Chapter 22.180
WATER USE AND CONSERVATION

Sections:

22.180.010    Purpose.

22.180.020    Applicability.

22.180.030    Implementation.

22.180.040    Exceptions.

22.180.050    Definitions.

22.180.060    Submittals.

22.180.070    Irrigation system design criteria.

22.180.080    Plant selection.

22.180.090    Certificate of compliance.

22.180.100    Model home landscape criteria.

22.180.110    Soil infiltration rates.

22.180.120    Relative water requirements of commonly used plants.

22.180.010 Purpose.

The purpose of these requirements is to define the standards and procedures for the design, installation, and management of landscapes in order to utilize available plant, water, land, and human resources to the greatest benefit of the people of Rancho Cordova. Skillful planting and irrigation design, appropriate use of plants, and intelligent landscape management can assure landscape development that avoids excessive water demands and that is less vulnerable to periods of severe drought. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.010].

22.180.020 Applicability.

These requirements shall be applicable to new and rehabilitated landscaping for industrial, commercial, and institutional developments; to parks and other public recreational areas; to multifamily residential, common areas and model homes; and city road medians and corridors; all as defined in the Rancho Cordova zoning code; provided, however, that these requirements shall not be applicable to the residential portions of developments which are subject to a development agreement entered into pursuant to Section 65864 et seq. of the Government Code if such development agreement was in effect as of January 1, 1989. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0856 § 1, 1991; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.020].

22.180.030 Implementation.

To assure that the purpose of this chapter is carried out, improvement plans and building permits will not be approved until a submittal conforming to the specific provisions of this chapter shall have been approved by the city of Rancho Cordova department of public works. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.030].

22.180.040 Exceptions.

The city council of Rancho Cordova (“city council”) or its designee may authorize conditional exceptions to any of the design and improvement standards in this chapter, unless the standard specifically states that an exception cannot be granted. Such exceptions may be granted if the city council finds in writing that the proposed design or improvement is in substantial compliance with the purpose and intent of the standard to be excepted. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.040].

22.180.050 Definitions.

Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this chapter shall be as defined in this section.

“Amendment” means any material added to the soil to alter the pH or improve the physical properties of the soil.

“Application rate” means the rate of irrigation (inches per hour or gallons per minute) at which water is applied by an irrigation system.

“Automatic control valve” means a valve in an irrigation system which is activated by an automatic electric controller via an electric control wire.

“Automatic irrigation system” means an irrigation system that can be controlled without manual manipulation and which operates on a preset program.

“Contour” means a line drawn on a plan which connects all points of equal elevation above or below a known or assumed reference point.

“Controller” means an automatic timing device with enclosure, which signals automatic valves to open and close on a preset program.

“Coverage” is a general term, used with respect to the spacing of sprinkler heads, which defines the manner in which water is applied.

“Cycle” means, in irrigation, the complete operation of a controller station.

“Drip irrigation” means low volume irrigation.

“Grading” means earthwork performed to alter the natural contours of an area to be planted.

“Infiltration rate” means the rate (inches per hour) in which water moves through soil under natural conditions.

“Irrigation system” means a complete connection of system components, including the water source, the water distribution network, and the necessary irrigation equipment.

“Median” means a planted area which separates two roadways or divides a portion of a road into two or more lanes.

“Mulch” means materials such as bark or sawdust placed on the soil surface to retain moisture, retard weed growth, or prevent erosion.

“Overspray” means water which is discharged from a pop-up or spray head which lands outside of the planting area.

“P.S.I.” means pounds per square inch gauge water pressure.

“Percolation” means the movement of water through soil.

“Permeability” means the quality of a soil which allows water and air to pass through it.

“Planting area” means the parcel area less building pad(s), driveway(s), patio(s), deck(s), walkway(s) and parking area(s). Planting areas include water bodies (i.e., fountains, ponds, lakes) and natural areas.

“Planting plan” means a plan showing the features, contours, and dimensions of a plot of land, along with the location and dimensions of elements to be constructed.

“Point of connection” means the point at which the irrigation system is connected to the public water system. This location is normally identified by the point at which a water meter is located or will be installed.

“Precipitation rate” means the amount of water, in inches per hour, discharged by a group of sprinkler heads.

“Rain shutoff” means a feature of an automated irrigation system which interrupts the normal irrigation cycle when it detects a significant amount of rainfall.

“Rehabilitated landscape” means any planting area(s) in which landscape materials are replaced or modified. Examples include a change of plants or groundcover, installation of a new irrigation system, and grading modifications.

“Runoff” means water which is not absorbed by the soil to which it is applied. Runoff usually occurs when water is applied at too great a rate or when water is applied to a steep slope.

