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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20180618 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 18, 2018 5:00 PM, City Council Chambers MEETING AGENDA I. Jim Markalunas: Warren's Alley proposal II. Top Ten Goals Quarterly Report III. Update on Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance P1 City Council Top Ten Goals Third Quarter Report Traffic Lights Quarter of Report: 3rd Date Scored: April 27, 2018 COA Leadership Team 2017-2019 Goals in Good Shape 1. In order to help identify, prioritize and take action on issues in the housing system, we will implement a Housing Information Management System to improve system-wide data collection, information, reporting, and analytics. Begin to populate this system with accurate, reliable and real-time data. Champion: Mike Kosdrosky, Barry Crook, Karen Harrington and Paul Schultz 2. Facilitate increased networking between elected and administrative officials to foster meaningful conversations and identify regional topics for maintaining a high quality of life in the Roaring Fork Valley. Champion: Sara Ott, Steve Barwick, Mitzi Rapkin, John Krueger and Jim True 3. Work with strategic partners to identify priority implementation items from the Uphill Economic Plan that will balance and preserve Aspen’s unique place, traditions and economy. Champion: Jessica Garrow, Barry Crook, Sara Ott, Don Taylor, Steve Barwick and Mitch Osur 4. Leave the transportation landscape forever changed and dramatically alter the way we move ourselves into, out of and around Aspen by experimenting with technologies and modes that are not reliant on more lanes and more parking in town, but are reliant on making the new modes competitive with the personal, single-occupancy automobile. This extended experiment will look at possible futures of mobility and the results will inform future solutions that improve the quality of life and community experience. Champion: Ashley Perl, Barry Crook, Sara Ott, Scott Miller, Mitzi Rapkin, Richard Pryor, Jessica Garrow, John Kruger, and Mitch Osur 5. Analyze opportunities to retain and attract small, local and unique businesses to provide a balanced, diverse and vital use mix supporting the community. Champion: Jessica Garrow, Barry Crook, Don Taylor, Steve Barwick, Jim True, Linda Manning, Scott Miller and Mitch Osur P2 II. 6. Strengthen the Aspen community by • Facilitating community conversations • Enhancing community spaces • Supporting community livability Champion: Sara Ott, Karen Harrington, Linda Manning, Richard Pryor, Mitzi Rapkin, C.J. Oliver and Alissa Farrell 7. Decrease the carbon footprint of the community’s energy supplies by maintaining Aspen Electric’s 100% carbon free electric generation portfolio, working with other electric providers to increase renewable energy in their generation plans, and planning for a reduced need for natural gas in Aspen buildings. Champion: Ashley Perl, Dave Hornbacher, Jessica Garrow and C.J. Oliver 8. Develop a master plan that guides redevelopment and the use of the pedestrian malls with a goal of maintaining and improving the pedestrian experience. Champion: Jeff Woods, Barry Crook, Jessica Garrow, Scott Miller, Don Taylor and Mitch Osur 9. Determine and improve the effectiveness of each board and commission by: • evaluating the enabling legislation, purpose, decision-making authority, history and activity, • affirming expectations of attendance and role in decision-making, • formalizing and enhancing the communication between council and boards, • clarifying the appointment process and requirements, • providing training as needed so the boards and commissions can provide assistance in policy development, and encouraging citizen participation through recruiting and training. Champion: Linda Manning, Sara Ott, Jessica Garrow, Karen Harrington, Mitzi Rapkin, Alissa Farrell, Jim True and Jeff Woods P3 II. 1 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Lee Ledesma, Utilities Finance & Administrative Manager THRU: David Hornbacher, Director of Utilities Scott Miller, Public Works Director DATE OF MEMO: June 15, 2018 MEETING DATE: June 18, 2018 RE: Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Worksession -- Proposed Changes to Water Efficient Landscaping Standards REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff requests review of, and feedback on, proposed changes to the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards, which includes extending the pilot program; incentivizing stormwater best management practices, native landscapes and rain barrels; and, updating design criteria and exemptions. As stated in Ordinance No. 16, Series 17, Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Sec. 25.30.020, the City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards may be amended from time to time by City Council Resolution. At least one (1) copy of the City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards shall be available for inspection at the City of Aspen Utilities Department, the City of Aspen Parks Department, and City of Aspen Community Development Department. It is Staff’s proposal to place updated Water Efficient Landscaping Standards on a Regular City Council consent agenda in the coming month for Council’s review and approval. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: On February 13, 2018, Staff presented an update on the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. This update included: · Overview of Water Efficient Landscaping Standards · Status of Pilot Implementation · Third Party Audits · Next Steps The February 2018 Worksession was a follow up to the adoption of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance on May 22, 2017, which went in effect on June 22, 2017 and applied to all city and county parcels that are on City of Aspen water. P4 III. 2 The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is a lead action step contained in both the Regional and Municipal Water Efficiency Plans that were adopted by City Council on September 28, 2015. BACKGROUND: Conservation is a key component of Aspen’s Integrated Water Supply System and effective conservation practices enable the City to manage our water supplies more efficiently. The City of Aspen has been promoting water efficiency since the mid-1990s. The City approved its first water conservation plan in 1996. Additionally, the City currently has water efficiency assessments on five (5) of its parks and will use recommendations from these reports to increase water efficiency. Assessments will be completed on fifteen (15) more parks in 2018, as the City continues to pursue impactful water savings. DISCUSSION: The four main agenda items for this Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance are: · Plans Review Update · Landscaping Standards Recommended Changes · Pilot Program Update & Recommendations · QWEL Certification Plans Review Update: Will include overview of properties in pilot program, including compliance rate and average property landscape distribution. Landscape Standards Recommended Changes: Will include a description of the proposed programmatical level changes, such as water budget incentives, exemptions, specific design criteria and possible future topics. Pilot Program Update & Recommendations: Will discuss Pilot Phase approach as it relates to the information gathering period and the current requirements of the program. QWEL Certification: Will include an update on the Qualified Water Efficient Landscape professional certification program being implemented locally to support the landscape irrigation system third party audit process. FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Current staff time to manage the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance includes approximately ¾ FTE in the Parks department and a ½ FTE in the Water department. For 2019 budget preparation, City Utilities will be requesting one full-time employee (FTE) for Parks department plans review and ½ FTE for Water department permit coordinator. Both requests will be part of the 2019 Budget presentation in October. Currently, the above-mentioned expenses are covered by an existing Utilities Development Review fee, which has not increased since January 2017 for city and county water customers. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: If a maximum water budget of 7.5 gallons/sq.ft./season is utilized after the end of the pilot phase, the Landscape Ordinance is estimated to reduce irrigation water demand by 14 % as compared to new plan submittals sampled prior to implementation. And, when compared to typical existing homes, there is a potential landscape water use savings of up to 60% when these properties refresh their landscaping and irrigation systems. Using a water budget of 7.5 gallons/sq. ft./irrigation season (14% savings) would put the City on target to P5 III. 3 achieve the 2015 Water Efficiency Plan projection of 50 acre-feet per year of water savings by 2035. