Indian Wells City Council
June 14, 2023

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING

COMMISSION
Joint Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
9:00 AM
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Welcome to a meeting of the Indian Wells City Council and Planning Commission.

Public Comments: Members of the Public who wish to speak should fill out a blue slip and submit it to the City Clerk, comments are limited to 3 minutes. In accordance with State Law, remarks during public comment are to be limited to subjects within the City's jurisdiction.

Notification: If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable modification or accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please contact the City Clerk at 760-346-2489, 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Please turn off all communication devices (phones) or put them on non-audible mode (vibrate) during Council proceedings. All documents for public review are available for public inspection at City Hall reception, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells during normal business hours.

Pages

A.CONVENE THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION

JOINT MEETING, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL

MAYOR DONNA GRIFFITH

MAYOR PRO TEM GREG SANDERS

COUNCIL MEMBER TY PEABODY

COUNCIL MEMBER BRUCE WHITMAN

COUNCIL MEMBER DANA REED

CHAIR JIM SNELLENBERGER

VICE CHAIR NICHOLAS CONWAY

COMMISSIONER JOHN SCHLEIMER

COMMISSIONER BRUCE BAHNEMAN

COMMISSIONER KEN WELCH
B.APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
C.PUBLIC COMMENTS

ALLOWED FOR ONLY THE LISTED ITEMS ON THE SPECIAL AGENDA Please note that members of the public may address the City Council and Planning Commission on items listed on the special meeting agenda only, but only after being recognized by the Mayor at the appropriate time. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes, please come forward after being recognized by the Mayor at the appropriate time. Speakers will be alerted when their time is up and no further comments will be permitted.

D.STUDY SESSION
D.1 Discussion on Water Efficient Landscape Regulations 4 RECOMMENDED ACTION:

The Council and Commission DISCUSSES and provides DIRECTION to Staff on any changes to the City’s existing landscape coverage standards for consideration at future public hearings.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

E. ADJOURNMENT
To the next City Council meeting is to be held at 1:30 p.m. on July 6, 2023, and Planning Commission on June 29, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.

Affidavit of Posting,
I, Angelica Avila, certify that on June 9, 2023 I caused to be posted a notice of a Special City Council and Planning Commission Joint Meeting to be held on June 14, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.

Notices were posted at Indian Wells Civic Center and City's Website [ www.cityofindianwells.org]
________________________
Angelica Avila, City Clerk
Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

1 Maria Alvarez
From:Jon Berg
Sent:Monday, June 12, 2023 7:43 AM
To:Maria Alvarez
Cc:Wes Remaklus
Subject:FW: Notice of violation
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Maria,

Please add this as a comment letter for Wednesday’s study session.

From: Julie Rice-Cooley
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 8:29 PM
To: Wes Remaklus
Cc: Jon Berg
Subject: Notice of violation

CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________

Dear Mr Remaklus,

I am writing to you regarding a notice of violation my yard and use of rocks vs ground plantings. Code 21.60.080.

I built my house almost four years ago and my landscape in the second picture was approved by the city. I did remove the grasses for they were not conducive to the desert weather and did replace with some barrel cactus. I also had to replace all the agave plants last fall for during the summer they got some type of a disease . They were big at the time and also covered more of the rocks. As you can see in both pictures the plant to rock ratio is not that much of a change.

I came into the City of Indian Wells on June 9th to ask questions about this as was told that another meeting would be happening this next week regarding this code violation. If someone could get back with me regarding this issue I would appreciate it. I will be out of the country until June 21st. The letter said that this needed to be corrected by 6/10.2023. This violation is a big deal for my yard and the landscape design and not something that can be remedied

2 that quickly plus this could be very costly for me.

Thank you for your time,
Julie Rice
75287 Stardust Lane
Sent from my iPad

1 Maria Alvarez
From:Chris Freeland
Sent:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 8:14 AM
To:Angelica Avila; Todd Leishman (BBK Law); Maria Alvarez Subject:FW: 6/14/23 -IW Special City Council& Planning Commission Mtg.

Mayor and City Council,
City has received a public comment for tomorrow’s meeting.

Best,
Chris

From: Melinda Northcott
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 8:53 PM
Subject: 6/14/23 -IW Special City Council& Planning Commission Mtg.

CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________

Re: Water Efficient Landscape Regulations/Standards & Ordinance

To: Indian Wells City Council and the Planning Commission

Written Comment from: Melinda Northcott 45395 Cielito Dr, IW

2 The current 80/20 landscape/ordinance ratio must remain in effect with ABSOLUTELY NO MORE “STAY PROCEEDINGS,” for the owner of the (2) rental properties on the corner of Cielito and Osage. These (2) properties, have BOTH front yards covered with a black weed screen (illegal and NOT to code). On top of the weed barrier is 100% road-gravel mix.

The owner has been in violation for the last 6 1/2 months. He was reported to the city code enforcer by numerous neighbors in January 2023. He had to pay violations and finally submitted a plan in April of 2023 and the city approved it.

However the owner did NOT follow his own plans. He did not put in the required size trees in 24”boxes, shrub percentages in 15 and 5 gallon plants, rather substituting a sparse amount of 1 gallon size plants. These are NOT MATURE which violates the code and I was told in an e-mail from the Code Enforcer “ to be patient and it takes time for these shrubs to mature.” The owner has 3 months from his April date to complete his project to Code.

Now……….The owner filed a written complaint against 267 homes in the ungated area! Thinking this would let him off the hook, give him “another stay” with no more violations against him, and not having to fulfill his Plan obligations, because there are now more 80/20 landscape violators to bolster his case. The big difference is that the owner was in violation, had to submit a plan, have it approved and is still….NOT IN COMPLIANCE! (Article VI. VIOLATION-ACTION)

Regarding the written complaints, the city found approximately 71 homeowners out of the 267 and they were given Notice of Violation. These homeowners should definitely be given an adequate “stay” time to correct these violations.

My question to the City is …. “Are you going to have these 71 homeowners submit a plan, and does the city have to approve it?”

I feel that the “Administrative Landscape Review” is extremely thorough and spells out everything exactly. Point of consideration might be a 60/40 landscape ordinance.

Sincerely,
Melinda Northcott

Sent from my iPad

STUDY SESSION
Discussion on Water Efficient
Landscape Regulations
At dais: Presentation
6/14/2023

State Water Restrictions
April 21, 2021, Governor Newsom proclaimed a statewide drought emergency. (1987-92; 2007-09; 2012-16; 2021-current) Since 2021, California has implemented various strategies and mandates to conserve water during the emergency drought proclamation.
Mandatory water use restrictions: Limits on water
consumption for households and businesses, including fines for excessive use.
Water waste in landscaping prohibition: Prohibits use of drinking water for activities such as washing sidewalks or driveways, watering lawns on rainy days, and using hoses without nozzles.
Ban on turf irrigation: Bans irrigating turf that is not recreational at commercial properties; and HOA common
areas.

Regional Water Restrictions
The region’s local water authority, CVWD, has since taken several steps to support California’s water conservation initiatives. Encourage customers to replace water-intensive landscaping with drought-tolerant plants and drip irrigation systems through incentives and education programs.
A popular program is the Turf Rebate Program that provides:
$3/sqft turf removed residential properties (200 sf minimum and 10,000 sf maximum)
$3/sqft for HOA & commercial properties up to 25,000 sf Turf replacement with drought tolerant plants requires a minimum 25% planting cover.

City Assistance
In recognition of the drought conditions, the City Council recently allocated $605,000 in matching funds toward CVWD’s Turf Rebate Program.
$3/sqft for residential applications; 200 sf min. & 5,000 sf max $1/sqft for HOA common areas; 1,500 sf max
Funding was exhausted on April 5, 2023
Assisted with 110 Total landscape conversions
Turf replacement with drought tolerant plants requires a minimum 80% planting cover.

Landscape Cover Requirement
City’s Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 21.70) promotes water efficient landscaping practices, but it still requires “80/20” rule 80% of Front Yard must be covered by plants and/or turf 20% can be rock or bare earth.
Adopted 1984 under Ordinance No. 204

2,500 sqft

80% Turf Coverage

80% Combo Coverage

60% Combo Coverage

60% Combo Coverage

50% Combo Coverage

50% Desertscape Coverage

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Considerations for Discussion:

A.Prohibit “bare earth” and require “decorative ground cover” including; decomposed granite, pea-gravel, river-rock, mulch, or similar materials
B.Clarify that plant coverage calculations are based upon documented growth projections for actual species after one (1) year of growth.

