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CQ<lFORN,P City Council Staff Report
DATE: March 16, 2016 LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO AMEND PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE (PSMC) CHAPTER 8.60 TO UPDATE THE
CITY'S WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING REGULATIONS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH STATE REQUIREMENTS (CASE NO. 5.1388
ZTA).
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider amendments to Chapter 8.60 of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code (PSMC) to update the City's water-efficient landscape regulations in
accordance with the model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, approved by the
California Water Commission in July 2015.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and read by title only; and
2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. , "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.60 OF THE PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE (PSMC) RELATING TO WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS."
BACKGROUND
In 2014, the City of Palm Springs adopted an amended and restated Chapter 8.60 of
the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC) relating to water-efficient landscape
regulations.
In April of 2015, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-29-15, declaring a statewide
water shortage emergency. The Executive Order called for the Department of Water
Resources to update the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance through
expedited regulation. On July 15, 2015, the California Water Commission approved an
updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for adoption by local agencies.
Local agencies working together to develop a regional ordinance were given until
February 2016 to adopt the new regulations. �y
ITEM NO, "� '
City Council Staff Report
March 16, 2016 -- Page 2
Case No. 5.1388 ZTA
The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), through its Technical
Planning Subcommittee, met to review the new model ordinance and provide input for a
regional ordinance that could be adopted by local agencies. The Technical Planning
Subcommittee approved the regional model ordinance on November 23, 2015.
Staff prepared amendments to PSMC Chapter 8.60 based on the regional model
ordinance adopted by CVAG, and presented the amendments to the Sustainability
Commission at their meeting of December 16, 2016. The commission referred the
matter to its Water Conservation Subcommittee, which reviewed the draft ordinance and
assisted in preparing revisions. The Sustainability Commission reviewed the revised
amendments at their meeting of January 19, 2016, and recommended approval of the
amendments to City Council.
ANALYSIS
The State Model Ordinance is designed to increase water efficiency standards for new
and retrofitted landscapes through more efficient irrigation systems, turf limitations,
prohibitions against high-water use plants, and requirements for sensors to prevent
water waste. The regional model ordinance prepared by CVAG is modeled on the State
ordinance, with minor variations for local conditions.
The following changes are proposed to PSMC Chapter 8.60, based on the State and
regional model ordinances:
• Applicability: The proposed change to the threshold for new landscape projects
is reduced from 2,500 square feet to 500 square feet in accordance with the
State and regional models. No changes are proposed to the existing threshold of
2,500 square feet for rehabilitated landscapes. New single-family subdivisions
would also be subject to the landscape ordinance, regardless of size.
• Plant Water Use Factor: The rating for plant water use (ET or Evapotranspiration
Factor) is proposed to be reduced from 0.50 to 0.45 in accordance with the new
requirements (a lower ET factor requires that more water-efficient plants be used
for landscaping plans).
• Irrigation Efficiency: PSMC Chapter 8.60 does not currently include efficiency
requirements for irrigation systems. It is proposed that the City adopt the
regional model, which requires an efficiency of 0.75 for spray systems and 0.90
for drip systems.
• Turf Restrictions: The current ordinance prohibits turf in areas of six feet in width
or less, unless low-volume irrigation is uses; the proposed amendment would
prohibit turf in areas 10 feet in width or less unless low-volume irrigation is used.
• Mulch Requirements: Chapter 8.60 does not require the use of mulch or ground
cover as a means to reduce soil moisture evaporation. In accordance with the
State requirements, it is proposed that a minimum of three inches of mulch or
mineral groundcover be required around trees and shrubs and non-irrigated
areas.
• Annual Color Plantings: The code does not currently address the use of annual
plants that may be changed out seasonally. It is proposed that annual color 02
City Council Staff Report
March 16, 2016 -- Page 3
Case No. 5.1388 ZTA
plants be allowed, subject to the requirement that irrigation for annual color
plants be limited to systems with 90% efficiency (such as drip systems) so as to
prevent overspray and water waste.
• High-water Use Plants: The State ordinance prohibits high-water use plants
(having a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0) in medians; it is proposed that high-water use
plants also be restricted in parking islands and any landscape areas less than 10
feet in width.
• High-Flow Water Sensors: The use of high-flow sensors was previously required
for any project over 5,000 square feet; based on the regional ordinance, high-
flow sensors will be required for any system where a dedicated water meter is
required.
• Audit Requirements: No changes are proposed to the requirements for irrigation
audit reports; however, contractors will now be required to certify that irrigation
systems comply with the new efficiency requirements upon project completion.
These proposed changes will further assist in reducing water usage within the City of
Palm Springs. All of the state-mandated changes make a positive contribution to the
water conservation and efficiency efforts in the city. Because the Architectural Advisory
Committee will continue to review most new and rehabilitated landscape plans,
landscape plans will receive proper scrutiny, and impacts to existing corridors and
neighborhoods can be addressed through the design review process.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). The Guidelines
are required to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to
have a significant effect on the environment and which are exempt from the provisions
of CEQA. In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes
of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment, and are declared to
be categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental
documents. In accordance with Section 15307, "Actions by Regulatory Agencies for
Protection of Natural Resources," Class 7 projects include actions taken by regulatory
agencies for the conservation of natural resources. Therefore, the Project is considered
categorically exempt from CEQA. On the basis that the Project qualifies for a
categorical exemption under CEQA, staff prepared and filed a CEQA Notice of
Exemption on February 23, 2016; a copy of the CEQA Notice of Exemption is included
as an attachment to this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The administration of Chapter 8.60 is carried out by the Department of Planning
Services and is offset by the fees charged for either Major Architectural Review or Minor
Architectural Review applications.
03
City Council Staff Report
March 16, 2016 -- Page 4
Case No. 5.1388 ZTA
SUBMITTED:
Prepared by:
Flinn Fagg, AICP Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S.
Director of Planning Services Assistant City Manager/City Engineer
Approved by:
David H. Ready, Esq.