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council provide direction on both the length of the pilot program and possible changes to the existing Water Efficient Landscaping Standards. ALTERNATIVES: City Council could choose to not address these proposed modifications now and request an additional update on the pilot program and landscaping standards at some future date. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A – Water Efficient Landscaping Standards with proposed changes and modifications P6 III. WORKING DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 0 of 38 1. OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE 1.1 Objective The Water Efficient Landscaping Standards provide policies, guidelines, and minimum landscaping design, installation, maintenance, and management criteria to governmental agencies, design professionals, private developers, community groups, and homeowners for new development and significant remodels. These standards promote efficient development and use of water within the City of Aspen’s water service area. Implementation of these standards fulfills certain recommendations identified in the City of Aspen’s Municipal Water Efficiency Plan (updated in 2015), the Roaring Fork Regional Water Efficiency Plan (2015), and the Roaring Fork Watershed Plan (2012). 1.2 Purpose 1.2.1 Promote the values and benefits of healthy landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible. 1.2.2 Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water- efficient landscapes in new construction and renovated/rehabilitated projects. 1.2.3 Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Budget as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount. 2. APPLICABILITY AND GENERAL PROVISIONS 2.1 Applicability 30 days after adoption of Ordinance 16, Series 2017, these standards shall apply to the following projects that use City of Aspen potable water: 2.1.1 Landscaping, grading, installing or disturbing hardscapes, additions to structures, etc. that has a disturbance area greater than 1,000 square feet and greater than 25% of the entire site. 2.1.2 All new construction with internal work only that demolishes greater than 50% of the existing structure. (based on the entire square footage of rooms where floors, ceilings, or walls are exposed over the square footage of the structure). 2.1.3 New water accounts (city and county parcels currently on well that wish to get on city water). 2.2 Exceptions The standards do not apply to: 2.2.1 Projects that do not have water supplied or conveyed by the City of Aspen. 2.2.2 Projects in the City of Aspen R-3 (high density) planning zone. P7 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 1 of 2428 2.2.22.2.3 There may be special circumstances, including but not limited to the following, in which portions of the standards shall not apply. In these circumstances, applicants shall follow the variance process described in Section 2.4 below. Irrigation of public parks, sports fields, golf courses, and schools. Landscapes where tree preservation is required under the local tree ordinance. Landscapes including public right-of-way. Registered local, state or federal historical sites. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system. Stormwater treatment facilities that require irrigation. Wildfire mitigation areas planned to establish defensible space. Properties undergoing Pitkin County Scenic Review. Areas receiving solely authorized alternative water sources such as rain catchment, raw water, etc. Registered local, state or federal historical sites. Landscapes located in the R-3 zone of the City of Aspen Zoning Code. 2.3 Pilot Phase A 12An 18-month pilot phase will begin 30 days after adoption of Ordinance 16, Series 2017,. During the pilot phase, all of the standards and documentation described in this document will be required but the City will not deny a project a Certificate of Occupancy for failure to meet the Maximum Applied Water Budget standard or based on results of the post-installation site audit report. The City encourages efforts be made, to the extent possible, to meet the Maximum Applied Water Budget standard during the pilot phase. Enforcement of these standards will begin a minimum of one year18 months after adoption of Ordinance 16, Series 2017, including inspections, audits, and certifications. During the pilot phase, the City is also considering programs associated with utilizing graywater and rainwater as it relates to the standards. P8 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 2 of 2428 2.4 Variances and Existing Compliance 2.4.1 Variances The City may grant variances to the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards when practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships exist that cause inconsistencies with the purpose and intent of the standards. Requests for variances from the standards, policies, or submittal requirements of this document shall be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation and justification to the City Utilities Director. Variance requests must, at a minimum, contain the following: • Criteria under which the applicant seeks a variance; • Justification for not complying with the standards; • Proposed alternate criteria or standards to comply with the intent of the criteria; • Supporting documentation, including necessary calculations; • The proposed variance’s potential adverse impacts for adjacent landowners; and • An analysis of the variance request, signed by a qualified landscape professional or qualified irrigation design professional, depending on the topic of the request. Upon receipt of a complete application for a variance, the City Utilities Director shall prepare a statement to recommend that the variance be approved or denied or to request a modification of the proposed variance. 2.4.2 Existing Compliance The City may grant a determination of compliance for existing projects or portions of existing properties in sufficient compliance meeting the minimum standards. Requests for determination of compliance shall be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation and justification to the City Utilities Director. Requests for determination of existing compliance must, at a minimum, contain the following: • Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package; and • Irrigation audit report performed by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. (see Section 6.7 for details). Upon receipt of a complete application for a determination of existing compliance, the City Utilities Director shall prepare a statement to recommend that the determination be approved or denied or to request a modification of the proposed determination. ADD DESCRIPTION FOR AUDITS BEING COMPLETED AFTER WINTER 2.5 Appeals 2.5.1 Initiation P9 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 3 of 2428 An applicant aggrieved by an order, requirement, decision, or determination of the City Utilities Director may be appealed tofile an appeal with the Administrative Hearing Officer. The notice of appeal shall be filed with the City Utilities Director within fifteen (15) days following the date of such order, requirement, decision, or determination. The notice of appeal shall state in detail the action appealed, the grounds for the appeal, and the relief sought. Failure to file such a notice of appeal within the prescribed time shall constitute a waiver of any rights under this section to appeal any order, requirement, decision, or determination. 2.5.2 Effect of Filing an Appeal The filing of a notice of appeal shall stay any proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the City Utilities Director certifies in writing to the Administrative Hearing Officer that a stay poses an imminent peril to life or property, in which case the appeal shall not stay further proceedings. The Administrative Hearing Officer may review such certification and grant or deny a stay of proceedings. 2.5.3 Timing of Appeal The Administrative Hearing Officer shall consider the appeal within thirty (30) days following the date of filing the notice of appeal, or as soon thereafter as is practical under the circumstances. 2.5.4 Action by Administrative Hearing Officer The Administrative Hearing Officer shall review the record of the action taken by the City Utilities Director, and provide a decision to the Applicant in writing. The Administrative Hearing Officer may reverse or affirm wholly or partly the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and shall enter such order, as they deem appropriate under the circumstance. 