HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 93-O3 ORDINANCE NO. 93-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
ADDING CHAPTER 16.40 ET. SEQ. RELATING TO WATER
EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, State of California Assembly Bill 325, the Landscaping Act of 1992,
became effective January 1, 1993 in order to promote the efficient use of water for
landscapes; and
WHEREAS, water efficient landscape regulations were developed to simplify
and standardize landscape design submittals for residential, commercial and industrial
developments in the City of Azusa; and
WHEREAS, the underlying intent of the water efficient landscapes is to enhance
the character of Azusa through well planned, water efficient, aesthetically pleasing
landscape plantings at all new construction sites; and
WHEREAS, the standards for quality, size, soil enhancement, root barriers and
irrigation systems are to ensure that the installations are lasting and will insure the
beauty of Azusa for years to come; and
WHEREAS, the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) have been satisfied with respect to the said amendment in that the ordinance
is categorically exempt under Section 15307 of CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed amendment is consistent
with the General Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN to replace the State of California landscape plan and adopt a local
water efficient landscape ordinance as follows:
Section 1 . Section 16.38.060 of the Azusa Municipal Code is hereby replealed.
Section 2. Chapter 16.40 is hereby added to the Azusa Municipal Code to read
as follows:
CHAPTER 16.40
LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION STANDARDS
CHAPTER 16.40.010. LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION. No building permit
shall be issued for buildings until the Public Works Superintendent, or designee,
reviews and approves a landscape plan for the Project. A certificate of
occupancy shall be issued only if landscaping and an irrigation system is
installed in compliance with the approved landscape plan consisting of the
elements set forth below. The landscape plan shall include the following
elements: a calculation of water consumption for the landscaped area, a
planting scheme, an irrigation plan, and a grading plan if found to be necessary
by the Community Development Director. Projects which must adhere to these
standards are: apartments, condominiums, any multiple unit residential
developments;commercial developments;industrial developments;single family
residential, and recreational developments.
CHAPTER 16.40.020. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. A. The standards
described herein are intended to be minimum requirements of development.
Property enhancements beyond these standards are encouraged as they will
further the goal of a more beautiful overall environment in which to live and
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work. Certain conditions outlined herein may be waived or changed upon
formal request and accepted by the Superintendent of Public Works, or
designee, but in no case will any condition be modified in a manner which will
adversely effect the intent of these standards.
B. Prior to any work at the project site, landscape and irrigation plans must be
approved and signed by the Superintendent of Public Works. These drawings
shall contain all planting and irrigation work to be constructed as a part of the
development. If the plans meet or exceed the requirements, they will be
approved by the Superintendent of Public Works, or designee. If corrections
to the plans are required, the deficiencies will be noted and the plans will have
to be corrected by the developer and resubmitted. Compliance with the letter
and intent of these standards is the Superintendent's responsibility during
construction and the property owner's responsibility for the life of the project.
The Superintendent of Public Works, or designee has the responsibility to
interpret and enforce these standards.
CHAPTER 16.40.030. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS. Areas of projects which
will be dedicated to the City such as median islands, maintenance districts,
parks, etc. shall be clearly delineated on the plans. Special requirements in
addition to these standards may be required for those areas. Any special
requirements will be noted after initial submittal of plans. Any questions
regarding projects with special requirements shall be directed to the Community
Development Department.
CHAPTER 16.40.040. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS. A. The project
developer, with the exception of a developer of only one residential unit, is
required to submit two (2) sets of planting and irrigation plans prepared by a
state-licensed landscape architect or landscape contractor to the Community
Development Department concurrent with submittal of building construction
plan submittal. The landscape improvement plans shall be checked and
approved by the Public Works Department in accordance with these standards
and any conditions of approval required by the City. Approval of the plans by
the Superintendent of Public Works, or designee, is required prior to any
construction at the project site.
B. The plans shall contain the required information in a clear and
understandable format on sheets which are either 24" x 36" or 30" x 42" and
must include a Title Sheet, Irrigation Plan including General Design Criteria and
Information as specified below.
C. Title Sheets must include: Project name and address; Developer's name,
address and telephone number; Landscape architect's or landscape contractor's
name, address, telephone number, state registration stamp and signature;
Signature line for approval by Superintendent of Public Works; Site map with
property lines and adjacent land uses identified; Vicinity map indicating the
location of the project within the City; Sheet index, if applicable.
CHAPTER 16.40.050. IRRIGATION PLANS AND GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA
AND INFORMATION. The plan shall indicate irrigation systems designed to be
water efficient and water conserving. Devices and equipment which aid in
water conservation are encouraged and may be required on large projects. The
irrigation system shall be compatible with the types of plantings specified and
the specific requirements of the various planting area on the project site. The
Irrigation Plan shall clearly note on plans the following information: North
Arrow; Scale, Point of connection, including static pressure; Pipe size and
types; Water consumption, and Servicing meter location and size.
