HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05041993 - WC.2 WC.2
Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
_ ^ Costa
FROM: WATER COMMITTEE �Oun}� ,
SUPERVISOR SUNNE WRIGHT McPEAK, CHAIR L)/
SUPERVISOR TOM TORLAKSON
DATE: MAY 4, 1993
SUBJECT: REPORT ON COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION STANDARD CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Direct the Community Development Department to incorporate the
following water efficiency requirements into the standard
project conditions of approval.
2 . Direct the Community Development Department to convene a
workshop at a future Water Committee meeting to address costs
and other relevant factors associated with potential for dual
water use requirements in residential subdivisions.
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The County has several ordinances in place which promote maximum
use and conservation of available water supply. To insure
consistent implementation of the ordinances, and to provide further
clarification as 'well as some additional requirements, the Water
Committee recommends that the following conditions be incorporated
into the standard. project conditions of approval. Ordinances are
summarized below and proposed conditions are as follows:
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
Supervisor Sunne W. McPeak, Chair Supervisor Tom Torlak on
ACTION OF BOARD ON 19W APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
✓ UNANIMOUS (ABSENT 1C TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Roberta Goulart (510/646-2071) ATTESTED_ MAY 4 -1993
cc: Community Development Dept. (CDD) PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF
Public Works Department THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY , DEPUTY
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- Report on County Water Conservation
Standard Conditions of Approval
Continued - Page Two
DUAL WATER SYSTEMS PROVISION - ORDINANCE 91-19 - RECYCLED WATER
Ordinance 91-19, adopted April 9, 1991, allows dual water systems
and use of recycled (reclaimed) water to be considered as part of
development, if water agencies determine it is feasible and
desirable to do so. Projects in a dual water system area, an area
with 15 acres or more than 120, 000 square feet in floor space, or
aggregate development fitting the size requirement are considered
to be good potential candidates for reclaimed water use. The
ordinance stipulates that the County would not approve a
development application until water agency requirements for dual
piping and other specifications are included.
ADDITIONAL CONDITION - NON-POTABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Use of non-potable water sources shall be encouraged where feasible
for outdoor uses. In accordance with Ordinance 91-19, projects
with potential for high water use (including but not limited to
industrial applications, golf courses, parks, large subdivision
front yards) , projects within water/wastewater agency designated
dual water system areas, and/or projects/aggregate developments
fitting the size requirement consistent with Ordinance 91-19 shall
be referred to the respective water agency for specific review and
recommendation as to the potential for non-potable water
distribution systems. If the water . agency requires use of
reclaimed water, non-potable (dual) water distribution systems
and/or other specifications shall be incorporated into development
plans prior to approval of the project.
Dual water use requirements shall apply to outdoor landscaping
applications only, with the exception of industrial uses.
Residential non-potable water distribution systems shall apply to
common areas and front yard landscaping where feasible. Non-
potable water distribution systems shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with current laws and regulations
governing use of recycled water where applicable.
USE OF RECYCLED (RECLAIMED) WATER FOR DUST CONTROL AND COMPACTION
Ordinance 91-24 is an urgency ordinance requiring construction use
of recycled water for dust control and compaction purposes. The
ordinance was adopted during a period of drought, terminating on
April 30, 1992 . Prior to termination, this ordinance was extended
through ordinance 92-20, terminating April 30, 1993 . This
ordinance has not been renewed in' accordance with Board direction
March 9, 1993, and the following condition is proposed to continue
encouragement of recycled water use for this purpose where
feasible.
Existing condition 33B indicates that the project shall comply with
dust control requirements contained in the grading ordinance and
provisions pertaining to water conservation. In addition, the
Public Works Department has a standard provision in their contracts
which specifies reclaimed water use consistent with this ordinance.
ADDITIONAL CONDITION - USE OF RECYCLED (RECLAIMED) WATER FOR DUST
CONTROL AND COMPACTION
Use of recycled water (or other non-potable water sources) for dust
control and compaction is required when it is available, rather
than use of potable water supplies for this purpose. Use of
recycled water shall be considered in those circumstances when use
does not, in itself, create additional impacts. A finding as to
whether recycled water use is feasible will be made by the
Community Development Department, Public Works Department, and/or
at the request of the water/wastewater supplier.
