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Landscaping

Water-efficient landscaping rules may apply if your project includes any of the following:

  • Landscaping
  • Fountains
  • Swimming pools
  • Other water features

These rules apply to new projects if the landscaping is over 500 square feet and replacement projects if over 2,500 square feet.

Landscaping that is not irrigated (such as existing native vegetation) is not subject to these rules.

Hydrozones

A hydrozone is a grouping of plants that need a similar amount of water to grow. There are five categories:

  • High, moderate, low, and very low water usage plants
  • Cool-season turf grasses
  • Warm-season turf grasses
  • Water features
  • Special landscape areas

Planting areas from different hydrozone classifications cannot share a common irrigation valve circuit unless the water usage of the hydrozone is calculated at the rate of the highest water using plants. For example, if high and moderate water usage plants are both located on the same sprinkler valve, then they must all be classified as high water usage plants.

Learn more about hydrozones in the Walnut Creek Landscaping Guide.

Calculating water use

Your landscape plan must use less water than the maximum amount allowed based on the size of your planting areas.

You will need to know the size of each hydrozone and what type of irrigation method is used (i.e. overhead spray, bubblers, drip emitters, etc.). You do not need to calculate your water budget if your landscape plan does not include any turf grasses, high water usage plants, or water features.

Use this spreadsheet to calculate the amount of water used by your plan.

How to comply

You do not need a separate permit for your landscape and irrigation plan. Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your landscape and irrigation plan.

    You may wish to hire a landscape architect or other qualified professional to do this work for you. You may want to do it yourself if you are familiar with drawing plans, landscaping, horticulture, and irrigation system design. Review this Guide to Walnut Creek's Landscaping Regulations for a list of what’s required.

  2. Submit a Certificate of Compliance.

    The Certificate of Compliance form certifies that your plans follow the regulations. You will submit this form to the Planning Division along with your permit applications for your total project.

  3. Collect soils sample(s) and send it to a lab for analysis.

    The soils analysis needs to be conducted by a qualified laboratory. It should include tests so the laboratory can make recommendations for soil preparation and/or amendments. These tests may include soil texture, infiltration rate, pH, sodium, soluble salts, and percent organic matter. The soils sample(s) need to be collected in the planting areas after all grading work (if any) is completed. Provide the report to the person preparing the landscape and irrigation design plans so they can make necessary changes to the plans. You will need to submit the soils analysis report along with your Certificate of Completion described in step 7.

  4. Check to see if you will need to install a separate water meter for your irrigation system.

    If you are using recycled water, rainwater, or water from a well, you can skip this step. If not, check with your water service provider (Contra Costa Water District or East Bay Municipal Utility District). They will let you know if you need to install a separate water meter.

  5. Install your irrigation and landscaping.

    If you decide to make changes to your plans, submit them to the Planning Division. Also provide a new Certificate of Compliance (step 2).

  6. Hire a certified irrigation auditor to perform a landscape irrigation audit.

    The landscape irrigation audit must be conducted by an EPA WaterSense Certified Irrigation System Auditor. Landscape audits cannot be conducted by the person who designed or installed the landscaping. The following certifications meet this requirement:
  • California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Certified Water Manager
  • Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Program (QWEL) Graduate

The auditor must certify that the following meet the requirements of the City’s water efficient landscaping regulations:

  • Installed landscaping
  • Irrigation system
  • Irrigation schedule

Specifically, they must verify the following:

  • That the landscaping and irrigation system has been installed as shown on the landscape and irrigation plans;
  • That the landscaping and irrigation system complies with the Development Standards indicated on the Certificate of Compliance;
  • That the irrigation schedule included in the audit report uses the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health;
  • That the irrigation schedule does not use overhead spray irrigation devices between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.;
  • That the irrigation system is functioning properly and operating as designed.

Submit the landscape irrigation audit report with your Certificate of Completion.

7. Fill out and submit your Certificate of Completion.

The Certificate of Completion form is used to certify to the City that your installed landscaping and irrigation system comply with the water efficient landscaping regulations. You will also need to submit your soils analysis report, irrigation schedule, and your landscape irrigation audit report along with your Certificate of Completion.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

  • Keep your irrigation system maintained so it does not create runoff.
  • Trim plants that are blocking your sprinkler heads and replenish your mulch cover if it gets blown or washed away.
  • Group your plants by hydrozone.

Don’t

  • Use sprinklers within 24 inches of a sidewalk, patio, or driveway unless they drain back into the planting area.
  • Use overhead spray sprinklers between 10 am and 8 pm.
  • Plant lawns on areas with slopes greater than 25%.

Forms and documents

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