Skip to code content (skip section selection)
Compare to:
San Diego County Overview
San Diego County Comprehensive Ordinances
San Diego County Code of Administrative Ordinances
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDINANCES
County Officials
PREFACE
ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS*
ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS*
ARTICLE III GENERAL RULES*
ARTICLE IIIa ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR AGING AND INDEPENDENCE SERVICES*
ARTICLE IIIb COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY*
ARTICLE IIIc PAST GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE IIIj AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM*
ARTICLE IIIk AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM FOR VENDORS*
ARTICLE III l AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE IIIm AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM -- EMPLOYMENT*
ARTICLE IIIn SAN DIEGO COUNTY COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES*
ARTICLE IIIo COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COORDINATING COUNCIL*
ARTICLE IIIp FIRST 5 COMMISSION OF SAN DIEGO*
ARTICLE IIIq SAN DIEGO COUNTY BUSINESS PRACTICES REVIEW COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE IIIr REGIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION*
ARTICLE IIIs NORTH COUNTY GANG COMMISSION*
ARTICLE IIIt POLINSKY CHILDREN’S CENTER ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE IIIu SAN DIEGO SEX OFFENDER MANAGEMENT COUNCIL*
ARTICLE IIIv CHILD AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE IIIw ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
ARTICLE IV SAN DIEGO COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS*
ARTICLE IV-A ASSESSOR / RECORDER / COUNTY CLERK*
ARTICLE IV-B ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD*
ARTICLE IV-C ASSESSMENT HEARING OFFICER*
ARTICLE V AUDITOR AND CONTROLLER*
ARTICLE V-A PROCESSING AND CERTIFICATION OF ROUTINE CLAIMS*
ARTICLE VI BOUNDARY CHANGES*
ARTICLE VII BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES AND APPROPRIATION, REVENUE AND STAFFING LIMITATIONS*
ARTICLE VIIa TEMPORARY TRANSFERS OF FUNDS TO SPECIFIED AGENCIES WITHIN THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO*
ARTICLE VIII CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER*
ARTICLE IX OFFICE OF COUNTY COUNSEL*
ARTICLE X CLAIMS AGAINST THE COUNTY*
ARTICLE X-A CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS*
ARTICLE XI DEPARTMENT OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER*
ARTICLE XII COUNTY CLERK*
ARTICLE XII-A COUNTY LIBRARIAN*
ARTICLE XII-B DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - WEIGHTS AND MEASURES*
ARTICLE XII-C CITY/COUNTY TASK FORCE ON AGRICULTURAL/URBAN ISSUES AND PESTICIDES*
ARTICLE XII-D DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES*
ARTICLE XII-E PESTICIDE TASK FORCE*
ARTICLE XII-F COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE**
ARTICLE XIII-A DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND RECOVERY*
ARTICLE XIII-B DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES*
ARTICLE XIV JUVENILE DELINQUENCY PREVENTION COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XV HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY*
ARTICLE XV-AA SAN DIEGO COUNTY EYE GNAT ABATEMENT APPEALS BOARD*
ARTICLE XV-A SAN DIEGO COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE XV-B HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CHARGES AND FEES*
ARTICLE XV-C GENERAL RELIEF PROGRAM*
ARTICLE XVI CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING COUNCIL*
ARTICLE XVI-A ADVISORY BOARDS*
ARTICLE XVI-B SAN DIEGO COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XVI-C SAN DIEGO COUNTY FISH AND WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XVI-D SAN DIEGO COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XVI-E LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ZONE NO. 2 - JULIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XVII SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOSTER CARE SERVICES COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XVII-A SAN DIEGO COUNTY CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XVII-B SAN DIEGO COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XVII-C EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT OFFICE*
