HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-10/10/2023-Work Session
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 1, 2023
To: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Kendall Minor, Utilities Executive Director
Dean Klingner, Community Services Director
From: Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist
Kendra Boot, City Forester
Kathryne Marko, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager
Subject: October 10, 2023, Work Session Summary: Council Priorities for Landscape Standard
Improvements including Xeriscape, Soil Amendments, and Trees
The purpose of this memo is to summarize discussions during the October 10, 2023 Work Session. All
Councilmembers were present. Staff members present were Katie Collins, Mariel Miller, Kendra Boot,
Mike Calhoon, Kathryne Marko and Jill Oropeza.
Staff presented key proposed program improvements, anticipated resource needs, and path forward for
three council priorities related to xeriscape, soil, and trees.
Bottom line:
x General support for the intent to increase protection and mitigation for trees; updated landscapes
standards for commercial and multi-family development; soil inspection program; education and
outreach for all landscape and irrigation efficiency efforts.
x While supportive of the goals of preserving mature tree canopy, shared concerns related to
competing values and tradeoffs associated with cost, specifically small business and infill
projects. Staff will be doing more work to present options that try to balance these tradeoffs.
x There was not support to continue with single-family xeriscape requirements at this time.
Councilmembers requested that staff continue to work on topics into the future, such as
parkways, incentivizing conservation-oriented development, collaboration with other water
providers, and the Urban Forest Strategic Plan that is scheduled for work session in Q1 2024.
Feedback:
x Prefer voluntary action city-wide through education and outreach related to irrigation scheduling
rather than enforcement of a daytime watering restriction.
x On landscape standards for single-unit front yards, focus on making xeriscape the easy choice
through voluntary action. Evaluate how to incentivize, remove barriers, and improve cost
effectiveness.
x Review and adjust as appropriate tree mitigation for impacts to small businesses, greenfield vs
infill differences, and voluntary trees species – especially those that are high water consuming
and/or invasive.
Next steps:
x Staff will schedule a hearing in Q1 2024 for code changes necessary for the soil amendments
and commercial/multifamily landscape requirements. A supporting staffing appropriation will also
be presented at that time.
x Staff will work with leadership and Leadership Planning Team to determine next action steps
(such as a potential work session) and associated timeframes related to trees including
commercial/multifamily mitigation requirements, Russian-olives, etc.
x Utilities will provide a memo to Council related to xeriscape, water and water conservation with
information on estimated water savings, including acre-foot units, and water portfolio information.
x During the work session, staff showed a presentation with formatting that differed from the copy
of the presentation included in the council packet. Staff also acknowledged an error on the
Xeriscape Standards – Cost Comparison table. A revised presentation with all changes noted is
attached.
Attachment:
Updated Presentation: Landscape Standards_Council Work Session_Updated.pdf
Cc
Mariel Miller, Water Conservation Manager
John Phelan, Acting Deputy Director, Customer Connections
Mike Calhoon, Director of Parks
Jason Graham, Director of Water Utilities
Jill Oropeza, Senior Director of Integrated Sciences and Planning
Heather Jarvis, Assistant City Attorney
Eric Potyondy, Assistant City Attorney
Headline Copy Goes Here
10-10-2023
Kathryne Marko, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager, Utilities
Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist, Utilities
Kendra Boot, City Forester, Forestry Division
Landscape Standards –Soil,
Xeriscape and Trees
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereBrief Topic Overview
Staff have partnered to draft codes that align across soil,
xeriscape and tree priority areas:
• City Council Priorities (#s 14, 19, and 28)
•Municipal Code, Chapters 12 and 26
•Land Use Code 3.2.1 and 3.8.21
•Landscaping and Tree Protection
Council Priority 14
Effective soil amendment
policies and compliance
(water usage)
Council Priority 19
Xeriscape –increase
rebates and education, less
green lawns with new
development
Council Priority 28
Improve tree policies
Benefits of Landscapes Benefits of Landscape Codes
•Reduce air temperature/
heat island effect
•Stormwater quality
•Reduce runoff
•Better air quality
•Wildlife habitat
•Recreation
•Visual Appeal
•Landscapes built “smart
from the start”
•Better prepared for future
needs or changes
•Reduced frequency of low
to no benefit landscapes
2
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereBrief Topic Overview
3
Status Update
•Key Improvements
•Additional Considerations
•Resource Needs
•Themes from Engagement
•Timeline
•Next Phases
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereQuestions for Council Discussion
Specific to Xeriscape and Irrigation
1. What feedback or questions does Council have on applying landscape and irrigation standards to single-unit
dwelling front yards?
2. On daytime watering restrictions, what feedback or questions does Council have regarding:
a. application to all water districts within city limits?
b. staff continuing conversations with raw water users and providers?
