How To Make A Garden Landscape More Water Efficient

Transcription

1 City of St. Petersburg Development Services Landscaping & Irrigation Requirements December 2002 Revision Common Questions... page 1 Landscaping & Irrigation Requirements... pages 2&3 Landscaping Specifications... page 4 Planting Digrams... page 5 Checklist & Contact Information... page 6 Maintenance & Protection... page 7 Water Efficient Landscaping Tips... page 8

2 COMMON QUESTIONS Introduction The Landscaping, Irrigation, Vegetation Maintenance and Tree and Mangrove Protection Ordinance (City Code Chapter 16, Article 15 of the Land Development Code) was adopted by the City Council in March, The new article combines, consolidates and updates current vegetation regulations in order to provide qualitative standards and increase landscape design flexibility. The new article is organized into six divisions: Division 1: Definitions Division 2: Landscaping & Irrigation Requirements Division 3: Maintenance of Trees and Vegetation Division 4: Lot Clearing Division 5: Tree and Mangrove Protection Division 6: Preservation Areas The purpose of this information packet is to provide basic information about landscaping and irrigation requirements. What Are Water Efficient Landscape Regulations? Water efficient landscape regulations are designed to foster a responsible and judicious use of our water resources by preserving natural vegetation, requiring appropriate plant materials, removing invasive species, reducing impervious surface area, increasing the urban tree canopy, requiring appropriate maintenance and irrigation design. Why Require Water Efficient Landscaping? Water conservation is becoming an important part of Florida s overall water supply planning framework. Saltwater intrusion and pollutants threaten Florida s limited water resources, and increasing urbanization and periodic drought are placing greater demands on local water supplies. How Do I Benefit from Installing Water Efficient Landscaping? Water efficient landscaping requires less maintenance than traditional landscapes. By applying water efficient principles, you can reduce the amount of time and money spent on fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and irrigation. In addition to protecting your pocketbook, you re also protecting Florida s environment. Are New Residential Homes Exempt from the Minimum Landscape Regulations? No. The new regulations establish minimum standards for landscaping on single-family and duplex properties; however, residential uses of less than three dwelling units are exempt from the requirement to obtain a landscape permit. Which Projects Need to Meet the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations? Water efficient landscape regulations apply to all land uses that are developed after the effective date of the water efficient landscape regulations or that require the issuance of a permit for redevelopment. Redevelopment is any proposal which: requires review and approval by the Environmental Development Commission (EDC), Board of Adjustment (BOA) or Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA); requires additional parking; expands the gross floor area of an existing building or structure by more than fifteen percent; or, has a building permit value for interior and/or exterior alterations or additions equal to or exceeding the percentages shown in the following table: Total Redevelopment Cost as a % of Total Appraised Value Total Appraised Value of Land and Structure 50 percent Less than $50, percent $50,000 to $99, percent $100,000 to $149, percent $150,000 to $199, percent $200,000 to $249, percent $250,000 or more What Do I Do If the Water Efficient Landscape Regulations Apply to My Project? Landscape permits are necessary for all landscape installation and/or replacement required by the water efficient landscape regulations; therefore, landscape and irrigation plans should be submitted to the Construction Services Division along with necessary permit application materials. In all instances where a landscape permit is required, no construction permits will be issued until the landscape and irrigation plans are approved by the Development Review Services Division. The Governing Agencies Have Imposed Watering Restrictions. Am I Required to Meet Minimum Landscape Regulations? During emergency orders for water consumption, a certificate of occupancy may be granted where installation of all required landscape materials is not possible. If the City executes its authority to postpone the installation of vegetation, the developer shall provide a financial guarantee in an amount which is at least 110 percent of the actual cost of the work to be completed. The financial guarantee shall be in an acceptable form (letter of credit, bond, cash, cashier s check) and the developer shall provide an itemized cost breakdown of the proposed work to the City for approval.

