A. Definitions:
XERISCAPE: | Is the process of landscaping, or gardening, that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. It is promoted in regions that do not have accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water and is gaining acceptance in other regions as access to irrigation water is becoming limited, though it is not limited to such climates. Xeriscaping may be an alternative to various types of traditional gardening. |
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT OR “LID”: | Storm water and land use management strategy that strives to mimic pre-development hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation, and transpiration by emphasizing conservation, use of onsite natural features, site planning, and distributed storm water management practices that integrated into a project design. |
B. All landscaping plantings for newly built or reconstructed residential and commercial sites shall comply with the city's updated landscape plan with applying Xeriscape low irrigating and LID methods where applicable and be maintained in a healthy and attractive way.
C. The following may also be used as landscaping when they are combined with installed living plant material:
1. Water features (e.g., fountains, falls and streams) and sculptures.
2. Paving materials (i.e., bricks, pavers, flagstones, textured concrete) used to create a useful open space, add color or texture to the design, and create visual interest provided that such materials in the front yard setback are used only as trim or edging and not used as patios, sports surfaces, or areas where vehicles can be parked.
3. Properties shall consist of a balance of living and nonliving landscape that do not violate any other federal, state, or municipal statute, ordinance or law.
4. Xeriscape preparation and methods includes using rocks, gravel, mulches, or wood chips solely or as ground covers.
a. Appropriate planning and design;
b. Limiting turf to locations where it provides functional benefits;
c. Efficient irrigation systems;
d. Use of soil amendments and mulches to improve water holding capacities;
e. Use of drought tolerant plants;
f. Decorative hardscape; and
g. Appropriate and timely maintenance.
h. Properties shall comply with the fencing and setback requirement of all Plain City ordinances.
D. Xeriscape materials shall be contained so as not to spill into the public right of way. (Ord. 2017-05, 2-16-2017, eff. 2-16-2017; amd. Ord. 2022-12, 11-3-2022, eff. 11-3-2022)