ARTICLE XVII-D WHISTLE BLOWER PROTECTION PROCEDURE; ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WHISTLE BLOWER COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XVII-E SAN DIEGO COUNTY TECHNOLOGY OFFICE*
ARTICLE XVII-F SAN DIEGO COUNTY EVALUATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XVIII CITIZENS LAW ENFORCEMENT REVIEW BOARD*
ARTICLE XVIIIa GRAZING ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE XIX ADULT INSTITUTIONS*
ARTICLE XIXa YOUTH CORRECTION CENTER*
ARTICLE XX FEES AND CHARGES*
ARTICLE XXA JUVENILE FACILITIES*
ARTICLE XXI INTERGOVERNMENTAL REPRESENTATION*
ARTICLE XXIa RULES OF CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE FOR PLANNING AND ZONING PROCESS*
ARTICLE XXIb PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW BOARD*
ARTICLE XXII DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES*
ARTICLE XXIIa OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR AND PUBLIC GUARDIAN*
ARTICLE XXIIb DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES*
ARTICLE XXIIc DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES*
ARTICLE XXIII DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING*
ARTICLE XXIIIa RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK*
ARTICLE XXIV PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT*
ARTICLE XXIV-A REGISTRAR OF VOTERS*
ARTICLE XXV SHERIFF*
ARTICLE XXVI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS*
ARTICLE XXVIa OUT-OF-COUNTY/IN-COUNTY BUSINESS*
ARTICLE XXVId LIMITATIONS ON MAKING GIFTS AND PROVIDING MEALS OR BEVERAGES*
ARTICLE XXVIe REIMBURSEMENTS AND ALLOWANCES*
ARTICLE XXVII BOARD OF SUPERVISORS*
ARTICLE XXVIII COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE*
ARTICLE XXVIIIa CODE OF ETHICS*
ARTICLE XXVIIId CONFLICT OF INTEREST INVOLVING FUNDING OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS*
ARTICLE XXIX [ORDINANCES REPEALED]*
ARTICLE XXX DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES*
ARTICLE XXXI PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROCEEDINGS*
ARTICLE XXXII CABLE TELEVISION REVIEW COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XXXIII COUNTY HEARING OFFICER*
ARTICLE XXXIV COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY*
ARTICLE XXXV NOISE CONTROL HEARING BOARD*
ARTICLE XXXVI LITIGATION*
ARTICLE XXXVII DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER*
ARTICLE XXXVIII DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATE DEFENSE COUNSEL*
ARTICLE XXXVIII-A DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER*
ARTICLE XXXIX DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*
ARTICLE XXXIX-A SAN DIEGO COUNTY HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XXXIX-B MOBILE HOME ISSUES COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XL SAN DIEGO COUNTY PALOMAR AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XLI REMOVAL OF STRIKING EMPLOYEES*
ARTICLE XLI-A COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY*
ARTICLE XLII SAN DIEGO COUNTY INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION*
ARTICLE XLIII SAN DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER (CAC) PARKING LOT AD HOC COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE XLIV SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL GROWTH AND PLANNING REVIEW TASK FORCE*
ARTICLE XLV TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT*
ARTICLE XLVI SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD ON AIDS/HIV*
ARTICLE XLVII SAN DIEGO COUNTY TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON WATER SUPPLY AND CONSERVATION*
ARTICLE XLVIII SAN DIEGO COUNTY MILITARY AND VETERANS ADVISORY COUNCIL*
ARTICLE XLIX SANTA FE VALLEY WORKING GROUP*
ARTICLE L THE TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR ELIGIBILITY AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS*
ARTICLE LI SAN DIEGO COUNTYWIDE MOBILEHOME TASK FORCE*
ARTICLE LIII SAN DIEGO COUNTY EMEK HEFER SISTER COUNTY COMMISSION*
ARTICLE LIV SAN DIEGO COUNTY SOLID WASTE HEARING PANEL*
ARTICLE LV SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE LVI SAN DIEGO COUNTY ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE LVII DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND QUALITY*
ARTICLE LIX SAN DIEGO COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE LX SAN DIEGO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ADVISORY BOARD*
ARTICLE LXI SAN DIEGO COUNTY FALLBROOK AIRPARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