3. DEFINITIONS Application rate: the depth of water applied to a given area, usually expressed in inches per hour. Applied water: the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape (supplemental to precipitation). Approval Letter: the document showing the project has been installed and inspected per the approved irrigation design plan. Automatic controller: a mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating landscape irrigation stations and setting the schedule (days and length of time) for water application. Backflow prevention device: a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system. P10 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 4 of 2428 Check valve or anti-drain valve: a valve located under, or incorporated within, a sprinkler head or other location within the irrigation system, to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads when the system is off. Certified irrigation designer: a person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, Irrigation Association’s Certified Irrigation Designer program, American Society of Irrigation Consultant’sConsultants’ Professional Irrigation Consultant designation or other irrigation designer program labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. Certified/licensed landscape contractor: Colorado State law governs the sizes and types of projects that unlicensed individuals can design independent of City requirements. For those projects that are exempt from State licensure, one of the following certifications are required: GreenCO Best Management Practices Certification, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado Certified Landscape Technician, Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, or another program labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. Certified landscape irrigation auditor: a person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, the Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program, the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, a professional trade organization or other program labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. Distribution uniformity: the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area. Disturbance area: disturbance is defined by the external area of the building where the ground is disturbed which includes but is not limited to soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding impervious area, replacing impervious area, layback areas, and stock pile areas. This includes areas disturbed within Right-of-Ways. Ecological restoration project: a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem. Emission device: a component of the system that disperses water to the landscape and includes sprinklers, bubblers, emitters, microspraysmicro sprays, etc. Established landscape: the point at which plants in the landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth. Establishment irrigation: permanent irrigation intended to water plants only during the establishment period: the first year. Irrigation remains in the area for future drought protection. Establishment period: a length of time after installing the plant in the landscape or the first twowhere the plants are given one (1) to three (3) years if irrigation willof irrigation, dependent on the plant type. During this period, plants must slowly be terminated after establishment. Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth.weaned from water supply to optimize tolerance of natural precipitation rates. Native habitat mitigation areas and trees may need three to five years for establishment. Note: Temporary water taps and reimbursable utility connection permit fees may be required by Aspen Water Department. P11 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 5 of 2428 Evapotranspiration: the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time. See below for “reference ET”. Flow meter or sensor: an inline device installed at or near the supply point of the irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow meters must be connected to an irrigation controller, or monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This combination flow meter/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or sub meter. Flow rate: the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons per minute or cubic feet per second). Graywater: untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet/urinal 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. "Graywater" 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. Green stormwater infrastructures: Best Management Practices that treat the required volume of storm runoff as determined by the drainage report. Please refer to the Urban Runoff Management Plan for more information. Hardscapes: a landscape feature that is made of any durable material (pervious and non-pervious). Hydrozone: a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once established is a non-irrigated hydrozone. Infiltration rate: the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour). Irrigation audit: 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 shall 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. Irrigation efficiency: the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems. Irrigation Design Plan: the documents including the scaled drawing plan and any required forms showing calculations that are reviewed, approved and for which a permit could be issued. P12 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 6 of 2428 Irrigation survey: 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. Irrigation water use analysis: a review of water use data based on meter readings and billing data. Landscaped area: the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, non-irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes- such as decks and patios, and other non-porous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens are not included. Landscaping and/or landscape improvements: plantings of grass, shrubs, trees or similar living plants, with minimal use of other ground surface treatment such as decorative rock, bark, or stone. These inert materials are allowed to be used in conjunction with live material in planting beds, but do not count toward the calculations of required landscaping and/or landscaping improvements. Landscape water meter: an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the volume of water into the irrigation system by using a flow totalizing device to record water use. Lateral line: the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve. Low flow irrigation or drip irrigation: the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and emitters such as point source emitters, dripper lines, microspraysmicro sprays and bubblers. Low flow irrigation systems apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants. Main line: the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet. Master shut-off valve: a lockable 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. Maximum Applied Water Budget: the upper limit of annual applied water (supplemental irrigation water) for the established landscaped area as specified in Appendix A. It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration and is adjusted for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. Microclimate: the climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces. Mulch: any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, pebbles, 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. New construction: for the purposes of these standards, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt. P13 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 7 of 2428 Non-residential landscape: 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. Operating pressure: the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate. Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems: systems that deliver water through the air (pop-ups, rotors, etc.) Overspray: the water that is delivered beyond the target area. Permeable: any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil. Project applicant: the individual or entity submitting a plan to request a permit, plan check, or design review from the City. A project applicant may be the property owner or designee including the contractor. Rain barrel: a storage container with a sealable lid that is: (a) located aboveground outside of a residential home; (b) used for collecting precipitation from a downspout of a rooftop; and (c) in compliance with current Colorado statutes, as administered by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.1 Rain sensor or rain sensing shut-off device: a component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains. Reclaimed water, recycled water, or treated sewage effluent water: treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption. Record drawing: a set of reproducible drawings which show changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor. Recreational area: areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic. Reference evapotranspiration or ET: a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ET is typically expressed as the depth of water in inches or the volume of water in gallons used by an irrigated landscape area over a period of time, as represented in Appendix A, and is based on an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool- season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is used as the basis of determining the Maximum Applied Water Budget. One inch is approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. 