COUNTY OF ORANGE

LANDSCAPE
IRRIGATION CODE AND
IMPLEMENTATION
GUIDELINES
Adopted December 15, 2009

OC Planning

714.667.8888 714.834.4772

www.ocplanning.net
[email protected]
 ORDINANCE NO. 09-010

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE,

CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS
7-9-132.2, 7-9-77.8, 7-9-78.8, 7-9-79.8, 3-13-7 AND ADDING SECTION 7-9-133
OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
REGARDING LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION.

The Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange, California, ordains as follows:

SECTION 1. Sec. 7-9-132.2 is hereby amended as follows:

Section 7-9-132.2. Landscaping.

Landscaping, consisting of trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, turf, or any combination thereof,
shall be installed and maintained subject to the following standards:

(a) Boundary landscaping is required for a minimum depth equal to the required setback
distance or ten (10) feet (whichever is less) along all property lines abutting streets except
for the required street openings.
(b) Landscaping along all streets and boundaries shall be in compliance with section 7-9-
137.5, “Fences and walls.”
(c) Any landscaped area shall be separated from an adjacent parking or vehicular area by a
wall or curb at least six (6) inches higher than the adjacent parking or vehicular area.
(d) Permanent watering facilities shall be provided for all landscaped areas and be operated
and maintained in an efficient manner.
(e) Required landscaping shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition. This
shall include proper pruning, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing and
watering as needed, and replacement of plants when necessary.
(f) For landscape projects subject to section 7-9-133.2 of this Zoning Code, a Landscape
Documentation Package as defined in section 7-9-133.3 shall be submitted and approved
pursuant to the requirements set forth in section 7-9-133.3 and 7-9-133.4 and the
Guidelines applicable thereto prior to the issuance of building permits. A Certificate of
Completion shall be submitted and approved prior to the closure of the permit.

SECTION 2: Sections 7-9-133, 7-9-133.1, 7-9-133.2, 7-9-133.3, 7-9-133.4, 7-9-133.5 and 7-9-
133.6 are added to read as follows:

Section 7-9-133. Landscape and Irrigation.

This section and sections 7-9-133.1 through 7-9-133.6 shall apply to all planting, irrigation, and
landscape-related improvements including landscape projects as defined, within the
unincorporated area of the County of Orange. These sections may be referred to collectively as
the “Landscape Irrigation Code.”

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Section 7-9-133.1. Purpose.

The purpose of the following provisions is to comply with the requirements of Government Code
section 65595 to enact an ordinance that is at least as effective in conserving water as the State
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance developed pursuant to the requirements of section
65595 in the context of conditions in the County of Orange, in order to:

(a) provide for water conservation and appropriate use and groupings of plants that are well
adapted to particular sites, climatic, soil or topographic conditions;

(b) establish a program that includes a maximum amount of water to be applied through the
irrigation system based on climate, landscape size, irrigation efficiency and plant needs;

(c) encourage the capture and retention of stormwater onsite to improve water use efficiency
or water quality;

(d) encourage the use of recycled water, where appropriate, to reduce demand on potable
water supplies;

(e) provide for use of automatic irrigation systems and schedules, soil assessment and
management as appropriate to the location and to encourage healthy plant growth;

(f) promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water
and other resources as efficiently as possible;

(g) establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining and managing
water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects;

(h) establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for
existing landscapes;

(i) use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance as
an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount; and

(j) encourage the use of economic incentives that promote the efficient use of water, such as
implementing a budget based tiered-rate structure.

Section 7-9-133.2. Applicability.

These provisions apply to all of the following landscape projects in all zoning districts:

(a) new landscape installations or landscape rehabilitation projects by public agencies or

private non-residential developers, except for cemeteries, with a landscaped area,
including pools or other water features but excluding hardscape, equal to or greater than
2,500 square feet, and which are otherwise subject to a discretionary approval of a

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 landscape plan, or which otherwise require a ministerial permit for a landscape or water
feature;

(b) new landscape installations or landscape rehabilitation projects by developers or property

managers of single-family and multi-family residential projects or complexes with a
landscaped area, including pools or other water features but excluding hardscape, equal to
or greater than 2,500 square feet, and which are otherwise subject to a discretionary
approval of a landscape plan, or which otherwise require a ministerial permit for a
landscape or water feature;

(c) new landscape installation projects by individual homeowners (whether homeowner

provided or homeowner hired) on single-family or multi-family residential lots with a
total project landscaped area, including pools or other water features but excluding
hardscape, equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet, and which are otherwise subject to a
discretionary approval of a landscape plan, or which otherwise require a ministerial
permit for a landscape or water feature.

Section 7-9-133.3. Definitions.

The following definitions apply to the specialized terms used in these provisions.

(a) “Applied water” means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the
landscape.

(b) “Budget based tiered-rate structure” means tiered or block rates for irrigation accounts
charged by the retail water agency in which the block definition for each customer is
derived from lot size or irrigated area, and the evapotranspiration requirements of
landscaping.

(c) “Ecological restoration project” means a project where the site is intentionally altered to
establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

(d) “Estimated Applied Water Use” means the average annual total amount of water
estimated to be necessary to keep plants in a healthy state, calculated as provided in the
Guidelines. It is based on the reference evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscape
area, plant water use factors, and the relative irrigation efficiency of the irrigation system.

(e) “ET adjustment factor” or “ETAF” is equal to the plant factor divided by the irrigation
efficiency factor for a landscape project, as described in the Guidelines. The ETAF is
calculated in the context of local reference evapotranspiration, using site-specific plant
factors and irrigation efficiency factors that influence the amount of water that needs to
be applied to the specific landscaped area.

A combined plant mix with a site-wide average plant factor of 0.5 (indicating a moderate
water need) and average irrigation efficiency of 0.71 produces an ET adjustment factor of
(0.7) = (0.5/0.71), which is the standard of water use efficiency generally required by this

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 Landscape Irrigation Code and the Guidelines; except that the ETAF for a Special
Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0.

(f) “Guidelines” refers to the Guidelines for Implementation of the Landscape Irrigation
Code as adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange, which describes
procedures, calculations, and requirements for landscape projects subject to this
Landscape Irrigation Code.

(g) “Hardscapes” means any durable material or feature (pervious and non-pervious)
installed in or around a landscaped area, such as pavements or walls. Pools and other
water features are considered part of the landscaped area and not considered hardscapes
for purposes of this Landscape Irrigation Code.

(h) “Homeowner provided landscaping” means any landscaping either installed by a private
individual for a single family residence or installed by a licensed contractor hired by a
homeowner. A homeowner, for purposes of this Zoning Code, is a person who owns fee
title to a dwelling. This definition excludes speculative homes, which are not owner-
occupied dwellings and which are subject under this ordinance to the requirements
applicable to developer-installed residential landscape projects.

(i) “Irrigation efficiency” means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used
divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management
practices. The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of Landscape
Irrigation Code is 0.71. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed
and maintained systems.

(j) “Landscape Documentation Package” means the documents required to be provided to

the County for review and approval of landscape design projects, as described in the
Guidelines and Section 7-9-133.4.