C.Require a minimum quality level for the use of artificial turf (based on Pile height and Face Weight).

Staff Recommended Options
For Landscape Coverage:

A.Landscape which incorporate “artificial turf” may include 40% Max rock or decorative ground cover.

B.Landscape which incorporate “live turf,” and/or drought tolerant vegetation may include 50% Max rock or decorative ground cover.

C.Consider different percentages for either (a) or (b) above D.Continue existing 80% planting coverage with max 20% rock or bare earth
E.Modify existing 80/20 rule to prohibit “bare earth” and replace with decorative ground cover
* Provide staff with an alternative recommendation

Valley Cities Comparison Survey
Cathedral City: 50% coverage with native landscape material Indian Wells: 80% planting coverage; 20% rock or bare earth Coachella: 50% turf coverage Max
Indio: No turf allowed. 50% drought tolerant plantings.

La Quinta: 50% turf coverage Max
Palm Springs: 15% turf coverage Max
Rancho Mirage: No coverage requirement currently. Defer to CVWD’s 25% requirement through their Turf Rebate partnership.

Palm Desert: No coverage requirement but must have decorative ground cover (i.e., DG, river-rock, etc.) with 2 front yard trees

“Key features to consider in identifying high quality artificial turf:
•high face weight (material weight/sq yard); and
•long pile height (30mm) to ensure a nice soft ground cover that’s able to withstand moderate to heavy foot traffic.” “Face weight refers to how many ounces of material per square yard a type of turf has.The heavier the face weight, the better quality and more durable the artificial grass is.” “A luxurious, true -to -life look for a front yard is achieved by products with a longer pile height (how long the blades of artificial grass are), between 1 ¼ and 2 ½ inches.” “High -quality artificial grass will include a number of colors to mimic the look of real grass.”

INDIAN WELLS

CALI FORNIA
Notice of Violation
06/01/2023

RESIDENT

ADDRESS
Re: ADDRESS
Dear
The City of Indian Wells is committed to providing superior public safety and exceptional service to our residents.

As part of the City's services, a Code Enforcement Officer has conducted an inspection of your property on 05/25/2023. During this inspection the following violation(s) were observed:

Codes
Description
Corrective Action

21.60.080(7)
(iii) Rock or Bare Earth. Use of rocks or bare earth in lieu of ground Install additional ground coverings
(iii)
cover plantings may not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total front yard landscaped area (fifty (50) percent of rear yard) excluding driveways, decks, pools, or walkways.
to comply with 80/20 rule.

Please note that these violation(s) must be corrected on or before 06/10/2023 in order to avoid being cited for the violation(s).

If a citation is issued, it may be appealed as per the procedures set forth in Indian Wells Municipal Code Sections 1.20.070,

1.20.080, and 1.20.090. The current appeal hearing fee is $271, which represents the reasonable cost to the City for conducting the hearing.

City staff is available to answer any questions you may have and or provide additional information concerning this specific notice, please call (760) 346-2489 extension 290 or email: wremaklus(aindianwells.com.

We look forward to working with you.

Respectfully,
Wes Remaklus
Code Enforcement Officer

ORDINANCE NO. 204

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, OF THE

CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 21.20 OF THE INDIAN WELLS MUNICIPAL

CODE RELATING TO ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING
The City Council of the City of Indian Wells, California, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN as follows:

SECTION 1: That Section 21.20.150 be added to the Code of the City of Indian Wells, be and the same is to read as follows:

21.20.150 Landscape standards for residential development.

All residential units shall be landscape to provide a
mature appearance so as to blend with existing neighborhoods and enhance the overall appearance of the residential areas. (a)Front yards. All front yards must be landscaped to
provide a mature appearance. Front yard landscaping must include a minimum of two(2)twenty four inch (24 ")box trees or one(1)thirty six inch(36")box tree. Corner lots shall have this minimum number and size of trees on each frontage.

Trees existing on the site at the time of construction
shall not be counted toward the minimum tree installation.

Palm trees may only be considered in this minimum of seven feet(7')tall or taller. Use of rock or -bare earth in lieu of ground cover plantings may not exceed 20% of the total front yard area excluding driveways, decks, pools or
walkways.

SECTION 3: This Ordinance was read on the 15thday of March 1984 and was adopted on the 5th day of April , 1984 and shall take effect and be in force thirty(30)days after its adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 5th day of April ,1984 by the following vote:

NOES: NONE Ure , hilson
AYES: Arenstein, Aughtry, Olipha

FRANK CHILSON
Mayor

(1)For purposes of this Chapter, the Planning Department, DRC, or the Planning Commission is the “Review Authority” when making the initial decision about an application.
(2)If an application is consistent with all the requirements of the Zoning Code:
(i)Planning Department Review.
(A)The Planning Department is generally the Review Authority for the following:

1.An application under subsection (a)(6) below; or

2.An application for a property located in an area with an active Homeowner’s Association, and the complete design review application has been reviewed and approved by the Association.
(a) This Chapter applies to the following activities:
(6)Minor exterior remodel of or addition to a single-family residence, such as:
(i)A window or door change-out,
(ii)A change of exterior house color (desert tones are preferred), (iii)A wall, fence, planter, fountain, or similar architectural amenity, (iv)Re-roofing,
(v)A patio cover,
(vi)Solar panels,
(vii) An addition in the rear or side yard that is not visible to any roadway or open space area, public or private, and
(viii) Front-yard landscape improvements that affect less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.

21.60.020 Applicability and Review Authority

1 INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL/

PLANNING COMMISSION
June 14, 2023

To: City Council and Planning Commission
From: Community Development Department
Prepared by: Jon Berg, Community Development Director
Subject: Discussion on Water Efficient Landscape Regulations

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

The Council and Commission DISCUSSES and provides DIRECTION to Staff on any changes to the City’s existing landscape coverage standards for consideration at future public hearings.

BACKGROUND:

Over the years, the State of California has delegated responsibility on cities to comply with new water efficient landscaping rules and regulations to address drought conditions.

On April 21, 2021, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22, proclaiming a statewide drought emergency. This allowed the state to respond to severe drought conditions to safeguard water supplies for communities, the economy and the environment (Attachment 7). Since 2021, California has implemented various strategies and mandates to conserve water during the emergency drought proclamation, including but not limited to:
 Mandatory water use restrictions: The state-imposed limits on water consumption for households and businesses, including fines for excessive use.  Landscape irrigation regulations: Introduced measures to limit outdoor water use, such as restricting the number of watering days per week and promoting drought- tolerant landscaping.
 Agricultural water management: Implemented programs to support more efficient irrigation practices and encourage the use of alternative water sources for farming.  Water recycling and reuse: Expanded investments in water recycling infrastructure and promoted the use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes.  Groundwater management: Strengthened regulations to ensure sustainable groundwater extraction and prevent over-pumping of aquifers.  Leak detection and repair: Encouraged utilities to implement leak detection programs and repair aging water infrastructure to reduce water loss.  Urban water conservation: Supported initiatives to reduce water consumption in cities, such as offering rebates for water-saving appliances and fixtures.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

2  Public education campaigns: Launched campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and provide guidance on how to use water more efficiently.
 Drought contingency planning: Required water suppliers to develop and update drought contingency plans, outlining actions to be taken during drought conditions.
 Water supply diversification: Encouraged investments in alternative water sources, such as desalination plants and stormwater capture projects, to increase water supply reliability.
 Water waste in landscaping prohibition: All Californians are prohibited from using drinking water for activities such as water fountains/ponds, washing sidewalks or driveways, watering lawns on rainy days, and using hoses without nozzles.  Ban on turf irrigation: The California State Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”) adopted an emergency regulation in response to ongoing and intensifying drought conditions across the state. The State Water Board’s emergency drought regulation imposes a temporary ban on irrigation of “non- functional turf” with drinking water (“potable water”) on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. It does not include turf irrigated with recycled water and specifies that the irrigation ban should not harm the health of trees or othe r non-turf plantings. As defined by the state, “non-functional turf” is solely ornamental and not regularly used for recreation. It includes areas not in active use but still requiring maintenance, such as street medians and office parking lots.

Non-functional turf does not include sports fields or turf regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.