Report on County Water Conservation
Standard Conditions of Approval
Continued - Page Three
Exceptions to this condition would include construction activities
which use less than 500 gallons per day (although use is
encouraged) , or when a finding is made that recycled water use is
not feasible. If reclaimed water is not available within a
reasonable distance from the project site (within approximately 5
miles) , then it shall be deemed infeasible for use.
WATER CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Ordinance. 60-59, in effect since July 31, 1990, applies to all new
single family developments with common areas and/or landscaped
front yards, model homes, and all other new developments.
Landscape plans, including the combined turf/pond/pool maximum (25%
of planted area) , use of drought tolerant plants (>90%) and other
non-drought tolerant varieties (<10%) must be provided to the
County Community Development Department. Please note that the
ordinance states that "no turf shall be allowed in median strips or
in areas less than 8 feet wide." Irrigation requirements, a water
budget (which includes precipitation rates, monthly irrigation
schedule, and annual water use) are to be included with the
landscape plan submittal. There are a number of existing
conditions dealing with water conservation landscape. The Water
Committee will review potential for amendments to the ordinance.
ADDITIONAL CONDITION - WATER CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE
Landscape shall be in conformance with requirements contained in
Ordinance 60-59, and shall in addition, disallow turf along
roadside areas, in median strips and in areas less than 10 feet
wide.
Areas located in and around the Oakley area shall also provide soil
tests in order to determine the most appropriate soil amendment to
facilitate water retention in sandy soils.
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• J�
r_ ORDINANCE NO. 91-19
~ (Dual Water Systems Provision)
91 ADR 16 AM 11: 9
The Contra. Costa County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows
(omitting the parenthetical footnotes from the official text of
the enacted or amended provisions of the County Ordinance Code) :
SECTION I. SUMMARY. This ordinance sets forth procedures for
implementing dual water systems required by water and waste water
agencies within the County's unincorporated area.
SECTION II. Chapter 82-30 is added to the County Ordinance Code
to read:
CHAPTER 82-30 DUAL WATER SYSTEMS
ARTICLE $2-34.2 C�FNERAL
82-30. 202 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish
procedures for county cooperation with public water and
wastewater agencies within the County's unincorporated area in
. the development of projects to incorporate dual water systems
whenever feasible and consistent with applicable legal, public
health, safety and environmental requirements.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
$2-30 . 204 Construction. Should any provisions of this chapter
conflict with those of chapter 414-4, the provisions of chapter
414-4 shall prevail.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-34.205 County-owned Properties. It is the policy of the
county where appropriate to plan and design facilities for its
owned new properties and major property improvements to
accommodate dual water systems in accordance with this chapter.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
ARTICLE 82-30.4 DEFINITIONS
82-30.402 Dual Water System. Two separate and unconnected water
distribution systems servicing the same parcel(s) . One system
conveys water suitable for all potable and non-potable uses. One
system conveys water suitable for appropriate and approved non-
potable uses. Possible examples of appropriate non-potable uses
in approved circumstances are agricultural irrigation, landscape
irrigation, landscape impoundments, industrial process water and
construction water.
