Of year as
represented in Section 495. and is an estimate of the
ellapotranspiration 01 a large field of four-10 seven-inch tall, cool
season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiralion is
used as the basis of determining Ihe Maximum Applied Water
Anawancas so that regional differences in Climate can be
accommodated.
(jj) "r.habilltated landecape" meaas any relandscaping project
Ihat requires a perm~.
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(kk) "run off" me&r.s _te, , .. ,hich is no1 absOibed by the sailor
landscape 10 whk:h " is applied and ftows from the area. For
example, ru n off may .es iJft from waler that Is appnad at 100 great a
rale (appiica!lon rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when Ihare is a
severe slope.
(II) "toil moleture aen81ng device" means a device IItal
meas u res Ihe amount of water in tlte soil.
(mm) "IOU texture" means the classification of soil based on the
percentage of sand, stH, and clay i" the soil.
(nn) "sprinkler head" means a device which sprays waler through
a nozzle.
(00) "static water prossure" means the pipeline or municipal
waler supply pressure when waler is not flowing.
(pp) "81.t;on" means a~ area served by one valve or by a set of
valves that operate simullaneously.
(qq) "turt" means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass
with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial
ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are rool-season grasses.
Bermudagnss, Kikuyugrass, Seashore paspa1um, St Augustinegras.,
Zoyslagrass, and Bulfalo grass arB warm-season grasses.
(rr) "val"e" means a device used to control the ~ow of wate, in
th e Irrigati on system.
(ss) "weter con •• rvallon concept atat,menl" means a one·
page checklist and a narrallve summary 01 the project as shown in
SectIon 492 (c) (1).
Note: Section 65594, Gov. Code. Reference: Section 65597, Gov. Code.
492. Provisions for New or Rehabilitated Landscapes
(a) Appllcab!l ity
(t) Except as provi<led in Secl~n 492 (a) (3), this section shall
apply to:
(A) an new and rehabilrtated landscaping IOf public agency
projects and private development projects Ihat require a
permit; and
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(S) dElveloper·insta!lsd landscaping in single-family and multi
family projects.
(2) Projects subject to Ihis section snail conform to the provisions
in Section 492.
(3) This section shaJl not apply to:
(A) homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and
multi-family projects;
(S) cemeteries;
(e) registered historical srtes;
(0) ecological re$\Oral~n projects that do not require a
permanent irrigation aySlem;
(E) mined-land reclamation projeets Ihat dO not require a
permanent irrigation system; or .
(F) any project with a landscaped arGa less than 2,500 square
feet.
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(b) Landscape Documentation Package
(1) A copy of the landscape documentation paCkage conforming to
this CI\aplIIf shan be submitted to the city or county. No perm~ shall be
issueD until the City or county re.iews and approves the landscape
documentallon package.
(2) 1\ copy of the approved landscape doeumentaliOn package shaN
be provided to the property owner or s~e manager along with the record
drawings and an)' other information normally forwarded to the property
owner or s~e manager.
(3) A copy of the Water ConservatIon Concept Statement and Ihe
Certificate of Substantiat Completion shall !le senl by Ihe project
manager to the local retail wate, purveyor.
(4) Each landscape documentation package shan include the
following elements, which are described in Saelion 492 (c),,
(A) Water Conservation ,Concept Statement
(B) Calcula~on of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(C) Calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use
(D) Calculation of the Estimated Total Wat~r Use
(E) landscape Design Plan
(F) Irrigation Design Plan
«(3) Irrigation Schedules
(H) Maintenance Schedule
(I) Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
(J) Grac1i ng Design Plan
(K) Soil AnalySis
(l) Certificate of Substantia! Completion. (To be submitted
after installation of ths project.)
(5) II effective precipitation is Included in the calculation of the
Estimated Total 'Nater Use, then an Effective Preciprtation Disclosure
Statement from the landscape professiOnal and the property ownllr shall
be submitted with the Landscape DocumentatiOn Package.
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(c) Elements of Landscape Documentation Package
(1) Water Conservation Concept Statement
Each landscape documentation package shall include a cover sheel,
referred to as th& Water Conservation Concept Stalemem similar to the
following example. ~ serves as a check list to verify thai the elements of
tha landscape documentation paCkage have been completed and has a
narrative summary of the project.