The region’s local water authority, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), has also taken several steps to support California’s water conservation initiatives. CVWD has encouraged customers to replace water-intensive landscaping with drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems through incentives and education programs. A popular program is their Turf Rebate Program that provides monetary reimbursement to help subsidize the cost of converting turf landscaped areas to drought tolerant, including:

 $3 per square foot (sf) of turf removed for residential properties, 200 sf minimum and a maximum of 10,000 sf.
 $3 per sf for commercial properties up to 25,000 sf.

Applicants simply need to meet the following criteria to qualify for CVWD’s rebate:

 Removal of green or golden-brown lawn with full thatch attached.  Project size between 200 sf and 10,000 sf.
 Turf replacement with desert friendly plants and permeable landscape surfaces with a minimum 25% planting cover.
 Artificial turf projects are acceptable.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

3 The City of Indian Wells provided further assistance to its residents by p artnering with CVWD and matching rebates of $3 per sf for residential applications and $1 per sf for Homeowner’s associations (“HOA”). The City was able to assist in a total of 110 landscape conversions before the initial budget of $605,000 was exhausted on April 5, 2023.

Governor Newsom recently (March 24, 2023) eased drought restrictions in reaction to the recent weather conditions but has retained the state of emergency for all 58 counties to allow for drought response and recovery efforts to continue, along with regulations aimed at wasteful water use, including the ban on watering non-functional turf, prohibitions on watering lawns within 48 hours of rainfall and using hoses without shut-off nozzles.

Consistent with the State’s current drought emergency provisions, local regulations that remain in effect include all of CVWD’s Level 1 Conservation Actions (Attachment 1).

City Landscape Ordinance

Chapter 21.70 Water Efficient Landscaping was codified in the City’s Zoning Code in March of 2010 via Ordinance No. 636 in response to the State of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, Statutes of 1990, Chapter 1145. It applies to landscape plans for public and private development projects, developer-installed residential projects, and homeowner projects that are equal to or greater than 2,500 sqft (Attachment 3). The ordinance contains water efficient landscaping and design standards and was last updated in 2016. While the ordinance promotes water efficient landscaping practices, it also defers to landscape requirement in Chapter 21.60 Architecture and Landscape Review of the City’s Zoning Code, which requires a lush appearance for landscaped areas which are visible from public areas, including street frontages.

Section 21.60.080 (7)(iii) contains language that requires ground cover plantings to cover at least 80% of landscaped areas, with a maximum of 20% rocks or bare earth, commonly referred to as the “80/20” rule (Attachment 4). This regulation was also adopted in 2010 under Ordinance No. 636. Ground cover planting is inclusive of all plant materials including shrubs, trees, hedges, indigenous plants (cacti, yucca, etc.), flowers, and grass (artificial turf is accepted). The canopy coverage of the individual plants and trees is used to determine the total landscape area covered. Examples of homes meeting the 80/20 rule are attached (Attachment 5). Property owners not complying with the 80/20 landscape coverage requirements are subject to code enforcement.

At this year’s City Council’s Strategic Planning Session, the City Council instructed staff to examine the City’s landscape ordinance with a review by the Planning Commission and eventually the City Council. The direction included opportunities to reduce water usage in the community, including landscaped areas along Highway 111, with the caveat of preserving the City of Indian Wells’ iconic lush landscaping appearance.

The Planning Commission met on April 27, 2023. At the meeting, the Planning Commission received testimony from residents and instructed staff to collect landscape

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4 standards from other Coachella Valley cities and local homeowner associations (HOA).

The Planning Commission was tentatively scheduled to hold a second meeting to discuss the landscape ordinance at their July 27, 2023 meeting.

In recent weeks, the City’s Code Enforcement has received numerous complaints regarding residential properties not complying with the 80/20 rule. Code Enforcement personnel have responded to these complaints to determine if residents are or are not in compliance. Those residents deemed not to be in compliance have received notices of violation and are requested to correct the violation. Resident reactions to the notice of violation have varied from being apologetic, confused, frustrated, and concerned about the application of the 80/20 rule. As such, the City Council called for a joint City Council- Planning Commission meeting to discuss the existing landscaping ordinance and to provide direction in response to resident concerns.

Considering the recent influx of residential landscape applications as property owners are seeking to comply with the State and local water conservation mandates and the City’s 80/20 rule, Staff is seeking direction from the City Council and Planning Commission on any proposed changes to the existing landscaping ordinance, which will be incorporated in the City’s Municipal Code. Additionally, if changes are recommended by the City Council and Planning Commission, staff would recommend that those residents that are not in compliant with the existing 80/20 rule be provided sufficient time to address those deficiencies after the implementation of any changes in landscaping standards.

Local Municipal Landscape Ordinances

Per the Planning Commission request, staff prepared a comparative study that highlights landscape standards and initiatives, used by other cities in the Coachella Valley (Attachment 6). A summary of the landscaping standards for the nine Coachella Valley cities is as follows:

Indian Wells
 80% planting coverage with max 20% rock or bare earth.  2 Trees

Cathedral City
 50% front yard with native landscape material.

Coachella
 1 shade tree required, max 50% turf in the front yard.

Desert Hot Springs

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

5  No bear earth. Decomposed granite and decorative hardscape may be used as groundcover, but must also include some vegetative groundcover.

Indio
 50% drought tolerant plantings. No turf allowed.

La Quinta
 Landscaped area limited to 50% turf cover. No other cover regulation.

Palm Desert
 No coverage requirement, but requires 2 front yard trees.

Palm Springs
 15% maximum turf cover.

Rancho Mirage
 No coverage requirement. Minimum 3 trees per residential lot.

As shown in the comparative study, only 3 cities require a minimum amount of vegetative cover, with the City of Indian Wells requiring the most amount of planting coverage.

Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage, by comparison, have no coverage requirement other than requiring 2 to 3 trees on each residential lot. The cities of La Quinta and Palm Springs restrict the amount of turf that can be planted to 15% and 50% of the front yards, respectively. Indio prohibits the planting of turf and requires 50% drought tolerant plantings, while Desert Hot Springs requires some plantings, but a majority can be covered with decomposed granite and decorative hardscape.

Options to Consider:

To assist the City Council and Planning Commission in their discussion, staff has provided several options to consider to modify the planting coverage requirement:

a. Landscapes which incorporate “artificial turf” may include 40% Max rock or decorative ground cover; or
b. Landscapes which incorporate “live turf,” and/or drought tolerant vegetation may include 50% Max rock or decorative ground cover.
c. Consider different percentages for either (a) or (b) above; or d. Continue existing 80% planting coverage with max 20% rock or bare earth; or e. Modify existing 80/20 rule to prohibit “bare earth” and replace with decorative ground cover; or
f. Provide Staff with an alternative recommendation.

In addition, during the review of the existing landscaping ordinance, staff would recommend the following changes be incorporated into a new landscaping ordinance:

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

6  Prohibit bare earth and replace it with the requirement for decorative ground cover to include; decomposed granite, pea-gravel, river-rock, mulch, or similar must be utilized.
 Clarify that plant coverage calculations are based upon documented growth projections for actual species after one year of growth.  Requiring a minimum quality level for the use of artificial turf (based on an acceptable industry standard).

ATTACHMENTS:

1. CVWD Conservation Actions

2. Drought Monitor_4.11.23

3. 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes

4. 21.60.080 Filing of the application

5. 80/20 Landscape Examples

6. Comparative Landscape Study 2023

7. State of California Emergency Proclamation

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

ATTACHMENT 1
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Table 4. Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
Expected
Relative
Impact
Penalty or
Enforcement
1 1.1 Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent
property, non-irrigated areas, private and public
walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is
prohibited.

Low No

1.2 Using any water in a fountain or other decorative
water feature is prohibited, unless the water
recirculates.

Low No

1.3 Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate
health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure
washer or water broom use is permitted.

Low No

1.4 Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and
within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is
prohibited.

Low No

1.5 Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar
panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off
nozzle or pressure washer is used.

Low No

1.6 Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five
business days of notification by agency, and leaks
shall be repaired as soon as practical.

Low No

1.7 Draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety
or leak repair.

Low No

1.8 Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.

Low No

1.9 Agency shall discourage overseeding. Low No

1.10 Agency shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency. High No

1.11 Agency shall offer water use surveys/audits. Medium No

1.12 Agency shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices.

Medium No
2 2.1 Outdoor water use is prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation except for leak checks or with an
agency approved conservation alternative plan.