1 See additional information regarding HB 16-1005: http://water.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/RainwaterCollection/Pages/default.aspx) P14 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 8 of 2428 Remote control valve: a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. Residential landscape: landscapes surrounding single or multifamily homes such as duplexes. Runoff: water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate), run times are set too long or a valve is stuck open, when there is a severe slope, etc. Smart irrigation controller: an automatic timing device with nonvolatile memory used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Smart irrigation controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based), soil moisture data or flow data or a combination of methods. Soil moisture sensing device or soil moisture sensor: a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event. Sprinkler head: a device that sprays water through a nozzle. Static water pressure: the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing. Station: typically an area served by one valve; for very large properties, a station could control two or more valves in a given “zone”. Sub meter: a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter. Temporary Irrigation: temporarily installed irrigation for the sole purpose of plant establishment over a specific amount of time determined by the temporary irrigation agreement made with the City of Aspen Water Department. After the pre-determined amount of time, water must be shut off and lines abandoned. Turf or turfgrass: a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass, Blue Grama, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses. Valve: a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. Watering window: the period in which irrigation is allowed (e.g. time of day, days of the week, amount over a period of a week, etc.). Zone: typically, an area served by a single control valve, sometimes referred to as a “station”. Zones are comprised of plant materials and soil types with similar water requirements. 4. DOCUMENTATION P15 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 9 of 2428 The following documentation is required for all projects subject to the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards. The City of Aspen reserves the right to conduct audits as deemed necessary, at the expense of the customer, if there is indication that the criteria have not been followed. P16 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 10 of 2428 4.1 Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package The Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package shall include the following six (6) elements: 4.1.1 ChecklistCity-provided checklist of all documents in Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package. 4.1.2 Project information Date Project contacts for the project applicant, landscape and irrigation system installer, and property owner Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s)) Total landscape area and total irrigated area (square feet) Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, homeowner-installed) Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) For Pitkin County residents only: Recorded Site Plan and Activity Envelope. 4.1.3 Applicant signature and date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards and submit a complete Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package”. 4.1.4 Completed Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (see Appendix A) 4.1.5 Signed Landscape Design Plan with Soil Information a. All applicable soil criteria and standards shall be noted on the landscape design plan. b. A soil analysis report and associated information shall be provided if the project applicant chooses to appeal the standard soil amendment criteria. 4.1.6 Signed Irrigation Design Plan 4.2 Compliance with the Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package 4.2.1 Prior to construction, the City of Aspen Landscape Plan Review Technician shall: Provide the project applicant with the standards and procedures for permits, plan checkscheck plans, or design reviews. P17 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 11 of 2428 Review the Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package submitted by the project applicant. Approve or deny the Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package. Issue a permit or approve the plan check/design review for the project applicant. 4.2.2 Prior to construction, the project applicant shall: Submit a Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package to the City of Aspen Landscape Plan Reviewer. Receive the authorization to proceed. 4.2.3 Upon approval of the Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package by the City of Aspen, the project applicant shall: Receive a permit or approval of the plan check or design review and retain record to include the date of the permit in the Approval Letter. Submit a copy of the approved Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package along with the record drawings, and any other information to the property owner or his/her designee. 5. LANDSCAPE CRITERIA Unless otherwise specified, the criteria within this section shall apply to all applicable projects. The City of Aspen reserves the right to conduct inspections as deemed necessary, at the expense of the project applicant, if there is indication that the criteria have not been followed. 5.1 Soil Criteria 5.1.1 Soil Amendment Topsoil of irrigated grasses (including turf), shrubs, perennials, and annuals shall be a sandy loam to a depth of at least 6 inches (6”) containing at least 5 percent (5%) organic matter by volume. Tree soil should have a minimum depth of 3 feet (3’). Both topsoil and subsoil layers shall be sandy loam. The top soil shall be at least 6 inches (6”) and have 5 percent (5%) organic matter by weight and subsoil shall have at least one to three percent (1 - 3%) organic matter by weight. P18 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 12 of 2428 A minimum of four (4) cubic yards of organic matter soil amendment per one-thousand square feet of landscaped area shall be required as necessary to meet the 5 percent (5%) organic matter specification. Tree soil must be a sandy loam and 36” deep for areas where trees are planted. The total soil depth shall have at least one to three percent (1-3%) organic matter by volume. (NOTE: If in turf, top soil should be 6” and have 5% organic matter by volume). In good existing soils, dig and turn the soils to three times the dimension of the root ball. Hard or compacted sub soil or lower soil layers should be broken up to create adequate drainage and avoid trapping water creating saturated and anaerobic conditions in the upper soil layer. In newly developed planting sites, soil depth shall be 20' diameter around the trees to a depth of 36” or meet the requirements for soil volume as described in Appendix F. Soil amendment organic matter shall consist of either Class I and Class II compost. Soil Evaluation and Improvement i. The following soil evaluation procedure may be utilized if the project applicant chooses to appeal the standard soil amendment criteria and/or if the City of Aspen requires verification of the soil amendment. The soil evaluation determines the condition of the soil related to texture, acidity, salts, and plant nutrient availability. i.ii. The applicant must discuss the appeal with the City of Aspen to determine the procedures and submittal requirements. ii.iii. The applicant shall submit an explanation in narrative form explaining the appeal and attach any information including site-specific data and the following soil analyses: (a) A soil analysis shall be conducted by a professional soil scientist at a certified soils laboratory. (b) Soil sample(s) shall be taken after over-lot grading, if applicable, and prior to landscaping. (c) The soil sample must represent a uniform area. Differences in texture (sand, silt, clay), color, slope, degree of erosion, drainage, past management practices, types of plant materials designed for each area should be taken into account when collecting the sample. The soil scientist shall determine the sample sites, depth and frequency necessary to reflect a representative sample of the site and to coincide with the plant material intended for the area in the design. Recommended sampling frequency is no less than one (1) sample per five- thousand (5,000) square feet. Any sampling less than this frequency shall be justified by the soil scientist. P19 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 13 of 2428 (d) The soil analysis shall determine the organic and inorganic composition of native/indigenous soil in landscaped areas, and shall include: • Soil texture; • Total exchange capacity; • Conductivity; • Organic matter; • Acidity; and • Content of nitrogen (NO3, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese and Lime). iii.iv. The soil analysis shall include specific recommendations based on the soil test results for the type of plant material to be grown in each landscaped area. The type and volume of soil amendment shall be determined by the soil scientist and be consistent with the indigenous soil and the needs of the plant materials in each area of the landscape. iv.v. Upon receipt of the information, the City of Aspen shall approve or deny the soil amendment. If the amendment is denied, the City of Aspen shall provide information to the project applicant regarding additional requirements. 