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Sample Water Con •• rvatlon Concept Statement
Project Site: Proj9cl Number:
Project Location:
Landscape Architect! Irrigation Desigr.er! Co~tractor:
Included in this project submittal package a'~:
(Check to indicate completion)
1. Maximum Applied Weter Allowance:
14
____ 9allons or cubic feetlyear
2. Estimated Applied Water Use:
____ gallons or cubic feetlyear
2.(a) Estimated Amount of Water erpected from
Effective Pre!:ipltlition: __ ~ganons or cubic feetlyear
3. E.tlmllted Total Wate, Use:
___ gallons 0' cubic feetlyear
Note: • If the design assumes that a part of the Estimated Tolal
Water Use will be provided by precipitation, Ihe Effect"e
Precipitation Disclosure Statement in Section 494 shall be
completed and submitted.
4. Landscape Design P1an
5. Irrigation Design Plan
S. Irrigation Schedules
7. Maintenance Schedule
B. Landscape Irrigaticn Audit Schedule
g. Grading Design Plan
10. Soil Analysis
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(Sample W.ter Coneerv.tloil Concepl Statement, continued)
Descr1ptlon 0' l'roject
(Btie~y describe the planning and design aclions that are intended to
achieve conservation and efficiency in water use.)
Date: Prepared By: ___ _
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(2) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(A) A prOject's Maximum Applied Water AJlQW8nce shall be
calculated using the following formula:
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (tA) (0.62) where:
t6
MAWA
ETo
O.B
LA
0.62
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (ganons per year)
= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
~ ET Adjustment Factor
~ Landscaped Area (SQuare feet)
= conversion factor (tc gallons per square foot)
(8) Two example calcula~ons of the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance are:
(i) PROJECT SITE ONE: Landscaped area of 50,000 SQ. ft. in Fresno
MAWA = (ETo) (.8) (LA) (.62)
= (51 inches) (.8) (50,000 square feet) (.62)
Maximum Applied Water Allowance = 1,264,800 gallons per year
(or 1,691 hundred-cubic-feet per year: 1,264,800/748~1 ,691)
(ii) PROJECT SITE TWO, Landscaped area of 50,000 SQ. ft. in San
Francisco
MAWA = (::To) (.8) (LAj (.S2)
= (35 inches) (.8) (50,000 SQuare feet) (.62)
Maximum Applied Water AHowance = 868,000 gallons per year
(or 1,160 hundred-cubic-feet per year)
(C) Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such
as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or schual yards
where turf provides a play; n9 surface Of serves other recreBlio nal
purposes are considered recreational areas and may require water in
addrtion 10 the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. A statement
shall be included wrth the landscape design plan, designating
recreational areas to be used for such purposes and specifying any
needed amount of addmonal water above the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance.
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(3) Estimated Applied Water Use
(Al The Estimated Appned Water Use shan not exceed tne Maximum
Applied Waler Allowance.
(Bl A calcula~on of the Estimaled Applied Water Use shan be
submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package II may be
calculated by summing Ihe amount of water recommendea in Ihe
irrigalion schedule.
(4) Estimated Total Water Use
(A) A calcula~on of the Estimated Total Water Use shall be
submined with the Landscape Documentation Package. The
Estimated Total Water Use may be calculaled ~y summing the
amount of waler recommended in Ihl' irrigalion schedule and adding
any amount of water expected from effe~ve precipitalion (nol 10
t;"~eed 25 percent of ttle local annual mean precip~ation) o. may be
~alculaled from a formula such as Ihe following:
The Estimaled TOlal Waler Use fO( ihe entire landscaped area equals
Ihe sum of the Estimaled Waler Use of all hydrozones in Ihal
landscaped area.
EWU (hydrozone) = (ETo) (PF) (HA) (.62)
(IE)
EWU (hydrozone) = Estimated Waler Use (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration ~nches per year)
PF = planl faClor
HA hydrozone area (square feel)
(.62) = conversion faClor
IE irrigation efficillncy
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(9) If !tie Estimated Total Water Use is greater than the
Estimated Applied Water Use due 10 precipitalion being
included as a source of watgr, an Effoctive Prec;pijatiOn
DiSCloSure Statement suell as the one in Section 494 shall be
Included in the Land~ Documentation Package.
(5) Landscape Design Plan
A landscape design plan meeting the folloWIng requirements shall be
submitted as part of the landscape documentalion package.
(A) Plant Selection and Grouping
(I) Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the
Estimated Applied Water Use recommended does not exceed Iha
Maximum AppOed Water Allowance and that the plants mee'
the specifications set forth in (ii), (iii) and (Iv).