(k) “Landscape project” means total area of landscape in a project as provided in the
definition of “landscaped area” meeting the requirements of Section 7-9-132.2.

(l) “Landscaped area” means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated
Applied Water Use calculations. The landscaped area does not include footprints of
buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone
walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas
designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

(m) “Local agency” means a city or county, including a charter city or charter county, that is
authorized to implement, administer, and/or enforce any of the provisions of the
Landscape Irrigation Code on behalf of the County. The local agency may be responsible
for the enforcement or delegation of enforcement of this the Landscape Irrigation Code,

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 including but not limited to, design review, plan check, issuance of permits and
inspection of a landscape project.

(n) “Local water purveyor” means any entity, including a public agency, city, county or
private water company that provides retail water service.

(o) “Maximum Applied Water Allowance” or “MAWA” means the upper limit of annual
applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section 2.2 of the
Guidelines. It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment
Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not
exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.

(p) “Mined-land reclamation projects” means any surface mining operation with a
reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
of 1975.

(q) “New construction” means, for the purposes of this the Landscape Irrigation Code, a new
building with a landscape or other new landscape such as a park, playground, or greenbelt
without an associated building.

(r) “Non-pervious” means any surface or natural material that does not allow for the passage
of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

(s) “Permit” means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction
or rehabilitated landscape.

(t) “Pervious” means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil.

(u) “Plant factor” or “plant water use factor” is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates
the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this Landscape Irrigation Code,
the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.3, the plant factor range for
moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use
plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors cited in this Landscape Irrigation Code are derived from
the Department of Water Resources 2000 publication “Water Use Classification of
Landscape Species.”

(v) “Recycled water” or “reclaimed water” means treated or recycled waste water of a
quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This
water is not intended for human consumption.

(w) “Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means is a standard measurement of

environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given expressed in
inches per day, month, or year as represented in Appendix A of the Guidelines, and is an
estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four-to seven-inch tall, cool-season

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 grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of
determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowances.

(x) “Rehabilitated landscape” means any re-landscaping project that meets the applicability
criteria of Section 7-9-133.2, where the modified landscape area is greater than 2,500
square feet, is at least 50% of the total landscape area and the modifications are planned
to occur within one year.

(y) “Smart Automatic irrigation controllers” means an automatic timing device used to
remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system and which schedules irrigation
events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.

(z) “Special landscape area” means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants
such as orchards and vegetable gardens, areas irrigated with recycled water, water
features using recycled water, and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports
fields, golf courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.

(aa)“Turf” means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses.
Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and
Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.

(bb)“Valve” means a device used to control the flow of water in an irrigation system.

(cc)“Water feature” means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or
recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial
streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface
area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscaped area.
Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment, habitat protection or storm
water best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment
or storm water retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water
budget calculation.

Section 7-9-133.4. Implementation Procedures and Landscape Documentation Package.

(a) Prior to installation of planting, irrigation, and landscape-related improvements including

landscape projects, a Landscape Documentation Package shall be submitted to the
County for review and approval of all landscape projects subject to the provisions of this
Landscape Irrigation Code. Any Landscape Documentation Package submitted to the
County shall comply with the provisions of the Guidelines.

(b) The Landscape Documentation Package shall include a certification by a professional

appropriately licensed in the State of California, stating that the landscape design and
water use calculations have been prepared by or under the supervision of the licensed
professional and are certified to be in compliance with the provisions of this Landscape
Irrigation Code and of the Guidelines.

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 (c) As part of the Landscape Documentation Package, landscape and irrigation system plans
shall be prepared and certified by a professional appropriately licensed in the State of
California prior to the issuance of building permits and the application for a Landscape
Documentation Package as defined in sections 7-9-133.3 and this section 7-9-133.4.
Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted to the County for review and approval
with appropriate water use calculations and include:

(1) Project Description – A summary of the project, property, provisions for water
conservation technologies, plant use and groupings, the use of recycled water (if any),
the capture and retention of stormwater onsite, and any special issues that the Plan
Check reviewer would need to be aware of;
(2) Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet – a report of analysis and calculations for
establishing an Estimated Annual Water Use budget that shall not exceed the
Maximum Applied Water Allowance. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance
shall be determined from an Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor of 0.7 based on an
average Irrigation Efficiency (IE) of 0.71 and an average Plant Factor (except for
Special Landscape Areas) of 0.5;
(3) Soil Management Plans – to be submitted, as appropriate, as a grading permit
application of soil assessment and management to prevent excessive erosion and
runoff, as required under Section 7-1-805 of the County of Orange Grading and
Excavation Code and Grading Manual;
(4) Landscape Design Plans – to be submitted per County of Orange requirements and
include fire prevention (defensible space and fuel modification) requirements with
approval(s) from the local fire authority;
(5) Irrigation Design Plans – to be submitted per County of Orange requirements and
include provisions for the use of automatic irrigation systems and irrigation schedules
based on climatic conditions, specific terrains, soil types, and other environmental
conditions while minimizing irrigation overspray and runoff;
(6) Grading Plans – to be submitted, as appropriate, as a grading permit application when
required under Section 7-1-805 of the County of Orange Grading and Excavation
Code and Grading Manual.

(d) Verification of compliance of the landscape installation with the approved plans shall be
obtained through a Certificate of Use and Occupancy or Permit Final process, as provided
below and in the Guidelines.

(e) Prior to final inspection, closure of a building or grading permit, and issuance of a
Certificate of Use and Occupancy, the following must be submitted to demonstrate
compliance with section 7-9-133.4:

(1) Certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the signer of the
irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor that the landscape project
has been installed per the approved Landscape Documentation Package;
(2) documentation of the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller(s);
(3) documentation of the specified landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule; and

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 (4) provisions for landscape maintenance practices that foster long-term landscape water
conservation; and
(5) an irrigation system audit report.

Section 7-9-133.5. Landscape Water Use Standards.

(a) For applicable landscape installation or rehabilitation projects subject to Section 7-9-
133.2 of this Landscape Irrigation Code, the Estimated Applied Water Use allowed for
the landscaped area shall not exceed the MAWA calculated using an ET adjustment
factor of 0.7, except for Special Landscaped Areas where the MAWA is calculated using
an ET adjustment factor of 1.0; or the design of the landscaped area shall otherwise be
shown to be equivalently water-efficient in a manner acceptable to the County; as
provided in the Guidelines.

(b) Irrigation of all landscaped areas shall be conducted in a manner conforming to the rules
and requirements of the local water purveyor, and shall be subject to penalties and
incentives for water conservation and water waste prevention, as determined and
implemented by the local water purveyor, or as mutually agreed by local water purveyor
and the County.

(c) These Landscape Water Use Standards shall not apply to registered local, state, or federal
historical sites; ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system; mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system; or plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the
public.

(d) Only Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Guidelines shall apply to new landscape installations or
landscape rehabilitation projects at cemeteries.