3 LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS Required landscaping is as noted below and as depicted in the illustration on the following page. PERIMETER LANDSCAPING Green Yard Landscaping Green yards shall be provided for all yards abutting street rightsof-way. Green yards shall be landscaped as follows, unless superceded by allowable building setbacks: Site location and/or zoning CBD, CBD-1, CBD-2, CBD-3, CBD-4, UV-1 IP, IP-1, IB-P Parkway (P) zoning districts All other roadway frontages Required green yard for street rights-of-way, excluding alleys Interior Green Yard Landscaping For interior green yards, a minimum of one shade tree per 50 linear feet shall be provided. Understory trees may be substituted for shade trees on a one and one-half for one basis. The minimum width of interior green yards shall be five feet, unless the required side or rear yard (setback) is smaller, in which case the required green yard shall be the depth of the required side or rear yard (setback). Properties in zoning districts where there are no required yards (setbacks) are exempt from this requirement. BUILDING LANDSCAPING Required landscapting (per linear feet of property frontage) 5 feet One shade tree per 35 linear feet 20 feet on major streets, 10 feet on other streets 50 feet on major streets, 10 feet on other streets Three shade trees per 50 linear feet Five shade trees per 50 linear feet 10 feet Two shade trees per 50 linear feet Foundation Landscaping One foundation plant or shrub shall be required for every linear foot, and one understory tree shall be required for every 30 linear feet of the exterior building perimeter. No less than 50 percent of the total required materials shall be shrubs. The foundation plantings shall be required on all building sides except those facing an alley. Foundation plantings shall abut the building and be used or installed so as to screen mechanical equipment attached to or adjacent to the building, provide direction to and enhance entrances and provide visual breaks along monotonous building facades. VEHICULAR USE LANDSCAPING Interior Parking Lot Landscaping Interior parking lot landscaping shall be provided as follows: Required Square Footage of Landscape Area A minimum of 10 percent of the vehicle use area shall be dedicated to landscaping on lots in excess of 10 parking spaces. The vehicle use area includes all areas used for vehicular circulation, parking and display. Terminal Islands Each row of parking spaces shall be terminated by landscape islands which measure at least five feet in width by 18 feet in length to separate parking from adjacent drive aisles. One shade tree shall be required for every 150 square feet of interior islands, with a minimum of one shade tree required in any one island. Terminal islands shall be landscaped with shrubs or ground cover to provide 100 percent coverage within two years. Landscaping in terminal islands adjacent to parking spaces shall be setback a minimum of two feet behind the back of curb to provide for vehicle access. Interior Islands Interior islands shall be at least five feet in width by 18 feet in length. Interior islands less than five feet in width will not be credited towards the interior parking lot landscaping requirements. One shade tree shall be required for every 150 square feet of interior islands, with a minimum of one shade tree required in any one island. Divider Medians Landscaped divider medians may be used to meet interior landscape requirements and shall form a continuous strip between abutting rows of parking. One shade tree or two understory trees shall be required for every 30 linear feet of divider medians. Shrubs shall be planted to form a continuous hedge the full length of divider medians which separate parking areas from access drives. SUPPLEMENTARY LANDSCAPING Screening of Adjacent Residential Uses Where vehicle use areas abut residentially zoned property or a property used for single-family residential use, a five foot high masonry wall or solid fence finished on both exterior sides shall be installed. Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping One shade tree per 35 linear feet, and a continuous hedge comprised of shrubs planted not more than 30 inches on center shall be planted around the entire perimeter of the vehicular use area, except for those parts of the vehicle use area adjacent to buildings located on the subject site.

4 LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS Screening of Fences, Walls and/or Dumpster Enclosures The exterior of any opaque fence, wall or dumpster enclosure visible from the public rights-of-way shall be landscaped with one shrub for every four linear feet and one understory tree for every 25 linear feet. Screening of Mechanical Equipment Mechanical equipment such as backflow preventers, utility cabinets, air conditioners and other such features, shall be landscaped with a continuous hedge comprised of shrubs planted no more than 30 inches on center.