“Station” means a position on an automatic irrigation controller which indicates the control point of automatic irrigation valves.

“Tensiometer” or “moisture sensor” means an instrument for measuring the moisture content of the soil and capable of interrupting the irrigation cycle when excessive or adequate moisture is detected.

“Toe of slope” means a horizontal section located at the base of a slope. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.050].

22.180.060 Submittals.

The following shall be submitted to the city public works department for review and approval:

A. Planting Plan. The planting plan shall be drawn on project base sheets in a clear and legible fashion.

1. A scale of no smaller than one inch equals 40 feet shall be used.

2. Plan: The planting plans shall accurately and clearly identify:

a. Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, etc. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common names, container size, spacing and quantities of each group of plants indicated.

b. Property lines.

c. Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.

d. Buildings and structures including elevation if applicable.

e. Natural features, rock outcroppings, existing oak and ornamental trees, shrubs, etc., to remain.

f. Tree staking, soil preparation details, and any other applicable details.

B. Irrigation Plan. The irrigation plan shall be drawn on project base sheets in a clear and legible fashion.

1. The scale shall be equal to that used for the planting plan.

2. Plan: The irrigation plan shall accurately and clearly identify:

a. Flow rate and P.S.I. at the point of connection.

b. Coverage of all components of the irrigation system, including main and lateral lines.

c. Valves.

d. Controllers.

e. Heads.

f. Quick couplers.

e. Head precipitation rates.

f. Meter size.

g. Moisture sensor devices.

h. Rain switches.

i. Backflow prevention device.

C. Sloped Areas. Sloped areas shall be indicated by contour lines (this may be shown on grading plan).

D. Soil Tests. A soils report shall be prepared by a soil testing company and submitted with the plans. Soil samples shall be collected after grading operations are conducted and prior to the installation of landscape materials. Soil samples shall be sufficiently numerous to account for any soil variations that may be present in the planting areas. As a minimum, the following shall be included:

1. Soil infiltration;

2. Soil texture test;

3. Cation exchange capacity;

4. Soil fertility including tests for nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, pH, organic matter and specific conductance (E.C.).

Amendments shall be added to correct for problems as noted by the soils report. A copy of the soils report shall be attached to the irrigation schedule, which will be delivered to the owner and controller operator.

E. Water Use. Estimated plant water use calculations for each planting area shall be submitted with the planting plan.

F. Irrigation Schedule. An annual irrigation program with a minimum four-season water schedule shall be required for both the plant establishment period and established landscape. The water schedule shall include run time and frequency of irrigation for each station. The total average planted area precipitation shall not exceed 30 inches per year for established landscapes (see RCMC 22.180.080, Plant selection). A copy of the schedule shall be delivered along with as-builts and any other information normally forwarded to the owner and controller operator. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.060].

22.180.070 Irrigation system design criteria.

A. Irrigation systems shall be designed so that the application rate does not exceed the infiltration rate of the soil, and will minimize overspray and runoff. The designer shall refer to RCMC 22.180.110, Soil infiltration rates, and the results of the soil tests to meet these design criteria. In general, low volume sprinkler heads, drip emitters and pressure compensation bubblers shall be used throughout the system.

B. Irrigation stations shall be separated (e.g., drip vs. overhead spray systems). Additional control valves shall be installed to account for different site-specific characteristics (i.e., full sun/full shade, level/sloping, shrubs/lawns, street trees, etc.).

C. Maximum sprinkler spacing for both turf and nonturf areas shall be 50 percent of the diameter of the throw. (Example: 30-foot diameter nozzle should be no more than 15 feet apart.) Spacing of sprinklers shall take into account on-site wind conditions.

D. All irrigation systems shall be operated by an automatic controller. At a minimum, each controller shall have a rain shutoff operation, a 14-day calendar, two independent programs, and three-cycles-per-day capabilities.

E. The irrigation system shall be designed to allow a complete watering cycle within a 14-hour period.

F. All turf areas shall utilize either pop-up rotary impact heads or spray heads with a minimum riser height of five inches. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.070].

22.180.080 Plant selection.

A. Water Use Criteria. All landscapes shall comply with the following water use criteria:

1. The maximum amount of water that can be applied per year to any landscape shall average no greater than 30 inches of supplemental water.

2. The planted area shall balance the water demands of different plant species to create an overall landscape which requires a moderate amount of water. For design purposes, planting area shall be defined as low-use, medium-use, or high-use areas. (Refer to RCMC 22.180.120 for a list of low-, medium- and high-use plants.) Water use values (Table I) reflect the relative water use of each type of planting area. To check a landscape design for compliance multiply the water use value by its respective planting area.