(e) Existing landscapes installed before January 1, 2010 that exceed one acre shall comply
with the requirements of their retail water purveyor to meet the landscape Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.

Section 7-9-133.6. Guidelines.

(a) Detailed guidelines for the application and implementation of this Landscape Irrigation
Code, including technical compliance and calculations are set forth in Appendix A to the
Landscape Irrigation Code, entitled, “Guidelines for Implementation of the Orange
County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Code” which is incorporated by reference and
made a part of this Landscape Irrigation Code.

(b) The authority to implement and modify these Guidelines as appropriate is delegated to
the Planning Commission. Any such action of the Planning Commission may be appealed
to the Board of Supervisors as provided in section 7-9-150 of this Zoning Code.

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 (c) The Guidelines are complementary to the regulations of the Orange County Zoning Code.
If an issue arises between the Guidelines and the Zoning Code that is not sufficiently
clear, the Zoning Code shall prevail.

SECTION 3. Sec. 7-9-77.8 is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 7-9-77.8. R2 “Multifamily Dwellings” – Site Development Standards.

(a) Building site area. Seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet minimum except per
section 7-9-126.1.
(b) Building height. Thirty-five (35) feet maximum except per section 7-9-126.1.
(c) Area per unit. One thousand (1,000) square feet minimum net land area per dwelling unit
except per section 7-9-126.1.
(d) Distance between principal structures. Ten (10) feet minimum.
(e) Building setbacks. Per sections 7-9-127, 7-9-128, and 7-9-137.
(f) Off-street parking. Per section 7-9-145.
(g) Lights. All lights shall be designed and located so that direct light rays shall be confined
to the premises.

SECTION 4. Section 7-9-78.8 is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 7-9-78.8. R3 “Apartment” – Site Development Standards.

(a) Building site area. Seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet minimum except per
section 7-9-126.1.
(b) Building height. Sixty-five (65) feet maximum except per section 7-9-126.1.
(c) Area per unit. One thousand (1,000) square feet minimum net land area per dwelling unit
unless otherwise provided for by an approved use permit.
(d) Distance between principal structures. Fifteen (15) feet minimum.
(e) Building setbacks. Per sections 7-9-127, 7-9-128, and 7-9-137.
(f) Off-street parking. Per section 7-9-145.
(g) Lights. All lights shall be designed and located so that direct light rays shall be confined
to the premises.

SECTION 5. Section 7-9-79.8 is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 7-9-79.8. R4 “Suburban Multifamily Residential” – Site Development Standards.

(a) Building site area. Seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet minimum except per
section 7-9-126.1.
(b) Building height. Thirty-five (35) feet maximum except per section 7-9-126.1.
(c) Area per unit. Three thousand (3,000) square feet minimum net land area per dwelling
unit except per section 7-9-126.1.
(d) Distance between principal structures. Fifteen (15) feet minimum.

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 (e) Building setbacks. Per sections 7-9-127, 7-9-128, and 7-9-137.
(f) Off-street parking. Per section 7-9-145.
(g) Lights. All lights shall be designed and located so that direct light rays shall be confined
to the premises.

SECTION 6. Section 3-13-7 is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 3-13-7. Standards for developed property.

All developed real property in county territory shall be maintained at so that its condition is not
less than described in the following standards.
(1) Condition of structures. Structures shall not be partially destroyed, abandoned,
unsecured, or permitted to remain in a state of partial construction for more than thirty
(30) days. Buildings or structures shall not be boarded up for a period in excess of ten
(10) days without a valid demolition or building permit on file, except in compliance with
sections 7-1-18 and following of this Code.
(2) Building exteriors and roofs. Exterior building surfaces and roofs shall be maintained
free of significant surface cracks, missing materials, warping, dry rot which either
threaten the structural integrity, or result in a dilapidated, decaying, disfigured, or
partially ruined appearance.
(3) Use of tarps. Excluding emergency repairs, it is prohibited to use tarps for roof and
building repairs. Additionally, the use of tarps for vehicle covers, or temporary canopies,
enclosures, and/or awnings is prohibited in any outdoor area visible from any public
right-of-way.
(4) Paint. Painted surfaces on buildings, trash enclosures, walls, retaining walls, fences, and
structures shall be maintained in order to prevent decay, excessive checking, cracking,
peeling, chalking, dry rot, warping, or termite infestation.
(5) Graffiti. All structures, equipment, walls, and fencing on the property shall be maintained
free of graffiti pursuant to Division 16 of Title 3 of this Code.
(6) Lighting. All exterior light fixtures shall be maintained in good working order free of
broken lamps, lenses, and light bulbs. Furthermore, the structural integrity of all
supporting poles and mounting fixtures shall be maintained. All insulation and
connections shall be intact and free of exposed wire.
(7) Windows. Broken windows and glass doors and the use of materials other than glass as a
replacement or covering of windowpanes are prohibited.
(8) Window screens. All window and glass door screens shall be maintained free of tears,
rips, and holes. On residential rental properties, window screens are required on all
windows.
(9) Trash bins. Trash bins or dumpsters shall be kept within an enclosed building, trash
enclosure, or screened from public view to the maximum extent feasible. Overflowing
trash bins or dumpsters due to inadequate number of bins and/or request for service from
the trash hauler is prohibited. Use of commercial trash bins for residential uses in the R-1
zone is prohibited.
(10) Walls, fences, and trash enclosures. All walls, retaining and crib walls, and fences
abutting public rights-of-way (including alleys), and trash enclosures, shall be maintained

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 free of significant surface cracks, dry rot, warping, deterioration, leaning, missing panels
or blocks which either threaten the structural integrity, or result in a dilapidated,
decaying, disfigured, or partially ruined appearance.
(11) Parking areas, sidewalks. Parking areas, private alleys, driveways, sidewalks, and
walkways shall be maintained free of potholes, cracks, breaks, lifting, and other
deteriorated conditions.
(12) Signs. All signs shall be maintained in order to prevent deterioration, disrepair, and
unsightliness.
(13) Excavations. Excavations, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, and other holes shall be
properly secured to prevent access by unauthorized persons.
(14) Landscaping. Landscaping shall be maintained pursuant to section 7-9-132 et. seq. of this
Code. All landscaping visible from public rights-of-way shall be maintained in a healthy
condition free of dying, dead, diseased, decayed, discarded and/or overgrown vegetation.
(15) Parkway landscaping. In residential areas, the public parkway shall be landscaped and
maintained by the adjacent property owner(s). The landscaping shall be maintained in a
healthy condition free of dying, dead, diseased, decayed, discarded and/or overgrown
vegetation.
(16) Drainage. Onsite drainage improvements shall be maintained in order to prevent
deterioration, disrepair, and ineffectiveness.
(17) Rodent and vermin control. All property, including landscaped areas, buildings, and
structures, shall be maintained free of rodents and other vermin.
(18) Outdoor drying. In all residential zones or residential developments, the outdoor airing
and/or drying of laundry, clothes, other household linens, or food is permitted only in rear
or side yards, provided that the items are not visible from public rights-of-way.
(19) Pools. Barrier fencing and gates for swimming pools and spas shall be maintained as
required by the California Building Code. Swimming pools and spas shall not contain
unfiltered or stagnant water.
(20) Address numerals. Street address numerals shall be maintained pursuant to following:
a. Single-family units. Street addresses shall be visible from the public street and may
be displayed either on the front door, on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance, or
on another prominent location. When the property has alley access, address numerals
shall be displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Numerals shall be a
minimum six (6) inches in height with not less than one-half-inch stroke and shall
contrast sharply with the background.
b. Multi-family units. Street address shall be visible from the public street and shall be
displayed on the complex identification sign. If there is no complex identification
sign, the street address may be displayed on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance
or on another prominent location. When the property has alley access, address
numerals shall be displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Street
address numerals shall be a minimum six (6) inches in height with not less than one-
half-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background. Identification of
individual units shall be provided adjacent to the unit entrances. Letters or numerals
shall be four (4) inches in height with not less than one-quarter-inch stroke and shall
contrast sharply with the background.
c. Nonresidential properties. Street address shall be visible from the public street and
shall be displayed on the freestanding sign. If there is no freestanding sign, the street

