Codes and Standards TopicLong-Range MWELO Options

Demand Management MeasuresIndependent Technical Panel

June 8, 2015

Erin Morris, Senior Planner David Turpel, Quality Control Associate

Deb Lane, Water Resources Analyst City of Santa Rosa

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Background1991 – State: AB 325 (Landscape Model

Ordinance)1992 – Santa Rosa: Water Efficient

Landscape Policy2006 – State: AB 1881 directed Department of

Water Resources (DWR) to revise State Ordinance

2007 – Santa Rosa: Single Family Landscape Standards

2009 – State: DWR releases new State Ordinance

2010 – Santa Rosa: Led stakeholder process for regional revision/adoption

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Adopted Regional Ordinance vs. State OrdinanceRegional State

Applies to projects of all sizes

Applies to projects over 2,500 sqft

MAWA = 60% of ETo MAWA = 70% of ETo

Flow sensor required on meters > 1.5”

Recommended

24” setback of overhead irrigation

Proof of no overspray can eliminate setback requirement

Trees require separate irrigation valve

Recommended

Emergency Building Standards = .55% ETo

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Development Review ProcessDiscretionary

Does it meet policy?Ministerial

Plan check Inspection

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

5

Discretionary Review: Sample Project

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Discretionary ReviewDesign Review Board

Public hearing, focus on design guidelinesCompeting factors impact landscape design

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Ministerial review: plan checkDetailed project plansReview submittal for compliance

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Ministerial review: plan check, continuedFollowing plan approval

Approved plans distributedLessons learned

Species verification challenging during plan check Technical expertise helpful

MWELO ImplementationHow does it work?

Ministerial review: inspectionInspection requestEnsures that the installation is consistent with

the approved planCompletion package submitted to EDSFinal inspection performed by EDS

MWELO EnforcementTools

• MAWA (Appendix A): Excel form available

MWELO EnforcementTools

• Submittal checklist

Certificate of Completion (Appendix C)Irrigation AuditFinal inspection by Agency (Some agencies allow

self-certification)Built per planEnsures compliance

MWELO EnforcementTools

MWELO ReportingHow does it work?

Building occupancy tied to final inspection

Landscape water budget based billing structureRequires accurate area measurements

After sign-off, no further involvement with siteCustomer relationship with WUE

MWELO EnforcementLessons Learned

WELO is one of many project components and interrelates with others, i.e. storm water treatmentMultiple departments reviewing plans

Knowledge of plant types criticalIn office, in field

Helpful to consider WELO early in processCoordinate with Green Building/LID

Requirements

MWELO OptionsRecommendations

Well written ordinance Tools to assist with the review process

(Checklists)Training/education for plan check staffSupport from skilled technical staff (WUE)Recognize complexity of development review

process

Questions?