Example: Assume a two-acre landscape plan consists of 20 percent high-use plants (turf), 50 percent medium-use plants, and 30 percent low-use plants.

20% (2 acres)	0.40 acres x 1.6	= 0.64
50% (2 acres)	1.0 acres x 1.0	= 1.00
30% (2 acres)	0.60 acres x 0.4	= 0.24
	2	1.88

Since the sum of the water use factors is less than the area (two acres), the design is acceptable. If the sum of the water use factors exceeded two, the design would not be acceptable, and the designer would be required to substitute some high-use species with low- or medium-use species to reduce the sum of water use factors to two or less.

Table I 

Planting Type	Water Use Values
Low use	0.40
Medium use	1.0
High use
(includes turf and water bodies)	1.6

Water use calculations including plant key and planting area shall be shown on the planting plan according to the format in the following example:

Assume a landscape design involves 2,600 square feet of planting area. The planting plan consists of 600 square feet of Cistus purpureus (CP), 600 square feet of Nerium oleander (N), 400 square feet of Pittosporum tobira (PT), Juniperus horizontalis (JH), and Liquidambar styraciflua (LS), and 1,000 square feet of turf.

Water Use Calculation
Water Use	Plant Key	Sq. Ft.	Water Use Factor (Total Sq. Ft. x Use Value)
Low	CP NO	600 600	1,200 x 0.4 = 480
Medium	PT, JH and LS	400	400 x 1.0 = 400
High	Turf	1,000	1,000 x 1.6 = 1,600
		2,600	2,480

B. Turf Selections and Use.

1. Turf shall not be permitted in planted areas 10 feet or less in width, or in median strips.

2. Under no circumstances shall turf be installed on slopes greater than 20 percent. The toe of any sloping section shall be a minimum of 24 inches behind a curb or sidewalk.

3. Turf areas which exceed 2,500 square feet are required to use soil moisture sensors and rain shutoff devices as a part of the irrigation system. Device type and installation shall be per manufacturer’s recommendations.

4. Turf shall not be installed within 10 feet of the drip line of native oak trees.

5. Turf shall be of a variety well suited to the local climate (e.g., tall fescue).

C. Nonturf Selections.

1. Plants selected for use in nonturf areas should be well suited or adaptable to the climate of this region. Plants shall be grouped according to their water needs and irrigated separately. Species of different water needs may be grouped (i.e., low with medium and medium with high) but the highest water use value of the two shall be used to determine compliance with this chapter. Low- and high-use species may not be used in the same irrigation area. To use species other than those listed in RCMC 22.180.120, the designer may provide the city with information indicating the water requirement of the species. Information may include the listing of a plant in an acceptable reference (see RCMC 22.180.120) stating its water requirement characteristics, comparing it to a species in the plant list, field data, etc.

2. A minimum of three inches of an organic mulch shall be placed in shrub areas on the soil surface after planting. Nonporous materials shall not be placed under the mulch. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.080].

22.180.090 Certificate of compliance.

Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping, the designer shall certify that the landscape complies with all city water conserving landscape requirements. Certification shall be accomplished by completion of a certificate of compliance on a form approved by the director of the city public works department. Failure to submit a complete and accurate certificate of compliance will delay final approval of the project and/or discontinue water service. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.090].

22.180.100 Model home landscape criteria.

A. For each subdivision with three or more model homes, the developer shall submit a landscape plan and install landscaping for one model home which incorporates the city’s water conserving landscape requirements. The intent of this requirement is to demonstrate to prospective home buyers the feasibility and aesthetic qualities of water-conserving landscape design.

B. Signs identifying aspects of the landscape design and irrigation shall be placed around the model. These signs should be clearly marked on the landscape plan for the model. The following criteria shall be used in developing and placing the signs:

1. Front Yard Sign Identifying Model. A sign, large enough to be visible from the street and sidewalk (at least two feet by two feet) shall be located in front of the model home. The sign shall indicate that the model is landscaped with water-conserving plant materials and irrigation systems.

2. Other Exterior Signs. A sign shall be placed within the landscaped area identifying the irrigation system used, the different subareas of the landscape, and any other features that contribute to the overall water-conserving theme.

3. Interior Signs or Displays. A drawing, or combination of drawings, shall be displayed inside the model, providing a schematic of the landscape. These drawings shall include a key identifying the plants in the yards. It is suggested that this schematic also be printed on a one-page handout to be available at the model or the sales office. The drawings could be a simplified rendering of the landscape plan itself, using common names rather than the Latin names for the plants. The drawing(s) should be colorful and easy to read.