A. All irrigation systems to be controlled by a clock specifically designed for
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irrigation system control, connected to a permanent source of power.
B. Controllers must have multiple cycle start capacity and a flexible calendar
program. An automatic rain shut-off valve shall be required.
C. All systems shall contain an appropriate testable backflow device. Reduced
pressure devices are encouraged for all projects but shall be mandatory for
meter box protections.
D. All piping, heads, valves, meters and other equipment shall be clearly
located, sized and specified on the plan.
E. All pipes and wires installed under drives, walks or other paving shall be
PVC sleeves.
F. The system shall be valved to ensure variations in water requirements are
considered. In no case shall lawn and shrub areas be allowed on the same
valve.
G. All pressure lines 2-1/2" and smaller shall be PVC Schedule 40. Pressure
lines over 2-1/2" shall be Class 315.
H. Notes, specifications and details are required on the installation of all items
to be constructed.
I. Pop-up heads are required adjacent to areas where foot or vehicular traffic
is anticipated except where drip-irrigation systems are installed.
J. Drip or bubbler irrigation systems are required for trees within parkway.
K. Sprinklers and sprays shall not be used in areas less than 4" wide. Drip and
bubblers shall be used that do not exceed 1 .5 gallons per minute per device.
L. Sprinkler heads with a precipitation rate of .85" per hour or less shall be
used on slopes exceeding 15% to minimize runoff, or exceeding 10% within
10 feet if hardscape.
M. Sprinkler head spacing shall be designed for head to head coverage. The
system should be designed for minimum run-off and overspray onto non-
irrigated areas.
N. Valves and circuits shall be separated based on water use.
0. Sprinkler heads must have matched precipitation rates within each control
valve circuit.
P. Serviceable check valves are required where elevation differential may cause
low head drainage.
Q. Estimated water consumption shall be calculated in gallons per year.
CHAPTER 16.40.060. PLANTING PLANS. A. All planting designs submitted
shall be sensitive towards the project site and neighboring developments. All
plans should consider water efficiency, practicality of maintenance and
enhancement of the site and immediate area of the project. Considerations of
the plants' mature size and their appropriateness for the site and climate
conditions must be considered. As used herein, "hydrozone" means a portion
of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served
by a value or set of values with the same schedule. The City encourages the
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use of trees appropriate for Azusa's hydrozone.
B. The City of Azusa is located in a climate region classified as-Mediterranean
(subtropical). The weather is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild
winters. Temperatures average between 60-70 degrees through the winter
months with occasional lows in the thirties. Summer months average 75-90
degrees with highs exceeding 100 degrees. (Azusa falls within Sunset's
Western Garden Book's zone 21). See section 14 of this ordinance for tree
selection criteria.
C. As part of any development, all areas not devoted to paving, building,
improved recreational or open space structures shall be landscaped and
permanently maintained by the property owner. This includes all parkway areas
not devoted to sidewalks.
D. Approved landscaping shall be maintained on a scheduled basis.
E. The irrigation plan shall include an annual irrigation program. A monthly
irrigation schedule is required for the plant establishment period, for the
established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas.
CHAPTER 16.40.070. SOIL CONDITIONING AND MAINTAINING. A. A
minimum of two (2) inches of mulch shall be added in non-turf areas to the soil
surface after planting. Non-porous material shall not be placed under the
mulch.
B. Existing soil shall be scarified to a minimum depth of six (6) inches.
CHAPTER 16.40.080. TURF SELECTION AND LIMITATIONS. A. No more
than 50% of the total area not covered by structures for multi-family residential
projects shall be covered by a combination of turf, pools, spas and other
improved recreational areas. Of this area, no more than 75% shall be covered
with turf.
B. For single-family residential projects, no more than 40% of the front yard
may be covered with turf.
C. For non-residential projects, no more than 25% of the total landscaping area
shall be covered with turf and/or water (i.e., pools, ponds and fountains). For
such projects irrigated with reclaimed water, turf areas may not exceed 40%
of the total landscaped area. Turf limitation is excluded for public parks, golf
courses, cemeteries and recreation areas.
D. No turf shall be allowed in areas less than 4 feet wide.
E. Shrubs shall be minimum 5-gallon size.
F. Ground cover areas will be planted from flats or containers with a maximum
spacing of 12" on center.
G. Existing plant material to be saved must be healthy and growing. Existing
trees and shrubs shall be trimmed in an aesthetically pleasing manner (place
noted on plans).
CHAPTER 16.40.090. STREET TREES. A. A parkway tree-planting
requirement may be fulfilled by Public Works Department at the current rate of
cost. Street trees are required for every development project. Every street in
the city has a designated street tree. One specified minimum gallon size tree
must be installed for every 35' of property road frontage. Trees may be
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clumped or spaced on a maximum of 65' on center and planted according to
these standards. General Design Criteria and Information Required for street
trees are indicated below:
1 . Trees shall be a minimum 15-gallon size with the planting of at
least one 24" box tree for every three (3) 15-gallon trees planted, or one
24" box tree per 35 feet of lineal frontage, whichever results in a
greater number of on-site planting.