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Draft Ordinance
2. Comparison Table —Water Efficient Landscape Requirements
3, Strikeout/Underline Version of Draft Ordinance
4. Sustainability Commission Minutes — January 19, 2016
5. CEQA Notice of Exemption
04
Attachment 1
05
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.60 OF THE PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE (PSMC) RELATING TO
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS.
City Attorney Summary
This Ordinance amends Chapter 8.60 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code
providing water efficient landscape standards consistent with the State
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 CCR 490 at. seq.), and
the 2015 Coachella Valley Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FINDS:
A. On April 1, 2015, the Governor of the State of California issued Executive Order
B-29-15, declaring a statewide water shortage emergency. The Executive Order called
for the Department of Water Resources to update the Model Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance through expedited regulation.
B. On July 15, 2015, the California Water Commission approved an updated Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for adoption by local agencies.
C. On November 23, 2015, the Technical Planning Subcommittee of the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) approved an updated regional Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance for use by local agencies in the Coachella Valley.
D. On December 15, 2015, the Sustainability Commission of the City of Palm
Springs reviewed a draft of the proposed amendments to PSMC Chapter 8.60, based
on the regional Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, and referred the matter to
subcommittee.
E. On January 19, 2016, the Sustainability Commission received a report from the
subcommittee on the proposed amendments, and voted to recommend approval of the
proposed amendments to the City Council.
F. The proposed zone text amendment (Case 5.1388 ZTA) is considered
Categorically Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15305, "Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations," of the
CEQA Guidelines because the proposed zone text amendment does not propose any
changes to land use or density.
G. The City Council hereby finds that adoption of the proposed Ordinance Text
would:
1. The proposed amendments are consistent with the General Plan and the
Zoning Ordinance, in that they will result in a reduction in the City's overall
06
Ordinance No. _
Page 2
water usage while allowing for the continued high quality of development.
2. The proposed amendments are consistent with the State Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance and will result in the improved
conservation of available water resources, which are essential to the
future health and welfare of the community.
3. Approval of the ordinance will not materially impact public health, safety or
welfare of the community.
SECTION 1. Amend Section 8.60.010(d) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
(d) These provisions are supplementary and additional to the subdivision and
zoning and water conservation and water waste prevention regulations of
this Code and shall be read and construed as an integral part of the
regulations and controls established thereby.
SECTION 2. Amend Section 8.60.020 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
add the following definitions and renumber the section accordingly:
"Annual color plantings" shall mean plants that perform their entire life cycle from
seed to flower within a single growing season, and are typically replaced on a
regular basis.
"High-water use plants" shall mean any plant which is characterized by a plant
factor of 0.7 to 1.0, as defined by the Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species list.
"Mulch" means any organic material such as bark, straw, 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.
"Plant factor" means a factor that, when multiplied by reference
evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used by plants. For purposes
of these criteria, the average plant factor of very low water using plants ranges
from 0.01 to 0.10, for low water using plants the range is 0.10 to 0.30, for
moderate water using plants the range is 0.40 to 0.60, and for high water using
plants, the range is 0.70 to 0.90. Reference: Water Use Classifications of
Landscape Species IV (WUCOLS 1V).
SECTION 3. Amend Section 8.60.030 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
07
Ordinance No. _
Page 3
(a) New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or
greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan
check or architectural review;
(b) Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal
to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a landscape permit, plan
check or architectural review;
(c) New single family residential subdivisions where the front and/or side
yards are landscaped by the developer or contractor;
(d) All persons and properties as well as all pre-existing and newly installed or
rehabilitated landscape areas shall comply with the water conservation
and water waste prevention provisions in Chapter 11.06 of this Code.
SECTION 4. Amend Section 8.60.040 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
This chapter shall not apply to the following:
(a) Registered local, state or federal historic sites;
(b) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation
system.
SECTION 5. Amend Section 8.60.050 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
8.60.050 Landscape document package filing procedure.
(a) Prior to the construction and installation of any new or rehabilitated
landscaping as specified in Section 8.60.030, a landscape document
package shall be prepared and submitted for review and approval.
Approval shall be made through the landscape application form provided
by the Department of Planning Services. The landscape document
package shall include the following elements:
(1) Water conservation concept statement;
(2) Calculation of maximum water allowance (MAWA);
(3) Calculation of total estimated water use;
(4) Landscape design plan, including specifications for all plant
materials and mulch materials;
08
Ordinance No. _
Page 4
(5) Landscape grading plan;
(6) Irrigation design plan:
(A) Showing the location, type and size of all components of the
irrigation system that will provide water to the landscape
area, including, but not limited to, controller, water lines,
valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain
switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators and backflow
devices.
(B) The irrigation water source and type (potable or recycled),
point of connection, the static water pressure at the point of
connection, the application rate in inches per hour and the
design operating pressure in pounds per square inch for
each station.
(C) Irrigation schedule information including typical irrigation
schedules that demonstrate that landscape can thrive using
the MAWA calculated as part of that package. Include
specification notes for routine inspection, repair and
replacement of equipment and state the party responsible for
maintenance.
(7) Reclaimed water specifications;
(8) Irrigation water specifications;
(9) Soil analysis. (A soil analysis is recommended but not mandatory.)
(b) The landscape application shall be supplemented by additional plans and
water calculations, and submitted to the applicable water authority, with
other pertinent information to adequately address all applicable aspects of
the application.
(c) Once the project is approved by the applicable water authority, the
Department of Planning Services shall review applications and approve,
conditionally approve or deny such application and shall assure conformity
with this chapter. At the discretion of the Planning Director, the planning
commission may consider and render decisions on landscape
applications.
(d) All landscape and irrigation plans for private development projects shall be
in conformance with this Chapter and shall be prepared by a registered
landscape architect or other qualified professional in a related field and be
installed by a licensed contractor, except as provided elsewhere in this
(is
Ordinance No. _
Page 5
Section.
(e) All public agency projects are not required to be prepared by a landscape
architect or installed by a landscape contractor or other qualified
professional. However, all public agency projects shall be in compliance
with the approved plans and installed correctly to specifications and
standards approved by the City and in compliance with this Chapter.
