HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 1/24/2023 - 7 - Memorandum From Katie Collins And Mariel Miller Re: January 10, 2023 Work Session Summary: Land Use Code Changes To Address Xeriscape And Soil Amendment
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
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: January 13, 2023
TO: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers
FROM: Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist
Mariel Miller, Water Conservation Manager
THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Kendall Minor, Utilities Executive Director
RE: January 10, 2023, Work Session Summary: Land Use Code Changes to Address
Xeriscape and Soil Amendment
Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Councilmembers Canonico, Pignataro, Gutowsky,
and Ohlson were present. Staff members present were Katie Collins, Mariel Miller, Danielle
Reimanis, Gretchen Stanford, Kathryne Marko and Jesse Schlam.
The purpose of this item was to seek Council feedback on four proposed code update
opportunities that support water-wise landscaping in Fort Collins. The four proposals presented
were:
1. Less turf in new development and redevelopment (three options)
2. Allow synthetic turf in some scenarios
3. Expand irrigation standards and residential equipment efficiency
4. Increase flexibility in soil amendment policy
Summary
Overall: Councilmembers expressed general support for proposals 1, 3, and 4. Councilmembers
were not in support of proposal 2.
All Councilmembers indicated support for a turf limit between 15 – 30% maximum of the
landscape area of new and redeveloped residential and commercial properties. Several
councilmembers request more exploration of turf minimums and maximums across all
property types.
All Councilmembers expressed significant concern for updating code to allow the
installation of synthetic turf in Fort Collins. Of most concern is the PFAS content of
synthetic turf material.
Council indicated support for an update to irrigation efficiency standards.
Councilmembers are in favor of proposed soil amendment code changes related to
smaller, more “micro” landscape changes and best practices. Council requests
additional evaluation of current inspection and enforcement processes, and of
opportunities for improvement on larger, more “macro” landscape changes (e.g. new
development).
Questions
How are front yards and recreation defined and identified?
DocuSign Envelope ID: BCEE1107-A102-4D38-9D06-D99E941B7CCE
How would larger, estate lots be evaluated and are there incentives to keep some area
more natural?
Would landscape standards override HOA rules?
Will properties irrigated with hose-end sprinklers be subject to the proposed watering
window?
How does the city enforce current soil amendment code?
Has Utilities considered adjusting the top tier water rate for those that use the most
water?
Can the Xeriscape Incentive Program be expanded to include other water districts?
What additional costs are associated with proposed landscape and irrigation standards?
Next Steps
Q1-Q3 2023: Continue internal/external outreach and engagement and identify,
communicate additional resource needs (i.e. budget, education campaigns)
Q2 2023: provide answers to the above questions via a memo to Council, which will
include detail on the following:
o cost impact analysis for landscape and irrigation proposals
o soil amendment program information and cost and resource analysis to scale up
soil amendment inspections
Q3 2023: Incorporate feedback and draft code updates for first reading, scheduled for
September 19, 2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: BCEE1107-A102-4D38-9D06-D99E941B7CCE