A. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements: A landscape documentation package shall be submitted for review and approval for those projects specified in section 9.32.020, "Applicability", of this chapter, consisting of the following:
1. Title Sheet: Pertinent project information (i.e., applicant contact information, representative contact information if applicable, assessor's parcel number, etc.) shall be included on a title sheet. The following statement is to be placed on the title sheet of the landscape documentation package:
I agree that this landscape documentation package complies with the landscaping requirements as outlined by Chapter 9.32
of the Town of Yucca Valley Development Code; as well as any other requirements as outlined in supporting documentation regarding water efficient- landscaping requirements provided by the Town of Yucca Valley.
The title sheet shall bear the signature of a licensed professional authorized to design landscape plans.
2. Demolition Plan: The landscape demolition plan, if applicable, shall show all landscape elements, and/or hardscape elements, that will affect the proposed landscaped areas, and identify each element to be removed or protected in place. Any existing regulated native species shall be identified and shall not be removed without a removal permit.
3. Construction Plan: The landscape construction plan shall detail the hardscape elements, i.e., sidewalks, mow curbs, aesthetic elements, etc., that are proposed as part of the landscape design.
4. Water Budget: A project's water budget shall be based on the following calculations and shall be included on the irrigation plan:
a. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA): The MAWA for the project shall be calculated using the following formula:
MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[(0.7 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)] | ||
Where: | ||
(1) | ETo: | The project area specific reference evapotranspiration rate (inches), as outlined in the California irrigation management information system (CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data. |
(2) | 0.62: | The conversion factor, which converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year. |
(3) | 0.70: | The ET adjustment factor, that, when applied to the ETo, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, which are 2 major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the project's landscaped areas. Those areas using nonpotable/recycled water for irrigation purposes may use the ET adjustment factor, which shall not exceed of 1.0. The ET adjustment factor is figured by dividing the average sitewide plant factor, found in the "Water Use Classifications Of Landscape Species", third edition (WUCOLS III), with the average irrigation efficiency of 0.71, as defined by state law; |
(4) | LA: | The project's total landscaped area (including SLA) in square feet; and |
(5) | SLA: | The project's total special landscaped area (i.e., areas dedicated to edible plants, areas irrigated with nonpotable/recycled water, and publicly accessible areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high traffic activities) in square feet. |
b. Estimated Annual Water Use (EAWU): The EAWU for project specific hydrozones shall be calculated using the following formula:
EAWU (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[((PF x HA)/IE) + SLA] | ||
Where: | ||
(1) | ETo: | The project area specific reference evapotranspiration rate (inches), as outlined in the California irrigation management information system (CIMIS), other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data. |
(2) | 0.62: | The conversion factor, which converts acre-inches per acre, per year to gallons per square foot, per year. |
(3) | PF: | The plant factor found in the "Water Use Classifications Of Landscape Species", third edition (WUCOLS III) publication, available from the department of water resources. The plant factors range from: low (0 to 0.3), medium (0.4 to 0.6), and high (0.7 to 1.0). |
(4) | HA: | The hydrozone area in a square foot number based on water usage areas within the particular landscaping area (i.e., high, medium, and low, see above). If plants with low water requirements are used within a medium water use hydrozone (those plants that can also survive/flourish in a medium water use application), they shall be counted as a medium water use in the water budget calculations. The same requirement applies for those plants that can also be utilized in a high water use application. |
(5) | IE: | The irrigation efficiency of the projects irrigation systems. For the purposes of determining the EAWU, the average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71, based on state law. All project irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71, as defined by state law. |
(6) | SLA: | The project's total special landscaped area (i.e., areas dedicated to edible plants, areas irrigated with nonpotable/recycled water, and publicly accessible areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing field or where turf is needed for high traffic activities) in square feet. |
(7) | The landscaping plans shall provide the EAWU (in the same units as the MAWA is provided) for each valve stationed on the project specific irrigation controller. The sum of the projected EAWU shall not exceed the projected MAWA for the project. | |
5. Landscape Planting Plan:
a. Plant Groupings: Plants selected for the landscape planting plan shall have similar water needs and be grouped together in distinct hydrozones for maximum water efficiency.
b. Plant Hardiness: Plants selected for the landscape planting plan shall be selected based upon their adaptability to the climate in which the project is located, as well as the geologic and topographical conditions. Where possible, the preservation and protection of existing native plant species and natural areas shall be encouraged.
6. Landscape Irrigation Plan: The plan shall include all components of the irrigation system (i.e., valves, heads, sensors, etc.). The water budget information shall be used in the preparation of the irrigation plan and shall be included on the plan.
7. Hydrozone Plan: A separate hydrozone plan shall be prepared in conjunction with the irrigation plan calling out the distinct hydrozone plant groupings.
8. Landscape Grading Plan: If the proposed grading exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards, the developer shall submit the most recent rough/precise grading plans and elevations for the project site. These plans shall bear the signature of a licensed professional authorized by law.
9. Soil Management Report: To help further reduce runoff and help encourage healthy plant growth, a project specific soil management report with soil amendment recommendations shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.
B. Review And Approval: Prior to the issuance of permits, the developer shall submit a complete landscape documentation package for review and approval.
C. Statement Of Surety: When required by the director, a statement of surety in the form of cash, performance bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit in an amount equal to one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the total value of all plant materials, irrigation equipment, installation, and maintenance shall be posted with the town for a two (2) year period. The director may require statements of surety for phased development projects, a legitimate delay in landscape installation due to seasonal requirements (including adverse weather conditions) and similar circumstances where it may not be advisable or desirable to install all of a project's landscaping before occupancy of a site.
D. Local Water Purveyor: If special provisions have been arranged for a local water purveyor to review and approve a specific project's landscape documentation package, a stamped set of plans approved by the local water purveyor shall be provided. (Ord. 254, 12-16-2014)