General feedback for all sections
3. What feedback or questions does Council have on the proposed path forward?
4
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereTrees
Land Use Code 3.2.1
•Improved mitigation standards incentivizing tree preservation
•Creation of separate street tree escrow and timeframe for tree
replacement responsibility
•Specified repercussions for tree damage or healthy tree
removal violations
•Improved tree diversity requirements
•Improved tree protection during construction
Resources and Impacts
•2 FTE Zoning Landscape Inspectors funded, hired one in 2023
and another in 2024
•Increase in tree mitigation requirements
Proposed Implementation - January 1, 2024
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes Here
Species Size (Diameter
at Breast Height)Tree Condition Current Mitigation Standard
Proposed Mitigation
Standard
Honeylocust 20" Fair 3 trees = $1500 $8,404
Honeylocust 17" Fair 3 =1500 $6,072
Boxelder 6" Fair 1 = 500 $1,500
Boxelder 8" Fair .5 = 250 $2,000
Boxelder 12" Fair 1.5 = 750 $3,000
Siberian Elm 18" Fair minus 1.5 = 750 $2,778
Siberian Elm 5" Fair minus 0 0
Siberian Elm 6" Fair minus 0 0
Siberian Elm 16" Fair minus 1.5 = 750 $2,195
Boxelder 10" Fair 1 = 500 $2,500
Honeylocust 26" Fair 3.5 = 1750 $14,204
Rocky Mountain Juniper 18" Fair 2.5 = 1250 $5,189
Rocky Mountain Juniper 20" Fair 2.5 = 1250 $6,406
Ponderosa Pine 20" Fair minus 2 = 1000 $8,516
Ponderosa Pine 20" Fair minus 2 = 1000 $8,516
Ponderosa Pine 24" Fair minus 2.5 = 1250 $12,263
Ponderosa Pine 19" Fair minus 2 = 1000 $7,685
Siberian Elm 11" Fair minus 1 = 500 $750
31 trees = $15,500 $90,978
Trees –Mitigation Standard Comparison
6
SampleProject: Kum & Go Prospect and Lemay
~$63,000 savings
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereSoils
7
Municipal Code, Chapter 12
•Define standards for soil compaction and soil quality
•Clearly define thresholds for applicability
•Residential seeking Certificate of Occupancy and
> 1000 sf where plant materials will be installed
•Non-residential requiring development review and
> 1000 sf where plant materials will be installed
•Remove barriers for considering existing soil and/or plant type
Program-related
•Implement comprehensive field inspection program for all sites
Proposed Implementation - January 1, 2025
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape and Irrigation
8
Proposed changes to Land Use Code 3.2.1
•30% of landscape can be irrigated turf
•Front yards up to 1,000 sf
•Commercial up to 10,000 sf
•Artificial turf restriction with limited exceptions
•50% living plant coverage on the surface of landscaped areas
•Irrigation equipment and design standards for front yards
•Dedicated irrigation to trees
Proposed change to Municipal Code Sec. [12-123]
•Limit overhead irrigation of landscaping and turf between 10
a.m. and 6 p.m.
Program-related
•Continue to promote programs and provide education
Proposed Implementation - January 1, 2025
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereSoil and Xeriscape - Resources per Proposal
9
Proposal # FTE Description of Role Ongoing Cost One-time Cost
Soil Inspection Program 1 Review plans and perform site inspections
for sites required to meet soil standards.$93,300 $3,000
Daytime Watering Restriction 0.5 Enforcement $53,760 $3,000
Landscape Standards,
non-single-unit residential 1 Review landscape and irrigation plans and
perform inspections.$98,960 $1,500
Landscape Standards,
single-unit residential 1 Review landscape and irrigation plans and
perform inspections.$87,334 $38,000
Landscape Education Programming 1 Develop landscape resources; education
and outreach $105,871 $1,500
Total 4.5 $439,225 $47,000
100% General Fund assuming applicability throughout city limits and fully implemented inspections.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes Here
Daytime Watering Limit
For Raw Water?
›Maximizes benefits of water
efficiency
›City overreach?
›Impact on functionality
›Impact to delivery window?
Xeriscape Standards
For Single-Unit Dwellings?
›Built “smart from the start”
›Reduces water demand
›Front yards only
›Best supported with education
›New processes and additional
staff
›Development fees don’t match
landscape type
Additional Details
Daytime Watering Limit
In City Limits?
›Utilities service area vs. all
treated water
›City staff responsible to
enforce
10
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
11
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
The total costs on the presentation submitted
with the council packet were incorrect, but did
not impact the 20 year cost difference. The
background slide is the corrected vesrion, the
orignal costs were:
$23,633
$28,569
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
12
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
13
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
14
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
15
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereXeriscape Standards –Cost Comparison
16
Property, Landscape
Type
Total Landscape Area
(% high-water grass)
Design &
Install. cost
Estimated
Water
Supply Req.*
20-year cost to
irrigate**Total
Water-wise
cost
difference
over 20 years
Commercial, typical 26,000
(80%)$110,000 $82,530 $68,067 $260,597
- $15,536
Commercial, water-wise 26,000
(30%)$140,000 $51,975 $53,086 $245,061
Res. front yard, typical 900
(70%)$6,500 $21,168 $5,287 $32,955
+ $4,936
Res. front yard, water-wise 900
(30%)$12,000 $21,168 $4,723 $37,891
* Fort Collins Utilities 2023 Rates. Residential estimates based on 4-bedroom house on 7,300 sf lot with 5,200 sf outdoor area.Commercial
assumes irrigation-only tap.