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 address may be displayed on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance or on another
prominent location. When the property has alley access, address numerals shall be
displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Numerals shall be a
minimum twelve (12) inches in height with not less than three-quarters-inch stroke
and shall contrast sharply with the background. Identification of individual units shall
be provided adjacent to the unit entrances. Letters or numerals shall be four (4) inches
in height with not less than one-quarter-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the
background.
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 GUIDELINES
(APPENDIX A)

FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

COUNTY OF ORANGE
LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION CODE

OC PUBLIC WORKS
NOVEMBER 2009

11/18/09
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page No.

1. Purpose and Applicability...................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose....................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Applicability .............................................................................................. 2
2. Submittal Requirements for New Landscape Installations or Landscape
Rehabilitation Projects ........................................................................................... 2
2.1 Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package ................................ 2
2.2 Water Efficient Landscape Calculations and Alternatives ........................ 4
2.3 Soil Management Report ........................................................................... 6
2.4 Landscape Design Plan .............................................................................. 7
2.5 Irrigation Design Plan .............................................................................. 10
2.6 Grading Design Plan ................................................................................ 13
2.7 Certification of Completion……………………………………………..14
2.8 Post-Installation Irrigation Scheduling .................................................... 15
2.9 Post-Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance......................... 15
3. Provisions for Existing Landscapes ..................................................................... 15

Appendix A – Example Certification of Design............................................................ A-1

Appendix B – Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet................................................... B-1
Appendix C – Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table............................................ C-1
Appendix D – Example Installation Certificate of Completion..................................... D-1
Appendix E - Definitions ……………………………………………………..……….E-1

11/18/09
1. Purpose and Applicability

1.1 Purpose

(a) The primary purpose of these Guidelines is to provide procedural and design
guidance for project applicants proposing landscape installation or rehabilitation
projects that are subject to the requirements of the Landscape Irrigation Code.
This document is also intended for use and reference by County staff in reviewing
and approving designs and verifying compliance with the Landscape Irrigation
Code. The general purpose of the Landscape Irrigation Code is to promote the
design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping in a manner that conserves
regional water resources by ensuring that landscaping projects are not unduly
water-needy and that irrigation systems are appropriately implemented to
minimize water waste.

(b) Other regulations affecting landscape design and maintenance practices are
potentially applicable and should be consulted for additional requirements. These
regulations include but may not be limited to:

(1) State of California Assembly Bill 1881;

(2) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit for the Municipal

Separate Storm Sewer System;

(3) Orange County Fire Authority Regulations for Fuel Modification in the
Landscape;

(4) Water Conservation and Drought Response Regulations of the Local

Water Purveyor;

(5) Regulations of the Local Water Purveyor governing use of Recycled

Water;

(6) Zoning Code;

(7) Building Code;

(8) Specific Plans, Master Plans, General Plan, or similar land use and
planning documents; and

(9) Conditions of approval for a specific project.

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 1.2 Applicability

(a) The Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines shall apply to landscaping projects that
are subject to the County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Ordinance.

2. Submittal Requirements for New Landscape Installations or Landscape Rehabilitation

Projects

(a) Discretionary approval is typically required for landscape projects that are subject
to site plan reviews, or where a variance from a local building code is requested,
or other procedural processes apply such that standard or special conditions of
approval may be required by the County. Discretionary projects with conditions
of approval may be approved administratively by county staff, or acted on
formally by the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, or other
jurisdictional authority. A typical standard condition of approval reads:

“Landscaping for the project shall be designed to comply with the

County’s Landscape Irrigation Code and with the Guidelines for
Implementation of the Landscape Irrigation Code.”

Landscape or water features that typically require a ministerial permit (i.e., a

building, plumbing, electrical, or other similar permit), thereby triggering
compliance with the Landscape Irrigation Code requirements independently of
the need for discretionary approval include, but are not limited to, swimming
pools, fountains or ponds, retaining walls, and overhead trellises.

2.1 Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package

(a) A Landscape Documentation Package is required to be submitted by the project

applicant for review and approval prior to the issuance of ministerial permits for
landscape or water features by the County prior to start of construction. Unless
otherwise directed by the County, the Landscape Documentation Package shall
include the following elements either on plan sheets or supplemental pages as
directed by the County:

(1) Project Information, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) date;

(b) project name;

(c) project address, parcel, and/or lot number(s);

(d) total landscaped area (square feet) and rehabilitated landscaped

area (if applicable);

(e) project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery,

homeowner-installed);

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 (f) water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, or well) and
identification of the local retail water purveyor if the project
applicant is not served by a private well;

(g) checklist or index of all documents in the Landscape

Documentation Package;

(h) project contacts, including contact information for the project

applicant and property owner;

(i) a Certification of Design in accordance with Exhibit A of these

Guidelines that includes a landscape professional’s professional
stamp, as applicable, signature, contact information (including
email and telephone number), license number, and date, certifying
the statement that “The design of this project complies with the
requirements of the County’s Landscape Irrigation Code” and
shall bear the signature of the landscape professional as required
by law; and

(j) any other information the County deems relevant for determining
whether the landscape project complies with the Landscape
Irrigation Code and these Guidelines.

(2) Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) and Estimated Applied

Water Use (EAWU) expressed as annual totals including, but not limited
to, the following:

(a) a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (optional at discretion of

the County) for the landscape project;

(b) hydrozone information table (optional at the discretion of the

County) for the landscape project; and

(c) water budget calculations (optional at the discretion of the County)

for the landscape project.

(3) An erosion and sediment control plan pursuant to the County Grading
Code. A soil management report or specifications, or specification
provision requiring soil testing and amendment recommendations and
implementation to be accomplished during construction of the landscape
project, may be required if determined necessary by the Plan Check
Manager.

(4) A landscape design plan for the landscape project.

(5) An irrigation design plan for the landscape project.

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 (6) A grading design plan, if determined necessary by the Plan Check
Manager, unless grading information is included in the landscape design
plan for the landscape project or unless the landscape project is limited to
replacement planting and/or irrigation to rehabilitate an existing
landscaped area.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference:

Section 65596, Government Code.]