5.1.2 Soil Preparation Amendment shall be tilled to a minimum depth of six inches (6”). Site shall be graded to within two-tenths of a foot (2/10th’) of the grading plan. Site shall be free of rocks and debris over one -inch (1”) diameter in size. Rocks and debris 0.5 inch (0.5”) to one inch (1”) shall not exceed 5 percent (5%) by volume and gravel 0.6 inch (0.6”) to 1.25 inches (1.25”) shall not exceed 5 percent (5%) by volume. Particles such as concrete, brick, glass, metal, wood or plastic greater than one inch (1”) shall not be allowed. The total volume of these materials smaller than one inch (1”) shall not exceed 5 percent (5%). Site shall be free of dirt clods over three-quarter inch (3/4”) diameter in size. Dryland seed areas may contain dirt clods up to two -inch (2”) diameter in size. i. Stockpiling - Stripping and stockpiling of indigenous soil (topsoil) shall be required during construction (except as waived by the City of Aspen). The replacement of this soil, plus additional soil amendments, are critical to successful plant material establishment, ongoing health, and efficient use of water through the life of the project. Stockpiling may not occur on existing native vegetation outside of the disturbance area. P20 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 14 of 2428 The soil shall have no herbicides, heavy metals, biological toxins or hydrocarbons that impact plant growth or exceed the EPA’s standards for soil contaminant. All applicable soil criteria and standards shall be noted on the landscape design plan. Written verification of approved soil amendment type and volume is required. Projects with inadequate soil amendment and preparation will not be approved. P21 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 15 of 2428 5.1.3 Soil Inspection a. Soil inspections prior to installation of plant material may be conducted by the City of Aspen as deemed necessary and shall include a review of adherence to all criteria and performance standards. i. Soil will be inspected by the City of Aspen Parks Department Plan Review Technician for depth and type of organic matter. b. Written documentation reflecting approved volume and type of soil amendment is required upon inspection. P22 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 16 of 2428 5.35.2 Non‐Living General Landscape Design Criteria 5.3.15.2.1 Organic Mulch Shall be applied at one (1) cubic yard per eighty (80) square feet at a depth of four (4) inches, and as appropriate to each species. Shall be applied to the soil surface, not against the plant stem or high against the base of trunks to minimize disease. Organic mulch material includes bark and wood chips. Avoid mulch consisting of construction debris such as pallets. 5.3.25.2.2 Inorganic Mulch Inorganic mulch includes rock, gravel, or pebbles. Rock mulch shall have a minimum depth of two inches (2”). 5.45.3 Landscape Criteria 5.3.1 Water Budget 5.4.11.1.1 Plant Material 2 All irrigated landscaped areas must be included in the water budget calculation and. See Appendix A for details regarding the Maximum Applied Water Budget calculation. The total irrigation water need for all zoneshydrozones cannot exceed thea Maximum Applied Water Budget of 7.5 gallons/season/square-foot of irrigated landscape area (12 inches/season), unless one or more of the following special features are included. See Appendix A for examples of how these circumstances may be included in the water budget calculation. i. Special features to incentivize healthy landscapes. 2 See also: Pitkin County Revegetation Guide http://pitkincounty.com/documentcenter/view/2937; Pitkin County Riparian Revegetation Guide http://www.pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/2938; and Pitkin County Approved Seed Mixes http://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/2936. P23 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 17 of 2428 • Non-irrigated protected native vegetation areas. • Ecological restoration areas (see Section 5.3.2.e below). • Bioretention areas (see Section 5.3.4.b.i below). • Non-irrigated permeable areas (see Section 5.3.4.b.ii below). • Stormwater conveyance infrastructure (see Section 5.3.4.b.iii below). If any combination of the special feature areas totals to at least 5% of the total irrigated hydrozone area, then the Maximum Applied Water Budget increases to 8 gallons/season/square foot (12.8 inches/season). If any combination of the special feature areas totals to at least 10% of the total irrigated hydrozone area, then the Maximum Applied Water Budget increases to 8.5 gallons/season/square foot (13.6 inches/season). ii. Rain barrels are incentivized when used to irrigate plantings in the Low or Very Low water use category with drip irrigation. For these areas, the calculated Irrigation Water Need may be decreased by 125 gallons per season for one (1) 55-gallon rain barrel, or by 250 gallons per season for two (2) 55-gallon rain barrels. 5.3.2 Plant Material 3 ). Aside from the use of invasive and/or noxious plant species, any plant can be utilized in the landscape plan. The GreenCO Plant List provides water use categories that can be used for calculating the plant water need. An estimate of the plant water need, in gallons per square foot per season, must be provided for any plants that are not currently included in the GreenCO Plant List. See Appendix A for details regarding the Maximum Applied Water Budget calculation andSee Appendix B for the GreenCO Plant List. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, soils, and topographical conditions of the project site. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following are highly recommended: 3 See also: Pitkin County Revegetation Guide http://pitkincounty.com/documentcenter/view/2937; Pitkin County Riparian Revegetation Guide http://www.pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/2938; and Pitkin County Approved Seed Mixes http://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/2936. P24 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 18 of 2428 i. Selection of plants from the GreenCO Plant List included in Appendix B, in keeping with the character of the community, and particularly water-conserving plant and turf species. ii.i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation. iii.ii. Selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance. iv. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly prohibited4. v.iii. Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinance or tree shading guidelines. vi.iv. Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines). vii.v. Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain. Protected native vegetation areas without irrigation are incentivized through the water budget calculation (see Section 5.3.1 above). Ecological restoration projects that have establishment irrigation system shall be given a “Very low” plant factor value with an irrigation efficiency value based on the irrigation method and are incentivized through the water budget calculation (see Section 5.3.1 above). Invasive and/or noxious plant species is strongly prohibited.5 Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%) where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means 1 foot of vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent). 4 See: Pitkin County Noxious List & Weed Management Plan http://pitkincounty.com/430/Noxious-Weed- Information; 5 See: Pitkin County Noxious List & Weed Management Plan, http://pitkincounty.com/430/Noxious-Weed- Information; P25 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 19 of 2428 Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches. See Appendix C for a recommended list of plants to best prepare for wildfire 6 and landscape design fact sheet Appendix D for the City and Pitkin County Wildfire Hazard Assessment Maps. i. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. ii. All landscape plantings for properties located in the Moderate or High Wildfire Hazard zone of the City must be firewise (see Appendices C and D). iii. Properties located outside of the City limits should consult with Pitkin County. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group. Removing vegetation and amending soil under existing trees requires hand grubbing no deeper than four inches (4"). Any additional soil above existing grade limited to a maximum three inches (3"). All irrigation work performed within the drip line of existing trees requires hand grubbing no deeper than six inches (6") and must be as far from tree trunk as practically possible. Do not cut roots larger than four inches (4”) in diameter. 5.4.25.3.3 Water Features Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features. Where available, recycled water is recommended as a source for decorative water features. TheFor purposes of the water budget calculation, the surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high“High” water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculationwith a 70% irrigation efficiency. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended. Pools with pool covers will be given a 90% irrigation efficiency in the water budget calculation. 5.4.35.3.4 Stormwater Management 6 See: City of Aspen Firewise Plant Materials recommendations: http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Portals/0/docs/City/wildfire/FireWise%20Information_Landscaping- Plants%20(2).pdf P26 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 20 of 2428 Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration are encouraged. Green stormwater infrastructure is incentivized through the water budget calculation. The following treatments associated with the landscape and described in the drainage report will have the following hydrozone values: i. For purposes of the water budget calculation, bioretention areas with permanent irrigation shall apply a plant factor value representing the plantings with an efficiency value based on the irrigation method. Bioretention areas that have establishment irrigation system shall be given a “Very low” plant factor value with an irrigation efficiency value based on the irrigation method. These structures include green roofs and rain gardens. Other structures may be approved during review by the Plan Review Technician. These areas are incentivized through the water budget calculation (see Section 5.3.1 above). ii. Non-irrigated permeable surfaces without plants are incentivized through the water budget calculation (see Section 5.3.1 above). iii. For purposes of the water budget calculation, conveyance infrastructures such as vegetated swales shall apply a plant factor value representing the plantings with an efficiency value based on the irrigation method. These areas are incentivized through the water budget calculation (see Section 5.3.1 above). Project applicants shall refer to the City of Aspen Engineering Department for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans. 5.55.4 Landscape Plan The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall: 5.5.15.4.1 Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method. 5.5.2 Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, or high water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation. 5.4.2 Identify each hydrozone Water Use Category. 5.4.3 Identify recreational areas. 5.5.35.4.4 Identify City Right-of-Ways P27 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 21 of 2428 5.5.45.4.5 Identify areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants. 5.5.55.4.6 Identify areas irrigated with recycled water. 5.5.65.4.7 Identify type of mulch and application depth. 5.5.75.4.8 Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity. 5.5.85.4.9 Identify type and surface area of water features. 5.5.95.4.10 Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious). 5.5.105.4.11 Identify location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage infiltration of stormwater. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to: a. Infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground. b. Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow, and filter pollutants. c. Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff. 5.5.115.4.12 Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment technologies (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, etc.). 5.5.125.4.13 Contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan”. 5.5.135.4.14 The signature of a licensed landscape architect, or licensed/certified landscape contractor. 6. IRRIGATION SYSTEM CRITERIA This section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall be planned and designed according to the most current version of the Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices, by the Irrigation Association and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants. 6.1 Irrigation System Requirements 6.1.1 Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the potable water supply from contamination by the irrigation system and comply with local plumbing codes. P28 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 22 of 2428 6.1.2 Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply and to isolate sections of mainline on larger systems, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair. 6.1.3 Master shut-off valves (lockable) and flow sensors, integrated with the automatic irrigation controller are required on all projects. a. City of Aspen staff reserve the right to operate this valve when the City has declared a water shortage under the City’s Water Shortage Ordinance or when more than fifty percent (50%) of the account usage occurs in water rate tier four (4). 6.1.4 Dedicated landscape water meters/sub-meters shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 5,000 square feet or more. 6.1.5 Smart irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program or with published reports posted on the Smart Water Application Technologies website are recommended for residential projects and required for all non-residential projects. If a flow meter is used, then the controller shall be able to use inputs from the flow meter/sensor to control irrigation if flows are abnormal. 6.1.6 Sensors (e.g., rain, freeze, wind, and/or soil moisture etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient soil moisture is present shall be required on all irrigation systems. 6.1.7 Soil moisture sensors are required for all irrigated green roofs. 6.1.76.1.8 The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures. Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff may be modified if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs or if the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. 6.1.86.1.9 Minimum pop-up height for sprinklers in turfgrass areas shall be six inches (6”). 6.1.96.1.10 Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads. 6.1.106.1.11 The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the operating pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for optimal performance. To control excessive pressure above the required operating pressure of the irrigation system emission devices, pressure-regulating devices such as valve pressure regulators, sprinkler head pressure regulators, inline pressure regulators, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required operating pressure of the emission devices. P29 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 23 of 2428 If water pressure is below the required operating pressure of the emission devices, then a booster pump shall be installed so that emission devices shall operate at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. The pressure and flow measurements shall be identified at the design stage and verified prior to the installation of the system. 6.1.116.1.12 All irrigation emission devices shall meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, ASABE/ICC 802-2014 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard” authored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the International Code Council and verified by an independent third-party. 6.1.126.1.13 The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan. 6.1.136.1.14 Sprinklers within a zone shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s recommendations. 6.1.146.1.15 Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s recommendations. Spacing must achieve head-to-head coverage. All sprinkler heads installed in the turfgrass areas shall have a distribution uniformity of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014 standard. 