(ii) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together
in distinct hydrozones,
(iii) Plants shall be selected app~opriately based upon their
adaptabil~y to the ClimatiC, geologic, and topographical
conditions of the s~e. Protection and preservation of naHva
species and natural areas is encouraged. The planting of trees
is encouraged wherever it is consistent with the other
provisions of this ordinance.
(iv) Fire prevention ,,"ds shall be addressed in areas tnat are
fire prone. InfOrmation abOut fire prone areas and appropriate
land~caping f(>( fire safely is available from local fire
departments or the California Department of Forestry.
(8) Water F .. tur ••
(i) Recirculating water shan be used for decorative water
fealures.
(ii) Pool and spa covers are encouraged.
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The landscape design plan shan be drawn on project base sheets at a
scale thaI accurately and clearly identifies:
(i) Designation of hydrozones.
(ii) Landscape materials, Irees, shrubs, groundccver, lurf, aM olher
vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants
Iabei6d by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing,
and quanmies of each group of plants indicated.
(iii) Property lines and street names.
(Iv) Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
(v) Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls.
(iii) Existing and proposed buildings and structures including
elevation if applicable.
(vii) Natural features including but not limited to rock
outcroppings, existing trees, shrubs that will remain.
(viii) Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and
any olher applicable planting and installation detai:s.
(ix) A calculation of Ihe lotal landscaped area.
(xl Designation of recreational areas.
(6) Irrigation Design Plan
An irrigation design plan meeling the following condruons shall be
submitted as part of the landscape Oocumenlation Package.
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(A) Irrigation Oe.lgn Crlt.rla
(I) Runoff and Overepf8Y. Soil types and infiltralion rate shall
be considered when designing irrigation systems. All irrigation
systems shall be designed to avoid runoN, low head draJnagE',
overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto
adjacent property, non·irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or
structures. Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including
features such as repeat cyCles, shan be used to closely match
application rates 10 infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.
Special attenlion shall be given to avoid runoN on slopes and to
avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less Ihan tBn f'3et.
and in median strips.
No overhead sprinkler irrigation systems shall be installed in
, median strips 19S5 than ten feet wide.
(Ii) Irrigation Efficiency. For Ihe purpose of detarmining the
maximum applied water allowance, irrigalion efficiency is assumed
to be 0.625. irrigation systems shan be designed, maintained, and
managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency.
(i i I) equipment.
Water metere. Separate landscape water m6lers shall be
installed for all projects except for single family homes or
any project with a landscaped area of lass Ihan 5,000 SQuare
fsel.
ContTolI,rs. Automatic control systems shall be required for
all irrigation systems and must be able 10 accommodate all
aspects of the deSign.
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V.lve.. Plants which require dillerent amounts of water
shall be irrigated by separate valves, If one valve is used for a
given area, only plants with similar waler use shall be used in
that area, Anti-drain (check) valves Sh211 be Inslalled I"
strategic points 10 mlnlmile or pre,ent low-head drainage,
Sprinkler h •• ds. Heads and emitters shan have consistent
appncalion rates wilhln each control valve circuit Sprinkler
headS shan be selected for proper area coverage, application
(ale, operating pressure, adjuslment capability, and ease of
mainteriance.
Rain Sensing Override Devices. Rain sensing override
devices shall be requirec1 on all irrigation syslems,
Soli Moisture SenSing Devices. It is recommended that
soil moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate.
(8) Recycled Water
(i) The Installation of recycled water irrigation syslems (dual
distribution systems) shall be required to allow for, the current and
future use of recycled water, unless a writtl'n exemption has been
granted as described in the following section (9) (il).
(ii) Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a
written .xemption has been granted by the local water agency,
stating that recyCled water meeting all health standards is not
avaJl able and will not ~ avail able in the loreseeabl e t.n ure.
(iii) The recyc:fed water irrigation systems shall be designed and
operated in accordance with all 101'...81 and state codes,
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ee) Irrlgallon Delign Plan Specifications
Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent wnh
hydrozones.
The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It
shail be separate !rom, but use the same format as, the landscape des<sn
plan, The scale shall be the same as that used tor the landscape design
plan described in Section 492 (c) (5) (e)
T!l8 irrigation design plan sha~ accurat91y and clearly identify:
(i) Location and Si29 of separate water meters fer lhe landscape.