2.2 Water Efficient Landscape Calculations and Alternatives

(a) The project applicant shall provide the calculated Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) and Estimated Applied Water Use (EAWU) for the
landscaped area as part of the Landscape Documentation Package submittal to
the County. The MAWA and EAWU shall be calculated based on completing the
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets (in accordance with the sample worksheets
in Appendix B).

(b) The EAWU allowable for the landscaped area shall not exceed the MAWA. The
MAWA shall be calculated using an evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF)
of 0.7 except for the portion of the MAWA applicable to any special landscaped
areas within the landscape project, which shall be calculated using an ETAF of
1.0. Where the design of the landscaped area can otherwise be shown to be
equivalently water-efficient, the project applicant may submit alternative or
abbreviated information supporting the demonstration that the annual EAWU is
less than the MAWA, at the discretion of and for the review and approval of the
local agency.

(c) Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:

(1) The MAWA shall be calculated using the Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheets and equation presented in Appendix B on page B-1. The
example calculation on page B-1 is a hypothetical example to demonstrate
proper use of the equation.

(2) The EAWU shall be calculated using the Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheets and equation presented in Appendix B on page B-2. The
example calculation on page B-2 is a hypothetical example.

(3) For the calculation of the MAWA and EAWU, a project applicant shall use
the ETo values from the closest location listed the Reference
Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix C. For geographic areas not
covered in Appendix C, data from cities located nearby in the same
reference evapotranspiration zone may be used, as found in the CIMIS
Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, Department of Water
Resources, 1999.

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(4) For calculation of the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be
determined as appropriate to the project location from the Water Use
Efficiency of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Species Evaluation List. The
plant factor is 0.1 for very low water use plants, 0.2 to 0.3 for low water
use plants, 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants, and 0.7 to 1.0 for high
water use plants.

(5) For calculating the EAWU, the plant water use factor shall be determined
for each valve hydrozone based on the highest-water-use plant species
within the zone. The plant factor for each hydrozone may be required to
be further refined as a “landscape coefficient,” according to protocols
defined in detail in the WUCOLS document, to reflect planting density and
microclimate effects on water need at the option of the project applicant
or the County.

(6) For calculation of the EAWU, the area of a water feature shall be defined
as a high water use hydrozone with a plant factor of 1.0.

(7) For calculation of the EAWU, a temporarily irrigated hydrozone area, such
as an area of highly drought-tolerant native plants that are not intended to
be irrigated after they are fully established, shall be defined as a very low
water use hydrozone with a plant factor of 0.1.

(8) For calculation of the MAWA, the ETAF for special landscaped areas
shall be set at 1.0. For calculation of the EAWU, the ETAF for special
landscaped areas shall be calculated as the special landscaped area (SLA)
plant factor divided by the SLA irrigation efficiency factor.

(9) Irrigation efficiency shall be calculated using the worksheet and equation
presented in Appendix B on page B-2.

(d) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall adhere to the following
requirements:

(1) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using

the equation presented in Appendix B. The example calculation in
Appendix B is hypothetical to demonstrate proper use of the
equation and does not represent an existing and/or planned
landscape project. The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) values
used in this calculation are from the Reference Evapotranspiration
Table in Appendix C and are for planning purposes only. For
actual irrigation scheduling, automatic irrigation controllers are
required and shall use current ETo data, such as from the
California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS),
other equivalent data, or soil moisture sensor data.

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2.3 Soil Management Report

(a) In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management
report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, if
determined necessary by the Plan Check Manager, as follows:

(1) Submit soil samples to a certified agronomic soils laboratory for analysis
and recommendations.

(a) Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory

protocol, including protocols regarding adequate sampling depth
for the intended plants.

(b) The soil analysis may include, but is not limited to:

1. soil texture;

2. infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture

infiltration rate table;

3. pH;

4. total soluble salts;

5. sodium;

6. percent organic matter; and

7. recommendations.

(2) The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the
following:

(a) if significant mass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report
shall be submitted to the County as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package; or

(b) If significant mass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall
be submitted to the County as part of the Certification of
Completion.

(c) The soil analysis report shall be made available, in a timely

manner, to the professionals preparing the landscape design plans
and irrigation design plans in order to make any necessary
adjustments to the design plans.

(d) The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit

documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report

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 recommendations to the local agency with the Certification of
Completion.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code.

Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]

2.4 Landscape Design Plan

(a) For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned
for the intended function of the project. The following design criteria shall be
submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package:

(1) Plant Material

(a) Any plant may be selected for the landscaped area provided the
EAWU in the landscaped area does not exceed the MAWA. To
encourage the efficient use of water, the following is highly
recommended:

1. protection and preservation of non-invasive water-conserving

plant species and water-conserving turf;

2. selection of water-conserving plant species and water-

conserving turf;

3. selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance;

4. selection of trees based on applicable County and local tree

ordinances or tree shading guidelines; and

5. selection of plants from local and regional landscape program

plant lists.

(b) Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, with the
exception of hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section
2.5(a)(2)(D) of these Guidelines.

(c) Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to
the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. To
encourage the efficient use of water, the following is highly recommended for
inclusion in the landscape design plan:

(1) use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which takes into account
temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate;

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 (2) recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size,
invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure
(e.g., buildings, sidewalks, and power lines); and

(3) consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer
shade and winter solar gain.

(d) Turf is discouraged on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is
adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1 foot of vertical
elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 =
slope percent).

(e) A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas and fuel modification
zones shall comply with requirements of the local Fire Authority, where
applicable. When conflicts between water conservation and fire safety design
elements exist, the fire safety requirements shall have priority.

(f) The use of invasive plant species and/or noxious plant species is strongly
discouraged.

(g) The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include

community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock
cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of
prohibiting the use of water efficient plant species as a group.

(1) Water Features

(a) Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.

(b) Where available and consistent with public health guidelines,

recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water
features.

(c) The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high
water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.

(d) Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.

(2) Mulch and Amendments

(a) A minimum two inch (2″) layer of mulch shall be applied on all
exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas,
creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications
where mulch is contraindicated.

(b) Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.

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 (c) The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded
applications shall meet the mulching requirement.

(d) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to

recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the
plants selected (see Section 2.3 of these Guidelines).

(h) The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall:

(1) delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method;

(2) identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use.
Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscaped area shall be included in the
low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation;

(3) identify recreational areas;

(4) identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants;

(5) identify areas irrigated with recycled water;

(6) identify type of mulch and application depth;

(7) identify soil amendments, type, and quantity;

(8) identify type and surface area of water features;

(9) identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious);

(10) identify location and installation details of any applicable storm water best
management practices that encourage on-site retention and infiltration of
storm water. Storm water best management practices are encouraged in
the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:

(a) infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and
soak into the ground;

(b) constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle
excess flow, and filter pollutants; and

(c) pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks,

pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff.