Literature describing water-conserving landscapes shall be available to individuals touring the model. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.100].

22.180.110 Soil infiltration rates.

Infiltration Rate (IR) Inches/Hour
Soil Texture, Type	Percent of Slope
	0 – 4%	5 – 8%	8 – 12%	12 – 16%	Over 16%
Coarse sand	1.25	1.00	0.75	0.50	0.31
Medium sand	1.06	0.85	0.64	0.42	0.27
Fine sand	0.94	0.75	0.56	0.38	0.24
Loamy sand	0.88	0.70	0.53	0.35	0.22
Sandy loam	0.75	0.60	0.45	0.30	0.19
Fine sandy loam	0.63	0.50	0.38	0.25	0.16
Very fine sandy loam	0.59	0.47	0.35	0.24	0.15
Loam	0.54	0.43	0.33	0.22	0.14
Silt loam	0.50	0.40	0.30	0.20	0.13
Silt	0.44	0.35	0.26	0.18	0.11
Sandy clay	0.31	0.25	0.19	0.12	0.08
Clay loam	0.25	0.20	0.15	0.10	0.06
Silty clay	0.19	0.15	0.11	0.08	0.05
Clay	0.13	0.10	0.08	0.05	0.03

    Note: Rates based on full cover. These figures decrease with time and percent of cover. Derived from USDA information.

[Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.110].

22.180.120 Relative water requirements of commonly used plants.

A. The following is a list of plants that are commonly used in landscape designs with water requirement classifications of low (L), medium (M), or high (H).

The list should not be considered a complete list of plants that can be used in landscape projects. The list is provided to assist the landscape designer in choosing species of appropriate water demands to meet the requirements of this chapter, and to group species of similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation. To use species other than those listed, the designer may provide the city with information indicating the water requirement of the species. Information may include the listing of a plant in an acceptable reference stating its water requirement characteristics, comparing it to a species in the plant list, field data, etc. Acceptable references include the “Sunset Western Garden Book”; “Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes,” Robert Perry; and “Water Wise Gardening,” E.B.M.U.D.

