HomeMy WebLinkAbout125 - 10/04/2011 - AMENDING ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING RESOURCE CONSERVATION ORDINANCE NO. 125, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
REGARDING RESOURCE CONSERVATION
WHEREAS, on this same date, the City Council has adopted on First Reading, Ordinance
No. 124, 2011, which amends Chapter 20, Article IV of the City Code pertaining to weeds, grass
and rubbish; and
WHEREAS,the effect of these amendments is to allow water-wise turfgrass,including Blue
Grama and Buffalograss, to exceed the six inch height limit contained in City Code Section 20-42;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has recommended that Section 12-120 of the City Code also be
amended to include these water-wise turfgrasses as part of the Xeriscape landscaping definition,
thereby prohibiting homeowner associations from restricting the use of these grasses; and
WHEREAS,in addition,staff has developed an updated and improved definition of the term
Xeriscape landscaping and has recommended that Section 12-120 be amended to reflect this
improved language.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the definition of"Xeriscape landscaping" contained in Section 12-120 of the Code
of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows:
Xeriscape landscaping shall mean landscaping planned, designed, installed and
maintained so as to create a landscape that is sustainable in Colorado's semi-arid
climate, based on seven basic principles:
(1) Preparation of aplan identifying major elements of the landscape,including
structures and plantings and characteristics influencing water requirements;
(2) Soil improvements appropriate to optimize absorption and release of water
for plantings given the soils present;
(3) Use of efficient watering systems and practices to supplement water
'naturally supplied to plantings, as appropriate;
(4) Grouping plants with similar light and water requirements together in an
area that matches these requirements;
(5) Use of appropriate mulches to keep plant roots cool, prevent soil from
crusting, minimize evaporation and reduce weed growth;
(6) Limiting the use of turf and plantings with high water requirements, with
consideration of visibility and functional needs, and incorporating water-
efficient alternative species, specifically including, but not limited to,
water-wise turfgrasses, as defined in Section 20-41;
(7) Providing appropriate water, pruning and fertilization, pest control and
other maintenance to preserve the sustainability and health of the landscape.
Xeriscape landscaping shall not include artificial turf or plants; mulched
(including gravel)beds or areas without landscape plant'material;paving of areas not
required for walkways, patios, or plazas or parking areas; bare ground; or weed-
covered or weed-infested surfaces.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 20th,day of
September,A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 4th day of October, A.D. 2011.
4OR' C
OF•.,......,,O��i2N M yor
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk aCOLOW
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 4th day of October, A.D. 2011.
G�TY OF pO� M or
ATTEST: ;•' .,
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Chief Deputy City Clerk � ••