(ii) LocaUon, type, and size of all components of the irrigation
system, including automatic cl)nlroliers, main anc lateral lines,
valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing dev<ces, rain switches,
quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices,
(iii) StatiC water pressure at the point of connection to the public
water supply,
(iv) FlOw rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches pe,
hour), and design operating pressure (psj) for each station.
(v) Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in the Section
492 (e) (4) (B),
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(7) Irrigation Schedules
Irrigation schedules satisfying the lollowing condHions shall be
subm!l1ad as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(A) An annual ilTi9ation program with monthly irrigation schedules
$ha~ be required for the plant establishment period, for the established
landscape, and for any temporarilY irrigated a'eas.
(B) The irrigation schedule shall:
(i) include run time (in minutes per cyc,e' suggesled number
QI cycles per day, and frequency of irr., lion lor each station;
and
(il) provide the amount of applied waler (in hundred cubiC
feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units the local wale,
supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual basis
(el The total amount of water for the project shall include water
deSignated in the Estimated Total Water Use calculation plus water
neeCled for a"y water features, which shan be considereCl as a high water
using hydrazone.
(0) Recreational areas Clesignated in the landscape design plan shall
be tUghlighled and the ir'igation s:hedule shall iodicete if any additional
water is needed above the Maximum Applied Wate' Allowance because of
high plant factors (but nOI due to ilTi9atioo ineffiCiency.)
(E) Whenever possj~e, irrigation scheduling shan incorporate the
use of evapotranspiration data such as t:10se from the California
Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to
apply the appropriate levels of water for different cromates.
(F) Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled
between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. !o avoid irrigating during times of high
wind or high temperature.
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(8) M!IIintenance Schedules
A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following conditions
shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:
(A) Landscapes shan be maintained to ensure waler IJfficiency. A
regular maintenance schedule shan inctu<le but not be limrted to checking,
adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resening the automatic
controRar; aerating and dethatching turf araas; replenishing mulch;
fertilizing; pruning. and weeding in all landscaped areas.
(8) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done
with the originally speCified materials or their equivalents.
(9) Landscape Irrigation Audit SchedulE'!!
A schedule of landscape irrigation audits, for all but single family
residences, satisfying t~e following conditions shall be submined to the
city or county as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
(A) At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State of
California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the
Landscape Irriga~on AuditO<' Handbook, the entire document, which is
hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Audilor
Handbook (June 1990) version 5.5 [forrrerfy Master A~1itor Training).)
(8) The schedule shall provide for landscape irrigabon audits to be
conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every
five years.
(10) Grading Design Plan
Grading design plans satisfying the follOwing condhions shall be
submit19d as part of the Landscape Oocumenta~on Package.
(A) A grading design pian shall be drawn on project base sheets. It
shan t 3 separate from but US9 the same formal as the landscape design
plan.
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(9) The grading design plan Shall indicate finished configurations
and elevations of the landscaped area. including the height of gradad
slopes, drainage patterns. pad elevation., and fifli$h grade.
(11) Soils
(A) A so~ analysiS satisfying the following conditions shall be
submitted as pan 01 the Landscape Documentalion Package.
(i) Determination of soil texture. indicating the percentage of
organic matler.
(ii) An approximate soli infiltration rate iei!her measurecl or
derived from soil texture(tnfiltration rale tables.) A range of
infi~ration rates shall be nOled where appropriate.
(iii) Measure of pH, and total soluble salts.
(S) A mulch of at least three inches shaH be applied to all planting
areas except 1urf.
"
(12) Certification
(A) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the
irrigation system, an ilrlgation audit shall be conducted by a certified
landscape irrigation auditor prior te the final field observation. (See
Landscape Irrigation AudHor Handbook as referenced in Sec~o n
492 (~)(9)(A)).
(8) A licensed landscape a,cMect or contractor, certified
26
irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified profusional in a related
field shall condlJC! a final field observation and shall provide a certificate
of substantial completion to the city or county. The certificate shall
specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified, that the
irrigation system was installed as designed, and that an irrigation audi1
has been performed, along with a nst 01 any observed defiCiencies.
(Cl Certification shall be accomplished by completing a Certificate
of Substantial Completion and delivering it to the crty or county, 10 the
relan water supplier, and to the Owner of Record. A sample of such a
lonm, whieh shall be provided by the city or county is:
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SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Project Site: ______ _ Project Number:
Project Location: ________________ _
Preliminary
5 ubmittal)
t,
Project Documentation Submitted: (check indicating
2.
Maximum Applied Water Allowance:
__ (1Ill1ons or cubic
Estimated Applied Water Use:
lee! per year}
2a.
