City of Murrieta C5 – Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance City Council

2 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance State experiencing drought-regulatory and naturally Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 1881 ) was enacted which required updates to the states Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. AB 1881 also requires local agencies to adopt the updated state model ordinance or “as effective” ordinance by January 1, 2010.

3 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council What is its purpose? Conserve water by establishing standards that promote water efficient use in landscaping: Use of appropriate irrigation technology Use of appropriate irrigation technology Wise use of turf areas Wise use of turf areas Appropriate water management practices Appropriate water management practices

4 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council WHO DOES IT AFFECT? Private Properties that involves new construction. New and rehabilitated landscape projects (commercial, office, industrial, etc.) with landscape areas 2,500 square feet and greater. New and rehabilitated landscape projects (commercial, office, industrial, etc.) with landscape areas 2,500 square feet and greater. Home-owner provided and/or home-owner hired residential projects with a landscape area 5,000 square feet or greater. Home-owner provided and/or home-owner hired residential projects with a landscape area 5,000 square feet or greater.

5 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council WHO DOES IT AFFECT? Public Properties that involves new construction. Landscaping within right of way Landscaping within right of way Parks Parks Parkways Parkways City buildings City buildings

6 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council What are major changes? Maximum water demand changes from 80% to 70% of evapotranspiration (efficiency). Places time of day limits for overhead irrigation usage. Limits overhead irrigation placement. Limits use of turf as landscaping. New landscaping subject to an irrigation audit.

7 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council Why Interim Ordinance? Allow more time to prepare an ordinance that fully satisfies AB State Model Ordinance was not updated until September 2009 and city is required to have a Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance adopted by January 1, Staff utilized a model ordinance prepared by the Water Task Force of Riverside County prior to completion of State Model Ordinance. Staff utilized a model ordinance prepared by the Water Task Force of Riverside County prior to completion of State Model Ordinance. Ensure changes to the Municipal Code and Development Code are consistent.

8 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council December 15, 2009 City Council Meeting Questions/concerns raised: 1.Regarding clarity of language limiting irrigation spray heads within 24 inches of impervious surfaces. 2.That requiring a landscape irrigation auditor is creating a new industry.

9 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City Council Ordinance Change Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-permeable surface, unless: a.The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff to the public right of way or storm drain system occurs; or b. The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping area. c.Allowable irrigation within the setback from non- permeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology.

10 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City CouncilConclusion: Interim ordinance and staff will return with Development Code changes to implement the requirements of the state model ordinance within 90 days. Of the changes, several requirements of the state are already a part of the development code in anticipation of this update and have been in practice.

11 January 19, 2010City of Murrieta City CouncilRecommendation That the City Council ADOPT the interim ordinance.