Medium Yes

2.2 Restaurants can serve water only on request. Low Yes

2.3 Agency shall encourage use of non-potable water for construction, if available.

Low No

2.4 Agency shall actively discourage overseeding. Medium No

2.5 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by 10% Medium Yes

2.6 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Medium No

2.7 Agency shall increase water waste patrols. Medium Yes

2.8 Agency shall reduce hydrant and dead-end line
flushing.

Low No
3 3.1 Outdoor water use is allowed only three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

High Yes

3.2 Drip or subterranean irrigation is allowed seven days per week, during non-daylight hours.

Medium Yes

3.3 Commercial nurseries are to use water only on
alternate days during non-daylight hours for outside
operations.

Low Yes
6

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Expected
Shortage Relative Penalty or
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions Impact Enforcement

3.4 Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course Low Yes water hazards, fountains, and other waterscape
features are not to be filled or replenished.

3.5 No filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds Low Yes unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.

3.6 Commercial car washes must use recycled water or Medium Yes recirculating water systems.

3.7 Spray irrigation of medians and parkways is Medium Yes prohibited.

3.8 Agency shall encourage counties, cities, Homeowners Low No Associations (HOAs) and other enforcement agencies
to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown
turfgrass areas and to otherwise comply with new
State laws regarding limitations on such enforcement.

3.9 Agency shall strengthen customer billing messages Medium No with use comparisons.

3.10 Agency shall implement water use audits targeted to Medium No key customers to ensure compliance with directives.

3.11 Agency shall expand rebate programs. Medium No
4 4.1 Turfgrass landscapes may not be watered except High Yes where subterranean or non-potable water systems are
used.

4.2 Agency shall implement or modify drought rate High Yes surcharge.

4.3 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to High Yes 25%.

4.4 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Medium No 5 5.1 Watering turfgrass is prohibited. High Yes

5.2 The use of misting systems is prohibited. Medium Yes

5.3 Turfgrass at parks and school grounds are to be Medium Yes watered with recycled water, if available, or not at all.

5.4 Golf course greens and tees may be watered no more Medium Yes than two times per week during non-daylight hours
with recycled water, or not at all.

5.5 Trees, desert plants and shrubs may be watered only High Yes with drip, subterranean or non-adjustable bubbler
irrigation systems during non-daylight hours.

5.6 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to High Yes 50%.

5.7 Agency shall impose moratorium or net zero demand N/A Yes on new connections.
6 6.1 Commercial nurseries shall discontinue all use of Low Yes potable water for watering and irrigation.

6.2 Watering of livestock is permitted as necessary. N/A Yes

6.3 Outdoor water use is prohibited. High Yes

6.4 Restaurants must use disposable cups, plates, and Low Yes utensils.

6.5 Agency shall implement mandatory rationing. High Yes 7

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

U.S. Drought Monit April 11, 2023 (Released Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023) California or Valid 8 a.m. EDT
ATTACHMENT 2
Intensity:

None
D0 Abnormally Dry
D1 Moderate Drought
D2 Severe Drought
D3 Extreme Drought
D4 Exceptional Drought
The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary. For more information on the Drought Monitor, go to https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/About.aspx Author:

David Simeral Western Regional Climate Center
droughtmonitor.unl.edu Page 12 of 40
Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 1/11 Indian Wells, California Municipal Code
Title 21 ZONING CODE
Chapter 21.70 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes.

A.Submittal and Approval of a Landscape Documentation Package.

1.Prior to construction, the project applicant shall:
a.Submit two (2) copies of the Landscape Documentation Package to the City. b.Submit two (2) copies of the Landscape Documentation Package to the District, pursuant to District Ordinance No. 1302.2.

2.Upon review and approval of the Landscape Documentation Package by the District, the project applicant shall:
a.Submit a copy of the District-approved Landscape Documentation Package and Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the City.
b.Provide the property owner or site manager a copy of the District-approved Landscape Documentation Package, in addition to the record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to the property owner or site manager.

3.Upon review and approval of the Landscape Documentation Package by the City, the project applicant shall:
a.Record the date of the permit on the Certificate of Completion. b.File the Certificate of Completion with the City and the District, and provide a copy to the property owner or designee.
c.Provide the property owner or designee a copy of the City approved Landscape Documentation Package, in addition to the record drawings, and any other information normally forwarded to the property owner or designee.

4.Each Landscape Documentation Package shall include the following elements:
a.A completed Landscape Documentation Package Checklist (Appendix A), which includes the date, project applicant, and project address information. This checklist serves to verify that the elements of the Landscape Documentation Package have been completed; b.Total landscaped area (square feet);
ATTACHMENT 3

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 2/11 c. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed, etc.); d. Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (Appendix B), which may be imbedded in the plan sheets of the Landscape Documentation Package, and include the following:
i. Hydrozone Information Table (reference Appendix C); e. Water Budget Calculations (reference Appendix D) that adhere to the following requirements:
i. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS. The plant factors range from 0 to 0.3 for the low use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for the moderate use plants, from 0.7 to 1.0 for the high use plants and 1.1 to

1.2 for water features,
ii. All water features shall be included in the 1.1 to 1.2 hydrozone and temporary irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone. For the calculation of the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) and estimated total water use, a project applicant shall use ETo values from the Reference Evapotranspiration Table, Appendix C. For geographic areas not covered in Appendix C, use data from other cities located nearby in the same reference evapotranspiration zone; f. Landscape Design Plan;
g. Irrigation Design Plan;
h. Grading Design Plan (as required by the City depending upon site conditions); i. Soil Management Report (as required by the City depending upon site conditions); and j. All plans must contain a signature block for both the City and the District.

B. Landscape Design Plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of the project.

1. Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the estimated total water use in the landscape area does not exceed the MAWA, and providing the plan is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 21.60 of the Municipal Code. To encourage the efficient use of water the following is highly recommended:
a. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; b. Selection of water-conserving plant and turf species; c. Selection of trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines; and d. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists.

2. Specifications for Landscape Design Plan. The landscape design plan shall be drawn on thirty- six-inch (36″) by twenty-four-inch (24″) project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies the following:

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 3/11 a. Tract name, tract number or parcel map number on cover sheet; b. Proposed planting areas;
c. Plant material location and size;
d. Plant botanical and common names;
e. Plant spacing, where applicable;
f. Natural features including, but not limited to, rock outcroppings, and existing trees and shrubs that will remain incorporated into the new landscape;
g. Vicinity map showing site location on top sheet or on cover sheet; h. Title block on each sheet with the name and address of the project, and the name and address of the professional design company with its signed professional stamp, if applicable; i. Reserve two (2) six-inch (6″) by three-inch (3″) spaces for: (i) the City signature block, and (ii) a District signature block in lower right corner of the cover sheet and on all of the landscape, irrigation design/detail/specification sheets;
j. Show plan scale and north arrow on design sheets; k. Show graphic scale on all design sheets;
l. Show all property lines and street names;
m. Show all paved areas, such as driveways, walkways and streets; n. Show all pools, ponds, lakes, fountains, water features, fences and retaining walls; o. Show locations of all overhead and underground utilities within project area; p. Provide an index map, as necessary, showing the overall project, including all 1/4 and 1/16 section lines and section numbers;
q. Contain a statement that the landscape design plan complies with any and all District requirements regarding District easements;
r. Show MAWA for the proposed project (see formula in Appendix C and Sample MAWA, Appendix D);
s. Show total landscaped area in square feet. Separate area square footages by hydrozone. Show the total percentage area of each hydrozone. Include total area of all water features as separate hydrozones of still or moving water. Show estimated total water use, for each major plant group hydrozone and water feature hydrozone expressed in either seasonal (turf grass) or annual (trees, shrubs, groundcovers and water features) billing units;

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 4/11 t. Show total estimated total water use for each major plant group hydrozone and water feature hydrozone expressed in either seasonal (turf grass) or annual (trees, shrubs, groundcovers and water features) billing units;
u. Show total estimated water use for the entire project. (Formula in Appendix C and on Sample Calculation Estimated Water Use, Appendix D.) The total estimated use shall not exceed the MAWA; v. Designate recreational areas and recreational turf areas; and w. When model homes are included, show the MAWA and estimated total water use (by hydrozone with totals) for each model unit.