Water Requirements of Commonly Used Plants 

Genus	Species	Cultivar or Variety	Water Requirements
Abelia	grandiflora		H
	''	“Edward Goucher”	H
Abutilon	hybridum		H
	megapotamicum		H
Acacia	adunca		H
	cognota		M
	cultriformis		M
	cyclops		L
	glaucoptera		M
	lasiocarpa		M
	longifolia		M
	melanoxylon		L
	ongerup		L
	paxii		M
	pendula		M
	pravissima		M
	redolens		L
Acanthus	mollis		H
Acer	circinatum		H
	negundo		H
	oblongum		H
	palmatum		H
	''	dissectum	H
	platanoides		M
	rubrum		H
	''	“Red Sunset”	H
	saccharinum		M
	saccharum		H
Achillea	millefolium		L
Acorus	gramineus		M
Actinidia	chinensis		H
Aeonium	arboreum		L
Aesculus	californica		L
	carnea		L
Agapanthus		“Peter Pan”	L
	africanus		L
	orientalis		L
Agave	americana		L
	attenuata		L
	sisiliana		L
Agonis	flexuosa		L
Ajuga	reptans		H
Akebia	quinata		M
Albizia	julibrissin		L
Allmanda	cathartica		M
Alnus	cordata		M
	oregona		H
	rhombifolia		H
Alnus	glutinosa		H
Alocasia	odora		H
Aloe	arborescens		L
Aloe	vera		M
Alpinia	zerumbet		H
Alsophilia	australis		H
Alyogyne	huegelii		L
Ampelopsis	veitchi		M
Andromeda	polifolia		H
Aralia	elegantissima		H
	sieboldii		H
Araucaria	bidwillii		M
	heterophylla		M
Arbutus	menziesii		L
	unedo		M
Archontophoenix	cunninghamiana		M
Arctostaphylos		“Emerald Carpet”	L
		“Green Sphere”	L
		“Howard McMinn”	L
	bakeri	“Louis Edmunds”	L
	densiflora	“Sentinel”	L
	edmundsii	“Carmel Sur”	L
	hookeri	“Monterey Carpet”	L
	''	“Wayside”	L
	manzanita	“Dr. Hurd”	L
	uva-ursi		L
	uva-ursi	“Pacific Mist”	L
	''	“Point Reyes”	L
	''	“Radiant”	L
	''	“Woods Compact”	L
Arctotheca	calendula		M
Arecastrum	romanzoffianum		M
Arenaria	verna		H
Artemisia	arborescens		L
	pycnocephala	“David’s Choice”	L
	stelleriana	“Silver Brocade”	L
Asparagus	densiflorus	“Sprengeri”	M
	plumosus		M
Aspidistra	elatior		H
Asplenium	nidus		H
Atriplex	lentiformis		L
	''	breweri	L
Aucuba	japonica		H
	''	“Variegata”	H
Azalea	indica		H
Baccharis	pilularis		L
	''	“Twin Peaks”	L
Bauhinia	blakeana		M
	variegata		M
Berberis	julianae		L
	mentorensis		L
	thunbergii		L
Berginia	cordifolia		M
Betula	pendula		H
	''	“Dalecarlica”	H
	verrucosa		H
Bougainvillea		“Barbara Karst”	M
		“San Diego Red”	M
Brunfelsia	calycina		H
	pauciflora		H
Buxus	harlandii		M
	microphylla		M
	''	japonica	M
	sempervirens		M
Calliandra	tweedii		L
Callistemon	citrinus		L
	''	“Jeffersii”	L
	lanceolatus		L
	viminalis		L
Calocedrus	decurrens		M
Calycanthus	occidentalis		H
Camellia	hiemalis		H
	japonica		H
	sasanqua		H
Campanula	poscharskyana		H
Campsis	radicans		M
Carissa	grandiflora		M
Carpenteria	californica		L
	''	“Elizabeth”	L
Carpobrotus	edulis		M
Cassia	artemisioides		L
	leptophylla		L
Casaurina	glauca		L
	stricta		L
Catalpa	speciosa		M
Ceanothus		“Blue Jeans”	L
		“Concha”	L
		“Dark Star”	L
		“Frosty Blue”	L
		“Joyce Coulter”	L
		“Julia Phelps”	L
		“Ray Hartman”	L
		“Sierra Blue”	L
		“Skylark”	L
		“Tilden Park”	L
		“Blue Buttons”	L
	cordulatus		L
Gloriosus			L
	''	“Anchor Bay”	L
	''	exaltatus “Emily Brown”	L
	''	var. porrectus	L
	griseus	horizontalis	L
	''	horizontalis “Yankee Point”	L
	''	“Santa Ana”	L
	hearstiorum		L
	rigidus	“Snowball”	L
	thyrsiflorus	repens	L
		“Snow Flurry”	L
Cedrus	atlantica		L
	''	“Glauca”	L
	deodara		L
	libani		L
Celtis	australis		L
	sinensis		L
Centaurea	cineraria		L
Cephalanthus	occidentalis	var. californicus	H
Cerotonia	siliqua		L
Cercidum	floridum		L
Cercis	canadensis		L
	occidentalis		L
Cercocarpus	betuloides		L
Cestrum	nocturnum		H
Chaenomeles	japonica		M
Chamaecyparis	obtusa		M
	''	“Nana”	M
	pisifera		M
Chamaerops	humilis		M