ARTICLE LXII OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES*
ARTICLE LXIII PUBLIC SAFETY REALIGNMENT OF 2011*
ARTICLE LXIV DISTRICT ATTORNEY
CODE COMPARATIVE TABLE
STATE LAW REFERENCE TABLE
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES
COUNTY OFFICIALS
PREFACE
TITLE 1 GENERAL REGULATIONS*
TITLE 2 LICENSES, BUSINESS REGULATIONS AND BUSINESS TAXES*
TITLE 3 PUBLIC SAFETY, MORALS AND WELFARE*
TITLE 4 PUBLIC PROPERTY*
TITLE 5 REGULATION OF BUILDINGS, MOBILEHOME AND SPECIAL OCCUPANCY PARKS AND TRAILER COACHES*
TITLE 6 HEALTH AND SANITATION*
TITLE 7 HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC*
TITLE 8 ZONING AND LAND USE REGULATIONS*
DIVISION 1. SUBDIVISION OF LAND
DIVISION 2. DEDICATIONS OF LAND AND FEES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS*
DIVISION 3. MITIGATION OF IMPACT ON SCHOOLS*
DIVISION 4. [SETBACK REGULATIONS IN UNZONED AREAS]*
DIVISION 5. AIRPORTS*
DIVISION 6. MISCELLANEOUS LAND USE REGULATIONS*
CHAPTER 1. ENDANGERED SPECIES
CHAPTER 2. DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION FOR LAND USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
CHAPTER 3. METHANE GAS TESTING IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY*
CHAPTER 4. APPEALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS
CHAPTER 5. BIOLOGICAL MITIGATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 6. RESOURCE PROTECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 7. WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING
CHAPTER 8. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
DIVISION 7. GRADING, CLEARING AND WATERCOURSES*
DIVISION 8. DRAINAGE AND WATERCOURSES*
DIVISION 9. UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS*
DIVISION 10. DEDICATION OF LAND OR PAYMENT OF FEES*
DIVISION 11. [FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION]*
DIVISION 12. TRAILS*
TITLE 9 CONSTRUCTION CODES AND FIRE CODE*
CODE COMPARATIVE TABLE
STATE LAW REFERENCE TABLE
San Diego County Board Policies
Loading...
SEC. 86.705.   ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT AND LANDSCAPE MANUAL.
   (a)   The Director of PDS shall administer and enforce this chapter, except that the Director of PDS may refer an application for a water use authorization to the Director of Public Works, Director of Parks and Recreation or the Director of General Services for processing.
   (b)   The Director of PDS shall prepare a landscape design manual that provides guidance to applicants on how to comply with the requirements of this chapter. The manual shall also provide guidance for a person with an existing landscaped area on how to increase water use efficiency and avoid wasting water.
(Amended by Ord. No. 10224 (N.S.), effective 10-25-12)
SEC. 86.706.   NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH LIMITED LANDSCAPING.
   An applicant for a building permit for a new single family residence or non-residential project subject to this chapter where the aggregate landscaped area of the project is greater than 500 square feet but less than 2,500 square feet shall, as a condition of obtaining a building permit, submit a Landscape Documentation Package or a landscape plan compliant with the Prescriptive Compliance Option in this chapter. The application process shall include establishing a MAWA for the project.
SEC. 86.707.   LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE.
   (a)   Except as otherwise provided, an applicant for a building permit for a project described in section 86.703(a) shall submit a Landscape Documentation Package with the permit application.
   (b)   An applicant for a building permit for a project described in section 86.703(b) is eligible to conform to the Prescriptive Compliance Option specified in this chapter in lieu of submitting a Landscape Documentation Package.
   (c)   The Landscape Documentation Package required by subsection (a) shall contain the following:
      (1)   A project description that includes the date, project applicant, project location identified by address or parcel/lot number, total landscaped area in square feet, project type (e.g., new, modified, public, private, cemetery), water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well, graywater), checklist of all documents included in the Landscape Documentation Package, and project contacts for the applicant and property owner if different.