3. Landscape Design Criteria.
a. The landscape design must be carefully planned and take into account the intended function of the project.
b. Plants’ appropriateness shall be selected based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic and topographical conditions of the site.
c. Selection of water-efficient and low-maintenance plant material is suggested. d. All planted areas must be a minimum of one inch (1″) below adjacent hardscapes to eliminate runoff and overflow.
e. Long, narrow or irregularly shaped turf areas shall not be designed because of the difficulty in irrigating uniformly without overspray onto hardscaped areas, streets and sidewalks. Areas less than ten feet (10′) in width shall not be designed with turf. Turf will be allowed in these areas only if irrigation design reflects the use of subsurface irrigation or a surface flow/wick irrigation system. f. Turf areas irrigated with spray/rotor systems must be set back at least twenty-four inches (24″) from curbs, driveways, sidewalks or any other area that may result in runoff of water onto streets. An undulating landscape buffer area created by the setback shall be designed with rocks, cobble or decomposed granite and/or can be landscaped with drip irrigated shrubs/accents or covered with a suitable groundcover.
g. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones. h. The use of a soil covering mulch or a mineral groundcover of a minimum three-inch (3″) depth to reduce soil surface evaporation is required around trees, shrubs and on nonirrigated areas. The use of boulders and cobble shall be considered to reduce the total vegetation area. i. Annual color plantings shall be used only in areas of high visual impact and must be irrigated with drip, microirrigation or other systems with efficiencies of ninety (90) percent or greater, except for during plant introduction period. Otherwise, drip irrigated, perennial plantings should be the primary source of color.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 5/11 j. Native desert plants shall be specified to be planted in a shallow, wide, rough hole two (2) times the root ball width. The root ball will be set on either undisturbed native soil or a firmed native soil. The root ball top will be set even with the finished surface grade or above grade if the soil is poorly drained.

The hole must be backfilled with native soil. Extra soil may be used to mound up around plants where the soil is poorly drained.
k. Landscaping must not obstruct or interfere with street signs, lights or road/walkway visibility.

Screening may be provided by walls, berms or plantings. l. High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians, unless irrigated with drip or microirrigation systems. m. Use plant materials that are consistent with climate, geologic and topographical conditions of the site.
n. Planter islands in parking lots with canopy trees shall be sized to meet City requirements. o. A landscape plan in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b).

Avoid fire-prone plant material and highly flammable mulches. p. The use of invasive and/or noxious plant species is prohibited. q. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which includes community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group (California Civil Code Section 1353.8).

D. Grading Design Plan (as required by the City depending upon site conditions).

1. For efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste. A grading plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. A comprehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other City permits satisfies this requirement.

2. The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
a. Height of graded slopes;
b. Drainage patterns;
c. Pad elevations;
d. Finish grade; and
e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 6/11

3. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended, and per City requirements, that project applicants:
a. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes;
b. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; and c. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.

4. The grading design plan shall contain the following statement: “I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the grading plan.”

5. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty-five (25) percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty-five (25) percent means one foot (1′) of vertical elevation change for every four feet (4′) of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).

6. Slopes greater than twenty-five (25) percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff must be confirmed during an irrigation audit.

7. All grading must retain normal stormwater runoff and provide for an area of containment. All irrigation water must be retained within property lines and not allowed to flow into public streets or public rights-of-way. Where appropriate, a simulated dry creek bed may be used to convey storm drainage into retention areas. A drywell shall be installed if the retention basin is to be used as a recreational area.

8. Mounded or sloped planting areas that contribute to runoff onto hardscape are prohibited.

Sloped planting areas above a hardscaped area shall be avoided unless there is a drainage swale at toe of slope to direct runoff away from hardscape.

9. Median islands must be graded to prevent stormwater and excess irrigation runoff.

E. Irrigation Design Plan. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this Section and the manufacturer ’s recommendations. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.

Separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except single-family homes with a landscape area less than five thousand (5,000) square feet. Landscape meters for single-family homes with a landscape area over five thousand (5,000) square feet may be served by a permanent service connection provided by the District or be a privately owned submeter installed at the irrigation point of connection on the customer service line. When irrigation water is from a well, the well shall be metered.

The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It should be separate from, but use the same format as, the landscape design plan. The irrigation system specifications shall accurately and clearly identify the following:

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 7/11

1. Specifications for Irrigation Design.
a. Control valves, manufacturer ’s model number, size and location. b. Irrigation head manufacturer ’s model number, radius, operating pressure, gallons per minute/gallons per hour (gpm/gph) and location.
c. Piping type, size and location.
d. Point of connection or source of water and static water pressure. e. Meter location and size (where applicable).
f. Pump station location and pumping capacity (where applicable). g. Power supply/electrical access and location.
h. Plan scale and north arrow on all sheets.
i. Graphic scaling on all irrigation design sheets. j. Irrigation installation details and notes/specifications. k. The irrigation system shall be automatic, constructed to discourage vandalism and simple to maintain.
l. All equipment shall be of proven design with local service available. m. Show location, station number, size, and design gpm of each valve on plan. Control valves shall be rated at two hundred (200) psi.
n. Visible sprinklers near hardscape shall be of pop up design. o. All heads should have a minimum number of wearing pieces with an extended life cycle. p. Sprinklers, drippers, valves, etc., must be operated within manufacturer ’s specifications. q. Manual shut-off valves shall be fully ported ball valves or butterfly valves. Manual shut-off valves are required upstream of automatic valve manifolds.
r. Master valves shall be metal, located as close to the point of connection as possible, and be metal piped between the master valve and the water meter. s. High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction shall be specified for all projects where a dedicated landscape irrigation meter is required. t. The following statement “I have complied with the criteria of the ordinance and have applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan.”

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 8/11 u. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, irrigation consultant, landscape contractor or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system.

2. Specifications for Irrigation Efficiency. The minimum irrigation efficiency shall be 0.75 (seventy- five (75) percent). Greater irrigation efficiencies are expected from well-designed and maintained systems. The following are required:
a. Design spray head and rotor head stations with consideration for worst wind conditions. Close spacing and low-angle nozzles are required in high and frequent wind areas (ETo Zone No. 5); b. Spacing of sprinkler heads shall not exceed manufacturer’s maximum recommendations for proper coverage. The plan design shall show a minimum of 0.75 (seventy-five (75) percent) distribution uniformity;
c. Only irrigation heads with matched precipitation rates shall be circuited on the same valve; d. Valve circuiting shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones; e. Individual hydrozones that mix plants that are moderate and low water use may be allowed if:
i. Plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor, or
ii. The plant factor of the higher water using plant is used for the calculations; f. Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted; and g. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the hydrozone information table. This table can assist with pre-inspection and final inspection of the irrigation system, and programming the controller.

3. Irrigation System Criteria.
a. Reduced pressure backflow prevention devices shall be installed behind meter at curb by the District.
b. Show location, station number, size and design gpm of each valve on plan. c. Smart controllers shall be specified for all projects. This includes climate based or sensor based controllers, which can automatically adjust for local weather and/or site conditions. d. High flow check valves shall be installed in or under all heads adjacent to street curbing, parking lots and where damage could occur to property due to flooding, unless controllers with flow sensor capabilities are specified that can automatically shut off individual control valves when excess flow is detected.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 9/11 e. Pressure compensating screens/devices shall be specified on all spray heads to reduce radius as needed to prevent overthrow onto hardscape and/or to control high pressure misting. f. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff onto hardscape from low head drainage, overspray and other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways or structures.
g. Rotor type heads shall be set back a minimum of two feet (2′) from hardscape. h. The use of drip, microirrigation or pressure compensating bubblers or other systems with efficiencies of ninety (90) percent or greater is required for all shrubs and trees. Small, narrow (less than eight feet (8′)), irregularly shaped or sloping areas shall be irrigated with drip, microspray or PC (pressure compensating) bubbler heads.
i. Trees in turf areas shall be on a separate station to provide proper deep watering. j. Street Median Irrigation.
i. No overhead sprinkler irrigation system shall be installed in median strips or in islands, except overhead sprinkler irrigation systems that are intended for use only during annual plant introduction periods.
ii. Median islands or strips shall be designed with either a drip emitter to each plant or subsurface irrigation. Bubblers used for trees must be fixed-flow pressure compensating type. Adjustable bubblers are prohibited.
k. Meter sizing for landscape purposes shall be thirty-three (33) gpm per planted acre. Maximum design meter flow rates are: 3/4″ = 23 gpm, 1″ = 37 gpm, 1 1/2″ = 80 gpm, 2″ = 120 gpm. l. Large projects, as determined by the District, may have specific recycled water requirements pursuant to District Ordinance No. 1302.2 Section 0.00.030E(3)(l).