SECTION 6. Amend Section 8.60.060(a)(2) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code
to read as follows:
(2) Only low volume irrigation or a surface flow/wick system shall be used for
turf in a landscape area where any dimension of the landscape area is ten
feet or less in width.
SECTION 7. Amend Section 8.60.060(b) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
(b) Plant materials.
(1) All plant materials shall be selected utilizing the Lush and Efficient
Landscape Guidelines, published by the Coachella Valley Water
District. A copy of the Lush and Efficient Guidelines shall be on file
at the Department of Planning Services for public inspection and
review.
(2) Annual color plantings shall be used only in areas of high visual
impact and must be irrigated with drip, micro-irrigation or other
systems with efficiencies of 90 percent or greater. Otherwise, drip-
irrigated perennial plantings should be the primary source of color.
(3) High-water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0,
are prohibited in parking islands, medians, and landscape areas
where any dimension of the landscape area is ten feet or less in
width.
SECTION 8. Amend Section 8.60.060 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code a add
a new subsection (c) as follows:
(c) Mulch. The use of soil-covering mulch or mineral groundcover with a
minimum depth of three (3) inches shall be required to reduce soil surface
evaporation around trees, shrubs and on non-irrigated areas. The use of
boulders and cobble shall be considered to reduce the total vegetation
area. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5 %
of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated insect habitat
must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
I
Ordinance No. _
Page 6
SECTION 9. Amend Section 8.60.070 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read as follows:
(a) An irrigation plan satisfying the design guidelines outlined in the landscape
application shall be submitted as part of the landscape document
package. Where irrigation water is taken from the domestic water supply,
separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except
single-family homes with landscaped areas of less than 5,000 square feet
or as directed by the domestic water purveyor. When irrigation water is
from a well, the well shall be metered per the requirements of the water
purveyor having jurisdiction.
(b) The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. The
irrigation design plan shall be separate from, but use the same format as
the landscape design plan.
(c) The following techniques and practices shall be incorporated into the
design of irrigation systems:
(1) The irrigation system shall be designed to conform to the
hydrozones of the plants specified in the planting plan.
(2) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, over
spray, low head drainage and other similar conditions where
irrigation water flows or sprays onto area not intended for irrigation
and use low volume irrigation for mulched areas wherever feasible.
(3) The minimum irrigation efficiency shall be 0.75 (75%) for spray
systems and 0.90 (90%) for drip systems.
(4) Portions of irrigation systems containing slopes greater than 25
percent shall utilize a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or
less to prevent runoff.
(5) Sprinkler heads and other low emission devices shall be selected
based on what is appropriate for the plant type in the hydrozone
and shall have matched precipitation rates unless otherwise
directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
(6) Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible
distribution uniformity.
(7) The system shall provide that only low volume irrigation is used to
irrigate any vegetation within 36 inches of an impermeable surface
unless the adjacent impermeable surfaces are designed and
Ordinance No. _
Page 7
constructed to cause water to drain entirely into landscaped areas.
(8) The irrigation system shall be regulated by means of a smart
controller (either evapotranspiration, weather based, soil moisture
based or similar).
(9) Irrigation projects equal or greater than 5,000 square feet shall
include the installation of a master valve. High-flow sensors that
detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage
or malfunction shall be specified for all projects where a dedicated
landscape irrigation meter is required.
(10) Water calculations shall include an evapotranspiration factor of
0.45.
(11) Trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcover
and turf.
SECTION 10. Amend Section 8.60.080 of the Palm Springs Municipal
Code to read as follows:
(a) For all private development projects, a licensed landscape architect,
installing licensed contractor or other qualified professional in a related
field shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of
completion. The certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were
installed as specified. The installing contractor shall certify that the
irrigation system was installed as designed pursuant to the approved plan,
and that the efficiency of the drip and/or spray systems comply with the
minimum standards contained herein.
(b) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a certificate of
completion and delivering it to the Department of Planning Services and to
the owner of record.
SECTION 11. Amend Section 8.60.090(d) of the Palm Springs Municipal
Code to read as follows:
(d) An appeal may be filed with the Department of Planning Services
regarding ordinary high water use caused by a line breakage or some type
of occurrence which results in unavoidable water usage to exceed
standards. An appeal shall include information regarding water usage the
previous year, current year, proof of failure and repair bill. An appeal shall
be filed pursuant to Section 8.60.120 of this Code.
SECTION 12. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify to the
passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same, or the summary
thereof, to be published and posted pursuant to the provisions of law and this Ordinance
Ordinance No. _
Page 8
shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 2016.