(11) identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g.,

rain gardens, cisterns, etc.);

(12) contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the a
Landscape Irrigation Code and applied them for the efficient use of water
in the landscape design plan;” and

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 (13) bear the signature of a California-licensed landscape professional.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Reference: Section 65596,

Government Code and Section 1351, Civil Code.]

2.5 Irrigation Design Plan

(a) For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements
listed in this section and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The irrigation
system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for
proper installation, management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan
meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package.

(1) System

(a) Dedicated landscape water meters are highly recommended on

landscaped areas smaller than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water
management.

(b) Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration

or soil moisture sensor data shall be required for irrigation
scheduling in all irrigation systems.

(c) The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic
pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

1. If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic

pressure of the irrigation system, pressure-regulating devices
such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps, or other
devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic
pressure of the irrigation system.

2. Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow

reading of the water supply shall be measured at the point of
connection. These pressure and flow measurements shall be
conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not
available at the design stage, the measurements shall be
conducted at installation.

(d) Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that
suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather
conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems, as
appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.

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(e) Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or
butterfly valve) shall be required as close as possible to the point of
connection of the water supply to minimize water loss in case of an
emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair.

(f) Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water

supply from contamination by the irrigation system. A project
applicant shall refer to the applicable County code (i.e., public
health) for additional backflow prevention requirements.

(g) High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions
created by system damage or malfunction are recommended.

(h) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head
drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation
water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property,
non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.

(i) Relevant information from the soil management plan, such as soil
type and infiltration rate, shall be utilized when designing
irrigation systems.

(j) The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the

hydrozones of the landscape design plan.

(k) Average irrigation efficiency for the project shall be determined in

accordance with the EAWU calculation sheet in Appendix B.
Unless otherwise indicated by the irrigation equipment
manufacturer’s specifications or demonstrated by the project
applicant, the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation heads used
within each hydrozone shall be assumed to be:

Pop-up stream rotator heads = 75%

Stream rotor heads = 75%
Microspray = 75%
Bubbler = 80%
Drip emitter = 85%
Subsurface irrigation = 90%

(l) It is highly recommended that the project applicant or local agency

inquire with the local water purveyor about peak water operating
demands (on the water supply system) or water restrictions that
may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.

(m) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched
precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the
manufacturer’s recommendations.

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 (n) Head to head coverage is recommended. However, sprinkler
spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible
distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(o) Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on

all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to high traffic areas.

(p) Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation
systems.

(q) Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight
(8) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation, a low volume irrigation system, or another water-
efficient technology.

(2) Hydrozone

(a) Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water
use.

(b) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based
on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.

(c) Where appropriate, trees shall be placed on separate valves from

shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.

(d) Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water
use or moderate and high water use may be allowed if:

1. the plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the

respective plant water uses and their respective plant factors;
or

2. the plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for the
calculations.

(e) Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall
not be permitted.

(f) On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone
areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation.
On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each
valve and assign a number to each valve.

(g) The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain:

1. the location and size of separate water meters for landscape;

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 2. the location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation
system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves,
sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick
couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices;

3. static water pressure at the point of connection to the public

water supply;

4. flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per

hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch)
for each station;

5. irrigation schedule parameters necessary to program smart

timers specified in the landscape design;

6. the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of

the Landscape Irrigation Code and applied them accordingly
for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan;” and

7. the stamp and signature of a California-licensed landscape

professional.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code.

Reference: Section 65596, Government Code.]

2.6 Grading Design Plan

(a) For the efficient use of water, grading of a landscape project site shall be designed
to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. Finished grading configuration
of the landscaped area, including pads, slopes, drainage, post-construction
erosion control, and storm water control Best Management Practices, as
applicable, shall be shown on the Landscape Plan unless this information is fully
included in separate Grading Plans for the project, or unless the project is limited
to replacement planting and/or irrigation to rehabilitate an existing landscaped
area.

(b) The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan if determined
necessary by the Plan Check Manager, that indicates finished configurations and
elevations of the landscaped area including:

(1) height of graded slopes;

(2) drainage patterns;

(3) pad elevations;

(4) finish grade; and

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 (5) storm water retention improvements, if applicable.

(c) To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that the
project applicant:

(1) grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property
lines and does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes;

(2) avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and

(3) avoid soil compaction in landscaped areas.

(d) The Grading Design Plan shall contain the following statement: “I have complied
with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient
use of water in the grading design plan” and shall bear the stamp and signature of
the landscape professional, as required by law.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference: Section

65596, Government Code.]

2.7 Certification of Completion

(a) Landscape project installation shall not proceed until the Landscape
Documentation Package has been approved by the County and any ministerial
permits required are issued.

(b) The project applicant shall notify the County at the beginning of the installation
work and at intervals, as necessary, for the duration of the landscape project work
to schedule all required inspections.

(c) Certification of Completion of the landscape project shall be met through a

Certificate of Use and Occupancy or a Permit Final. The requirements for the
Final Inspection and Permit Closure include submittal of:

(1) A Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion in the form included as

Appendix D of these Guidelines, which shall include: (i) certification by a
landscape professional that the landscape project has been installed per
the approved Landscape Documentation Package; and (ii) the following
statement: “The landscaping has been installed in substantial conformance
to the design plans, and complies with the provisions of the Landscape
Irrigation Code for the efficient use of water in the landscape.”

(2) Documentation of the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the

controller(s);

(3) An irrigation audit report, documentation of enrollment in regional or

local water purveyor’s water conservation programs, and/or
documentation that the MAWA and EAWU information for the landscape

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 project has been submitted to the local water purveyor, may be required at
the option of the County.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference:

Section 65596, Government Code.]

2.8 Post-Installation Irrigation Scheduling

(a) For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed,
managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to
maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.

(2) Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled in accordance with the local water
purveyor’s Water Conservation Ordinance. Operation of the irrigation
system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and
system maintenance.

[Note: Authority Cited: Section 65595, Government Code. Reference:

Section 65596, Government Code.]

2.9 Post-Installation Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance

(a) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency in accordance with
existing regulations.

3. Provisions for Existing Landscapes

(a) Irrigation of all landscaped areas shall be conducted in a manner conforming to

the rules and requirements and shall be subject to penalties and incentives for
water conservation and water waste prevention, as determined and implemented
by the local water purveyor and as may be mutually agreed by the County.

(b) The local water purveyor may administer programs such as irrigation water use
analyses, irrigation surveys and/or irrigation audits, tiered water rate structures,
water budgeting by parcel, or other approaches to achieve landscape water use
efficiency community-wide to a level equivalent to or less than would be achieved
by applying a MAWA calculated with an ETAF of 0.8 to all landscaped areas in
the County over one acre in size.

(c) The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, including

apartments, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall
not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of
low-water use plants as a group.

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 Appendix A

CERTIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN

I hereby certify that:

(1) I am a professional appropriately licensed in the State of California to provide

professional landscape design services.

(2) The landscape design and water use calculations for the property located at

(provide street address or parcel number(s)) were prepared by me or under my supervision.