4. Drip Irrigation System Criteria.
a. The drip system must be sized for mature-size plants. b. The irrigation system should complete all irrigation cycles during peak use in about twelve (12) hours. Normally, each irrigation controller should not have more than four drip stations that operate simultaneously.
c. Field installed below ground pipe connections shall be threaded PVC or glued PVC.

Polyethylene tubing is allowed only in subsurface installations. Drip emitter installation shall be directly into polyethylene tubing on a one-fourth-inch (1/4″) thick-walled riser. Multi-port outlet devices and multi- port distribution is prohibited.
d. Proportion gallons per day per plant according to plant size. The following sizing chart is for peak water use. The low to high end of the range is according to the relative water requirements of the plants.

The low end is for desert natives and the high end is for medium water use type plants.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 10/11 Size of Plant Gallons Per Day
Large trees (over 30-foot diameter)58+ to 97+
Medium trees (about 18-foot diameter)21 to 35
Small trees/large shrubs (9-foot diameter)6 to 10
Medium shrubs (3.5-foot diameter)0.8 to 1.3
Small shrubs/groundcover 0.5 or less

e. Plants with widely differing water requirements shall be valved separately. As an example, separate trees from small shrubs and cactus from other shrubs. Multiple emitter point sources of water for large shrubs and trees must provide continuous bands of moisture from the root ball out to the mature drip line plus twenty (20) percent of the plant diameter. See Appendix C for more information on emitter spacing and wetted area.
f. Most plants require fifty (50) percent or more of the soil volume within the drip line to be wetted by the irrigation system. See Appendix C for more information. For additional information on plant watering and plant relative water needs, see the plant list section of the “Lush and Efficient, Landscape Gardening in the Coachella Valley” or a list provided by the City. See also the City requirements in Chapter 21.60.

5. Recycled Water Specifications.
a. When a site has recycled water available or is in an area that will have recycled water available as irrigation water, the irrigation system shall be installed using the industry standard purple colored or marked “Recycled Water Do Not Drink” on pipes, valves and sprinkler heads. b. The backup groundwater supply (well water or domestic water) shall be metered. Backup supply water is only for emergencies when recycled water is not available. c. Recycled water users must comply with all county, state and federal health regulations. Cross connection control shall require a six-inch (6″) air gap system or a reduced pressure backflow device. All retrofitted systems shall be dye tested before being put into service. d. Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features. e. Sites using recycled water are not exempted from the MAWA, prescribed water audits or the provisions of these criteria.
f. A Recycled Water Checklist (Appendix F) shall be submitted to the District upon submittal of the first plan check of the landscape design plan and the irrigation design plan.

6. Irrigation Water (Nonpotable) Specifications.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:41 PM 21.70.040 Provisions for new or rehabilitated landscapes. https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_70-21_70_040 11/11 a. When a site is using nonpotable irrigation water that is not recycled water (from an on-site well or canal water) all hose bibs shall be loose key type and quick coupler valves shall be of locking type with nonpotable markings to prevent possible accidental drinking of this water. b. Sites using nonpotable irrigation water are not exempted from the MAWA, prescribed water audits or the provisions of these criteria.

7. Groundwater Water Specifications. Sites using groundwater irrigation water from wells are not exempted from the MAWA, prescribed water audits, or the provisions of these criteria.

8. Golf Course Criteria.
a. All new golf courses and additions or renovations to existing golf courses must comply with the requirements in District Ordinance No. 1302.2.
b. All non-turf areas such as ponds, lakes, artificial water courses, bunkers and irrigated landscapes within the golf course project area must not exceed the MAWA calculations set forth within these criteria. (Ord. 695 § 2, 2016; Ord. 636 § 2, 2010) Contact:

City Clerk: 760-346-2489
Published by Quality Code Publishing, Seattle, WA. By using this site, you agree to the terms of use.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:40 PM 21.60.080 Filing of the application.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_60-21_60_080 1/5 Indian Wells, California Municipal Code
Title 21 ZONING CODE
Chapter 21.60 ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW

21.60.080 Filing of the application.

A complete design review application shall include the items listed below. Submissions that are incomplete will not be considered. The Planning Department or Review Authority (as defined by Section

21.60.020(b)(1)) may require additional information for a particular application. Design guidelines established by the City, or if applicable, a Homeowners Association’s Architectural Guidelines should be consulted prior to submission of the application. A complete application must include each of the following:
(a)Application to Construct Form. A completed “Application to Construct” form which can be obtained from the City.
(b)Required Plans (electronic copies preferred). Two (2) sets of 24″ x 36″ or 30″ x 42″ bluelines or blacklines, along with one (1) rendered blackline each of the residence, elevations indicating landscape, landscape plan, and other data pertinent to the particular application. Rendered blacklines shall be rolled, not folded. Defaced, incomplete, indefinite or faded plans will not be accepted. All residential plans and elevations shall be drawn at a minimum scale of 1/8″ = 1′0″. For single family residential submittals, a set of plans shall consist of the items listed below. Requirements for multi-family residential and non-residential projects shall include information necessary to evaluate the proposed project as determined by the Director of Community Development.
(1)General Information Block.
(i)Owner and designer’s names;
(ii)Address of owner;
(iii)Telephone number of owner;
(iv)Assessor parcel number and address of residence;
(v)North point, date of drawing and scale; and
(vi)Vicinity map showing location of project.
(2)Site Plan.
(i)Legal description (lot and tract);
(ii)Lot size (dimension along each property line);
ATTACHMENT 4

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:40 PM 21.60.080 Filing of the application.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_60-21_60_080 2/5 (iii) Zone classification and type of development of subject property and of all adjacent property, including across any street. Show distance of structure(s) on adjacent properties that are within ten (10) feet of project property line;
(iv) Setback of existing and proposed buildings in relation to property lines per standards of the zone;
(v) Locations of swimming pools, spas, air conditioner equipment, pool and spa equipment (i.e., heater, pump), storage areas, utility installations, antenna, tennis courts, refuse storage areas and other auxiliary household equipment shall be noted on site plans; (vi) Computed areas of building coverage, impervious surfaces, landscaping, and open space; (vii) Dimension of property lines or boundary lines of project; (viii) Location, names and widths of boundary streets; and recorded road, utility or drainage easements on property (where none exists, indicate by a note that no easement exists); (ix) Elevation of existing curb and gutter where available or edge of pavement where no curb exists; (x) Pad grade and finish-floor elevations; provide information on adjacent parcels if available; (xi) Heights of existing or proposed walls and fences, as measured from exterior side of wall (side facing street or adjacent property);
(xii) A “line of sight” section for all in-fill construction; (xiii) Clear delineation of all proposed driveways subject to the criteria outlined under Section

21.20.080; and
(xiv) For all large-scale development (ten (10) acres or larger), the inclusion of natural open space areas to provide habitat for native wildlife.

NOTE: All site plans must include sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with all applicable development standards in the Zoning Code.
(3) Floor Plan. Square footage of living space and location, size, and use of all rooms. Show all significant dimensions.
(4) Elevations.
(i) Provide all elevations identified as front, rear, right and left side; (ii) Show locations of doors, windows, chimneys, etc.; (iii) Show exterior finishes and roof material;
(iv) Dimension elevation from pad grade, indicate all significant vertical dimensions; and