Cheiranthus	variegata		L
Choisya	ternata		H
Cinnamomum	camphora		M
Cissus	antaractica		H
	rhombifolia		H
Cistus		“Sunset”	L
		“Warley’s Rock Rose	L
	crispus		L
	hybridus		L
	landanifer		L
	purpureus		L
	salvifolius	“Prostratus”	L
	skanbergi	“Low Pink”	L
Citrus	limon		L
Clematis	armandii		H
Clivia	miniata		H
Clytostoma	callistegioides		M
Cocculus	laurifolius		H
Cocos	plumosa		M
Coleonema	pulchrum		M
Convolvulus	cneorum		L
Coprosma	kirkii		L
Coprosma	repens		L
Cordyline	indivisa		H
Cornus	florida		H
	stolonifera		H
Correa	alba		L
	pulchella		L
Cortaderia	selloana		L
Corylus	avellana		M
	cornuta		H
Cotinus	coggygria		L
Cotoneaster		“Lowfast”	L
	apiculatus		L
	dammeri		L
	horizontalis		L
	lacteus		L
	microphyllus		L
	''	thymifolius	L
	parneyi		L
Crataegus	lavellei		M
	oscantha	“Paul’s Scarlet”	M
	phaenapyrum		M
Cupaniopsis	anacardioides		M
Cupressocyparis		“Gold Cup”	M
	leylandii		M
Cupressus	glabra		L
	macrocarpa		L
	sempervirens		L
Cycas	revoluta		M
Cyperus	alternifolius		H
	papyrus		H
Cytisus	praecox		L
	purpureus	atropurpureus	L
	racemosus		L
	scoparius		L
	''	“Lilac Time”	L
Deutzia	gracilis		M
Dianthus	alpinus		M
Diascia		“Ruby Field”	M
	fetcaniensis		M
	rigescens		M
Dicksonia	antarctica		H
Dietes	bicolor		L
	vegeta		L
Diosma	pulchrum		M
Diplacus	aurantiacus		M
Distictis	buccinatoria		H
Dodonaea	viscosa	“Purpurea”	L
Doxantha	unguis-cati		M
Duchesnea	indica		H
Echium	fastuosum		L
Elaeagnus	angustifolia		L
	pungens	“Maculata”	L
Eriobotrya	deflexa		M
	japonica		M
Eriogonum	arborescens		L
	crocatum		L
	fasciculatum		L
	giganteum		L
	umbellatum	polyanthum	L
Erythrina	caffra		M
	coralloides		M
Escallonia		“Fradesii”	M
		“Red Elf”	M
	rubra		M
	''	“Newport Dwarf”	M
Eucalyptus	camaldulensis		L
	cinerea		L
	cladocalyx		L
	globulus	“Compacta”	L
	grandis		L
	gunnii		L
	leucoxylon		L
	maculata		L
	microtheca		L
	nicholii		L
	nitens		L
	polyanthemos		L
	rudis		L
	sideroxylon		M
	torquata		L
Euonymus	alata	“Compacta”	M
	fortunei		M
	japonica		M
	patens		M
Euryops	pectinatus		L
	''	“Virides”	L
Fatshedera	lizei		H
Fatsia	japonica		H
Feijoa	sellowiana		M
Felicia	ameloides		M
Festuca	ovina	“Glauca”	L
Ficus	pumila		H
Forsythia	intermedia		M
	ovata		M
Fragaria	chiloensis		H
Fraxinus	americana		H
	holotricha		M
Fraxinus	latifolia		H
	oxycarpa		M
	''	“Raywood”	M
	pennsylvanica		M
	uhdei		M
	''	“Orange County”	M
	velutina		M
Fremontodendron		“California Glory”	L
		“Pacific Sunset”	L
Galvezia	speciosa		L
Gardenia	jasminoides		H
Garrya	elliptica	“James Roof”	M
Gaultheria	shallon		M
Ganzania		“Burgundy”	L
		“Copper King”	L
		“Fiesta Red”	L
		“Gold Rush”	L
		“Sunrise Yellow”	L
Geijera	parviflora		M
Gelsemium	sempervirens		M
Genista	lydia		L
	pilosa	“Vancouver Gold	L
Ginkgo	biloba		M
Gleditsia	triacanthos		M
	''	“Aurea”	M
	''	“Moraine”	M
	''	“Shademaster”	M
Grevillea		“Canberra”	M
		“Noelii”	M
	lanigera		L
	robusta		M
Grewia	caffra		H
Hakea	suavelolens		L
Hebe		“Blue Elf”	M
		“Co-Ed”	M
		“Patty’s Purple”	M
	buxifolia		M
	menziesii		M
Hedera	canariensis		H
	helix		M
Helianthemum	nummularium	“Apricot”	L
	''	“Stoplite”	L
	''	“Wisley Pink”	L
Helxine	soleirollia		H
Hemerocallis	sp		M
Herniaria	glabra		H
Heteromeles	arbutifolia		L
	''	“Yellow Berry”	L
Heuchera	maxima		M
Heuchera	sanguinea		M
Hibiscus	rosa-sinensis		H
Hydrangea	macrophylla		M
Hymenosporum	flavum		M
Hypericum	patulum		M
Iberis	sempervirens		M
Ilex	aquifolium		H
	cornuta		H
	crenata		H
	dimorphophylla		H
	vomitoria	“Nana”	H
	''	altaclarensis	H
Iris	douglasiana		H
Jacaranda	acutifolia		M