-1- March 27, 1991
ORDINANCE NO. 91/ 19
Ab
"Y
(Ord. 91-19 . )
,,,, 82-30.404 Potable Water. Water which conforms to federal, state
' and local agency standards for human consumption.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-30.406 Non-Potable Water. Water that is not potable. Some
examples are untreated surface and groundwaters and recycled
water.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-30.408 Dual .Water Systems Areas. Precise geographic areas
designated by the local water or wastewater public agency having
jurisdiction to "provide and/or control water service as having a
dependable supply of non-potable water available or where the
feasibility of distributing a non-potable water supply has been
determined and dual water systems are required by the involved
agency.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-30.410 Recycled Water. Water which, as a result of treatment
of wastewater, meets all applicable requirements established by
the state regional water quality control board having
jurisdiction and- regulating the use of recycled water and is
suitable for appropriate and approved non-potable uses.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
ARTICLE 82-30.6 DESIGNATED DUAL WATER SYSTEM AREAS
82-30 . 602 Desianation of Areas. Certain areas may be designated
by the local water or wastewater public agency having
jurisdiction as section 82-30.408 "dual water system areas. " In
such areas, the involved agency has or may require installation
of separate dedicated meter(s) and systems for use of non-potable
water for appropriate and approved uses at the time of service or
in the future. Upon receipt of any board of supervisors'
request, the involved agency shall consider the establishment of
any proposed dual water system area.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-30 . 604 Boundary Descriptions. Within 60 days of the
designation of a!; "dual water system area(s ) " by the involved
local water or wastewater agency having jurisdiction, a precise
geographic boundary description(s) and map(s) thereof for the
area(s) shall be: filed with the county's community development
department.
(Ord. 91- 19 , )
-2- March 27, 1991
ORDINANCE NO. 91/19
82-30.606 Connections. Existing consumers or others within
"dual water system areas" who received water service prior to the
agency's designation of said area, may at the discretion of the
local water or wastewater public agency having jurisdiction, be
connected to the :non-potable water system in accordance with the
agency's applicable regulations.
(Ord. 91-1g . )
ARTICLE 82-30.8 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
82-30. 802 Aoolications. All development entitlement
applications filed with the community development department for
projects which are: in a dual water system area; or greater than
15 acres; or greater than 120,000 square feet in floor space; or
a portion of an area of aggregate development potential greater
than 15 acres or -120,000 square feet in floor space shall be
referred to the local water or wastewater agency having
jurisdiction for determination and designation by the involved
agency's of its requirements for dual water systems. As soon as
it may be reasonably done after the community development
department received a development entitlement application (but in
no event more than fifteen days after an application is
determined or deemed complete) , the department shall refer the
application pursuant to this section to the involved local
agency.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
82-30 . 804 Entitlement Approvals . The planning agency shall not
approve a development entitlement application subject to this
article's provisi,ons•.until written notification of all
requirements imposed and required by the involved local water or
wastewater agency. for dual water systems are received, reviewed
and considered for inclusion in any approval of the pending
application. If ;the involved local water or wastewater agency
does not provide its written notification within thirty days of
the referral date`, the planning agency may take action to approve
the involved pending application. Notwithstanding the other
provisions of this section, the planning agency may take action
at any time and approve a pending application if within the next
thirty days the staid application may be deemed approved or
otherwise decided' by operation of law.
(Ord. 91- 19 . )
-3- 3-27-91
4/8/91
ORDINANCE NO. 91/19
y t
ARTICLE 82-30. 10XE EMPTIIN
82-30. 1002 Application Exemption. Development entitlement
applications on file with the community development department on
or before May '8 , 1991 are exempt from the provisions
of this chapter.
(Ord. 91-19 . )
SECTION III. IFFECTM DATE. This ordinance becomes effective
30 days after passage, and within 15 days of passage shall be
published once with the names of supervisors voting for and
against it in the Contra Costa Times , a newspaper published in
the County.
PASSED ON Aeril` 9. 1991 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson and Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: Phil Batchelor, Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors
and County Administrator �. r
By: &a.".
Deput
d Chair
DJS/jh
PB-2:a:\xatax.ord
-4- 3-27-91
4/8/91
ORDINANCE NO. 91/19
ORDINANCE NO. 92- 20
(Ordinance Continuing Construction Use of Recycled Water
for Dust Control, Compaction .and Related Operations)
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows:
CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION USE OF RECYCLED WATER
SECTION I: FINDINGS.
a. Drought. Concerning 1992 it now appears that drought and
rationing wi-11 probably continue into the winter of 1992-93 with
current involved circumstances being substantially similar to those
set forth in Section I of Ordinance No. 91-24.
b. CE A. This amending ordinance is exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act for the reasons set forth in
Section V of Ordinance No. 91-24 .
c. Notice of. Exemption. The Community Development Director
is directed to timely file a notice of exemption for this
ordinance's adoption in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines
(§ 15062) .