** Based on Fort Collins Utilities 10-year rates forecast. Residential water bill estimate is for front yard only with ¾” tap. I ndoor and
remaining outdoor water use estimates are not included in 20-year cost to irrigate. Commercial water bill estimate is based on 1-1/2”
irrigation-only tap.
$464 savings
over 20 years
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes Here
Support for:
•General direction
•Importance of education and outreach
•Applicability citywide
•Importance of simple, predictable processes for
implementation
Concerns about:
•Impact to costs, affordability
•Funding sources for additional staff and
processes
•Applicability for single-unit houses
•Consideration of uniquepublic sites
such as parks, downtown core
•Allowing turfgrass in parkways
•Artificial turf – what’s the alternative?
Public, Community Partners, Boards and Commissions expressed
Themes of Engagement
17
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes Here
18
Timeline
1 2
4 3
5 6
RESEARCH &
OUTREACH
CODE
DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTION
ADOPTION &
APPROPRIATION IMPLEMENTATION
First Reading of Code
Ordinance for Trees
Nov. 21, 2023
First Reading of Ordinances for
Xeriscape and Soils -
Code and Appropriation
Jan. 2024
Trees - 2024
Xeriscape and Soils - 2025
Work Session
Oct. 10, 2023
ONGOING
7
Pursue
additional
project phases
Fall 2021
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes Here
19
Next Phases
Assessment of
Compliance with Local
Environmental Policy
(Q1 2024)
•Alignment of related
permitting, inspection
and enforcement
efforts
•Where would
additional resources
provide the most
benefit
In Progress
Urban Forest Strategic
Plan (Q2 2024)
•Heritage Tree
Program
•Tree preservation and
protection on single-
unit properties
Water Efficiency Plan
(Q4 2024)
•Goalsetting for water
efficiency
•Effective strategies to
meet goals
•Turfgrass in parkways
•Unique public areas -
such as parks, and
downtown core
•Raw water
opportunities
•Single-unit
development fees
In Progress In Progress Future Exploration
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Headline Copy Goes HereQuestions for Council Discussion
Specific to Xeriscape and Irrigation
1. What feedback or questions does Council have on applying landscape and irrigation standards to single-unit
dwelling front yards?
2. On daytime watering restrictions, what feedback or questions does Council have regarding:
a. application to all water districts within city limits?
b. staff continuing conversations with raw water users and providers?
General feedback for all sections
3. What feedback or questions does Council have on the proposed path forward?
20
DocuSign Envelope ID: F0FF1B19-4A21-4F0D-BED9-B525AAC0B4B1
Planning, Development and Transportation
Community Development and
Neighborhood Services
281 N. College Avenue
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 17, 2023
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Travis Storin, Chief Financial Officer
Caryn Champine, Director, Planning, Development & Transportation
Paul Sizemore, Director, Community Development & Neighborhood Services
Clay Frickey, Planning Manager
From: Megan Keith, Senior Planner
Sylvia Tatman-Burruss, Senior Policy and Project Manager
Subject: October 10, 2023, Work Session Summary: East Mulberry Plan
The purpose of this memo is to document the summary of discussion during the October 10 th Work
Session. At the October 10th City Council Work Session, staff provided background and an overv iew of
the contents within the updated draft East Mulberry Plan. Staff presenters included Megan Keith and
Sylvia Tatman-Burruss. All Councilmembers were present.
Summary of Discussion
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the thresholds approach and the example
threshold that was shared.
Councilmembers asked about road maintenance and the process of inheriting roads previously
developed within or maintained by Larimer County. This conversation also touched on setting
expectations for the community surrounding road maintenance and improvement.
There was dialogue about what the benefits could be for businesses and residents within the East
Mulberry Enclave upon future potential annexation.
Councilmembers also asked clarifying questions about funding sources and financial impacts of a full
annexation. There was subsequent dialogue about how under a thresholds approach, these decisions
and financial impacts can be considered annexation-by-annexation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A284559-C7CD-4145-97D7-404EAEA4B7C3
The conversation also focused on the application of flexibility in the development review pr ocess for
changes of use and other more minor development review processes within the East Mulberry
Enclave and other parts of Fort Collins.
Next Steps
Staff will return for First Reading of the draft East Mulberry Plan on November 21.
Staff Follow-Up on Council Questions
Staff will follow up regarding development review standards and street maintenance information via
memo prior to first reading.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A284559-C7CD-4145-97D7-404EAEA4B7C3