Jasminum	mesnyi		L
	polyanthum		M
Juglans	nigra		L
Juniperus	chinensis		L
	conferta		H
	excelsa		M
	horizontalis		M
	procumbens		M
	sabina		L
	scopulorum		L
	shimpaku		M
	squamata		L
	virginiana		L
Kniphofia	uvaria		L
Koelreuteria	bipinnata		M
	paniculata		M
Laburnum	wateri		H
Lagerstroemia	faureri		L
	indica		L
Lantana	camara		M
	sellowiana		M
Laurus	nobilis		L
Lavandula	angustifolia		L
	''	“Hidcote”	L
	''	“Munstead”	L
Leptospermum	scopiarum		L
Leucophyllum	frutescens		L
	''	“Compactum”	L
Liguistrum	japonicum		H
	''	“Texanum”	H
	lucidum		H
	vulgare		H
Limonium	perezii		M
Lippia	canescens		L
Liquidambar	styraciflua		M
	''	“Burgundy”	M
	''	“Festival”	M
	''	“Palo Alto”	M
Liriodendrum	tulipifera		H
Liriope	gigantea		M
	muscari		H
	spicata		M
Lithodora	diffusa		M
Lonicera	heckrottii		M
	japonica	“Halliana”	M
	tatarica		M
Lupinus	albifrons		L
Macfadyena	unguis-cati		M
Magnolia	grandiflora		M
	''	“Majestic Beauty”	M
	soulangiana		H
	stellata		H
Mahonia	aquifolium		L
	lomariifolia		L
	nevinii		L
	pinnata		L
	repens		L
Malus	floribunda		H
	ioenis		H
	purpurea		H
	zumi		H
Maytenus	boaria		M
Malaleuca	linariifolia		L
	nesophila		L
	quinquenervia		L
Metasequoia	glyptostroboides		H
Metrosideros	excelsus		L
Moraea	bicolor		L
	iridioides		L
Morous	alba		M
Myoporum		“Pacificum”	L
	debile		L
	laetum		L
	parvifolium		L
Myrica	californica		M
Myrsine	africana		M
Myrtus	communis		L
Nandina	domestica		M
Nephrolepis	cordifolia		H
Nerium	oleander		L
	''	“Mrs. Roeding”	L
	''	“Petite Pink”	L
	''	“Petite Salmon”	L
	''	“Sister Agnes	L
Nyssa	sylvatica		H
Oenothera	berlandieri	“Siskiyou”	L
	stubbei		L
Olea	europaea		L
Ophiopogon	japonicus		H
Osmanthus	fragrans		M
	ilicifolius		M
Pachysandra	terminalis		M
Parkinsonia	aculeata		L
Parthenocissus	quinquefolia		M
	tricuspidata		M
Passiflora	pfordtii		M
Pennisetum	aculeata		L
Penstemon	gloxinioides		L
Phaedranthus	buccinatorius		M
Philadelphus	virginalis		M
Philodendron	selloum		H
Phoenix	canariensis		L
	reclinata		M
	roebelenii		M
Phormium	tenax		M
	''	“Bronze”	M
	''	“Variegatum”	M
Photinia	fraseri		M
	serrulata		M
Phyla	nodiflora		M
Phyllostachys	aurea		M
Picea	abies		H
	glauca		H
	pungens		H
Pieris	forrestii		H
	japonica		M
Pinus	canariensis		M
	contorta		M
	densiflora		H
	eldarica		L
	haldepensis		L
	jeffreyi		L
	mugo		M
	nigra		H
	patula		M
	pinea		L
	ponderosa		L
	radiata		M
	roxburghii		M
	sabiniana		L
	strobus		M
	sylvestris		M
	thunbergii		L
	torreyana		L
Pistacia	chinensis		L
	vera		L
Pittosporum	crassifolium		M
	eugenioides		M
Pittosporum	tenuifolium		M
	tobira		M
	''	“Variegata”	M
	''	“Wheeler’s Dwarf”	M
	undulatum		M
Platanus	acerifolius		M
	''	“Bloodgood”	M
	''	“Yarwood”	M
	cashmeriana		M
	occidentalis		M
	orientalis		M
	racemosa		M
Plumbago	auriculata		M
	capensis		M
Podacarpus	gracilior		H
	macrophyllus		M
	''	“Maki”	M
Polygala	dalmaisiana		M
Polystichum	munitum		H
Populus	balsamifera		M
	bolleana		M
	canadensis		H
	fremontii		H
	nigra		H
	''	“Italica”	M
	tremuloides		H
	trichocarpa		H
Potentilla	fruticosa		H
	veitchii		H
	verna		H
Prunus	blieriana		M
	caroliniana		M
	cerasifera		M
	cistena		M
	glandulosa		M
	laurocerasus		H
	lyonii		L
	serrulata		H
	subhirtella		H
	yedoensis		H
Psidium	cattelianum		M
Punica	granatum		L
Pyracantha	coccinea		L
	fortuneana		L
	koidzumii		L
Pyrus	calleryana		H
	''	“Aristocrat”	M
	''	“Bradford”	M
Kawakami			M
Quercus	agrifolia		L
	coccinea		M
	douglasii		L
	ilex		L
	kelloggii		M
	lobata		L
	palustris		M
	robur		M
	rubra		M
	shumardii		M
	suber		L
	virginiana		M
	wislizenii		L