5 Shade Trees Shade trees shall be a minimum of ten feet in overall height and two inches diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) at the time of planting. Shade trees shall conform to the Grades and Standards for Florida No. 1 or better as given in the Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Part I (current edition) by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Consumer Services Division. Shade trees shall be selected from the following list: Willows, Salix caroliniana Oaks, Quercus spp. Pines, Pinus spp. Elms, Ulmus parvifolia Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis Maples, Acer spp. Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora Cypress-Bald, Taxodium distichum Palms (with a clear trunk of 10 to 12 feet may be substituted on a 3-for-1 basis) Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia Virginian Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua Hickory, Carya flondana glabra Understory Trees Understory trees shall be a minimum of eight feet in overall height and 1 ½ inches diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) at the time of planting. Understory trees shall conform to the Grades and Standards for Florida No. 1 or better as given in the Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Part I (current edition) by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Consumer Services Division. Understory trees shall be selected from the following list: Hollies, Ilex spp. Wax Myrtle, Myrica cerifera Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica Cedar-Red, Juniperus silicola Palm-Chinese Fan, Livistona chinesis Palm-Pindo, Butia capitata Palm-Pygmy Date, Phoenix roebelinii Palm-Windmill, Trachycarpus fortunei Foundation Plantings Foundation plantings shall be a minimum of one gallon nursery specifiction at the time of planting. Foundation plantings shall be selected from the following list: Asparagus Fern, Asparagus densiflorus Azalea, rhododendron hybrids Beach Sunflower, Helianthus debilis Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior Coontie, Zamia pumila Crinium Lily, Crinium asiaticum Day Lily, Hemerocallis spp. India Hawthorn, Rhaphiolepis india Jasmine, Trachelospermum spp. Juniper, Juniperus spp. Lantana, Lantana spp. Liriope, Liriope spp. Sea Oxeye Daisy, Borrichia frutescens Society Garlic, Tulbaghia violacea Wedelia, Wedelia trilobata LANDSCAPING SPECIFICATIONS The Landscaping and Irrigation Requirements table provided in this information packet makes specific reference to the following terms: shade trees, understory trees, shrubs and foundation plantings. This sheet identifies the landscape materials permitted for each term and describes the minimum size and installation requirements. Shrubs Shrubs shall be a minimum of 24 inches in height at the time of planting. Shrubs required to create a hedge shall be planted not more than 30 inches on center. Shrubs shall be selected from the following list: Azalea, rhododendron hybrids Boxwood Japanese, Buxus microphylla Hollies, Ilex spp. Juniper, Juniperus spp. Oleander, Nerium oleander Palmetto-Saw, Serenoa repens Palmetto-Scrub, Sabal etonia Photnia-Red Leaf, Photinia glabra Photinia-Red Tip, Photinia fraserii Pittosporum, Pittosporum spp. Podocarpus, Podocarpus spp. Privet, Ligustrum spp. Silverthorn, Elaeagnus pungens Viburnum, Viburnum spp. Exempt Trees Due to their status as exotic species or invasive species, the following tree species may be removed from private property without a permit and shall not be used to meet the vegetation required by this article: Acacia, Acacia spp. Australian Pine, Casuarina equisetfolia Avocado, Persea americana Brazilian Pepper, Schnius terebinthifolius Cherry Laurel, Prunus caroliniana Chinaberry, Melia azedarach Citrus, Orange, lemon, lime, kumquat, grapefruit Ear, Enterolobium cyclocarpum Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus spp. Ficus, Ficus spp. Italian Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens Jacaranda, Jacaranda acutifolia Jerusalem Thorn, Parkinsonia aculeata Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica Mango, Mangifera indica Monkey Puzzle, Araucaria spp. Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria excelsa Orchid, Bauhinia spp. Palms, except for: Palm-Cabbage Palm-Royal Sabal palmetto Poinciana, Poinciana spp. Punk, Melaleuca quinquenervia Silk Oak, Grevillia robusta Toog, Bischofia javanica Woman s Tongue, Albizia spp.