ROBERT MOON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California,
do hereby certify that Ordinance No. is a full, true, and correct copy, and
was introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Springs City Council on
and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, California
13
Attachment 2
Water Efficient Landscape Requirements
Comparison Table
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tiEztst,b Odmdnce; 's a4 Modet, nance . Jul 201:5' t = „.: i td
Threshold: Threshold: Threshold: •Threshold:
• New and rehabilitated landscape • New and rehabilitated landscape •New landscape over 500 SF •New landscape over 500 SF
for commercial & multifamily over for all commercial projects • Rehabilitated landscape over • Rehabilitated landscape over
2,500 SF •New and rehabilitated landscape 2,500 SF 2,500 SF
• New residential subdivisions with for residential over 2,500 SF • New residential subdivisions with
developer-provided landscape developer-provided landscape
(regardless of size) (regardless of size)
• New single-family over 5,000 SF
•New single-family between 2,500
SF and 5,000 SF shall comply with
8.60.060 and 8.60.070 only
ET Adjustment Factor: 0.50 ET Adjustment Factor: 0.45 ET Adjustment Factor: 0.55 for •ET Adjustment Factor reduced to
residential, 0.45 for commercial 0.45 (ET factors to be reviewed by
DWA)
Irrigation Efficiency: N/A Irrigation Efficiency: Irrigation Efficiency: •Irrigation efficiency requirements
•0.75 for spray systems •0.75 for spray systems proposed for both spray (0.75)
• 0.90 for drip systems •0.81 for drips stems and drip (0.90) systems
Maximum Applied Water Maximum Applied Water Allowance — Maximum Applied Water •No change proposed
Allowance: N/A Rehabilitated Landscapes: .045 ET Allowance: N/A
adjustment factor
Turf: no turf in areas less than 6' in Turf: No turf in areas less than 10' in Turf: Areas less than 10' in width •Turf area restriction increased from
width, unless low-volume irrigation is width, unless subsurface irrigation or shall use subsurface system or other 6' wide to 10' wide areas, and
used surface flow/wick system is used means that produces no runoff alternate requirement added for
surface flow/wick irrigation system
(Lines 242-244)
Soil-covering mulch/mineral Soil-covering mulch/mineral Soil-covering mulch/mineral •Minimum 3" mulch or ground cover
groundcover: N/A groundcover: Min. 3" depth groundcover: requirement added
•Min. 3" depth
• Up to 5% of landscape area may
be left without mulch to preserve
habitat
Annual color plantings: N/A Annual color plantings: Must be Annual color plantings: N/A •Annual color plantings allowed,
irrigated with drip, micro-irrigation or subject to irrigation by systems with
other systems with 90% efficiency 90% efficiency
r•
� 23 February 2016
Page 1
Cilgof�almSpringa x. CVAG/CV,WD<�M, ;_ S`'f4fetUpda'fes Proposedlylodifieahons
�E d Wt(it,0rdinance M Nlodel Ordinance ` .,v , �t"b.1'�5'
High-water use plants (plant factor High-water use plants (plant factor = High-water use plants (plant factor •High-water use plants prohibited in
= 0.7 to 1.0): N/A 0.7 to 1.0): Prohibited in medians = 0.7 to 1.0) prohibited in medians parking islands, medians, and any
landscape area less than 10' in
width
Separate landscape meters: Separate landscape meters: Required Separate landscape meters: •Separate meters required for all
Required for all commercial and for all projects except single-family •Required for all commercial commercial and multifamily
multifamily projects over 2,500 SF under 5,000 SF projects over 1,000 SF projects
•Required for residential projects •Separate meters required for
over 5,000 SF single-family residential projects
over 5,000 SF
High-flow sensors: Required for any High-flow sensors: Required for all High-flow sensors: Required for all •High-flow sensors required for all
project over 5,000 SF projects where a dedicated meter is commercial projects and residential projects where a dedicated meter
required projects over 5,000 SF is required
Irrigation audit report: Required Irrigation audit report: Required for Irrigation audit report required for •No change to existing audit
every 5 years for projects over submittal to local agency upon submittal to local agency upon requirements; contractor to certify
60,000 SF installation with Certificate of installation with Certificate of that irrigation system meets
Completion Completion efficiency requirements upon
project completion
Watering schedule: N/A Watering schedule: Between 8:00pm Watering schedule: N/A •No addition of watering schedule
and 10:00am proposed; DWA to
establish/enforce watering
schedules
23 February 2016
Page 2
Attachment 3
17
1 Proposed Modifications
2 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance — PSMC Chapter 8.60
3 City of Palm Springs
4
5
6 8.60.010 Purpose.
7
8 (a) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish minimum water efficient
9 landscape requirements for newly installed and rehabilitated landscapes. It is also
10 the purpose of this Chapter to implement these minimum requirements to meet the
11 state of California Code of Regulations Title 23. Water Division 2. Department of
12 Water Resources Chapter 2.7 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and
13 the state of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, Reference:
14 California Government Code Sections 65591, 65593, 65596.
15
16 (b) The City Council determined the provisions of this Chapter more appropriately
17 address the specific needs of the City, and this Ordinance is more effective in
18 conserving water than the state Department of Water Resources Model Water
19 Efficient Landscape ordinance.
20
21 (c) It is the intent of the City Council to promote water conservation through the
22 planning, design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes by the use of climate
23 appropriate plant material and efficient irrigation.
24
25 (d) These provisions are supplementary and additional to the subdivision and zoning
26 and water conservation and water waste prevention regulations of this Code and
27 shall be read and construed as an integral part of the regulations and controls
28 established thereby.
29
30 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
31
32 8.60.020 Definitions.
33
34 The following words and terms used in this chapter shall be defined as follows:
35
36 (a) "Annual color plantings" shall mean plants that perform their entire life cycle from
37 seed to flower within a single growing season and are typically replaced on a
38 regular basis.
39
40 (a)(b) "Drip irrigation" means a method of irrigation where the water is applied slowly
41 at the base of plants without watering the open space between plants.
42
43 (#)(cl "Estimated water use" means the annual total amount of water estimated to be
44 needed to keep the plants in the landscape healthy. It is based upon such factors
45 as the local evapotranspiration (ET) rate, the size of the landscaped area, the
46 types of plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system.
47
23 February 2016
Page 1 ty
48 (d) "High-water use plants" shall mean any plan which is characterized by a plant
49 factor of 0.7 to 1.0, as defined by the Water Use Classification of Landscape
50 Species list.
51
52 (OLel "Irrigation efficiency" means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially
53 used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
54 the measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and
55 management practices.
56
57 W)W "Irrigation System" means the network of piping, valves and irrigation heads.
58
59 (e)jgl "Landscape irrigation audit" means a process to perform site inspections, evaluate
60 irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules.
61
62 ff4b "Landscaped area" means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways,
63 non-irrigated portions of the parking lots, hardscapes such as decks and patios,
64 and other nonporous areas.
65
66 (gDi "Low volume irrigation" means an irrigation method to distribute irrigation water
67 slowly in small volumes and targeting it to plants' root zones with no runoff or
68 overshooting. Low volume irrigation systems include but are not limited to drip
69 emitters, tickle-"spider spray," micro spray-sprinklers, and/or mist emitters.