(gallo", or cubic fUliyear)
Estimated Amount of Water Expected Irom
Elfective Preclpitalion: ____ (gallons or cubic futlyear)
3, Estimated Totl1l Water Use:
___ (gallons or cubic feeUyear)
Note: • 11 the design assumes that a pan of Ihe Estimated Total Water
Use will be provided by precipitation, the Effective Precipitation
Disclosure Statement in Section 495 shall be completed and submitted.
The Estimated Amount of Waler Expecled from Effective PreCipitation
shall not exceed 2S percent of the local annual mean preCipitation
(average rainfall,'
4. Lanciscapa Design Pia n
5. Irrigation Design Plan
6. Irrigation Sch9dules
7. Maintenanca Schedule
8. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
9, Grading Design Plan
10. Soil Analysis
Post·lnll.IIIUon In.pactlon: (Chec~ indicating substantial
completion)
A. Plants installed as specified
B. Irrigation system installed as designed
dual distribution system for recycled
minimal run off or overspray
C. Landscape IRrigation Aud~ pertormed
water
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(Certificate of Sub.lentl.1 Completlan, continued)
__ Project submittal package and a copy of :his certification h3S been
prol'ided to ownerlmanager and local water age ncy
Commonts:
l!we certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract
documents.
Contractor Signature Date S'.ate license Number
Uwe certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been
substantially completed in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordi~ance and that the landscape planiing and irrigation installation
conform wnh the appmved plans acd specifications.
Landscape Architect Signahora Date State Lieaf,sa Number
or Irrigation Designer/Consullant
or Licensed or Certified Professional in a Related Field
l!we certify that l!we have received all of tha contract documents and
that it is our responsibil~y to sse that the project is mairtained in
accordance with the c:omracl documents.
Owner Signature Date
Note: Authority cited: Section 65594, Gov. Code. Reference: Section
65597, Gov. Code.
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Cd) Public Education
(1) Publlcaliona.
(A) Local agencies shall provide intormatiofl to owners of all new,
single family residential homes regarding the design, installatior, and
maintenance ot waIQr efficient taooscapes
(6) Information about the efficient use of landscape water shall be
provided to water users throughout the communrty.
(2) Model Homes,
At least one mooel roome that is landscaped in each project
consisting of eight Of more homes shan demonstrate yia signs and
information the principles of water efficient landscapes described io thiS
ordinance.
(A) Signs shan be used to identify the model as an example of a
water efficient laOO5Cape and featuring elements such as hydrozones,
irrigation equipment and others which contribute to the oyerall water
efficient theme.
(8) InformatiOn shall be proyided abcut designing, installing, and
maintaining water efficient landscapes.
Note: Authority cited: Section 65594, GOY, Code. Reference: Section
65597.
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493. PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES.
(a) Water Management
All exiS1ing landscaped areas to which the city or county provides
water that are one acre or more, including go~ courses, green be~s,
common areas, mulli·family housing, schools, businesses, parks,
cemeteries, and publlCly owned landscapes sMIl have a landscape
irrigation audit at least every five years. Al a minimum, the aw:!ij shall
be in accordance with the California Landscape Water Management
Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the
entire docLiment which is heraby incorporated by reference. (See
Landscape Irrigation Auditor HandbOok, Dept. of Water Resources, Water
Conservation Office (June t990) version 5.5.)
(t) If the project's water bills i:1dicate that they are using less
than or equal to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for that project
site, an audrt shall not be required.
(2) Recognition of projects that slay within the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance is encouraged.
(b) Water Waste Prevention
Cities and counties shall prevent water waste resulting
ineffiCient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff, low head
overspray, or other similar condrtions where water flows onto
pr()!Jerty, non·irrigated areas. walks, roadways. 0' structures.
for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally.
from
drainage,
adlacenl
Penalties
(Authority Cited: Section 65594. Gov. Code. Rltference: Section 65597,
Gov. Code.)
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Section 494, Effective Precipitation
If elfe<:tive precipttation is included in the calculation of the
Estimated Total Water Use, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure
Statement (similar to the following Sample Effective PreClp~a!ion
Disclosure Statement) shall be completed, signed, and submitted with the
Landscape Documentation Package, No more than 25 percent of the local
annual mean precfp~ation shall be considered effective precipitation in
the calculation of the Estimated TOlal Water Use,
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SAMPLE EFFECTiVE PRECIPITATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
I certify that I have infomled lhe projeci "wiler and developer lhal this
projeCt depends on (gallons or cubic feet) of effective
preciplta~on per year. This represents percent of the local mean
precipila~ on 01 inches per year.
