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Exhibit "A" CITY OF REDWOOD CITY WATER CONSERVATION POLICY & GUIDELINES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS Findings In an effort to conserve water, the City of Redwood City has adopted these policies and guidelines for new developments in the City, except single family and duplex developments which are not part of a new development or subdivision. The City Council intends that these measures are to be used by developers in designing landscaping for new developments and for applications for new developments. Any variance to these policies ~ill be considered on a case-by-case basis by the City Council upon subrrittal of possible findings by the developer and a recommendation by staff. City Council feels that these policies will not increase the cost of landscaping over the life of the project and will not detrimentally affect aesthetic values of developments. There are a wide variety of attractive, low water-usin; plants available that are suitable for use in the City. Water conser\ing ir~igation hardware is currently available from several manufacturers. Planting Design 1. The combined turf and water area shall be li~ited ~o 25 percent of landscaped areas for landscapes over 1000 square feet. The limit is intended to allow larger turfgrass areas in small oackyards typical of townhouse types of residential developments. This will reduce water needs and evaporation losses. If turf is ar essen~ial part of development, such as playing fields for schools, a higher percentage will be allowed. Long, narrow strips of turf grass sucr as traffic medians and between curbs and sidewalks are prohibited. S~rubs and/or groundcover other than turf will be used on all slopes exceeding 10 percent and in narrow planting strips uncer fou~ feet in width. Model homes shall demonstrate low water-using plarts and a maximum of 25 percent area. 2. Plants and turfgrass shall be selected whicr are best suited to the climate of the region and which require mini~al wa:er. See "Success List of Water Conserving Plants. Saratoga Horticultura" Society. June 1983." In add,tion to the allowable percentage for turf a~d water areas, up to five percent of the planting area can be usej for annual colors. Water intensive landscape elements should be confined tc areas of high visibility and to areas of high use. There should be specific reason for each plant selection, based on the plant's functio~ in the design. The areas of turfgrass and annual color may vary withi~ the total 30% allowed. 3. Landscape plans shall be designed to minimize main:enance and water waste. 4. The landscape plan should address functional, energy, environmental and aesthetic conditions specific to the site, as well as water conservation. By differentiating the site into watering zones, wcter can be used where it is most needed and extravagant use can be avoid~j in areas where it is little used or appreciated. 5. The designer shall submit calculations to de~onstrcte compliance with the guidelines.