70
71 NW "Maximum water allowance (MAWA)" means, for the design purposes, the upper
72 limit of annual applied water for the established landscape area as specified in
73 Div. 2, Title 23, CA. Code of Reg., Chapter 7, Section 702. It is based upon the
74 area's reference evapotranspiration, ET adjustment factor, and the size of the
75 landscaped area.
76
77 (qLU Micro-irrigation. See "drip irrigation."
78
79 (1) "Mulch" means any organic material such as leaves bark straw, compost or
80 inorganic mineral materials such as rocks gravel or decomposed granite left loose
81 and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing
82 evaporation suppressing weeds moderating soil temperature and preventing soil
83 erosion
84
85 (m) "Plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by reference
86 evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used by plants For purposes
87 of these criteria the average plant factor of very low water using plants ranges
88 from 0.01 to 0.10, for low water usina plants the range is 0.10 to 0.30. for
89 moderate water using plants the ranae is 0.40 to 0.60 and for high water using
90 plants. the range is 0.70 to 0.90. Reference: Water Use Classifications of
91 Landscape Species IV (WUCOLS IV).
92
93 (H(n) "Qualified professional" means a person that has been certified by their
94 professional organization or as a person that has demonstrated knowledge and is
95 locally recognized among landscape architects due to long time experience as
96 qualified.
23 February 2016
Page 2
i9
97
98 ftoj "Reclaimed water' means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable
99 for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation. Reclaimed water is not for
100 human consumption.
101
102 (m)jp� "Rehabilitated landscape" means any re-landscaping project that requires a
103 permit.
104
105 (nJM "Runoff' means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
106 applied and flows from the area.
107
108 (e)Ur "Smart Controller" means an irrigation scheduling device which incorporates either
109 weather or soil moisture levels into the scheduling of irrigation times.
110
1 1 1 (3)(s) "Turf' means a surface of earth containing mowed grass with roots.
112
1 13 (q)W "Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
114
115 HLuj "Xeriscape" means the utilization of plants that are appropriate to the local
1 16 climate and do not require supplemental irrigation.
117
118 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
119
120 8.60.030 Applicability.
121
122 This Chapter shall apply to the following:
123
124 (a) New construction
125
126 greater then O,500 sq "' feet TL___ inelude, but e et limited , J I/
127
1 28 projects with
129 an agaregate landscape area equal to or areater than 500 square feet requiring
130 a building or landscape permit plan check or architectural review:
131
132 (b)
133
134 landscape eFea ef eeluel to or greater then 5,000 SqUOFe feet, Rehabilitated
135 landscape project with an aggregate landscape are equal to or greater than
136 2,500 square feet requiring a landscape permit, plan check or architectural
137 review:
138
139 (c)
140
141
142 ,
143
144 (4 cc New single family residential subdivisions where the front and/or side yards are
145 landscaped by the developer or contractor;
23 February 2016
Page 3 20
146
147 (e) All persons and properties as well as all pre-existing and newly installed or
148 rehabilitated landscape areas shall comply with the water conservation and water
149 waste prevention provisions in Chapter 11.06 of this Code.
150
151 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
152
153 8.60.040 Exemptions.
154
155 This chapter shall not apply to the following:
156
157 (a) Hemee, -nor pFe- ided landseeping at simgle family pfeeeets with a totem prejeC4
158 i__r-____ ____ __ual t_ _- less #hen 2,500 __.._-_ feet_ Registered local, state or
159 historic sites:
160
161 (b) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
162
163 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
164
165 8.60.050 Landscape document package filing procedure.
166
167 (a) Prior to the construction and installation of any new or rehabilitated landscaping
168 as specified in Section 8.60.030, a landscape document package shall be
169 prepared and submitted for review and approval. Approval shall be made
170 through the landscape application form provided by the Department of Planning
171 Services emel Zening. The landscape document package shall include the following
172 elements:
173
174 (1) Water conservation concept statement;
175
176 (2) Calculation of maximum water allowance WAWA);
177
178 (3) Calculation of total estimated water use;
179
180 (4) Landscape design plan, including specifications for all plant materials and
181 mulch materials;
182
183 (5) Landscape grading plan;
184
185 (6) Irrigation design plan:
186
187 (A) Showing the location, type and size of all components of the
188 irrigation system that will provide water to the landscape area,
189 including, but not limited to, controller, water lines, valves, sprinkler
190 heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers,
191 pressure regulators and backflow devices.
192
193 (B) The irrigation water source and type (potable or recycled), point of
194 connection, the static water pressure at the point of connection, the
23 February 2016
Page 4 21
195 application rate in inches per hour and the design operating
196 pressure in pounds per square inch for each station.
197
198 (C) Irrigation schedule information including typical irrigation schedules
199 that demonstrate that landscape can thrive using the MAWA
200 calculated as part of that package. Include specification notes for
201 routine inspection, repair and replacement of equipment and state
202 the party responsible for maintenance.
203
204 (7) Reclaimed water specifications;
205
206 (8) Irrigation water specifications;
207
208 (9) Soil analysis. (A soil analysis is recommended but not mandatory.)
209
210 (b) The landscape application shall be supplemented by additional plans and water
211 calculations, and submitted to the applicable water authority, Desert Watef
212 Agen:y er the Coachella :alley `" eReF DMF _. as applicable with other pertinent
213 information to adequately address all applicable aspects of the application.
214
215 (c) Once the project is approved by the applicable water authority, the Department
216 of Planning Services shall review applications
217 and approve, conditionally approve or deny such application and shall assure
218 conformity with this chapter. At the discretion of the Planning Director diFeeter of
219 P ionning and Yoning depeffnien the planning commission may consider and
220 render decisions on landscape applications.
221
222 (d) All landscape and irrigation plans for private development projects shall be in
223 conformance with this Chapter and shall be prepared by a registered landscape
224 architect or other qualified professional in a related field and be installed by a
225 licensed contractor, except as provided elsewhere in this Section.
226
227 (e) All public agency projects are not required to be prepared by a landscape
228 architect or installed by a landscape contractor or other qualified professional.
