§ 13-107. Irrigation requirements

(a) All landscaped areas shall be provided with an approved irrigation system. Landscaped areas shall be provided with an automatically time-controlled sprinkler system when the site is zoned commercial or industrial, or when the site is zoned residential and permits more than two (2) dwelling units.

(b) Irrigation system: Irrigation system shall consist of underground piped water lines with low water flow sprinklers and/or a drip or trickle irrigation system. The system chosen shall be designed to provide adequate coverage to all plant material, existing and proposed. Water meter and line sizes shall be calculated from total water demand, which should be, at least, the sum of the maximum irrigation demand and all building demand. Due to varying irrigation requirements, separate control valves and/or sprinkler/emitter heads shall be used when shrubs and turf all appear on the same landscape plan. The irrigation system shall be designed so that overspray, runoff, and low-head drainage onto streets, sidewalks, windows, walls, and fences are minimized. Automatic systems for watering cycles shall be scheduled to maximize ground infiltration rates and further minimize runoff.

(c) Acceptable watering time: Landscaped areas should be watered consistent with the requirements of the applicable water district to provide maximum benefit to the plant material and to reduce unnecessary water loss through drift and evaporation.

(d) Reclaimed water systems: Irrigation systems for projects one acre or more in area shall use reclaimed water whenever such water is available to the site. The systems shall be subject to appropriate health standards and review by the applicable water agency.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 99-13, § 2, 9-20-99; Ord. No. 10-2, § 3f., 2-2-10 )