1SECTION II . EXTENDED TERMINATION. Subsection 7.2 of Section VII
of Ordinance No. 91-24 is hereby amended to read as follows:
7 .2 Termination. This ordinance shall terminate and be of no
further force and effect on the date this Board determines by
resolution that the current drought situation is sufficiently
mitigated or :.on April 30, 1993, whichever first occurs.
ORDINANCE 92- 20
SECTION III. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance becomes effective 30
days after passage, and within 15 days of passage shall be
published once with the names of the supervisors voting for and
against it in the Contra Costa Times , a newspaper
published in this County.
PASSED ON March 24, 1992, by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson, McPeak
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: PHIL BATCHELOR, Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors and
Countj Administrator
By..
Deputy Board Chair
[SEAL]
VJW:f j b
(3/9/92)
ORDINANCE 92-.0
QRDINANCf NO. 91-24
(Urgency Ordinance Requiring Construction Use of Recycled Water
for Dust' Control, Compaction and Related Operations)
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows:
CONSTRUCTION USE OF RECYCLED WATER
SECTION I. GENERAL-
1.1
.
Intent and,. Findinas.
(a) To this ordinance's adoption date, 1991 has been classified as
a fifth consecutive drought year, and water supplied are extremely limited. All
communities within Contra Costa County and the State of California are required
to ration water supplies and use. It now appears that this drought and rationing
will probably continue into the winter of .1991-92.
(b) Recent rains (March 1991) may result in lessening of drought-
related.water rationing requirements, in some areas of this County. The East
Bay Municipal Utility District is currently (April 1991) evaluating the level
of rationing required. The Contra Costa Water District receives 100% of its
allocation from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation, which has cut supplies to the
water district by 50k This figure is not anticipated to change, as the Bureau
intends to use recent precipitation for carryover reservoir storage.
(c) The .use of high quality, potentially potable water is not
necessary for construction uses and operations.
(d) Recycled water is available from many sanitary and sanitation
districts, and would not present a health or safety hazard for construction use,
if used in accordance with State Department of Health Services and Regional Water
Quality Control Board standards and any applicable county regulations.
(e) The Contra Costa Water District estimates a potable water savings
of 450,000 gallons per day if recycled water is used for construction. The East
Say Municipal Utility District estimates that an average of 274,000 gallons per
day of potable water;;could be saved within their service district which also
includes portions of '`Alameda County) by the use of recycled water.
�1-
ORDINANCE NO. 91 24
12 Urgency Declaration.
In view of the. above facts, findings and circumstances, it is no longer
feasible to allow dro.:ught-limited amounts of potentially potable water supplies
to be used for construction purposes, when recycled water is available. This
Board finds that the continued use of potable water for construction operations
and purposes in the unincorporated areas during this drought period constitutes
a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare.
Further, it is in the public interest for this ordinance to take effect
immediately, pursuant to Government Code 6 25123 and Elections Code 1 3751, in
order to preserve a significant amount of potable water sources for public use
during this drought period.
2.3 Regulations. The Board of Supervisors may adopt by resolution
regulations for the; implementation and administration of this ordinance,
including procedures and policies.
,SECTION II. DEFINITIONS.
21 General. The definitions in this section and in the Contra Costa
County Ordinance Code governed the construction of this ordinance, unless the
context otherwise requires. In the case of any conflict between the definitions
of this ordinance and the Ordinance Code, this ordinance's definitions shall
prevail.
2.2 Recycled (Reclaimed) Water is water which, as a result of treatment
of waste water, meets all applicable requirements established by the Regional
Water Quality Control Board and the Department of Health Services governing the
use of reclaimed water and is suitable for appropriate and approved non-potable
uses.
2.1 Potable Water is water which conforms to applicable federal, state
and local agency standards for human consumption.
Untreated Water is water that is not treated, and therefore may not
meet potable water standards; and includes (for example) untreated surface water.
2.5 Construction Site is an area in which construction activities (i.e. ,
dust control, soil compaction) will take place.