229 However, all public agency projects shall be in compliance with the approved
230 plans and installed correctly to specifications and standards approved by the City
231 and in compliance with this Chapter. (Ord. 1 859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
232
233 8.60.055 Maintenance schedule.
234
235 (a) Landscape and irrigation system shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A
236 regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, checking,
237 adjusting and repairing irrigation equipment, resetting the time clocks monthly,
238 aerating and dethatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning, and
239 weeding all planted areas.
240
241 (b) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with originally
242 specified materials or their equivalents.
243
23 February 2016
Page 5 22
244 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
245
246 8.60.060 Landscape design plan.
247
248 A landscape design plan satisfying the design guidelines outlined in the landscape application
249 shall be submitted as a part of the landscape document package. Guideline objectives are to
250 ensure that future landscaping projects are designed and constructed to the highest level of
251 aesthetic values and water efficiency, and to make wise water management viable and easy.
252
253 (a) Turf Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to all projects that are
254 required to submit a landscape design package to the City for approval:
255
256 (1) Turf shall not be used on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of
257 the slope is adjacent to an impermeable surface.
258
259 (2) Only low volume irrigation or a surface flow wick system shall be used for
260 turf in a landscape area where any dimension of the landscape area is 54
261 ten feet or less veede in width.
262
263 (3) On commercial, industrial or multi-family landscape no turf shall be
264 installed in a median, parking lot island or parkway unless, if determined
265 by the planning director, limited use of turf is necessary to provide safe
266 access for pedestrians leaving a parked vehicle to reach the sidewalk.
267
268 (4) On commercial, industrial or multifamily landscape no turf shall be installed
269 on any portion of the site that is inaccessible.
270
271 (5) On commercial or industrial projects, turf shall be limited to a maximum of
272 fifteen percent (1 5%) of the total landscaped area.
273
274 (6) On single family residences, turf shall be limited to a maximum of 15
275 percent of the total landscaped area. This restriction shall only apply to the
276 front and side street frontage yards.
277
278 (7) An athletic field, park, golf course, cemetery or other similar use shall be
279 designed to limit the use of turf to only those areas where it is essential for
280 the operation of the facility, as determined by the planning director. Areas
281 where turf is not essential to the operation of the facility shall be
282 landscaped with plants with lower water use requirements than turf.
283
284 (8) No turf shall be allowed in a landscape area that cannot be efficiently
285 irrigated, or where overspray and run off cannot be avoided.
286
287 (b) Plant materials.
288
289 (1 ) All Pplant materials shall be selected utilizing the Lush and Efficient
290 Landscape Guidelines, published by the Coachella Valley Water District. A
291 copy of the Ceeehelle Valley Water District Plant Materials Lush and
23 February 2016
Page 23
292 Efficient Guidelines shall be on file at the Department of Planning Services
293 department of planning and mening for public inspection and review.
294
295 (2) Annual color plantings shall be used only areas of high visual impact and
296 must be irrigated with drip, micro-irrigation or other systems with
297 efficiencies of 90 percent or greater. Otherwise, drip-irrigated perennial
298 plantings should be the primary source of color.
299
300 (3) High-water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0. are
301 prohibited in parking islands, medians, and landscape areas where any
302 dimension of the landscape area is ten feet or less in width.
303
304 (c) Mulch. The use of soil-coverina mulch or mineral groundcover with a minimum
305 depth of three (3) inches shall be required to reduce soil surface evaporation
306 around trees, shrubs and on non-irrigated areas. The use of boulders and cobble
307 shall be considered to reduce the total vegetation area. To provide habitat for
308 beneficial insects and other wildlife up to 5 % of the landscape area may be left
309 without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design
310 plan as such.
311
312 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
313
314 8.60.070 Irrigation design plan.
315
316 (a) An irrigation plan satisfying the design guidelines outlined in the landscape
317 application shall be submitted as part of the landscape document package.
318 Where irrigation water is taken from the domestic water supply, separate
319 landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except single-family
320 homes with landscaped areas of less than 5,000 square feet
321 or as
322 directed by the domestic water purveyor. When irrigation water is from a well,
323 the well shall be metered per the requirements of the water purveyor having
324 jurisdiction.
325
326 (b) The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. The irrigation
327 design plan shall be separate from, but use the same format as the landscape
328 design plan.
329
330 (c) The following techniques and practices shall be incorporated into the design of
331 irrigation systems:
332
333 (1 ) The irrigation system shall be designed to conform to the hydrozones of the
334 plants specified in the planting plan.
335
336 (2) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, over spray, low
337 head drainage and other similar conditions where irrigation water flows or
338 sprays onto area not intended for irrigation and use low volume irrigation
339 for mulched areas wherever feasible.
340
23 February 2016 A
Page 7 4
341 (3) The minimum irrigation efficiency shall be 0.75 (75%) for spray systems
342 and 0.90 (90%) for drip systems.
343
344 (4) Portions of irrigation systems containing slopes greater than 25 percent
345 shall utilize a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less to prevent
346 runoff.
347
348 (5) Sprinkler heads and other low emission devices shall be selected based on
349 what is appropriate for the plant type in the hydrozone and shall have
350 matched precipitation rates unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's
351 recommendations.
352
353 (6) Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible
354 distribution uniformity.
355
356 (7) The system shall provide that only low volume irrigation is used to irrigate
357 any vegetation within 36 inches of an impermeable surface unless the
358 adjacent impermeable surfaces are designed and constructed to cause
359 water to drain entirely into landscaped areas.
360
361 (8) The irrigation system shall be regulated by means of a smart controller
362 (either evapotranspiration, weather based, soil moisture based or similar).
363
364 (9) Irrigation projects equal or greater than 5,000 square feet shall include
365 the installation of a master valve_.
366 . High-flow sensors that
367 detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or
368 malfunction shall be specified for all projects where a dedicated
369 landscape irrigation meter is required.
370
371 (10) Water calculations shall include an evapotranspiration factor of 3 0.45.