(3) The landscape design and water use calculations for the identified property comply with
the requirements of the County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Code (OCCO Sections
) and the County of Orange Guidelines for Implementation of the County of Orange
Landscape Irrigation Code.

(4) The information I have provided in this Certificate of Landscape Design is true and
correct and is hereby submitted in compliance with the County of Orange Guidelines for
Implementation of the County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Code.

Print Name Date

Signature License Number

Address

Telephone E-mail Address

Landscape Design Professional’s Stamp

A-1
 Appendix B

EXAMPLE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET

This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant for each Point of Connection. Please complete all sections of the worksheet.

Point of Connection # 1

Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)

Total MAWA = (ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) + (ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) = Gallons per year for LA+SLA

where:
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
0.7 = Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
1.0 = ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA = Special Landscaped Area (square feet)

Example Calculation: a hypothetical landscape project in Santa Ana, CA with an irrigated landscaped area of 40,000 square feet with 10,000 square feet
of Special Landscaped Area. To calculate MAWA, the annual reference evapotranspiration value for Santa Ana is 48.2 inches as listed in the Reference
Evapotranspiration Table in Appendix C.

ETo ETAF LA or SLA (ft2) Conversion MAWA (Gallons Per Year)

MAWA for LA = 48.2 x 0.7 x 40,000 x 0.62 = 836,752
MAWA for SLA = 48.2 x 1.0 x 10,000 x 0.62 = 298,840
Total MAWA = 50,000 1,135,592 Gallons per year for LA+SLA

B-1
Estimated Applied Water Use

EAWU = ETo x KL x LA x 0.62 ÷ IE = Gallons per year

where: KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
EAWU = Estimated Applied Water Use (gallons per year)
Ks = species factor (range = 0.1-0.9) (see WUCOLS list for values)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
KL = Landscape Coefficient Kd = density factor (range = 0.5-1.3) (see WUCOLS for density value ranges)
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet) Kmc = microclimate factor (range = 0.5-1.4) (see WUCOLS)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE = Irrigation Efficiency = IME x DU (See definition in Appendix E WUCOLS – www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00.pdf
for example IE percentages)
IME = Irrigation Management Efficiency (90%)
DU = Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
Example Calculation:

ETo KL LA Conversion IE EAWU (Gallons per year)

Special Landscaped Area 48.2 x 1.00 x 10,000 x 0.62 ÷ 0.75 = 398,453
Cool Season Turf 48.2 x 1.00 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
Warm Season Turf 48.2 x 0.65 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
High Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.70 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
Medium Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.50 x 15,000 x 0.62 ÷ 0.65 = 344,815
Low Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.30 x 25,000 x 0.62 ÷ 0.75 = 298,840
Very Low Water Using Shrub 48.2 x 0.20 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
Other 48.2 x 0.50 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
Other 48.2 x 0.50 x 0 x 0.62 ÷ 0.71 = 0
Total EAWU = 50,000 1,042,109 Gallons per year

Compare EAWU with MAWA.

The EAWU (1,042,109 gallons per year) is less than MAWA (1,135,592 gallons per year). For this example, the water budget complies with the MAWA.

B-2
List sprinkler heads, microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.

Sprinkler Head Types Average Precipitation Rate Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
Low precipitation rotating nozzles
Stream rotors

B-3
 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET

This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant for each Point of Connection. Please complete all sections of the worksheet.

Point of Connection #__

Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)

Total MAWA = (ETo x 0.7 x LA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) + (ETo x 1.0 x SLA in Sq. Ft. x 0.62) = Gallons per year for LA+SLA

where:

MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)

ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
0.7 = Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor (ETAF)
1.0 = ETAF for Special Landscaped Area
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
SLA = Special Landscaped Area (square feet)

MAWA Calculation:
ETo ETAF LA or SLA (ft2) Conversion MAWA (Gallons Per Year)
MAWA for LA = x 0.7 x x 0.62 =
MAWA for SLA = x 1.0 x x 0.62 =
Total MAWA =

B-4
Estimated Applied Water Use

EAWU = ETo x KL x LA x 0.62 ÷ IE = Gallons per year

where: KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
EAWU = Estimated Applied Water Use (gallons per year)
Ks = species factor (range = 0.1-0.9) (see WUCOLS list for values)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration Appendix C (inches per year)
KL = Landscape Coefficient Kd = density factor (range = 0.5-1.3) (see WUCOLS for density value ranges)
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet) Kmc = microclimate factor (range = 0.5-1.4) (see WUCOLS)
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE = Irrigation Efficiency = IME x DU WUCOLS – www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00.pdf
IME = Irrigation Management Efficiency (90%)
DU = Distribution Uniformity of irrigation head
EAWU Calculation:

ETo KL LA Conversion IE EAWU (Gallons Per Year)

Special Landscaped Area x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Cool Season Turf x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Warm Season Turf x x x 0.62 ÷ =
High Water Using Shrub x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Medium Water Using Shrub x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Low Water Using Shrub x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Very Low Water Using Shrubs x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Other x x x 0.62 ÷ =
Total EAWU =

B-5
List sprinkler heads, microspray, and drip emitters here along with average precipitation rate and Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head.

Sprinkler Head Types Average Precipitation Rate Distribution Uniformity of Irrigation Head
Drip
Microspray
Bubbler
Low precipitation rotating nozzles
Stream rotors

B-6
 Appendix C

Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table

Appendix C - Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*

County and City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
ETo
Orange
Irvine 2.2 2.5 3.7 4.7 5.2 5.9 6.3 6.2 4.6 3.7 2.6 2.3 49.6
Laguna Beach 2.2 2.7 3.4 3.8 4.6 4.6 4.9 4.9 4.4 3.4 2.4 2.0 43.2
Santa Ana 2.2 2.7 3.7 4.5 4.6 5.4 6.2 6.1 4.7 3.7 2.5 2.0 48.2
* The values in this table were derived from:1) California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) 2) Reference
EvapoTranspiration Zones Map, UC Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California Dept of Water Resources 1999,
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
(1987) Bulletin 1922 4) Determining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension UC Division of
Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426

C-1
 Appendix D

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

I hereby certify that:

(1) I am a professional appropriately licensed in the State of California to provide

professional landscape design services.

(2) The landscape project for the property located at

(provide street address or
parcel number(s)) was installed by me or under my supervision.

(3) The landscaping for the identified property has been installed in substantial conformance
with the approved Landscape Documentation Package and complies with the requirements of the
County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Code (OCCO Sections _________________) and the
County of Orange Guidelines for Implementation of the County of Orange Landscape Irrigation
Code for the efficient use of water in the landscape.

(4) The information I have provided in this Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion
is true and correct and is hereby submitted in compliance with the County of Orange Guidelines
for Implementation of the County of Orange Landscape Irrigation Code.

Print Name Date

Signature License Number

Address

Telephone E-mail Address

Landscape Design Professional’s Stamp

D-1

App
 Appendix E

Definitions
The terms used in these Guidelines have the meaning set forth below:

“Backflow prevention device” means a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination
of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

“Conversion factor” means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per
square foot per year.