2.6 Construction. Construction Uses or Activities is any improvement,
building and/or related activities for which Contra Costa County Ordinance Code
requires the obtaining of a permit, approval, review or inspection.
4-
ORDINANCE NO. 91-24
,SECTION III APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS.
1.1 Application. Except as provided otherwise in this ordinance, in the
unincorporated area 'of this county construction activities (including dust
control and soil compaction) shall use recycled water and conform to the
requirement of this ordinance.
3.Z Well Water. Well water may be used for construction when it is
available on or near 'the construction site.
3.3 Untreated and Potable Mater. Untreated or potable water supplies
shall only be used for construction activities when all other options have been
exhausted and only with the specified express approval of the water district or
local water public agency having jurisdiction for and providing such untreated
or potable water supplies and service.
1.4 Use Exceptions.
(a) ftinimum Use. Construction activities which use less than 500
gallons per day gpd .are not required to conform to the terms of this ordinance.
Construction operations which use less than 500 gpd are strongly encouraged to
use recycled water to the extent that it is economically feasible.
(b) Necessity. Upon application, the county's director of building
inspection may in writing for a project approve the construction use of untreated
or potable water where he/she is satisfied such use is necessary or required to
meet applicable building standards, codes or other regulations for completion
and/or safety. The reason for any such exception granted to this ordinance's
requirements shall be specified in the involved written approval.
J.5 Priority of Nater Use.
(a) Recycled Water Available. Recycled water will be supplied (if
available) by the water district or local waste water agency (sanitary or
sanitation district, etc.) which encompasses the construction site, or other
local public water or waste water agency source located within ten (10) miles
of the involved construction site.
(b) Not Available. If recycled water is not available as provided
In subsection (a of :this section and well water cannot be used, application may
be made to the involived water district for untreated or potable water use for
construction activities. Untreated and/or potable water may be used only with
the involved water district's permission and in accordance with the said
-3-
ORDINANCE NO. 91-24
district's policies and regulations, but not if the involved water district finds
recycled water is available and can be supplied as defined in this ordinance.
JA. Transportation and On-site Recycled Nater Use.
Recycled water which remains on-site shall be clearly labeled, as required
by the State Department of Health Services and the Regional Mater Quality Control
Board having jurisdiction, and shall not be accessible for purposes other than
approved construction activities. At all times, use and transport of recycled
water shall be in accordance with the State Department of Health Standards and
the involved Regional Mater Quality Control Board regulations for reclaimed water
use.
Conditions and Inspections.
(a) Community Development. The community development department
shall recommend to' the planning agency the conditioning of entitlement
development approvals to require the use of recycled use as provided by this
ordinance.
(b) Building Inspection. The building inspection department shall
check for construction site recycled water use in accordance with this ordinance
as part of all routine otherwise required site inspections.
(c) Public Works. The public works department shall require recycled
water use in accordance with this ordinance in connection with all public
construction projectt for which it has administrative responsibility and shall
check for such use as part of those projects' otherwise required inspections.
,SECTION IV. VIOLATIONS: PUNISHMENT.
4.1 Infraction. A violation of this ordinance is an infraction and
punishable, upon conviction, for each and every separate offense, in accordance
with 'the provisions of chapter 1408 of the County Ordinance Code.
4.2 Permi s. ..failure to comply with this ordinance is a violation of law
which the county's building inspector may consider pursuant to County Ordinance
Code f 72-6.023 in connection with the withholding, issuance or reinstatement
of permits.
-4-
ORDINANCE NO. 91-24
-SECTION V. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT.
S.] CEOA. Pursuant to section 15061 of the State and County CEQA
Guidelines, the Board finds and declares that this ordinance is exempt from CEQA
for the following reasons:
(a) This ordinance is not a 'project" within the meaning os section
15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, because the ordinance itself has no potential for
resulting in a ph sic'al change in the environment. The purPoke of this ordinance
is to regulate, for an interim period, the use of water during a drought.
(b) This ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA under section
15308 of the CEQA Guidelines. This ordinance is a regulatory action taken by
the County in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory authority to
assure the maintenance and provision of adequate water for domestic and
construction use during an extended period of drought.