      (2)   A soil management report that complies with section 86.708 that analyzes soil composition within each landscaped area of the project.
      (3)   A landscaping and irrigation plan that complies with section 86.709 that describes the landscaping and irrigation for the project.
      (4)   A water efficient landscape worksheet that complies with section 86.711 that calculates the MAWA and the ETWU for the project.
      (5)   A grading design plan that complies with section 86.710 that describes the grading of the project.
      (6)   Evidence of compliance with section 86.718 for projects with model homes.
SEC. 86.708.   SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT.
   (a)   The soil management report shall contain the following information:
      (1)   An analysis completed by a properly certified or accredited laboratory using accepted industry protocol. The analysis shall be of the soil for the proposed landscaped areas of the project that includes information about the soil texture, soil infiltration rate, pH, total soluble salts, sodium, and percent organic matter.
      (2)   Recommendations about soil amendments that may be necessary to foster plant growth and plant survival in the landscaped area using efficient irrigation techniques. Locally produced, non-petroleum based soil amendments shall be preferred.
   (b)   When a project involves mass grading of a site the applicant shall submit a soil management report that complies with subsection (a) above with the Certificate of Completion required by section 86.725.
   (c)   In projects with multiple landscape installations (i.e., production home developments) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15 percent will satisfy this requirement. Large landscape projects shall sample at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots. Mass grading projects shall provide a soil sampling test for every 25,000 square feet of area graded.
SEC. 86.709.   LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION PLAN.
   (a)   The landscaping and irrigation plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect, civil engineer or architect licensed by the State of California. A homeowner of a single family residence required to submit a landscape and irrigation plan may prepare their own plans, or have a licensed landscape contractor prepare the landscaping and irrigation plan if the homeowner has contracted with that contractor to install the landscaping and irrigation pursuant to the plan. Property owners may also prepare plans and specifications for any property owned by that person.
   (b)   The landscaping and irrigation plan shall contain the following information in addition to any other information required to be shown by 23 California Code of Regulations sections 492.6 and 492.7:
      (1)   A list of all vegetation by common and botanical plant name which exists in the proposed landscaped area. The plan shall state what vegetation will be retained and what will be removed.
      (2)   A list of all vegetation by common and botanical plant name which will be added to each landscaped area. The plan shall include the total quantities by container size and species. Provide the plant factor for each species on the list as per WUCOLS. If the applicant intends to plant seeds, the plan shall describe the seed mixes and applicable germination specifications.
      (3)   A detailed description of each water feature that will be included in the landscaped area.
      (4)   The plan shall be accompanied by a drawing showing on a page or pages, delineating each hydrozone and specifying each as very low, low, moderate, high water or mixed water use; the specific location of all vegetation, retained or planted; the plant spacing and plant size; natural features that were created by natural processes; water features and hardscape areas. The drawing shall include a legend listing the common and botanical plant name of each plant shown on the drawing, including the species' plant factor.
      (5)   The location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system that will provide water to the landscaped area, including the controller, water lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, landscape water meters, and backflow prevention devices.
      (6)   The static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply and the flow rate in gallons, the application rate in inches per hour and the design operating pressure in pressure per square inch for each station. If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required.
      (7)   The MAWA for the plan, including the calculations used to determine the MAWA. The calculations shall be based on the formula in section 86.712 and the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
      (8)   The ETWU for the plan, including the calculations used to determine the ETWU. The calculations shall be based on the formula in section 86.713 and the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
      (9)   A statement signed under penalty of perjury by the person who prepared the plan that provides, "I am familiar with the requirements for landscape and irrigation plans contained in the County Landscape Water Conservation Regulations, in Title 8, Division 6, Chapter 7 of the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances. I have prepared this plan in compliance with those regulations. I certify that the plan implements those regulations to provide efficient use of water."
