(A) Xeriscape principles. It is the intent of this chapter to assist the city in achieving water conservation through proper plant selection, installation and maintenance practices. The following Xeriscape principles serve as the primary means of achieving water conservation:
(1) Appropriate planning and design;
(2) Limiting turf areas to locations where it provides functional benefits;
(3) Efficient, low water use irrigation systems;
(4) The use of soil amendments to improve water holding capacity of the soil;
(5) The use of mulches to maintain soil moisture and reduce evaporation;
(6) Zoning of plant materials according to their microclimate needs and water requirements;
(7) The use of drought-tolerant plants from the Sunset Valley Recommended Plant List; and,
(8) Appropriate and timely maintenance.
(B) Site development standards. Creative site development concepts shall be used in order to promote resource conservation. These standards include:
(1) The preservation of existing native plant communities.
(2) The re-establishment of native plant communities.
(3) Limiting the amount of turf areas.
(4) Landscaped areas shall be configured to maximize the interconnectivity within the site to natural areas and landscaped areas adjacent to development. Small isolated islands of landscaping should be avoided except as required for screening along roadways and within parking lots.
(5) Landscape design shall enhance natural features, drainage ways and environmental resources.
(6) All landscape improvements shall be designed for mature landscapes and shall provide appropriate visibility for cars and pedestrians. Landscape design shall consider the view of store fronts and signage for vehicular access.
(7) The use of shade trees to reduce transpiration rates of lower story plant materials.
(8) Incorporate elements of gateway, path and destination into the design of landscapes. Gateways are entries that provide transitions from one space to another. Pathways are routes that lead to a destination. Destinations are focal points. The use of pervious paving materials is encouraged.
(9) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped in distinct hydro zones, shown on the landscaping plan.
(10) High hydro zones shall be separated from low and very low hydro zones by moderate hydro zones whenever possible.
(11) Planting strips less than ten feet wide shall be planted with low or very low water use plants.
(12) Decorative water features must use recirculated water and are subject to drought restrictions.
(13) Plants shall be selected to blend with native vegetation for projects that interface between urban areas and natural open spaces. Plants with low fuel volume and/or low flammability shall be emphasized.