(c) This ordinance is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies
only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on
the environment. for the reasons set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this
subsections it can be seen with certainty, and the Board finds, that there is
no possibility that.. this ordinance will have a significant effect on the
environment; therefore, this ordinance is not subject to CEQA.
L.2 Notice of Exemption. The community development director is directed
to file a notice of exemption for this ordinance, in accordance with the
provisions of section 15062 of the State CEQA Guidelines.
SECTION VI. SEVERABILITY. This Board declares that, if the urgency nature of
this ordinance is invalidated, it intends the remainder of this ordinance to
remain valid and effective and that it would have passed the remainder of this
ordinance even without the urgency provisions. Therefore, the Board directs that
this ordinance be treated and published, effective and operative, as both an
urgency and a non-urgency ordinance as provided in SECTION VII.
SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE. OPERATIVE AND TERMINATION DATES.
.1 Effective and Operative Dates. As an urgency ordinance, this
ordinance becomes effective and operative immediately on introduction and
passage. If a court :holds it to be a non-urgency ordinance, it becomes effective
30 days after passage (on second reading), and within 15 days of passage shall
be published once with the names of supervisors voting for and against it in
the contra Costa Times,a newspaper published in this County.
ORDINANCE N0. 91-24
7.2 Termination. This ordinance shall terminate and be of no further
force and effect on the date this Board determines by resolution that the current
drought situation is sufficiently mitigated or on April 30, 1992, whichever first
occurs.
PASSED on April 16, 1991 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None c
ATTEST: PHIL BATCHELOR, Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors V—Board Chair
and County Administrator
By 6rte�. .
. I%1 [SEAL]
Deputy
VJW:pr
(4-15-91)
N(RECY01lT.aD�
ORDINANCE NO. 91-24
i
#i
i
-.d
82-26.202-82-26.404 ZONING
Chapter 82-26 82-26.206 Regulations. The board of super-
visors may issue regulations for the adminis-
WATER CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING tration of this chapter,including procedures and
IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS policies. (Ord. 90-59).
Article 82-26.2 General Article 82-26.4
Sections: Application and Requirements
82-26.202 Water conservation
landscaping. 82-26.402 Application to new
82-26.204 Intent and findings. developments. (a) Water conservation landscape
82-26.206 Regulations. requirements shall apply to all new single-family
Article 82-26.4 Application and Requirements residential developments having common areas,
Sections: including landscaped front yards, or model
82-26.402 Application to new homes,and to all other new developments.
developments. (b) If a single-family residential development
82-26.404 Requirements. has common areas, the water conservation land-
scape regulations shall apply to all common
areas. The landscaping of front yards as part of
Article 82-26.2 new development will be considered as common
General area, and will be subject to the requirements
outlined in this chapter.
82-26.202 Water conservation landscaping. (c) If a single-family residential development
All land within the unincorporated area of has one or more model homes, at least one
Contra Costa County shall be subject to the model home in the development must be
provisions in this chapter. (Ord. 90-59). planted in accordance with water conservation
requirements.
82-26.204 Intent and Jindings. (1) Land- (d) Conditions of approval for new develop-
scaping irrigation accounts for approximately ment subject to the provisions of this chapter
fifty percent of all water used in urban areas. shall require landscape plans to be submitted to
Water conserving landscapes use only about one- the community development department for
third of the water of a traditional nonwater final review and approval prior to the issuance
conserving landscape. of a building permit. (Ord. 90-59).
(2) Water in the county,is of limited supply.
The county is growing in population. In order to 82-26.404 Requirements. (a) Turf Maxi-
meet the growing demand for water supply, mums. Turf areas shall not exceed twenty-five
water conservation measures need to be percent of planted area in all developments
implemented. subject to this chapter.Where turf is an essential
(3) Water, as a valuable and limited resource, part of the development, as in school playing
should not be wasted. The'county has played a fields or in public parks, a higher percentage
lead role in .protecting bay and delta water may be allowed. No turf shall be allowed in
quality, and in advocating water conservation median strips or in areas less than eight feet
before considering new water supply projects. wide.
