New Construction and Major Remodel Project Requirements

Plan Submittal Requirements

Inspection Requirements for New Construction, Major Remodels, and Irrigation Permits

1. Underground inspection before covering underground pipes
2. Final compliance inspection

Landscape

Landscape Requirements for New Construction and Major Remodels

• Species identified as turfgrass or as having high water needs in Region 3 in the current edition of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species(WUCOLS) shall be limited to 20% of the landscaped area of the site
• This WUCOLS List contains the names of high-water using plants for Region 3. Here is a link to the Complete WUCOLS Guide 

• Plants listed in the current invasive Plant Invetory for the southwest region by the California Invasive Plant Council are not permitted. Invasive Plant List 

• All newly planted trees shall be planted in permeable soil.

Parkways

Water Features, Fountains or Ponds

• Fountains, ponds or other decorative water features, excluding swimming pools or spas, shall have a footprint of less than 25 square feet in area. Larger features may be approved by the City Manager
• Water features must use a water recirculation system (no once-through systems)
• Water used in water features must remain in water features and not spray onto surrounding landscape and hardscape.
  

Irrigation

Irrigation Permits

Irrigation Requirements for All New Irrigation Systems

• No spray irrigation shall be permitted to be located within eighteen inches (18") of any impermeable hardscape unless the hardscape is designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping.

• Irrigation systems must be designed and installed in such a manner that a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches/hour is not exceeded in any portion of the landscape. Acceptable Watering Devices    For a list of rotary nozzles and pressure regulating sprayheads.

• Irrigation that emits 0.5 to 2.0 gallons per hour must be used for plants that are 1 gallon in size or larger.
• Multi-outlet emitters are not permitted, 1/4 inch tubing for containers only.

• WBICs are required. Only models that are on the current approved Irrigation Association's SWAT list are eligible. SWAT System Performance Reports

• Cross-connection equipment must comply with SMMC 7.12.370.
• A separate plumbing permit is required for the installation of testable backflow prevention devices.

• Irrigation systems must be designed with no overspray or overflow onto impermeable hardscape under any condition.

• A Distribution Uniformity (DU) calculation must be made for each irrigation zone conforming with the Irrigation Guidelines.

• Anti-drain valves must be included wherever the elevation difference between the highest and lowest watering device is five feet or more.

• Planned parkway landscaping and irrigation, if any, must be compliant with:
  City Parkway Landscape Policy
  Parkway Irrigation Regulations