“Check valve” or “anti-drain valve” means a valve located under a sprinkler head, or other
location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler
heads when the sprinkler is off.

“Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor” means a person certified to perform landscape

irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other
program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense irrigation auditor
certification program and Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
program.

“Certification of Design” means the certification included as Exhibit E of these Guidelines that
must be included in the Landscape Documentation Package pursuant to Section 2.1 of these
Guidelines.

“County” means the County of Orange or its authorized designee.

“Common interest developments” means community apartment projects, condominium projects,

planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code Section 1351

“Distribution Uniformity” or “DU” is a measure of how uniformly an irrigation head applies

water to a specific target area and theoretically ranges form zero to 100 percent.

“Drip irrigation” means any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices
with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically
designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

“Emitter” means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to
the soil.

“Estimated Applied Water Use” or “EAWU” means the annual total amount of water estimated to
keep plants in a healthy state. It is based on factors such as reference evapotranspiration rate, the
size of the landscaped area, plant water use factors, and the irrigation efficiency within each
hydrozone.

“Evapotranspiration adjustment factor” or “ETAF” means a factor of 0.7, that, when applied to
reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major
influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. A combined plant
mix with a site-wide average of 0.5 is the basis of the plant factor portion of this calculation. For
purposes of the ETAF, the average irrigation efficiency is 0.71. Therefore, the ET Adjustment
Factor is (0.7) = (0.5/0.71). ETAF for a Special Landscape Area shall not exceed 1.0. ETAF for
existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.

“Evapotranspiration rate” means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other
surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time.

“Flow rate” means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices,
measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.

“Hardscapes” means any durable material or feature (pervious and non-pervious) installed in or
around a landscaped area, such as pavements or walls. Pools and other water features are
considered part of the landscaped area and not considered hardscapes for purposes of these
Guidelines.

“Hydrozone” means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and
typically irrigated by one valve/controller station. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-
irrigated.

“Infiltration rate” means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per
unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).

“Invasive plants species” or “noxious” means species of plants not historically found in
California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic
resources. Invasive plant species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious
species.

“Irrigation audit” means an in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system

conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is not
limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity or emission
uniformity, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an
irrigation schedule.

“Irrigation Management Efficiency” or “IME” means the measurement used to calculate the
irrigation efficiency of the irrigation system for a landscaped project. A 90% IME can be
achieved by using evaportranspiration controllers, soil moisture sensors, and other methods that
will adjust irrigation run times to meet plant water needs.

“Irrigation efficiency” or “IE” means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used
divided by the amount of water applied to a landscaped area. Irrigation efficiency is derived
from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices.
The minimum average irrigation efficiency for purposes of these Guidelines is 0.71. Greater
irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems. The following
irrigation efficiency may be obtained for the listed irrigation heads with an IME of 90%:

a. Pop-up stream rotator heads = 75%

 b. Stream rotor heads = 75%

c. Microspray = 75%

d. Bubbler = 80%

e. Drip emitter = 85%

f. Subsurface irrigation = 90%

“Landscape coefficient” (KL) is the product of a plant factor multiplied by a density factor and a
microclimate factor. The landscape coefficient is derived to estimate water loss from irrigated
landscaped areas and special landscaped areas.

“Landscape Documentation Package” means the package of documents that a project applicant
is required to submit to the County pursuant to Section 2.1 of these Guidelines.

“Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion” means the certificate included as Exhibit F

of these Guidelines that must be submitted to the County pursuant to Section 2.7(a)(1) of hereof.

“Landscape professional” means a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor,

or any other person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641,
5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the California Business and
Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section
6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.

“Landscaped area” means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape
design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Applied Water Use
calculations. The landscaped area does not include footprints of buildings or structures,
sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-
pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open
spaces and existing native vegetation).

“Lateral line” means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers
from the valve.

“Low volume irrigation” means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a
system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines, and bubblers.
Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly
at or near the root zone of plants.

“Main line” means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve
or outlet.

“Maximum Applied Water Allowance” or “MAWA” means the upper limit of annual applied
water for the established landscaped area, as specified in Section 2.2 of these Guidelines. It is
based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the ETAF, and the size of the landscaped
area. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance.

“Microclimate” means the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of
the overall landscaped area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity
to reflective surfaces.

“Mulch” means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or compost, or inorganic mineral
materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface
for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil
temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

“Non-pervious” means any surface or natural material that does not allow for the passage of
water through the material and into the underlying soil.

“Operating pressure” means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system of sprinklers
are designed to operate at by the manufacturer

“Overspray” means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.

“Person” means any natural person, firm, joint venture, joint stock company, partnership, public
or private association, club, company, corporation, business trust, organization, public or private
agency, government agency or institution, school district, college, university, any other user of
water provided by the local water purveyor, or the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer, or
employee of any of them or any other entity which is recognized by law as the subject of rights
or duties.

“Pervious” means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material
and into the underlying soil.

“Plant factor” or “plant water use factor” is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, that estimates the
amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this Landscape Irrigation Code, the plant
factor range for low water use plants is 0 to 0.3; the plant factor range for moderate water use
plants is 0.4 to 0.6; and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. Plant factors
cited in these Guidelines are derived from the Department of Water Resources 2000 publication
“Water Use Classification of Landscape Species.”

“Precipitation rate” means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.

“Project applicant” means the person submitting a Landscape Documentation Package required
under Section 2.1 to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the local agency. A
project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

“Property owner” or “owner” means the record owner of real property as shown on the most
recently issued equalized assessment roll.

“Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means a standard measurement of environmental

parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given expressed in inches per day,
month, or year as represented in Appendix C of these Guidelines, and is an estimate of the
evapotranspiration of a large field of four to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well
watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the Maximum Applied
Water Allowances.

“Recycled water” or “reclaimed water” means treated or recycled waste water of a quality
suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not
intended for human consumption.

“Runoff” means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and
flows from the landscaped area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too
great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.

“Special Landscaped Areas” or “SLA” means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible
plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, areas irrigated with recycled water, water
features using recycled water, and areas dedicated to active play such as parks, sports fields, golf
courses, and where turf provides a playing surface.

“Sprinkler head” means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.

“Static water pressure” means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not
flowing.

“Station” means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

“Swing joint” means an irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection
between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to
prevent equipment damage.

“Turf” means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass,
Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass,
Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-
season grasses.

“Valve” means a device used to control the flow of water in an irrigation system

“Landscape Irrigation Code” means Ordinance No. _____, adopted by the Orange County Board
of Supervisors on __________,

“Water Efficient Landscape Worksheets” means the worksheets required to be completed

pursuant to Section 2.2 of these Guidelines and which are included in Appendix B hereof.

“Water feature” means a design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational
function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and
swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is
included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscaped area. Constructed wetlands used for
on-site wastewater treatment, habitat protection, or storm water best management practices that
are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or storm water retention are not water
features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.

“Watering window” means the time of day irrigation is allowed.

“WUCOLS” means the Water Use Classification of Landscape published by the

University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources, and the
Bureau of Reclamation, 2000. www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/wucols00