I have based my assumptions about the amount of precipit .... on that is
effective upon: .._ .. ___
I certify that I have informed the project owner and developer thgt in
times of drought, there may not be enough waler available to keep the
entire landscape alive.
Licensed or Certified Landscape ProfessiGnal
I certify that ) have been informed by lhe licensed or certified landscape
professional that '<his project depends upon .. __ (gallons or cubiC feet)
of effective praciprtation per year. This represents percent of
lhe local mean precipitation of inches pe' year.
I cef!ify that I have been infOrmed thai in times of drought, there may not
be enough water aV8Jlable to keep the enbre landscapo alive.
----------------Owner Developer
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495.
REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPlflATrON
in Inches (Historical Data, extrapolate<! from 12-Month Normal Year
ETo Maps and U.C. pubrlCStion 21426)
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Section 495 Continued
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Section 495 Continued
Ann.
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Section 495 Continued
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ATTAC1L'1ENT Ii
City of Palo Alto -Planning Department
Lands~pe Guidelines
Purpose
The PUTJXlSC of Ihese guidelines is to promote efficient water use through landscape
design and management appropriate. to Pa]o Alta's climate zone.
Applicability
1. The guidelines apply to new and rehabHitated industrial. c::munercial and
instltutional landscaping and new and rehabilitated multi-family common areas l
reqllir'dlg a permit or review by the City.
2. Single-family residences and mull i-family private areas are exempt iTom these
guidelines. However, all residents are encouraged to follow them.
Plant Selection
I. Plants selecled in non-ten, landscaped areas ' shall be well suiled 10 the climale
of the region and require minimal water once established. Up to 10% of
landscaped area may be planted wit.1t nOD-drought tolerant plant varieties as long
as they are grouped together and can be irrigated separately,
lFor the purpose of this document, common area is defined as those areas ina
residential development maintained by either the developer or a homeowner's association.
'For the purpose or this document, landscaped ar"" is defined as the parcel less
building pad(s), drivcwsY' and parking areas. Example. of landscaped area could include:
planted areas, water bodies, patios, decb, walkways and natura! areas. A natural area
is one oc.cupied by mature plants, native or acdjmated plants grov.ing on undisturbed
grad~s, and which is not irrigated.
o
Examples of suitable watcr--c:onserving plants arc attac:hed 8!; Ex.!ubit L Other low
water use plants may be submitted for review.
Turf Seledion and Limitations
1. Turf may be anowed as landscaping in industrial, commercial, and institutional
projet:ts. It must be clearly designated to fa,-ilitate human acu...;ties, such as in
play s.paces or entertainment areas. Turf may not exceed 25 perceni of the
tands.:aped arez unless it is s.pecifically recommended by the .Ard.itectural Review
Board aDd approved by the Director of P!.aruting and Communif)-' Environment
Turf li..,..,tatioru do not .~ply to private open space in single and multi-famlly
residc:rHjaI areas and for public parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and school
recreation areas.
2. No turf shall 'be allowed in median strips, parking strips, in parking areas, or in
areas Jess than eight (8) feet wide.
3. Sh~pe of t:urf area must be capable of sprinkler coverage with minimal oven.pray.
Decorative Use of Water
I. Water bodies that are part of the landscape design are dL'lCouraged. Unless the
Vtater body can be demonstrated to be an integral part of the operaHons of the
development,. the surface area of the water body shall be counted as turf in the
calculations for limitations of turf for the landscaped area.
2. Fountains or other types of decorative water bodie~ OloIhere v.-ater is sprayed into
the air are discoUl"llged. "Misting" will not be anow.d. Aho, greater effec" can
be realized by d~s.igning f0 untains so that each drop of pumped watei faDs
repeatedly, yielding severaJ splashes during a single _'Yde.
Fountains wing recirculated water only. and which are designed to mmnn17..e
evaporation, arc allowed. The surface area of the fountain shan be counted as
turf in tae calculations for limitations of tun for the landscaped area,
3. The specifications of the landscape design ,haJJ include the projected wa'er
consumption of each 9,!ater f~ture stated in gallons pcr caj.
4. AIl fountains and/or athe, types of decorative \~ .. ater bodies may be pra111bited to
be re-filled during a City C~unci1 declared water emergency.