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:40 PM 21.60.080 Filing of the application.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_60-21_60_080 3/5 (v) Show all proposed plant material (trees and shrubs) against elevations. Provide as separate set of elevations.
(5) Roof Plan. Only thirty (30) percent of the total roof area may exceed fifteen (15) feet in height, up to a maximum eighteen (18) feet. Identify that portion of the total roof area that exceeds fifteen (15) feet in height. Show percent calculation on plan.
(6) Mailbox Design per United States Postal Service Requirements. Provide a minimum ½″ = 1′0″ scale mailbox design not to exceed four (4) feet in height and eighteen (18) inches in width or depth. (7) Landscape Plans.
(i) Complete Plan. Show size, location, spacing and species — common and Latin names — of proposed planting, including a complete plant palette;
(ii) Miscellaneous Outside Structures. Indicate all proposed pools, spas, fountains, concrete or wooden decks, planters, walkways, gates, low walls, etc. Also indicate proposed finishes for all flat work; (iii) Rock or Bare Earth. Use of rocks or bare earth in lieu of ground cover plantings may not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total front yard landscaped area (fifty (50) percent of rear yard) excluding driveways, decks, pools, or walkways. When walkways, pools, or deck areas exceed sixty (60) percent of the total rear yard area, the preceding limitation shall not be in effect; (iv) Landscape Standards. All residential structures shall be landscaped to provide a mature appearance so as to blend with existing neighborhoods and enhance the overall appearance of the residential areas. To ensure a “mature” look within a reasonable amount of time, the following minimum plant sizes shall be used:
(A) Trees in All Areas. Canopy trees (African Sumacs, Carobs, etc.) – twenty-four (24) inch box; and palm trees (Mexican Fan Palm, Queen Palm, etc.) – six (6) foot trunk height. (B) Shrubs. Shrubs (Natal Plum, Hibiscus, etc.) and vines (Carolina Jasmine, Bougainvillea, etc.) in front and rear yard areas visible from a street or golf course (public or private):

1. Thirty (30) percent or more of plants selected should be fifteen (15) gallon plants.

2. Fifty (50) percent or more of plants selected should be five (5) gallon plants.

3. Up to twenty (20) of plants selected should be one (1) gallon plants. (C) Groundcovers. Groundcovers (Star Jasmine, Verbena, Lippa, Mock Strawberry, etc.) in front and rear yard areas visible from a street or golf course (public or private):

1. Twenty-five (25) percent or more of plants selected should be one (1) gallon plants planted at twenty-four (24) inches on center.

2. Fifty (50) percent or more of plants selected should be flats planted at twelve (12) inches on center.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:40 PM 21.60.080 Filing of the application.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_60-21_60_080 4/5

3. Up to twenty-five (25) percent or more of plants selected should be flats planted at six (6) inches on center.
(v) Plant Selection. Plants should be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.
(vi) Required Trees. Front yard landscaping shall include a minimum of two (2) twenty-four (24) inch box trees or one (1) thirty-six (36) inch box tree. Palm trees shall be counted toward this minimum if eight (8) feet or higher. Corner lots shall have this minimum number and size of trees on each frontage. Trees existing on the site at the time of construction shall not be counted toward the minimum tree installation. (vii) Provide elevation(s) (as described in subsection (b)(4) of this section) with all proposed landscaping delineated.
(viii) All landscape plans shall incorporate a reasonable percentage of native trees and shrubs, to provide habitat for wildlife and reduce irrigation requirements. (ix) There are several common plant species which are capable of harboring diseases or insects that threaten the Coachella Valley citrus, date, grape, vegetable or field crop industry. The applicant must contact the Agricultural Commissioner ’s office for information regarding landscape material or quarantine laws.

NOTE: Review of design packages containing landscape plans not prepared by a California licensed landscape architect will be subject to additional review fees incurred by the City for the review of such plans by professional design consultants.
(8) Conceptual Lighting Plan. Plan shall be submitted delineating size, location, light spread, illuminating capacity (candle power) and hours of operation of proposed exterior lighting. (9) Materials Sample and Color Board. (Maximum size 8 ½″ x 14″): Sample of materials should be kept to a minimum size; include exterior finishes of residence including door and window trim colors, and garden walls, along with exterior colors. (Desert tone colors are preferred.) (10) Fee. An application fee in an amount published by the Planning Department is required for review of design packages. (Ord. 727 § 2, 2020)
Contact:

City Clerk: 760-346-2489
Published by Quality Code Publishing, Seattle, WA. By using this site, you agree to the terms of use.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

4/19/23, 4:40 PM 21.60.080 Filing of the application.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/indian_wells_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_21-chapter_21_60-21_60_080 5/5

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Traditional Landscape Example -
80% Planting Coverage / 20% Rock or Bare Earth ATTACHMENT 5

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Desertscape Landscape Example -
80% Planting Coverage / 20% Rock or Bare Earth

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Artificial Turf Landscape Example -
60% Planting Coverage / 40% Rock or Bare Earth

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Artificial Turf Landscape Example -
60% Planting Coverage / 40% Rock or Bare Earth

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Artificial Turf Landscape Example -
50% Planting Coverage / 50% Rock or Bare Earth

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

Desertscape Landscape Example -
50% Planting Coverage / 50% Rock or Bare Earth

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

CITY Indian Wells Cathedral City Coachella Desert Hot Springs Indio La Quinta Palm Desert Palm Springs Rancho Mirage Do you currently
have a permitting
process for front
yard
landscaping?

Yes. Landscape permit
required for any new
landscape adjacent to a
roadway or open space,
public or private,
Replacing or modifying
existing hardscape or
landscape in excess of
two thousand five
hundred (2,500) square
feet;
No. Landscaping for
commercial or specific
plan developments done
in entitlement phase.

Over the Counter No permits are
required unless it is
the Common Area of
an HOA. 10% or more
change of landscaping
requires review
Whenever there is
substantial
modifications
being made to a
property or during a
new commercial or
residential
developments.
a total project
landscape area equal
to or greater than two
thousand five
hundred (2,500)
square feet AND
requiring a building
permit
Yes Required for new
construction of
landscape areas of 500
SF or more; rehab
landscape projects of
2,500 SF or more; and
new SFR
subdivisions that include
developer-installed
front/side yard landscape
areas.

Yes, Minor
Modification permit.

Any change to a pre-
approved
landscaping project.

Does it require
submitting plans?
Yes – Landscape plans
drafted by professional
No Basic Exhibit, staff
often assists
No. If 10% or more
change
No Yes. When a permit
is required.

Yes No. Provide policy
guidelines for types of
plants and planting
aesthetics.

Yes, simple
landscape plan
required; does not
have to be drafted by
professional
Does the City
require a
minimum
landscape
coverage amount
20% maximum rock or
bare earth. Minimum 2-
24” box trees and 1- 36”
box tree.
50% of the front yard.
50% MINIMUM of the
front yard shall be native
and/or drought tolerant
materials. Turf 50%
MAXIMUM.

A minimum 1- 24” box
shade tree and 1-15
gallon shade tree. Turf
or sod is limited to a
MAXIMUM of 50% of
the total front yard.

Groundcover. 100%
coverage within 1
year. Decorative
shale/gravel/crushed
rock may also be used
as groundcover, which
must also include
vegetative
groundcover.
50% drought tolerant
and native species
not including
hardscape areas. No
turf allowed unless in
recreation areas.

Turf limited to no
more than 50% of
any project’s total
landscape area. Turf
discouraged at
locations having
limited visibility.

No coverage
requirement but
require at least two
(2) 24” box trees in
front yard.
15% MAXIMUM turf. No Coverage
requirement.

Minimum of one 36”
box tree and two 24”
box trees for
residential lots. 60%
of all shrubs are to be
5 gallons and the rest
may be 1 gallon for
other lots.

Does City issue
permits at staff
level or
committee (or
higher) level?
Staff Level Staff level Staff Level No Permit Staff Level Not for SFR; only for New Project/Tract
Staff level Architectual review when
required
Staff level
What is the Fee,
if any?
Turf Removal – Free
Staff Review - $463.84
None No fee None None None for SFR;
$1,450 for New
Project/Tract
No Fee No Fee No Fee
Does City Code
Enforcement
currently pursue
“brown lawn”
violations?
No No No No Not Provided Not Provided Not specifically for brown lawn, but
generally for front
yard upkeep
Currently, not pursuing
brown lawn violations
Turf may go brown,
but all trees and
shrubs must be kept
healthy. Encourage
homeowners to take
advantage of their
turf removal program.

Does the City
have any
incentives or
rebate programs
available to
residents for turf
removal?
Yes, $3/ sq. ft.
residential up to $300K.
$1/ sq ft up to $200K.

Yes, up to a maximum of
$500
Not Provided No Not Provided No. There is a turf rebate program, but funds
are currently
exhausted
Yes. $3 per square foot of
turf removal up to $5,000
per project.