372
373 (1 1) Trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcover and
374 turf.
375
376 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
377
378 8.60.080 Certification of project completion.
379
380 (a) For all private development projects, a licensed landscape architect, installing
381 licensed contractor, or other qualified professional in a related field shall conduct
382 a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of completion. The
383 certificate shall specifically indicate that plants were installed as specified. The
384 installing contractor shall certify that the irrigation system was installed as
385 designed pursuant to the approved plan, and that the efficiency of the drip
386 and/or spray systems comply with the minimum standards contained herein.
387
23 February 2016
Page 25
388 (b) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a certificate of completion and
389 delivering it to the Department of Planning Services and
390 to the owner of record.
391
392 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
393
394 8.60.090 Landscape audit schedules.
395
396 (a) Existing landscaped areas that are irrigated with groundwater that are over sixty
397 thousand square feet in planted area shall have an irrigation audit within five
398 years of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. The audit
399 shall be submitted to the water authority for review and approval. Those subject to
400 an audit are public agencies, schools, cemeteries, public parks, commercial uses,
401 golf courses, common areas, greenbelts, and multifamily housing with common
402 area.
403
404 (b) Water audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape water auditor in
405 accordance with the current edition of the landscape irrigation auditor handbook
406 as provided by the state of California Landscape Water Management Program.
407
408 (c) A landscape project is exempted from a water audit if the water use is less than
409 the maximum water use allowance during the previous twelve months. To qualify
410 for exemption the owner must submit a request for exemption with square footage
411 (acreage) of property including the amount of water used during the previous
412 twelve months and certified by the water purveyor having jurisdiction.
413
414 (d) An appeal may be filed with the Department of Planning Services depaWment of
415 P ienning and menin regarding ordinary high water use caused by a line
416 breakage or some type of occurrence which results in unavoidable water usage to
417 exceed standards. An appeal shall include information regarding water usage the
418 previous year, current year, proof of failure and repair bill. An appeal shall be
419 filed pursuant to Section 8.60.1 20 of this Code.
420
421 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
422
423 8.60.100 Fees for initial review and program monitoring.
424
425 The following fees are determined to be necessary to cover the costs of reviewing landscape
426 applications and monitoring landscape irrigation audits and shall be imposed on the subject
427 applicant, property owner, or designee.
428
429 (a) The city council, by resolution, shall establish the amount of the landscape
430 application fee in accordance with applicable law.
431
432 (b) A landscape application fee shall be due at the time of initial project application
433 submission to the city.
434
435 (c) The water authority may require every five years the project owner to cause a
436 landscape irrigation audit to be completed by a certified landscape irrigation
23 February 2016 w
Page 9 26
437 auditor. The sole cost of the water audit will be borne by other than the water
438 purveyor having jurisdiction.
439
440 (d) If a landscape application is not submitted prior to the start of landscape
441 construction work, for those persons required to submit an application, a late
442 submittal fee of twice the review fee shall be required.
443
444 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
445
446 8.60.110 Enforcement and penalties.
447
448 For the purposes of ensuring that persons comply with the provisions of this chapter, the city may,
449 following written notices to subject property owner(s), initiate enforcement action(s) against such
450 property owner(s) or designer(s), which enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to,
451 the following:
452
453 (a) Revocation of a landscape application;
454
455 (b) Withholding issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy or building permit;
456
457 (c) Issuance of a stop work order;
458
459 (d) In addition to any other remedies for violation of city ordinances in force, the city
460 may bring and maintain any action permitted by law to restrain, correct or abate
461 any violation of this chapter, and in the event that legal action is brought by the
462 city, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs shall be awarded to the city and
463 shall constitute a debt owed by the violator to the city. The city may place a lien
464 on the affected property in the event any debts so incurred are not timely paid.
465
466 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
467
468 8.60.120 Appeals.
A69
470 A person aggrieved by an action taken by the city may appeal the action pursuant to Chapter
471 2.05 of this Code.
472
473 (Ord. 1859 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1463 § 1, 1993)
23 February 2016
Puge 10 27
Attachment 4
28
Sustainability Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
aniyd
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P
g4focN
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jackson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Polischak
ROLL CALL: A quorum was present for this Regular Meeting of the City of Palm Springs Sustainability Commission.
AGENDA APPROVAL: The agenda was presented by Sustainability Manager Mician. A motion to approve
by Commissioner Bettinger and seconded by Commissioner Freedman and unanimously carried.
Present FY 2015/2016 FY 2015/2016
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences
Thom Bettinger X 41
Joe Jackson X 32
Grant Wilson X 34 1
Mark Polischak X 28 1
Travis Armstrong X 28 1
Tara Lazar X 16 1
Nate Otto X 16
David Freedman X 7
Nancy Ferguson X 6
X= Present E = Excused (notified Chair and Staff of absence)
L = Late U = did not notify of absence
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Michele Mician MS, Manager, Office of Sustainability
Dan DeGarmo, Clerical Assistant
Gary Calhoun, Recycling Coordinator
CITY MANAGER AND ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER REPORT • None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A. PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Healthy Planet, Healthy You Race and Wellness Festival, Jeff Hocker, Event Manager
Jeff Hocker updated Commissioners on status of the 2016 Mayor's Race and Wellness Festival
including radio and billboard advertising.
Commissioner Bettinger commented on the Citrus Exchange.
2. Review of Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance Changes, Flinn Fagg, Planning Director
Planning Director Fagg updated the Commissioners on the local changes made to the State's
recommended ordinance. Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed.
B. MEETING MINUTES
1. December 15, 2015 Meeting Minutes approval
Motion by Commissioner Otto and seconded by Commissioner Bettinger.
Unanimously approved with Commissioner Lazar abstaining. 29
Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2016, 5 p.m.
Page 2
C. PARKS &RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT Cheryl Houck, Liaison & Commissioner Armstrong
Commissioner Armstrong reported that the Parks & Recreation Commission is working on plans for an
integrated pest management plan and obtaining an architect for the Dog Park to make it more sustainable.