6 These tree planting/tree staking details are provided for your information and may be used where necessary. Typical Palm Planting/Staking Detail (not to scale) Alternative Tree Planting/ Staking Detail (not to scale) Typical Tree Planting/ Staking Detail (not to scale)

7 LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION PLAN CHECKLIST A landscape and irrigation plan should be submitted for review and approval by the Development Review Services Division for all uses required to secure a landscape permit. The landscape and irrigation plan should be drawn to scale and include the following: Location, type and size of all specimen trees. Specimen trees designated for preservation or removal should be identified accordingly; Location of all buildings, structures, signs, parking areas, drive aisles, light poles, dumpsters, walls, fences, mechanical equipment and other improvements proposed for the property; Location of all property lines with dimensions, overhead utility lines, easements and adjacent rights-of-way; Location of natural areas to remain undisturbed; Location, type and quantity of all proposed landscape materials; A plant listing table which indicates the quantity, type (scientific and common name), and specifications of proposed landscape materials; General notes including tree protection guidelines, mulch requirements, fertilization and installation instructions; Planting, staking and tree barricade details as needed. Location of irrigation zones, micro-irrigation zones and areas utilizing irrigation techniques other than micro-irrigation; General notes including sprinkler and control mechanisms and installation instructions. FOR MORE INFORMATION... For more information, contact the Development Review Services Division at (727) Copies of the adopted article are available at the City of St. Petersburg, Development Review Services Division; One Fourth Street North; St. Petersburg, FL, or / on the internet Pinellas County Cooperative Extension th Street North; Largo, FL (727) Southwest Florida Water Management District 2379 Broad Street; Brooksville, FL (800) Florida Native Plant Society PO Box ; Vero Beach, FL (561) Association of Florida Native Nurseries PO Box 434; Melrose, FL (877) Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association 1533 Park Center Drive; Orlando, FL (800) Florida Irrigation Society PO Box 1627; Goldenrod, FL (800) READING MATERIALS: Xeriscape Gardening: Water Conservation for the American Landscape, Connie Ellefson 1994 This hardcover book includes a comprehensive discussion of water efficient landscaping principles and lists of water efficient plants for each region of the United States. This book is available through the City of St. Petersburg Public Library System.

8 LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION Tree Pruning The primary purpose of pruning trees is to improve trunk and branch structure, remove or shorten low limbs for underclearance, thin the canopy to allow better air flow and to maintain health. Trees shall be trimmed or pruned in such a manner that does not alter their natural form, growth habit or character thus prohibiting improper pruning practices that result in unnatural shapes including circles, ovals, squares and other hard-edged, geometric patterns. Tree topping is an improper pruning practice that cuts the main leader and limbs, resulting in permanent damage to the tree. As a result, tree topping is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. Topped trees and trees destroyed by improper pruning shall be replaced with a tree of the same species measuring a minimum 3" diameter at breast height (d.b.h.). Additionally, the damaged tree(s) shall be replaced with a number of trees equivalent to the total inches d.b.h. Proper pruning may require the removal of up to thirty percent of the tree canopy from an individual tree. Under no circumstances shall more than thirty percent of the tree canopy from an individual tree be removed, unless it is dead. Although not required by the new article, the ANSI A-300 pruning standards are highly recommended and recognized as the industry s manual for proper pruning techniques. These standards prohibit topping and other improper pruning practices. Tree Barricades The protection of preserved trees during construction and the methods utilized to protect their root structure is critical to a preserved tree s long-term health and livability. Protective barriers shall be required around all trees marked for preservation. It shall be unlawful to place solvents, materials, construction machinery or temporary or permanent soil deposits within six feet or two-thirds of the drip line, whichever is greater. Where a change of elevation may raise or lower the ground level elevation at or within the drip line, a method to preserve the existing ground elevation within the drip line shall be utilized. These requirements are designed to prevent permanent damage caused by: Compaction. A majority of the tree s root structure is shallow and wide spreading, growing within the top three feet of the soil. Compaction destroys the delicate roots within the top six to ten inches of the surface. It also hardens the topsoil, making it more difficult for fragile roots to penetrate and disperse throughout the upper layers of soil. Compaction also impairs water percolation. Filling. A tree s root structure is delicate and requires very specific conditions of air and water for survival. Filling is the practice of surrounding the base of a tree with a load of topsoil, either as a landscape feature or temporary holding area during construction. Filling may actually suffocate the tree by blocking vital air and water resources. Stripping. Stripping is the opposite of filling and its effects are more immediately recognized. Stripping is the practice of scraping the topsoil from the surface. As a result, stripping destroys the delicate roots near the surface, creating open wounds and exposing the tree to infestation and disease. Topping is strictly prohibited Unnatural shapes and geometric patterns are strictly prohibited