2. Spacing of trees in on-site planters shall be one tree per 5 parking
spaces.
3. Palm tree sizes shall be minimum of 18-20 feet of brown trunk.
CHAPTER 16.40.100. TREE PLACEMENT. A. Safety and maintenance shall
be considered in the placement of all plantings with the following specific
guidelines for tree placement:
1 . 20' from the curb returns at street intersections
2. 10' from light standards and power poles
3. 10' from fire hydrants
4. 5' from service walks, driveways, buildings, walls and any
permanent structure
5. 10' from water and sewer lines
6. All plants specified shall be designated by botanical name,
common name, variety (if applicable), size and quantity.
7. Trees and Shrubs. All shrubs shall be installed per the standard
details as indicated in Appendix A. The rootball shall be 1 " above finish
grade set in 6" temporary water basin with amended backfill. The shrub
shall be planted in a plant basin two times the size of the rootball.
8. All trees shall be installed per the standard details as indicated in
Appendix A. Two 10 foot by 2 inch (10' X 2') stakes with #12 gauge
galvanized wire in rubber hose placed 3 feet (3') and seven feet (7') from
the ground are required for all trees. A root barrier is required. A 1 inch
by 4 inch (1 " X 4") croostie water basin shall be included in tree
planting. The tree shall be planted with amended backfill in a plant basin
one and one-half (1 1/2) times the size of the rootball.
9. Planting design shall incorporate water saving materials; plants
with similar water requirements shall be grouped together.
10. Not more than one-half of the planting areas shall be turf grass.
11 . All turf areas should be mounded where possible at a minimum
slope of 1 foot to 3 foot ratio. Maximum height of 3 feet.
12. All turf areas for a total aggregate area of 2,000 square feet shall
be sod. Any area greater than this may be hydroseed.
13. At least one-half of the trees shall be canopy/shade trees.
14. An agriculture suitability soil test is recommended for all projects
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and may be required by the City.
15. Tree Selection shall be in accordance to Azusa's hydrozone. A list
of plants, shrubs, and trees appropriate for Azusa shall be made available
through the Public Works Department and Light and Water Department.
CHAPTER 16.40.110. PARKING AREAS. A. Parking lots of 15 or more
spaces must devote at least 2% of the total area, excluding any perimeter
landscaping,to landscape planting. This landscaping shall not be concentrated
in any one area.
B. A three (3) foot wide (minimum) planting buffer is required along the
perimeter of any parking area. This landscaping area shall not be considered
as part of any required interior landscaping.
CHAPTER 16.40.120. MODEL HOMES. Any residential development which
has model homes, shall include at least one model furnished with water
efficient landscaping. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example
of a water efficient landscape and featuring elements such as hydrozones and
irrigation equipment which contribute to water efficiency. Information shall be
provided by the seller about designing, installing, and maintaining water
efficient landscapes and the requirements of this ordinance.
CHAPTER 16.40.130. EXEMPTIONS. This ordinance does not apply to
landscaping that is part of a registered historical site or to cemeteries.
However, the city will encourage the efficient use of water and long-term
landscape water conservation practices for such property.
CHAPTER 16.40.140. ADDITIONAL MEASURES. A. The City shall provide
each applicant for development permits with water conservation information,
including the requirements of any approved landscape plan for the area to be
developed.
B. The City Council may adopt landscape standards consistent with this
ordinance by resolution.
Section 3. The City Council hereby directs the Light and Water Department to
file a copy of this ordinance with the California Department of Water Resources not
later than February 28, 1993.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection subdivision, sentence,
clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance, or the application thereof, to any person
or place, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any
court or competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or places. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each
section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phase, or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses, phrases or portions or the application thereof to any person or place, be
declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 5. Responsibility of the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall certify to the
passage and adoption of this ordinance, shall cause the same to be entered in the
book of original ordinances of the City, and shall cause the same to be published or
posted as prescribed by law.
INTRODUCED THIS 1st day of March , 1993.
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SIGNED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15 DAY OF March , 1993.
,040040—•
E ENE MOSES, Mayor of the
City of Azusa, California
ATTEST:
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�I 1 /
7 —
Adolph Solis, City Clerk of
the City of Azusa,
California
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss:
CITY OF AZUSA }
I, Adolph Solis, City Clerk of the City of Azusa, California, do hereby certify
that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly adopted, passed and approved by
the City Council of the City of Azusa, California, at the regular meeting of said City
Council held at the regular meeting place thereof on thell day of March , 1993,
by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: DANGLEIS, MADRID, NARANJO, ALEXANDER,
MOSES
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Dated this i s day of March , 1993.
Adolph Sim, City'Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ttorney
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