6.1.156.1.16 The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, any water windows or restrictions for operation such as day of the week and hours of the day. 6.2 Hydrozone Requirements 6.2.1 Each remote -control valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar microclimate, soil conditions, slope, and plant materials with similar water demand. 6.2.2 Relevant soils information such as soil type and infiltration rate shall be utilized when designing irrigation systems. 6.2.3 Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turfgrass areas, less than ten feet (10 ft) in dimension in any direction shall not utilize overhead sprinkler irrigation. 6.2.4 Slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%) shall not use sprinklers with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. Exception: If the irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion shall be confirmed during the irrigation audit. P30 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 24 of 2428 6.2.5 Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plants and soil type within that hydrozone. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted. 6.2.6 In mulched planting areas, the use of low flow irrigation is required for any vegetation that will exceed twelve inches (12”) mature height. 6.2.7 Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turfgrass to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree. 6.2.8 Hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation on the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve designation in the Hydrozone Information Table (see Appendix A). This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller. 6.2.9 Source water, such as non-potable water should be considered. (see Appendix E for more details). 6.3 Irrigation Design Plan Proper installation and management of the irrigation system shall conform to the approved irrigation design plan. An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted for review and approval by the City of Aspen. 6.3.1 Plan Requirements The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain: A scaled plan showing property lines, easements, existing or proposed structures, impervious surfaces, and existing natural features. Location and size of the point of connection to the water supply and meter locations along with static water pressure at the point of connection to the water supply and dynamic water pressure for proper system operation. Reclaimed/recycled water or alternative water sources such as graywater shall comply with local plumbing codes including marking of pipes and system components. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including backflow preventer, flow sensor, master valve, smart irrigation controllers, main and lateral lines, manual valves, remote control valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, on-site weather monitoring sensors, quick couplers, pressure regulators. An irrigation legend showing the identification of irrigation components. P31 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 25 of 2428 Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each irrigation zone. Installation details for each of the irrigation components. Designer statements and signature: i. The following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan.” ii. The signature of a qualified irrigation professional such as licensed landscape architect with irrigation credentials, certified irrigation designer, or licensed/certified landscape contractor with irrigation credentials. P32 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 26 of 2428 6.51.1 Landscape Irrigation Audit 6.5.1 All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Irrigation audits shall not be conducted by the person or company who installed the irrigation system. 6.5.2 The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Approval Letter request to the City of Aspen. The irrigation audit report shall include, but is not limited to: inspection; system tune-up; system test with distribution uniformity; reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow; and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming. 6.5.3 The City of Aspen may administer programs that include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Budget. 6.6 Approval Letter 6.6.1 Proper installation and management of the irrigation system shall conform to the approved irrigation design plan. 6.6.2 The Approval Letter request shall include the following six (6) elements: Project information sheet that contains: i. Date. ii. Project name. iii. Project address and location. iv. Project applicant name, telephone, and mailing address. v.i. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address. a. Certification by the irrigation designer and the licensed landscape/irrigation contractor that the irrigation system has been installed per the approved irrigation design plan. Record drawings (as-builts), provided in electronic format, showing all changes from the approved plan shall be included with the certification. A diagram of the irrigation system showing hydrozones and the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes. P33 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 27 of 2428 a. Irrigation system maintenance schedule. Irrigation audit report. 6.6.3 The project applicant shall: Submit the signed Approval Letter to the City of Aspen for review. Ensure that copies of the Approval Letter are submitted to the City of Aspen and property owner or his or her designee. 6.6.4 The City of Aspen shall: Receive the signed Approval Letter from the project applicant. Approve or deny the Approval Letter. If the Approval Letter is denied, the City of Aspen shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance. 6.76.4 Irrigation System Maintenance Schedule 6.7.16.4.1 Irrigation systems shall be maintained to ensure proper operation and function for water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Approval Letter. 6.7.26.4.2 A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection, auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance. 6.7.36.4.3 Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components. If equipment components with greater efficiency are used in replacement, the entire zone must be changed to maintain consistency. 6.7.46.4.4 Project applicants are encouraged to implement sustainable or environmentally-friendly practices for overall landscape maintenance. 6.86.5 Irrigation Scheduling For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria: P34 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 28 of 2428 6.8.16.5.1 Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by smart irrigation controllers that utilize evapotranspiration data or soil moisture data. 6.8.26.5.2 Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it or an alternate schedule is declared under the City’s Water Shortage Ordinance 7. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance. 6.8.36.5.3 Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each of the following: The plantPlant establishment period. , The established landscape., and Temporarily irrigated areas. 6.8.46.5.4 Each irrigation schedule shall consider, for each station, all of the following that apply. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation). Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff). Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis. Application rate setting. Root depth setting. Plant type setting. Soil type. Slope factor setting. Shade factor setting. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting, based on audit information. 6.96.6 Irrigation Management 7 See: City Municipal Code Sec. 25.28.010. P35 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 29 of 2428 6.9.16.6.1 Irrigation management includes planning water use, monitoring water use, and verifying that equipment is maintained and properly adjusted for optimal performance. 6.9.26.6.2 As the landscape matures, adjustments to the system should be in harmony with the original intent of the irrigation design. 6.9.36.6.3 Scheduling of irrigation events should match the needs of the plants to maintain health, appearance and meet the function of the landscape. 6.7 Landscape Irrigation Audit 6.7.1 All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor. Irrigation audits shall not be conducted by the person or company who installed the irrigation system. 6.7.2 The project applicant shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Approval Letter request (see below) to the City of Aspen Landscape Plan Review Technician. The irrigation audit report shall include, but is not limited to: a. Inspection details; b. System test with distribution uniformity for all turf areas and at least 10% of remaining zones or a well-represented collection of zones; c. Reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow; d. Examination of an irrigation schedule, or preparation of one as necessary, including irrigation controller’s configuration with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming; and e. System tune-up recommendations or punch list. Applicant will work with auditor to reconcile recommendations and sign off the punch list to meet the standards. 