A. “Applicant” means an individual or entity submitting a landscape documentation package to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the City of Chula Vista.

B. “Automatic irrigation controller” means an automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.

C. “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.

D. “City” means the City of Chula Vista.

E. “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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Irrigation Auditor Certification program and Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.

F. “Compost” means the safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth. (It may include the material known as Biochar.)

G. “Conversion factor (0.62)” means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.

H. “Cool season turf” means a type of turf that remains green in the winter months.

I. “Distribution uniformity” means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.

J. “Drip irrigation” means any nonspray 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.

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

L. “Effective precipitation” or “usable rainfall” (Eppt) means the portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.

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

N. “Established” in the context of landscape, means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the site. Typically most plants are established after one or two years. Native habitat mitigation areas and trees may need three to five years for establishment.

O. “Estimated total water use” (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape area of the project.

P. “ET adjustment factor (ETAF)” means a factor that when applied to “reference evapotranspiration,” adjusts for plant water requirements and irrigation efficiency, two major influences on the amount of water required for healthy landscapes. The ETAF for residential areas is 0.55 or below. The ETAF for nonresidential areas is 0.45 or below. The ETAF for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.

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

R. “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.

S. “Flow sensor” means an inline device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.

T. “Friable” means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.

U. “Fuel modification plan guideline” means guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone.

V. “Gray water” means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. “Gray water” includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12. All gray water systems shall conform to the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and any applicable Chula Vista standards.

W. “Hydrozone” means a portion of the landscape area having plants with similar water needs and root depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.

X. “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).

Y. “Invasive plant species” means species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.

Z. “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. The audit must be conducted in a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association’s Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “WaterSense” labeled auditing program.

AA. “Irrigation efficiency” (IE) means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this chapter is 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.

BB. “Irrigation survey” means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit. An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to: inspection, system test, and written recommendations to improve performance of the irrigation system.

CC. “Landscape architect” means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California, pursuant to Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.

DD. “Landscape area” means an area with outdoor plants, turf and other vegetation that uses water provided by the Otay Water District, the Sweetwater Authority or other local water purveyor. A landscape area includes water features either in an area with vegetation or that stands alone. A landscape area does not include the footprint of buildings, structures, decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, gravel or stone walkways void of plant materials, paved portions of parking lots or other hard landscape. A landscape area does not include an area without irrigation designated for nondevelopment such as designated open space or area with existing natural vegetation or a transition zone.

EE. “Landscape water meter” means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.

FF. “Landscape Manual” means the City of Chula Vista Landscape Manual as may be amended from time to time.

GG. “Landscape documentation package” means a package of drawings and other documents that are required to be submitted to the City for approval in order to demonstrate that the landscape design complies with the requirements of this chapter. The landscape documentation package is subject to periodic update as part of the Landscape Manual.

HH. “Low head drainage” means a sprinkler head or other irrigation device that continues to emit water to the zone in which it is located after it has shut off.

II. “Low volume irrigation” means any equipment that uniformly delivers a low volume of water, precipitation rate, to the landscape such as 0.5 inches, 0.7 inches and 1.0 inch per hour.

JJ. “Low water usage” means a plant species identified as having a low plant factor in the context of plant selection.

KK. “High water usage” means a plant species identified as having a high plant factor in the context of plant selection.

LL. “Mandatory water restriction” means restrictions to water supply mandated by the state of California.

MM. “Master shut-off valve” is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system. When this valve is closed, water will not be supplied to the irrigation system. A master valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a leaky station valve.

NN. “Maximum applied water allowance” (MAWA) means the maximum allowed water use for a specific landscape area based on the square footage of the area, the ETAF and the reference ETo. The estimated total water use shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. (Special landscape areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.) MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]

OO. “Median” is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

PP. “Mine land reclamation project” means any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

QQ. “Mulch” means an organic material such as leaves, bark, straw or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel or decomposed granite left loose as applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature or prevent erosion.

RR. “Multifamily residential development” means condominiums, apartments and mobile homes.

SS. “New construction” means, for the purposes of this chapter, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

TT. “Nonresidential landscape” means landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly. It also includes portions of common areas of common interest developments with designated recreational areas.

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

VV. “Outdoor watersmart package” means a document/documents, for example leaflets and a checklist of recommendations, describing landscape water conservation principles and techniques, including water budgeting, appropriate to small landscape design, installation and renovation.

WW. “Overhead spray devices” or “overhead spray irrigation systems” means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

XX. “Overspray” means the water from irrigation or that is delivered outside an area targeted for the irrigation and makes contact with a surface not intended to be irrigated.

YY. “Parkway” means the area between a sidewalk and the curb or traffic lane. It may be planted or unplanted, and with or without pedestrian egress.

ZZ. “Permit” means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.

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

BBB. “Plant factor” means a factor that, when multiplied by the ETo, estimates the amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth. For purposes of this chapter, the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0.1 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 chapter are derived from the publication “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species.” Plant factors may also be obtained from horticultural researchers, from academic institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

CCC. “Point of connection” means the source of water for a specific irrigation system.

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

EEE. “Prescriptive compliance option” means an alternative submittal to the “landscape documentation package” that may be used as a compliance option for approval of small scale landscape and irrigation projects.

FFF. “Recreational area” means an area, excluding private single-family residential areas, designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters or golf course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.

GGG. “Recycled water” means water that has been treated at the highest level required by the California Department of Health Services for water not intended for human consumption. “Tertiary treated recycled water” means water that has been through three levels of treatment including filtration and disinfectant. “Recycled water” is sometimes referred to as “reclaimed water.”

HHH. “Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means a standard measurement of environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month or year and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four inches to seven inches tall, cool season turf that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the MAWA so that regional difference in climate can be accommodated.

III. “Rehabilitated landscape” means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, in accordance with the applicability criteria of this chapter, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet. In the case of single-family homes, only those construction projects that have impacts to landscaped areas shall be deemed to be rehabilitated landscapes.

JJJ. “Residential development” means development of single-family or multifamily homes.

KKK. “Runoff” means water that 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.

LLL. “Smart controller” means a weather-based or soil moisture based irrigation controller that monitors and uses information about environmental conditions for a specific location to automatically adjust watering schedules.

MMM. “Soil moisture sensing device” or “soil moisture sensor” means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

NNN. “Soil texture” means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.

OOO. “Soil” means the growing medium available for plant growth.

PPP. “Special landscaped area” (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.

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

RRR. “Statement of substantial conformance” references the form administered by landscape inspectors.

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

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

UUU. “Submeter” means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter.

VVV. “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.

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

XXX. “Vegetated area” means an area with vegetation that is irrigated.

YYY. “Warm season turf” means a type of turf that grows during warm weather but becomes dormant during cold weather.

ZZZ. “Water feature” means a design element where open water provides 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 landscape area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment 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.

AAAA. “WUCOLS” means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Department of Water Resources 2014, as may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 3357 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3146 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009).