2
Soli Conditioning & Mulching
1. For project!. with a landscape ar(! greater than 44,COO square feet, a basic sc·d
chemistry analysis or horticultural suitability anal:fiLs is required. The s011 analysis
shan be made, for approved projects, after rough gradir.g is completed. If soil is
imported for usc in the: landscaped area, an analysis shaD be submitted from each
different !OUICe of origin of that fill material. Samples will be selected for 2nalysis
from each different soil type area of the projecl Final inspections of the project
will Det be completed without receipt of the soils t~t report.
2. Soi1 will be amended according to report :ecommend2tions. Recommended
amendments shall be incorporated at least six inches in to the soil.
3. A minimum of 2 inches of mulch shaIl be added in Don·turf areas to the soil
surface after planting except for areas planted with a non·turf ground cover which
shall have a minimum of 1 mcb of mulch added to the soil surface. Non·pmDus
material !Shall not be placed under the mulch.
Irrigation
1. Specifications for irrigation systems shall ensure that ali requirements of the
adopted unified plumbing code are mel
2. The irrigation system shan be separated from the City of Palo Alto water supply
by a backflow prevention devi~ or devices approved by the City Utilities
.Department. The cross~nnectiQn officer of the Department of Utilities maintains
a list of approved devices,
3. Low volume irrigation systems shall be used. Low-volume s-:;rink1ers are denncc
as entitling less than .85 inches of water per hour. The flow rate for bubblers
shatl not exceed ].S gallons per minute per device.
4. Sprinklers and spray heads shall no< be used in areas less than eight (8) reel wide.
Drip and bubbler device, sban be used in such areas.
5. Each separate water·use zone of plant materials shall have a separate irrigation
circuit. Each irrigation circuit shaD have its own circuit ('ontrol valve with a
pressure regulator.
6. Drip or bubbler irrigation systems are required for trees.
7. Sprinkler heads must have matched precipitation rates within each control val .... e
circuit. That ~ all sprinkler heads con tbe same line should have the same volume
output per square foot.
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Serviceable check/dram-down valves are required at kJw points in the irrigation
lines to prevent Joss of 'W8~er held in the lines through the!t-e jaw pcints when the
system is not in use.
Spri~kle! hud .pacing ,hall be designed for head·to-head coverage. The system
sball be dc3:ig:ned far minimum runoff and overspray onto nonairrigated areas,
10.. The system must be d .. igned to prevent runoff. The rat, of precipitative from
any part of the water delivery S"jStem must match the sou absorption Idle and/or
the degree 0{ slope.
II. All irrigation sys!ems shall be equipped with a controller capable of dual or
multiple prog-ammjns Controllers must have multiple programming. Controllers
must bave a mu/liple cycle ,tan ca ""city and a calendar program which can be
changed seasonally.
AI! automatic controllers will be set to scbedule sprinkler cperation bet¥.'ef"D 7 p.m.
and 10 a.m. Drip and bubbler devices may be scheduled .: any time.
12 Plans shaD include 8 water·usc plan that includes the foUowing:
a Pl?cipitation rates for each irrigation circuit in the design plan stated in flow
rate per type of cmittf".l".
o Monthly irr'.gation schedule for tJ-.e plant establishment period and for the
first year thereafter.
o An operadrg schedule cban is to be affixed to tile irrigation controller
station. This chart is to be c!early Marked with the timer settings for each
circuit for each season. A copy 0{ the operanng schedule chan is to be
submitted before the final inspection of the project is corn;>leted,
13. See the Appendix for a chan of historical precipitation rates in Palo Alto as a
guide to naturally available rainfall.
4
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APPENDIX
Histo.rlcal PrecipItation Rates on Palo. AltD
JO..Year Normai A~ in Recmt DrotllllU Yean
MOftth (1951·1,.,,) (1"'.1!177 ... lm·l98S) _ ..
IDch<s
]'Iy 0.04 0..05
AIl.o.0u5l 0..06 0.21
Sqncmbea 0.18 {I.16
Octobc: 065 0.45
Ncm::mber 1.!2 1.25
December 2.8S 1.79
January HI 1.34
R:Oruary 2.7:1 0.47
Marcl\ 1.92 1.41
April 1.17 0..67
May 0.33 056
lune 0..07 0.04
ANNUAL TOTAL ~4.n 8.46
~I
M . ,
•.
