(a) Consistent with the purposes of California Government Code Section 65591 (Water Conservation in Landscaping Act), all new development shall comply with the following water-conserving landscape requirements. Exceptions to these requirements include single-family and duplex residential development and cemeteries.
(b) To the greatest extent possible, landscape material shall consist of drought-tolerant plants. Low-water-use plants shall be used in at least fifty percent of the total planted area. Plant material selected shall be suitable for the given soil and climate conditions. Plant selection shall take into consideration water conservation through appropriate use and groupings of plants that are well adapted to particular sites and to particular watering needs, climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.
(c) The maximum area permitted for turf shall be fifty percent of the total area landscaped on the site. Higher percentages may be permitted when sod is an essential part of the development such as playing fields for schools or parks and residential model units. Turf usage shall only be permitted for highly visual and functional use areas. Turf shall not be permitted in areas difficult to irrigate, such as sidewalk strips, slopes over fifteen percent, or narrow pathways.
(d) Decorative water features such as pools, ponds, and waterfalls used in landscaped areas shall incorporate recycling of water, and where, available, use of reclaimed water. Decorative water features shall be designed to minimize water loss.
(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).