(4) Water conservation measures will save (b) Drought-tolerant plants. At least ninety
money and can be accomplished without percent of the plants in a nonturf area shall be
degradation of aesthetic values of developments. low-water-requiring, drought-toleratant plants
(5) For all of these reasons, it is in the approved by the community development
interest of the public health, safety and welfare department. A low-water-using,drought-tolerant
of the county to require water conservation plant includes species suited to local climate and
methods for landscaping of new developments requires little or no irrigation in order to thrive.
by regulating turf areas, planting materials, and The remaining planted area (up to ten percent)
irrigation practices. (Ord. 90-59). can be used for non-drought-tolerant varieties
-(Conte Costa County 12-90) 3104
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT 82-26.404
if they are grouped together and can be irrigated area and percentage of ornamental nondrought-
C separately. tolerant plantings. The plans shall be certified w
(c) Mulch A minimum of two inches of being in compliance with this chapter by a
mulch shall be added to the soil surface after licensed landscape contractor, architect or other
planting. Nonporous material shall not be placed landscape professional whose qualifications have
under the mulch been approved by the community development
(d) Irrigation. department Landscape plans shall include the
(1) Sprinklers and sprays shall not be used in following:
areas less than eight feet wide. Drip and bubbler (1) A water budget which includes estimated
systems shall not exceed one-and one-half gallons annual water use (in gallons) and the area (in
per minute per device. square feet) to be irrigated;
(2) Sprinkler heads with a precipitation rate of (2) Precipitation rates for each valve circuit;
.85 inch per hour or,less shall be used in slopes (3) A monthly irrigation schedule for the plant
exceeding fifteen percent or slopes exceeding 9m establishment period and the following year.
percent within ten feet of hardscape to minimize (g)-AdditioiW Requirements in Residential
runoff. Developments.
(3) Valves and circuits shall be separated (1) In residential developments with one or
based on amounts of water required for each areamore model homes, at least one model home in
(4) Drip or bubbler irrigation systems shall be the development must be planted with drought-
required for trees that cannot be sustained b°I tolerant plants with a maximum of twenty-five
ground or rain water.., percent turf and/or water area.
(5) Sprinkler heads shall have matched precip- (2) The developers shall provide each buyer
itation nates within each control valve circuit with sample landscape plans using drought-
(6) Serviceable ciheck valves shall be required tolerant plants with a maximum of twenty-five
where elevation differential may cause low head percent turf area.
Cdamage. . (3) Subject to community development(7) Sprinkler head spacing shall be design;:d department approval,the developer shall distribute
for head-to-head coverage. The system shall oe outdoor water conservation pamphlets to each
designed to provide minimum runoff and buyer at the time property is sold.Such pamphlets
overspray onto nonirrigated areas. may be obtained from local water districts, from
(8) All irrigation:-systems shall be equipped the state Department of Water Resources,or from
with a controller capable of dual or multiple the community development department(Ori.90-
programming. Controllers shall have multiple 59).
cycle start capacity: and a flexible calendar
program.
(e) Ornamental Ponds. Foundations, ponds or Chapter 82-28
other water bodies that are part of the landscaping
for new developments are discouraged and shall FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
be restricted as set forth in this subsection.Unless
the water body is an integral part of the operation Article 82-28.2 General
of the new development, the surface area of the Sections:
water body shall be counted as turf in calculating 82-28.202 Statutory authorization.
maximum allowable turf for the landscaped arra. 82-28.204 Findings of fact
Where well water or.untieated water is used and 82-28.206 Statement of purpose.
the water supply is recirculated. the community 82-28.208 Methods of reducing flood
development department may make allowances losses.
consistent with the:. other provisions of this Article 82-28.4 Definitions
chapter. Sections:
(f) Landscape Plans. Landscape plans shall 82-28.401 Interpretation of words.
indicate the total landscape area, the area and 82-28.402 Appeal.
percentage of drought-tolerant planting and the 82-28.404 Arra of shallow flooding.
3104.1 (Cana.Cost Cavy 6-91)