Raphiolepis	indica		L
	''	“Jack Evans”	L
	''	“Pink Dancer”	L
	''	“Pink Lady”	L
	''	“Pinkie”	L
	''	“Rosea”	L
	''	“Snow White”	L
	umbellata		L
	''	“Majestic Beauty”	L
Rhamnus	alaternus		L
	californica	“Eve Case”	L
	californica		L
	crocea	illicifolia	L
Rhus	integrifolia		L
	lancea		L
	ovata		M
	typhina		L
Ribes	aureum	var. gracillimum	M
	sanguineum		M
	''	glutinosum “Claremont”	M
		“White Icicle”	M
		viburnifolium	M
Robinea	ambigua		L
Robinia	pseudoacacia		L
	''	“Idaho Pink”	L
	''	“Purple Robe”	L
Romneya	coulteri		M
Rosa	banksiae		M
	californica		H
Rosmarinus	officinalis		L
	''	“Lockwood de Forest”	L
	''	“Prostratus”	L
	''	“Tuscan Blue”	L
Sagina	subulata		H
Salix		“Allen Chickering”	H
	abla		H
	babylonica		H
	hindsiana		H
	lasiandra		H
	matsudana		H
Salvia	clevelandii		L
	greggii		L
	''	“Coral”	L
	''	“Pink”	L
	''	“Purple”	L
	''	“Red”	L
	''	“White”	L
	leucantha		L
Leucophylla			L
	''	“Pt. Sal”	L
	mellifera		L
Sambucus	caerulea		H
	mexicana		H
Santolina	chamaecyparissus		L
	virens		L
Sapium	sebiferum		M
Sarcococca	ruscifolia		M
Saxifraga	arendsii		H
	rosacea		H
	stolonifera		H
Scabiosa	anthemifolia		M
Scaevola	humilus		M
		“Mauve Clusters”	M
Schinus	molle		L
	terebinthifolius		L
Seaforthia	elegans		M
Sequoia	sempervirens		L
	''	“Aptos Blue”	M
	''	“Los Altos”	M
	''	“Santa Cruz”	M
	''	“Soquel”	M
Sequoiadendron	gigenteum		L
Sisyrinchium	bellum		H
	''	“Nana”	H
	californicum		H
	macounii	“Album”	H
Solanum	jasminoides		M
	rantonetti		M
Sollya	heterophylla		M
Sophora	japonica		M
Sorbus	aucuparia		H
Spirea	bumalda		M
	cantoniensis		M
	nipponica		M
	prunifolia		M
	thunbergii		M
	vanhouttei		M
Strelitzia	nicolai		M
	reginae		M
Syringa	persica		H
	vulgaris		H
Syzygium	paniculatum		M
Taxus	baccata		M
	media		M
Tecomaria	capensis		M
Ternstroemia	gymnathera		H
Thelvetia	peruviana		M
Thuja	occidentalis		H
	orientalis		H
Thymus	albus		L
	citriodorus		L
	druceli		L
	rosea		L
	serphyllum		L
Tibouchina	urvilleana		M
Tilia	cordata		H
Tipuana	tipu		L
Trachelospermum	asiaticum		M
	jasminoides		M
Trachycarpus	fortunei		M
Trichostema	lanatum		L
Tsuga	canadensis		H
Tulbaghia	violacea	“Variegata”	L
Ulmus	americana		H
	parvifolia		M
	''	“Drake”	M
Umbellularia	californica		M
Verbena	tenuifolium		L
Veronica			H
Viburnum	burkwoodi		M
	davidii		H
	opulus		M
	plicatum		M
	suspensum		M
	tinus		L
Vinca	major		L
	minor		L
	rosea		L
Vitis	californica		H
Washingtonia	filifera		H
	robusta		M
Weigela	florida		M
Westringia	rosamariniformis		H
Wisteria	floribunda		L
	sinensis		M
Woodwardia	fimbriata		M
Xylosma	congestum		H
Yucca	aloifolia		L
	bervifolia		L
	filimentosa		L
	gloriosa		L
	pendula		L
	recurvifolia		L
	whipplei		L
Zantedeschia	aethiopica		H
Zauschneria		“Everett’s Choice”	L
	californica		L
Zeldova	serrata		M
L = low water use, M = medium water use, H = high water use

B. The following books are suggested as a bibliography reference list for the selection of plants in addition to a plant list:

1. “Plants for California Landscapes: A Catalog of Drought-Tolerant Plants,” California Department of Water Resources.

2. “Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes,” Robert Perry.

3. “A Success List of Water-Conserving Plants,” Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.

4. “Select California Native Plants,” Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.

5. “Water Wise Gardening/East Bay Mud Book.” [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(I)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0812 § 1, 1990. Formerly 14.10.120].