6.7.3 The City of Aspen may administer programs that include, but not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys for compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Budget. 6.8 Irrigation Approval Letter 6.8.1 The Approval Letter request shall include the following six (6) elements: a. Project information sheet that contains: i. Date. ii. Project name. iii. Project address and location. P36 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 30 of 2428 iv. Project applicant name, telephone, and mailing address. v. Property owner name, telephone, and mailing address. b. Certification by the irrigation designer and the licensed landscape/irrigation contractor that the irrigation system has been installed per the approved irrigation design plan. c. Record drawings, provided in electronic format, showing all changes from the approved plan shall be included with the certification. d. A diagram of the irrigation system showing hydrozones and the irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes. e. Irrigation system maintenance schedule. f. Irrigation audit report and punch list of recommendations. 6.8.2 The project Applicant shall: Submit the signed Approval Letter with irrigation management and audit report to the City of Aspen for review. Ensure that copies of the Approval Letter are submitted to the City of Aspen and property owner or his or her designee. 6.8.3 The City of Aspen shall: Receive the signed Approval Letter from the project applicant. Approve or deny the Approval Letter. If the Approval Letter is denied, the City of Aspen shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance. 7. INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS All projects must meet the requirements and criteria explained in this document. Final inspections will determine compliance. The following information is required upon official inspection by the City of Aspen Parks Department. 7.1 Landscape Inspection P37 III. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page 31 of 2428 7.1.1 All landscapes must meet the requirements and criteria described in this document and as approved for building permit. Final approval of landscapes will be given after inspections occur. To perform an inspection, the following information is required: a. Updated plant list and as-built drawings. b. Soil inspection (if applicable, see Section 5.1.3 for more information). c. Written documentation of soil amendment type and volume. 7.2 Irrigation Inspection 7.2.1 Applicant shall perform an irrigation inspection through a 3rd party audit as described in section 6.7 above. 7.2.2 Prior to inspection, Applicant will inform the Parks Department Permit Coordinator and Plan Review Technician that the site is ready for irrigation inspection. P38 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page A‐1 APPENDIX A – WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET This worksheet is completed by the project applicant and is a required element of the Landscape and Irrigation Documentation Package. SECTION A. GALLONS OF WATER NEEDED BY PLANT CATEGORY AND IRRIGATION TYPE The specific irrigation water needs of each hydrozone in the design should be determined using the following formula and factors: Irrigation Water Budget = [(ETo × Plant Factor) – Re] × Irrigated Area ÷ Irrigation Efficiency × 0.623 Where: ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration = 27.4 inches/season (May through September) Re = Effective Precipitation = 6.8 inches/season (May through September) Irrigated Area = hydrozone area in square feet Water Use Plant Irrigation Default Category Factor Method Efficiency Cool-Season Turf 0.90 Overhead 75% High 0.80 Drip 90% Medium 0.65 Water Features 70% Low 0.40 Pools with Covers 90% Very Low 0.25 Special Features to Incentivize Healthy Landscapes* (% of Irrigated Area) Maximum Applied Water Budget (gal/sf/season) At least 10% 8.5 At least 5% 8.0 None 7.5 *See Section 5.3.1.i. Maximum of 10% of the total irrigated area can be applied for to increase water budget up to 8.5 gal/sf/season with any combination of applicable special features. Number of 55‐Gallon Rain Barrels** Reduction in Calculated Irrigation Water Need (gallons) 2 250 1 125 **See Section 5.3.1.ii. Water from rain barrels must be applied to irrigated plantings with Low or Very Low water use categories with drip irrigation. P39 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page A‐2 SECTION B. HYDROZONE INFORMATION TABLE AND WATER BUDGET CALCULATION Complete the hydrozone table for each hydrozone. Use as many rows as necessary to provide the square footage of landscape area per hydrozone.*. AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER NEED ALL ZONES*: ________________ gal/sf/season *The average must be less than the applicable Maximum Applied Water Budget of 7.5 gal/sf/season. Maximum Applied Water Budget: gal/sf/season Total area of irrigated public right‐of‐way: ________ sq‐ft Total area of non‐irrigatedincentivized landscape:________: sq‐ft Hydro‐ zone ETo (in/season) Plant Water Use Category Plant Factor Re (in/season) Irrigation Method Irrigation Efficiency Hydrozone Area (sq‐ft) Irrig Water Need (gal/season) Sub‐total Irrigation Water Need Reduction for Rain Barrel(s) TOTAL P40 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page A‐1 An example is provided below. Total percent of special features: % Total number of 55‐gallon rain barrels**: **Applied to Low or Very low plant water use categories with drip irrigation P41 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page A‐2 Example Hydrozone Information Table and Water Budget Calculation:Calculations Example A. AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER NEED ALL ZONES*: : 7.3 gal/sf/season *The average must be less than the applicable Maximum Applied Water Budget Maximum Applied Water Budget: gal/sf/season Total area of irrigated public right‐of‐way: 0 sq‐ft Total area of non‐irrigated incentivized landscape: 300 sq‐ft Hydro‐ zone ETo (in/season) Plant Water Use Category Plant Factor Re (in/season) Irrigation Method Irrigation Efficiency Hydrozone Area (sq‐ft) Irrig Water Need (gal/season) Zone 1 27.4 L 0.40 6.8 Drip 0.90 20002,000 5759 Zone 2 27.4 M 0.65 6.8 Overhead 0.75 500 4573 Zone 3 27.4 Turf 0.90 6.8 Overhead 0.75 20002,000 2967129,67 1 Zone 4 27.4 VL 0.25 6.8 Drip 0.90 10001,000 35 Sub‐total 5,500 40,038 Irrigation Water Need Reduction for Rain Barrel(s) NA TOTAL 55005,500 4003840,03 8 P42 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page D‐3F‐1 Total percent of special features: % Total number of 55‐gallon rain barrels**: **Applied to Low or Very low plant water use categories with drip irrigation Example B. AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER NEED ALL ZONES*: 7.9 gal/sf/season *The average must be less than the applicable Maximum Applied Water Budget Maximum Applied Water Budget: gal/sf/season Total area of irrigated public right‐of‐way: sq‐ft Total area of incentivized landscape: sq‐ft Total percent of special features: % Total number of 55‐gallon rain barrels**: **Applied to Low or Very low plant water use categories with drip irrigation Example C. AVERAGE IRRIGATION WATER NEED ALL ZONES*: 8.3 gal/sf/season *The average must be less than the applicable Maximum Applied Water Budget Maximum Applied Water Budget: gal/sf/season Total area of irrigated public right‐of‐way: sq‐ft Total area of incentivized landscape: sq‐ft Total percent of special features: % Hydro‐ zone ETo (in/season) Plant Water Use Category Plant Factor Re (in/season) Irrigation Method Irrigation Efficiency Hydrozone Area (sq‐ft) Irrig Water Need (gal/season) Zone 1 27.4 Turf 0.90 6.8 Overhead 0.75 2,000 29,671 Zone 2 27.4 L 0.40 6.8 Drip 0.90 1,000 2,880 Zone 3 27.4 L 0.40 6.8 Overhead 0.75 2,000 6,911 Zone 4 27.4 M 0.65 6.8 Drip 0.90 500 3,811 Sub‐total 5,400 42,985 Irrigation Water Need Reduction for Rain Barrel(s) NA TOTAL 5,500 43,273 Hydro‐ zone ETo (in/season) Plant Water Use Category Plant Factor Re (in/season) Irrigation Method Irrigation Efficiency Hydrozone Area (sq‐ft) Irrig Water Need (gal/season) Zone 1 27.4 Turf 0.90 6.8 Overhead 0.75 2,000 29,671 Zone 2 27.4 L 0.40 6.8 Drip 0.90 500 1,440 Zone 3 27.4 L 0.40 6.8 Overhead 0.75 2,000 6,911 Zone 4 27.4 M 0.65 6.8 Drip 0.90 900 6,859 Sub‐total 5,400 44,882 Irrigation Water Need Reduction for Rain Barrel(s) 250 TOTAL 5,400 44,632 P43 III. City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping Standards Page A‐2 Total number of 55‐gallon rain barrels**: **Applied to Low or Very low plant water use categories with drip irrigation P44 III.