75C - PH - AMEND ZONING WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE

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Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2015 -04 December 14, 2015 Page 3 • A public education component requires new model homes to provide water efficient landscapes and signage demonstrating low water use approaches to landscaping. The Water Efficient Ordinance Update is detailed in Exhibit 1, with the procedural details implementing this Ordinance explained in Exhibit 2, entitled Santa Ana Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines 2015, Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2015 -04 also directs synthetic turf guidelines to be in keeping with recent legislation. As directed by State law, the use of synthetic turf as an option for required landscape area may not be limited or restricted by local ordinance. Thus, the Synthetic Turf Design Standard will be updated administratively to comply with State law, and assure a best practices and sustainability of the synthetic products. The proposed modifications to the City' Municipal Cade and adoption of the updated Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance will bring the City's laws into compliance with the State water conservation mandate. Further, these requirements and guidelines will enhance the water conservation efforts currently being implemented throughout the City. As a result, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend the City Council adopt Zoning Ordinance Amendment No 2015 -04. Stakeholder Outreach The stakeholder group assisting in the development of the "regional" water efficiency model ordinance included representatives from the county, cities, local water agencies, Building Industries Association (BIA), Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC -OC), irrigation consultants, landscape architects, and other industry professionals. Staff from the Planning Division and Public Works Agency participated in this effort. The goal of the stakeholder group was to develop a locally - crafted update to Orange County's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The group was charged with meeting the "at least as effective as" the State Model Ordinance requirement, minimizing the complexity, streamlining compliance, and providing consistency between local jurisdictions. Public notification included a mailing to interested parties. In addition, a notice was published in the Orange County Register advertising the Planning Commission public hearing. CEQA Analysis In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project is exempt from further review pursuant to Section 15307. This Class 7 exemption, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources, is applicable because the project implements State law to protect water resources. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. 2015 -114 will be filed for this project. 75C -5