      (10)   To increase carbon sequestration in the unincorporated county, each new single-family residential project shall include two trees per dwelling unit in the Plan. Trees shall be located on private land outside of the public right-of-way. See the County's Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual for tree planting guidelines and a definition of which single-family residential projects must comply with this requirement.
      (11)   The location, type, and size of vegetated structural BMPs, or any other vegetated BMPs, that will be installed on the property to meet stormwater requirements to reduce pollutant load.
   (c)   The landscape and irrigation plan shall be designed to include all mandatory elements specified by 23 Code of California Regulations sections 492.6 and 492.7 and such additional or alternative requirements as follows:
      (1)   All plants shall be grouped in hydrozones and the irrigation system shall be designed to deliver water to hydrozones based on the moisture requirements of the plant grouping. A hydrozone may mix plants of moderate and low water use, and mix plants of high water use with plants of moderate water use, but no high water use plants shall be allowed in a low water use hydrozone. A high water use hydrozone may, however, provide for some low water use plants if the low water use plants are of a type that are likely to thrive and flourish with the additional water. The plan shall also demonstrate how the plant groupings, based on site location, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant types, accomplish the most efficient use of water.
      (2)   The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent standing water and any condition such as runoff, overspray and low-head drainage where irrigation water flows or sprays onto areas not intended for irrigation. The plan shall also demonstrate how grading and drainage techniques, such as avoidance of soil compaction in landscape areas, avoidance of disrupting natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil, and grading to allow all irrigation and normal rainfall to remain within the property lines will promote healthy plant growth and prevent standing water, erosion and runoff.
      (3)   The plan shall provide for use of mulch as follows:
         (A)   A minimum three inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces in each landscaped area except in turf areas, creeping or rooting ground covers or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5 percent of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
         (B)   Stabilizing mulch shall be applied on slopes that meet current engineering standards.
         (C)   The mulching portion of a seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall comply with subsection (B) above.
         (D)   Highly flammable mulch material, such as straw, leaves, bark, or small or mini size wood chips, shall not be used in a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone," as that term is defined in the County Fire Code. Inorganic mulches such as decomposed granite, gravel, or rocks may be used instead. Non-floating shredded hardwood shall be used in all structural BMP basins.
         (E)   Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer products/materials shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-consumer organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required where prohibited by County Fire Code.
      (4)   The plan shall identify the type and amount of mulch for each area where mulch is applied.
      (5)   On a project other than a single family residence, the plan shall identify recreational areas.
      (6)   The plan shall identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants.
      (7)   The plan shall identify each area irrigated with recycled water, gray water and other non-potable water.
      (8)   The plan shall identify soil amendments and their type and quantity.
         (A)   Prior to the planting of any materials (unless contraindicated by the soils report or in the case of native vegetation, as approved by the Director of PDS) compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.
         (B)   Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected.
         (C)   To meet the requirements of (A) above, all landscaped areas, except those described in (B) above, shall install compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with greater than 6 percent organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
      (9)   The plan shall demonstrate that landscaping when installed and at maturity will be positioned to avoid obstructing roadway users' (e.g., motorists', bicyclists', pedestrians', and equestrians') views of pedestrian crossings, driveways, roadways and other vehicular travel ways, traffic signs, and traffic signals. Sight distance lines, as provided by a California registered Civil Engineer using the sight distance requirements defined in the County Public Road Standards, shall be shown on the plans. If the landscaping will require maintenance to avoid obstructing roadway users' views, the plan shall describe the maintenance and the frequency of the proposed maintenance. The plan shall demonstrate that landscaping when planted and at full maturity shall not obscure sight distance for all roadway users. The plan shall also be compliant with requirements defined in the Landscape Architecture chapter of the most current Caltrans Highway Design Manual.
      (10)   The plan shall avoid the use of landscaping with known surface root problems adjacent to a sidewalk and paved area, unless the plan provides for installation of root control barriers or other appropriate devices to control surface roots. Trees shall be planted a minimum of 24 inches from sidewalk. Root barriers are required when used in parkways with landscaped areas less than 3 feet in width and where specified.