9 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING TIPS Water efficient landscaping saves water and protects Florida s environment through reduced use of fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and irrigation. Water efficient landscaping requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping. These tips will help you select and arrange plants for your own water efficient landscape. Drought Tolerant Plants Drought tolerant plants are good water efficient choices. Most need very little water once they are established in the landscape. Many have fewer pest problems so they require much less time to maintain. Soil Analysis Florida soils are mostly sand and have very little ability to absorb or hold water. Adding organic matter to the soil improves water retention; however, due to Florida s high humidity and water temperature, organic matter breaks down rapidly, thus limiting the length of the soils effectiveness. As a result, it is important to research and select plant species that are adaptable to the existing soil condition. Efficient Irrigation Irrigation deserves as much planning as plant selection. Grouping plants into landscape zones maximizes irrigation efficiency. There are many low-volume irrigation systems, including drip, micro and bubble, which are more efficient than pop-up sprinkler heads. These types of irrigation systems enable water to be applied only to the root system with minimal evaporation. A rain sensor device should be included to avoid irrigation during periods of sufficient rainfall. Trees Many trees can be used in a water efficient landscape. When choosing a tree, consider its potential height, width and cold hardiness. Trees cool your yard by providing shade and they help reduce evaporation. For these reasons, trees shall be trimmed or pruned in such a manner so as to not alter their natural form, growth habit or character. Trees shall not be trimmed into unnatural shapes, including but not limited to circles, ovals and squares. Mulching A 3" layer of mulch will improve appearance, as well as, reduce weed growth, moderate soil temperatures, minimize erosion and help retain soil moisture. Plant Groupings Putting the right plant in the right spot is key to a successful water efficient landscape. Plants having similar irrigation and maintenance requirements should be grouped together into landscape zones. Grouping plants into landscape zones eliminates the need to water the entire landscape. Natural zones are those areas where plants survive on natural rainfall. Native plants have adapted to the wet and dry extremes of Florida climate and many can thrive in full sun with no irrigation. Some cultivated plants have also adapted to these conditions. Drought-tolerant zones are those areas where plants are both native and cultivated. They are able to survive extended periods without rainfall or supplemental irrigation. There will be brief periods when watering is necessary. Oasis zones require frequent irrigation. The total area of oasis zones should be limited in the final landscape design. Turf Areas Turf requires more water, fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides than other areas of a landscape. In water efficient landscaping, turf is limited and concentrated where it is most practical. Consider alternatives to turf such as attractive ground cover plantings. Adapted from information distributed by the Southwest Florida Water Management Distrist; 2379 Broad Street; Brooksville, Florida 34609

10 For more information, contact the Development Review Services Division at (727) Copies of the adopted article are available at the City of St. Petersburg, Development Review Services Division; One Fourth Street North; St. Petersburg, FL, or on the internet.