D. RECYCLING REPORT, Gary Calhoun
1. City Facility Recycling Update and Employee Education Campaign
Gary Calhoun updated the Commissioners on AB1826 Organic Waste Disposal and Mattress
recycling program. He also reported on efforts to increase the City's Downtown recycling.
Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed
E. SUSTAINABILITY MANAGERS REPORT, Michele Mician
1. Sustainability Master Plan: Budget for Additional Outreach and Study Session Workshop II
Manager Mician reported on cost from Raimi and Associates to come out to facilitate a second
Study Session. Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed including having a
Study Session without Raimi and Associates.
2. Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget Planning Phase 1
Manager Mician presented a preliminary plan for the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Sustainability Department
budget explaining the three funds managed by the Sustainability Department. She also asked for
ideas from Commissioners for new programs to be considered for next Fiscal Year budget.
Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed.
F. OLD BUSINESS
1. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: Motion by Commissioner Freedman and second by Commissioner Bettinger to
adopt the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as presented.
Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed. Unanimously approved.
2. Review Priorities for Measure J Funding of Biking and Walking Projects.
Commissioner Ferguson presented information on the status of biking and walking projects for the
City, including plans for Measure J funding of bike lanes and a pedestrian plan.
Commissioner Ferguson also mentioned using the balance of Measure J funding for the Tahquitz
Creek cleanup and walkability plan.
Commissioner Ferguson also requested that the City file an application with the League of
American Bicyclists to become a bicycle friendly city.
Senior Civil Engineer Laurie answered questions regarding bike lanes and sharrows.
Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed.
RECOMMENDATION: Accept Active Transportation Subcommittee recommendations to be forwarded
to Measure J Commission.
Motion by Vice Chair Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Passed unanimously on a roll
call vote.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment of Ad Hoc Sub-Committee on Integrated Pest Management at City Parks and Facilities
Motion to appoint Commissioner Armstrong and Commissioner Ferguson to an ad hoc sub-
committee on Integrated Pest Management. Moved by Vice Chair Wilson and seconded by
Commissioner Polischak and unanimously approved.
2. Additional Outreach and Workshop for Sustainability Master Plan
RECOMMENDATION: Approve funding in the amount of$2880.00 to fund additional working session
on Sustainability Master Plan with the Sustainability Commission to prepare before the City Council
meeting presentation.
30
Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2016, 5 p.m.
Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Freedman and seconded by Commissioner Lazar.
Questions and comments from Commissioners were discussed.
Motion was defeated: Yay = 0; Nay = 9.
H. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Water Conservation Subcommittee
Commissioner Freedman reported that there is a new General Manager at Desert Water Agency.
DWA changing their water conservation mandates to 32%.
2. Outreach Subcommittee
Commissioner Lazar reported on status of creating new Logo and brand identity. A Purchase Order
has been created for this project.
3. Green Building/Solar Subcommittee
Commissioner Freedman reported on creating a Green Building Standards for downtown.
4. Waste Reduction Subcommittee
Commissioner Polischak reported on status of Safe Drug Disposal program and contact with
SHARPS regarding disposal sites.
5. Wellness Subcommittee
Chair Jackson referred to printed report given to commissioners. No further report was given.
6. Active Transportation Subcommittee
Commissioner Ferguson stated no further report.
I. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bettinger reported that the first Sustainable Film Series film will be Saturday January 23rd
Commissioner Otto requested if a date should be set for a team building session. Manager Mician will send
out a request for a date to have the session.
J. ADJOURNMENT — 7:00 PM - Motion by Vice Chair Wilson and Second by Commissioner Lazar to
adjourn the meeting of the Sustainability Commission to the Regular Meeting, which will be held at 5:00
p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2015 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. The Sustainability
Commission's normal meeting schedule is at 5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month except August
unless otherwise noted or amended.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND
It is the intention of the City of Palm Springs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as
an attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City
will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (760) 323-
8204 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is
feasible. Please advise us at that time if you will need accommodations to attend or participate in meetings on a regular
basis. If additional information is needed, please contact the Office of Sustainability at(760)323-8214.
Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5(b) (2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with the meeting is
Office of Sustainability, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Complete Agenda Packets are available for public
inspection at: City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264, If you would like additional information
on any item appearing on this agenda, please contact Office of Sustainability at 760-323-8248.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING:I,Michele C.Mician,Sustainability Manager of the City of Palm Springs,California,certify this Agenda was posted at or
before6:00 p.m.on December 10,2015,as required by established policies and procedures.r
~ Michele C. Mician, Sustainability Manager
31
Attachment 5
32
Print Form
Notice of Exemption Appendix E
To: Office of Planning and Research From: (Public Agency): City of Palm Springs
P.O. Box 3044, Room 113 3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
Palm Springs, CA 92262
County Clerk
County of: Riverside (Address)
PO Box 751
Riverside, CA 92502-0751
Project Title: Case 5.1389 ZTA-Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Project Applicant: City of Palm Springs
Project Location-Specific:
Citywide
Project Location-City: Palm Springs Project Location - County: Riverside
Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project:
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: City of Palm Springs
Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: City of Palm Springs
Exempt Status: (check one):
❑ Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268);
❑ Declared Emergency (Sec.21080(b)(3); 15269(a));
❑ Emergency Project(Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c));
[it Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: 15307 -Protection of Natural Resources
❑ Statutory Exemptions. State code number:
Reasons why project is exempt:
Lead Agency Flinn Fa 760-323-8245
Contact Person: Fagg Area Code/Telephone/Extension:
If filed by applicant:
1.Attach certified document of exemption finding.
2. Has a Notice of Exem tion been filed by the public agency approving the project?, ❑Yes ❑ No
Signature: Date: 03/09/16 Title: Director
0 Signed by Lead Agency❑ Signed by Applicant
Authority cited:Sections 21083 and 21110,Public Resources Code. Date Received for filing at OPR:
Reference:Sections 21108,21152,and 21152.1,Public Resources Code.
Revised 2011
33