      (11)   The plan shall provide that any slope greater than 25 percent will be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less to prevent runoff and erosion. As used in this chapter, 25 percent grade means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length. An applicant may employ an alternative design if the plan demonstrates that no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
      (12)   Installation of irrigation mainlines under paved areas within the public right-of-way shall be avoided. When approved, the plan shall provide that all wiring and piping under a paved area that a vehicle may use, such as a parking area, driveway or roadway, will be installed inside a PVC sleeve pipe.
      (13)   The plan shall provide that irrigation piping and irrigation devices that deliver water, such as sprinkler heads, shall be installed below grade using swing joints or other riser-protection components if they are within 24 inches of a vehicle or pedestrian use area. The Director of PDS may allow on-grade piping where landform constraints make below grade piping infeasible.
      (14)   The plan shall provide that only drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology shall be used to irrigate any vegetation within 24 inches of an impermeable surface unless the adjacent impermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to cause water to drain entirely into a landscaped area. The setback may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material.
      (15)   The plan shall provide that plants in a transitional area consist of a combination of site adaptive and compatible native and non-native species. The plan shall also provide that no invasive plant species shall be introduced or tolerated in a transitional area. The irrigation in a transitional area shall be designed so that no overspray or runoff shall enter an adjacent area that is not irrigated.
      (16)   The plan shall demonstrate compliance with best management practices required by sections 67.801 et seq. (Watershed Protection, Stormwater Management and Discharge Control regulations), and the County's Best Management Practice's Design Manual.
      (17)   The plan shall address fire safety issues and demonstrate compliance with Section 4907 of the County's Consolidated Fire Code for defensible space around buildings and structures and shall avoid the use of fire prone vegetation.
      (18)   The irrigation system shall provide for the installation of an easily accessible manual shutoff valve as close as possible to the water supply. Additional manual shutoff valves shall be installed between each zone of the irrigation system and the water supply.
      (19)   The irrigation system shall provide that irrigation for any landscaped area will be regulated by an automatic irrigation controller, along with sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), appropriate to local climatic conditions, either integral or auxiliary, that will suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions.
      (20)   For the purpose of determining Estimated Total Water Use, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.90 for point source drip, 0.85 for in-line emitter tubing or subsurface, 0.85 for bubblers, 0.75 for overhead rotator or precision nozzle spray devices, 0.75 for rotor and 0.60 for all other spray nozzles.
   (d)   The landscaping and irrigation plan shall describe each automatic irrigation controller the system uses to regulate the irrigation schedule and whether it is an evapotranspiration (weather based) system or moisture detection system, utilizing non-volatile memory. The plan shall depict the location of electrical service for the automatic irrigation controller or describe the use of batteries or solar power that will power valves or an automatic irrigation controller.
   (e)   Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 square feet or more and all residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 square feet or greater. A landscape water meter may be either:
      (1)   a customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water purveyor; or
      (2)   a privately owned meter or submeter.
   (f)   Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5,000 square feet or larger.
   (g)   Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
   (h)   Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.
   (i)   Soil moisture probes shall be located in the bottom and the toe of side slopes of all vegetated storm water detention basins to ensure that the irrigation controller does not activate those valves irrigating these areas during periods of inundation.
   (j)   Areas less than 10 feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.
(Amended by Ord. No. 10224 (N.S.), effective 10-25-12)
SEC. 86.710.   GRADING DESIGN PLAN.
   (a)   The grading design plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect, civil engineer or architect licensed by the State of California. A homeowner of a single family residence required to submit a grading design plan may prepare their own plans, or have a licensed landscape contractor prepare the grading design plan if the homeowner has contracted with that contractor to do the work covered by the plan. Property owners may prepare Grading Design Plans and specifications for any property owned by that person. Grading Plans required per the County's Grading Ordinance will satisfy these requirements, but shall be prepared by a California licensed civil engineer. The grading design plan shall comply with following requirements:
      (1)   The grading on the project site shall be designed for the efficient use of water by minimizing soil erosion, runoff and water waste, resulting from precipitation and irrigation.