Yes, $1 per square
foot for SFR up to
$1000. Also offer
$5,000 per HOA
project and $5,000
for commercial
ATTACHMENT 6

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
State of Emergency Proclamation
WHEREAS climate change is intensifying the impacts of droughts on our communities, environment and economy, and California must therefore improve drought resiliency and prepare to respond to more frequent, prolonged, and intense dry periods; and
WHEREAS much of the West is experiencing severe to exceptiona l drought and California is in a second consecutive year of dry conditions, resulting in drought or near-drought throughout many portions of the State; and WHEREAS these drought conditions can result in degraded water quality, fallowing of productive farmland, setbacks to vulnerable and rural communities through job losses and longer-lasting recoveries, significant impacts to tribal, commercial, and recreational salmon fisheries, constraints on access to traditional lifeways, loss of aquatic and terrestria l biodiversity, and ecosystem impacts; and
WHEREAS drought conditions vary across the State and some watersheds, including the Russian River and Klamath Basin, are extremely dry and are facing substantial water supply and ecosystem challenges; and
WHEREAS it is necessary to expeditiously mitigate the effects of the drought conditions within the Russian River Watershed, located within Mendocino and Sonoma counties, to ensure the protection of health, safety, and the environment; and
WHEREAS experience in the last drought has demonstrated the value of preparing earlier for potential sustained dry conditions, the need to improve our monitoring and forecasting capabilities, and many other lessons that are captured in the Administration 1s Report to the Legislature on the 2012-2016 Drought; and
WHEREAS the State and its many partners have strengthened drought resilience since the last drought including state investments in water management systems, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, establishment of the Safe and Affordable Fund for Equity and Resilience Program, development of the Administration's Water Resilience Portfolio, and continued water conservation by Californians whose current statewide urban water use is 16% lower than at the beginning of the last drought; and
WHEREAS state agencies have been actively responding to current drought conditions and preparing for the possibility of a third dry year including through convenings of the interagency drought team, which was established at my direction, to organize, focus, and track changing conditions, coordinate state agency responses, and work closely with partners across the State; and WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that the conditions caused by the drought conditions, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to appropriately respond; and
ATTACHMENT 6

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8625(c), I find that local authority is inadequate to cope with the drought conditions; and WHEREAS to protect public health and safety, it is critical the State take certain immediate actions without undue delay to prepare for and mitigate the effects of, the drought conditions within the Russian River Watershed, and under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with various statutes and regulations specified in this Proclamation would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the drought conditions of the Russian River Watershed, located within Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

NOW THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Mendocino and Sonoma counties due to drought conditions in the Russian River Watershed .

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1. To further the success of California's water conservation efforts and increase our drought preparedness, state agencies shall partner with local water districts and utilities to make all Californians aware of drought, and encourage actions to reduce water usage by promoting the Department of Water Resources' Save Our Water campaign
( https://saveourwater.com ) and other water conservation programs.

2. To continue coordination with partners across the State for the potential of prolonged drought impacts, the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board), the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Food and Agriculture shall work with regional and local governments, including groundwater sustainability agencies, to identify watersheds, communities, public water systems, and ecosystems that may require coordinated state and local actions to address issues stemming from continued dry conditions, to ensure that we can respond to water shortages and protect people, natural resources and economic activity.

3. To continue partnership and coordination with Californian Native American tribes, state agencies shall engage in consultation, collaboration, and communication with California Native American tribes to assist them in necessary preparation and response to drought conditions on tribal lands and potential impacts to cultural and traditiona l resources within ancestral lands.

4. To prioritize drought response and preparedness resources, the Department of Water Resources, the Water Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Finance, shall:
a. Accelerate funding for water supply enhancement, water conservation, or species conservation projects.
b. Identify unspent funds that can be repurposed to enable projects to address drought impacts to people, ecosystems, and economic activities.
c. Recommend additional financial support for water resilience infrastructure projects and actions for potential inclusion in the upcoming May Revision.

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

5. To increase resilience of our water supplies during drought conditions, the Department of Water Resources shall:
a. Work with counties to encourage reporting of household water shortages, such as dry residential wells, on the website the Department maintains for that purpose, to enable tracking of drought impacts.
b. Work with counties, and groundwater sustainability agencies as appropriate, to help ensure that well drillers submit required groundwater well logs for newly constructed and deepened wells in a timely manner.
c. Work with agricultural water suppliers and agricultural water users to provide technical assistance, including implementation of efficient water management practices and use of technology such as the California Irrigation Management Information System.
d. Work with urban and agricultural water suppliers to encourage timely submittal by water districts and public posting of urban water management and water shortage contingency plans and
agricultural water management and drought plans.
e. Accelerate updating the land subsidence data it is providing to support implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act.

6. To increase resilience of our water systems during drought conditions, the Water Board shall:
a. Use its authority, provide technical assistance, and where feasible provide financial assistance, to support regular reporting of drinking water supply well levels and reservoir water levels where the Water Board determines that there is risk of supply failure because of lowering groundwater levels or reservoir levels that may fall below public water system intakes.
b . Prioritize the permitting of public water systems that anticipate the need to activate additional supply wells where water quality is a concern and treatment installation needs to proceed to relieve a system's potential supply concerns.
c. Provide annual water demand data, information on water right priority, and other communications on water availability on its website.
d. Identify watersheds where current diversion data is insufficient to evaluate supply impacts caused by dry conditions, and take actions to ensure prompt submittal of missing data in those watersheds.

7. To address the acutely dry conditions in the Russian River Watershed, the Water Board shall consider:
a. Modifying requirements for reservoir releases or diversion limitations in that watershed to ensure adequate, minimal water supplies for critical purposes.
b. Adopting emergency regulations to curtail water diversions when water is not available at water rights holders' priority of right or to protect releases of stored water.

For purposes of carrying out this directive, Public Resources Code, Division 13 (commencing with section 21000) and regulations adopted pursuant to that Division are suspended in the counties of Mendocino and Sonoma to the extent necessary to address the impacts of the drought in the Russian River Watershed. The Water Board sha ll identify the projects

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

eligible for the suspensions pursuant to this paragraph and maintain on its websites a list of the activities or approvals for which these provisions are suspended.

8. To ensure that equipment and services necessary for drought response in the Russian River Watershed can be procured quickly, the provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code applicable to procurement, state contracts, and fleet assets, including, but not limited to, advertising and competitive bidding requirements, are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of the drought in the Russian River Watershed, located within Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Approval of the Department of Finance is required prior to the execution of any contract entered into pursuant to this provision.

9. To increase the resilience of our natural habitats to protect vulnerable species during drought conditions, the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall:
a. Evaluate and take actions to protect terrestria l and aquatic species and, wherever possible, work with water users and other parties on voluntary measures to protect species .
b. Work to improve State hatcheries and increase water use efficiency on State wildlife areas and ecological reserves to maintain habitat for vulnerable species.
c. Respond to human-wildlife interactions related to ongoing dry conditions and increase public messaging and awareness. d. Work with commercial and recreational salmon fishing and tribal representatives to anticipate and develop strategies to mitigate and respond to salmon fishery impacts, with particular emphasis on addressing impacts to salmon fisheries in the Klamath Basin.

10. To support our agricultural economy and food security during drought conditions, the Department of Food and Agriculture shall:
a. Provide technical assistance to support conservation planning, on­ farm water and energy conservation practices and technologies, including augmenting the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program.
b. Conduct an economic analysis of drought impacts to agriculture, including land use, jobs, and rural food economies, expanding on existing research done in the last drought to include thorough regional analysis especially in the Central Valley, and in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and alternative land uses for fallowed land.
c. Maintain a web page with drought resources for farmers and ranchers, including the United States Department of Agriculture and other federal and state resources.
d. Work with federal agencies to assist Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers contending with reduced water supplies.

11. To ensure the potential impacts of drought on communities are anticipated and proactively addressed, the Department of Water Resources, in coordination with the Water Board, shall develop groundwater management principles and strategies to monitor, analyze, and minimize impacts to drinking water wells.

12. To provide critical information on the different drought conditions across the State, the Department of Water Resources, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Food and Agriculture,

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023

and the Water Board, shal l develop a California Drought Monitor by December 31, 2021, as recommended in the Administration's Report to the Legislature on the 2012-2016 Drought.

13. To prepare for potential salinity issues in the Delta, the Department of Water Resources, in consultation with the Water Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Delta Stewardship Council, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, shall initiate actions necessary to prepare for and address potentia l Delta salinity issues during prolonged drought conditions.

14. To prepare for potential impacts of drought conditions on species, the Water Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall work with federal agency partners to manage temperature conditions for the preservation of fish in the Sacramento River downstream of Shasta Dam while balancing water supply needs.

This Proclamation is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California , its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this Proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set
ATTEST:

Special Joint Study Session - June 14, 2023