(A) Landscape design standards.
(1) Plant selection.
(a) Plants shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions at the project site. Both native and locally adapted plants are acceptable. Plants with similar water needs should be grouped together as much as possible.
(b) Areas with slopes greater than 33% shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water- conserving plants for erosion control and soil stabilization.
(c) Park strips and other landscaped areas less than eight feet wide shall not be landscaped with turf and shall be maintained free of weeds. Hardscape is permitted provided it does not interfere with the park strip’s ability to capture storm water.
(d) Turf area shall not exceed 35% of the combined front and interior side yard landscaped areas of the lot or parcel or 250 square feet, whichever is greater.
(e) Please visit weberbasin.com for a list of recommended water-conserving plants (not a comprehensive list).
(2) Mulch. After completion of all planting, all irrigated non-turf areas and all non-irrigated park strip areas shall be covered with a minimum three-inch layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth and moderate soil temperature. Non-porous material shall not be placed under the mulch.
(B) Homebuilders and developers.
(1) Homebuilders and developers subdividing lots and/or constructing new single-family residential homes within a planned development with common ownership and maintenance of landscaped areas shall comply with all of the water efficient landscaping and irrigation standards of this subchapter, and provide water efficient designs, such as the Localscapes® design style, to prospective home buyers.
(2) Any model home shall meet the water-efficient landscaping standards of this chapter and provide an informational brochure on water-efficient landscaping. Brochures can be obtained from the city’s Planning Division.
(Ord. 13-2022, passed 7-6-2022)