      (2)   The plan shall show the finished configurations and elevations of each landscaped area including the height of graded slopes, the drainage pattern, pad elevations, finish grade and any stormwater retention improvements. All Structural BMP's shall be labeled.
      (3)   The Grading Design Plan shall demonstrate grading has been designed to avoid obstructing roadway users' (e.g., motorists', bicyclists', pedestrians', and equestrians') views of pedestrian crossings, driveways, roadways, other vehicular travel ways, traffic signs, and traffic signals. Sight distance lines, as provided by a California registered Civil Engineer using the sight distance requirements defined in the County Public Road Standards, shall be shown on the plans as applicable.
   (b)   If the project applicant has submitted a grading plan with the application for the project the Director of PDS may accept that grading plan in lieu of the grading design plan required by this section, if the grading plan complies with subsection (a) above.
(Amended by Ord. No. 10224 (N.S.), effective 10-25-12)
SEC. 86.711.   WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET.
   The Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet in Appendix B to Title 23 California Code of Regulations section 429.4 shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. The worksheet shall be prepared by a landscape architect, civil engineer or architect licensed by the State of California. A homeowner of a single family residence required to submit a water efficient landscape worksheet may prepare their own worksheet, or have a licensed landscape contractor prepare the water efficient worksheet if the homeowner has contracted with that landscape contractor to install the landscaping and irrigation covered by the plan for which the worksheet was prepared. Property owners may also prepare worksheets for any property owned by that person. The water efficient worksheet shall contain all of the following:
   (a)   Information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are then made to show that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project does not exceed a factor of 0.42 for residential and non-residential areas, exclusive of Special Landscape Areas.
      (1)   The ETAF for a landscape project is based on the plant factors and irrigation methods selected, and when applied to reference evapotranspiration, a factor adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiencies.
      (2)   The MAWA is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed (0.42 for residential and non-residential areas) and shall be expressed in annual gallons.
      (3)   The Estimated Total Water Use is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape design. ETWU shall be expressed in annual gallons and must be below the MAWA.
   (b)   Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
      (1)   The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS, or may be obtained from horticultural researchers from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources. The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for very low water use plants, 0.2 to 0.3 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants. If plants within a hydrozone have different water use requirements the hydrozone category shall be determined using the highest water using plant. Any plant may be selected for the landscape providing the Estimated Total Water Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
      (2)   Temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone. Temporarily irrigated as used in this chapter means the period of time when plantings only receive water until they become established.
      (3)   The surface area of a water feature shall be included in a high water use hydrozone unless the water feature is a pool or a spa with a durable cover. In that case, the water feature may be included in a moderate water use hydrozone. Pool and spa covers are not required but highly recommended in conserving water due to evaporation.
      (4)   All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified and their water use calculated as shown on the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. The ETAF for new and existing Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
   (c)   Budget calculations for the MAWA and the ETWU shall use the formulas in section 86.712 and section 86.713.
SEC. 86.712.   MAXIMUM APPLIED WATER ALLOWANCE.
   (a)   A landscape project subject to this chapter shall not exceed the MAWA. The MAWA for a new landscape project shall be determined by the following calculation:
      MAWA = (ETo)(0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
   (b)   The abbreviations used in the equation have the following meanings:
      (1)   MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance in gallons per year, or annual gallons allowed.
      (2)   ETo = Evapotranspiration in inches per year.
      (3)   0.62 = Conversion factor to gallons per square foot.
      (4)   ETAF (0.42 for residential and non-residential areas).
      (5)   LA = Landscaped area, including the special landscaped area in square feet.
      (6)   1-ETAF = the additional ET adjustment factor for a special landscaped area
      (7)   SLA = Portion of the landscaped area identified as a special landscaped area in square feet.
   (c)   If a public water purveyor establishes a MAWA for a property that is different than the MAWA established pursuant to this chapter, the stricter MAWA shall prevail.
Loading...