EX~191T I
Drollgfjt-Tolerant Plants
. arid Landscapes
" "', ','., _. " '
• When to Plant
l>.mng a water shortage or drought, there is always emphasis on "un thirsty" or "dro\lght
tolerant" plants. However, "z"oting drought-tolnant"lant. during 4 drought is NOT.
good idea. Even plants requiring little water when they have ,natured need watering
when fmit pl=ted. Regular, deep waterl.-.g is necessary to establish plants during the first
year and sometimes even during the serond year after planting.
The immediate solution to water shortages is to inventory t."e plants you currently have to
identify existing drought-tol,,-rant spedes and tu adjust your watering to use only as much
as absolute! y necessary.
For the long term, develop a landscape plan that includes drought-tolerant plants. Imple
ment it. little at a time to gradually add to or replace your current landscaping. A well
planned landscape, appropriate to Californla's climate, looks attractive and saves water,
work and money .
• Types of Drought-Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants are generally not bothered by weeds or pests, r",ulre little prun
ing and some plar.ts re-seed themselves season after season. Low-water use plants also
require less mainteruuu:e thar. their higher-maintenance coLL'ins, such as rases and rhodo
dendrons. The plants best suited for drought-tolerant landscapes are natives of California,
Australia. or the Mediterranean. Whether flowers, ground covers, shrubs or trees, these
plants need only three months of rain and manage with little or no water the rest of the
year.
We've provided you with a list of drought-tolerant plants on the following pages. The
plants on this list can tolerate little or no watering during the summer oncr they hall'
become established. Most of them are also tolerant of heat and wind. Your local nurS"-,)"
the garden section at your library, Icc!l garden clubs and horticultural societies can pro
vide additional information about soil requirements, sur. or .hade tolerance, and sources
for obtaining plants.
o o
Here ore explanatiOn> 01 some 01 the list categories:
Good v,.4Iu...ge -do not plan t in =modified, heavy dily sou.
lmg"tio" -prefers at least one warering each month for the hottest 6 months of the }"ear
AlhrliM Sam -high in calcium or magnesium; pH of 8-9
SpriJI1clns -plants tolera1e water on foliage and flower,; with ll'i.-iliruIl dan-.age from
mildew or other moisture problems
• References
An excellent reference and the SOlll'l'e of this listing of plants is:
Watcr-eonKTyjna Planf:rt and l,ndaaga: Em the Bay Am by the East Bay Munici
pal Utility District (EBMt.JD). AvallabJe at EBMtJD AiaIno BusL'tess Office, Box 937,
Alamo, CA 945<J7. Coot is $11 by mail or$8 if yt>u picldt up at their business office.
Another reference you can send for is:
SU"", List At Wa\rr:Cgnoeryjna pjanla. by the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.
Available by mail from Saratoga Horticultural Foundation. ISIS;; Mwphy Avenue,
San Martin. CA 9~. Cost is $7.75.
The Palo Alto libraries have many good referenO!S to help you plan a drought-tolerant
garden or rome landscape.
You may also wish to visit some drought·tolerant garden exIu'bits. Existing gardens in the
Bay Area include:
• Strybing Arboretum, 9th & Unroln, San Francisro
• University of Califomla at Berkeley, Botanic Garden, Centennial Drive, Berkeley
• Uni ve.-sity of Califomla at Santa Cruz, Arboretum, Santa Cruz
• TIlden Garde!\s, East Bay Regional Parks, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland
H you would like more Information on drought-tolerant landscapes or garCen exluDits
outside the Bay Area, call US and l5lc for our factsheet "'Sources of Information on l.and
scape Water Conservationw
•
City of P.u, M'" Utilitiu • E""ll/ s..w..
P.O. B ... 111250 • P.loM""CA. 94303
~2241
1
..
Ust of Drought·
Tolerant Plants
• Trees
Blackwood ac. da
_~ll1.()()th Arizona cypress
Red gum -----------'-I-....... ..!'!'---
• Shrubs
Western redbud
3
,r'-,
~---......... --.~
List of Drougilt
TorerantPlants
• Herbaceous Plants
,
....;;--,
o
List of Drought·
Tolerant Plants
St. John's wort
5 ---'---~--,
-1
/\
i
"
o
List of Drought
Tolerant Plants
• Vines
• Ground Covers
Acacia redolens
• Bulbs
Naked
Peruvian
, t
o
City of Palo Alto Utilities • ElCLTgy $en'!t:t'5
P. O. Boz 10250 • P,lI" Alto, CA. • 9<1303
329-2241
6
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