LANDSCAPING. Areas devoted to, or developed and maintained predominantly with, native or exotic plant materials including lawn, ground cover, trees, shrubs and other plant material. Landscaping may also include small amounts of accessory decorative outdoor landscape elements such as pools, fountains and paved or decorative surfaces, all of which are suitably designed, selected, installed and maintained to enhance a site.
APPLIED WATER. The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER. An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. A safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. Refers to the document required pursuant to § 153.160.140 of the city's Municipal Code.
CERTIFIED IRRIGATION DESIGNER. A person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer program.
CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR. A person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
CHECK VALVE or ANTI-DRAIN VALVE. A valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.
COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS. Community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments and stock cooperatives.
COMPOST. The safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
CONVERSION FACTOR (0.62). The number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.
DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY. The measure of uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.
DRIP IRRIGATION. Any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT. A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION or USABLE RAINFALL (EPPT). The portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.
EMITTER. A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.
ESTABLISHED LANDSCAPE. The point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically most plans are established after one or two years of growth.
ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD OF THE PLANTS. The first year after installing the plant in the landscape or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment. Native habitat migration areas and trees may need three to five years for establishment.
ESTIMATED TOTAL WATER USE (ETWU). The total water used per year per hydrozone, or sum of hydrozones, for the landscape.
ET ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (ETAF). A factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE. The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.
FLOW RATE. The rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices,
measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
FLOW SENSOR. An inline device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals sand operation master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water or submeter.
FRIABLE. A soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
GRAYWATER. Untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. GRAYWATER includes, but is not limited to wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
HARDSCAPES. Any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).
HYDROZONE. A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
INFILTRATION RATE. The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES. Species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and United States
Department of Agriculture invasive and noxious weeds database.
IRRIGATION AUDIT. An in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow and preparation of an irrigation schedule. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association's Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification Program or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'Watersense" labeled auditing program.
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY (IE). The measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this chapter are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.
IRRIGATION SURVEY. An evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.
IRRIGATION WATER USE ANALYSIS. A review of water use data based on meter readings and billing data.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 5615.
LANDSCAPE AREA. All the planting areas, turf areas and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the maximum applied water allowance calculation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes and
other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR. A person licensed by the State of California to construct, maintain, repair, install and subcontract the development of landscape systems.
LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE. The package of documents required to be submitted to the city pursuant to § 153.160.080.
LANDSCAPE PROJECT. The total area of landscape in a project as defined in 'landscape area" for the purposes of Subchapter 153.160.020 of the city's Municipal Code.
LANDSCAPE WATER METER. An inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.
LATERAL LINE. The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.
LOCAL WATER PURVEYOR. Any entity, including a public or private water company that provides retail water services. There are three LOCAL WATER PURVEYORS in Baldwin Park, Valley County Water District, San Gabriel Valley Water Company and Valley View Mutual Water Company.
LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION. The application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines and bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
MAIN LINE. The pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.
MASTER SHUT OFF VALVE. Is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system.
MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE (MAWA). The upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor and the size of the landscape area. The Estimated Total Water Use shall not exceed the MAWA. Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ET Adjustment Factor not to exceed 1.0. MAWA = (ETo) (.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)].
MEDIAN. An area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses.
MICROCLIMATE. The climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density or proximity to reflective surfaces.
MULCH. Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature and preventing soil erosion.
NEW CONSTRUCTION. For purposes of subchapter 153.160 new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE. Landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial and public settings that may have areas designed for recreational or public assembly. It also includes portions of common areas of common interest developments with designated recreational areas.
OPERATING PRESSURE. The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.
OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS. Systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).
OVERSPRAY. The irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
PERMIT. An authorizing document issued by the City of Baldwin Park for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
PERVIOUS. Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
PLANT FACTOR or PLANT WATER USE FACTOR. A factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of subchapter 153.160, the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors are derived from the publication, "Water Use Classification of Landscape Species". Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
PROJECT APPLICANT. The individual or entity submitting a Landscape Documentation Package, to request a permit, plan check or design review from the city. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.
RAIN SENSOR or RAIN SENSING SHUTOFF DEVICE. A component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.
RECORD DRAWING or AS-BUILTS. A set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and
which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor.
RECREATIONAL AREA. Areas, excluding private single-family residential areas, for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds, and amphitheaters.
RECYCLED WATER or RECLAIMED WATER. Treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption.
REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION or ETo. A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month or year, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the maximum applied water allowance so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated.
REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE. Any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check or design review, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE. Landscapes surrounding single or multifamily homes.
RUNOFF. Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.
SOIL MOISTURE SENSING DEVICE or SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR. A device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.
SOIL TEXTURE. The classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA (SLA). An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.
SPRINKLER HEAD. A device which delivers water through a nozzle.
STATIC WATER PRESSURE. The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing.
STATION. An area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
SUBMETER. A metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter.
SWING JOINT. An irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent equipment damage.
TURF. A ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
VALVE. A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
WATER CONSERVING PLANT SPECIES. A plant species identified as having a very low or low plant factor.
WATER FEATURE. A design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas and swimming pools (where water is artificially
supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment or stormwater best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or stormwater retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.
WATERING WINDOW. The time of day irrigation is allowed.
WUCOLS. The Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources 2014.
LAUNDROMAT. An establishment providing washing and drying machines on the premises for rental uses to the general public for the laundering of clothes.
LAUNDRY FACILITY, COMMERCIAL. Centralized contract laundries that launder fabrics from other businesses (such as uniforms, restaurant table cloths, bed linens, and the like). Also includes carpet and upholstery cleaning.
LIQUOR STORE. See FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES and ALCOHOL SALES, OFF-SALE OUTLET.
LOADING SPACE. An off-street spaces or berth on the same lot as the building it serves that is used for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise, materials or people.
LODGE. See CLUB.
LOT. A parcel that is separately owned or has been legally divided from a piece of real property according to the requirements of state law and this code as shown of the recorded plat in the office of the County of Los Angeles.
CORNER LOT. A lot or parcel of land abutting upon the intersection of two or more streets.
FLAG LOT. A lot with access to a street by means of a private driveway, access easement or parcel of land with a minimum width of 15 feet.
INTERIOR LOT. A lot bounded on one side by a street or easement that has been determined is adequate for access.
REVERSED CORNER LOT. A corner lot with a side lot line that is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the key lot that abuts the reversed corner lot.
THROUGH LOT. An interior lot having frontage on two approximately parallel streets.
LOT AREA. The total extent of the surface of a parcel of land within its lot lines as measured on a horizontal plane.
LOT COVERAGE. The percentage of the total lot area covered by enclosed structures and/or carports, but excluding uncovered steps, driveways, walks, covered patios, terraces and swimming pools.
LOT DEPTH. The average distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT FRONTAGE. The length of the defined front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line.
LOT LINE. Any line bounding a lot.
FRONT LOT LINE. A line separating an interior lot from a street, or a line separating the narrower street frontage of a corner lot from the street, or in the case of a reverse corner lot, either street side property line may be considered the front lot line.
REAR LOT LINE. A lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. For a triangular or irregular shaped lot, the rear lot line means a line ten feet in length within the lot which is parallel to the front lot line, or parallel to the chord of a curved front lot line, and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.
SIDE LOT LINE. Any lot line other than the front or rear lot line.
LOT WIDTH. The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth line at a distance midway between the front and rear lot lines.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12 ; Am. Ord. 1379, passed 11-4- 15)