Title 17C Land Use Standards
Chapter 17C.200 Landscaping and Screening
Section 17C.200.110 Water Conservation Measures
Landscape areas that are irrigated should be designed so that plants are grouped according to distinct hydrozones for irrigation of plants with similar water needs at good efficiency.
Newly landscaped areas should have soils be amended with either four (4) inches of appropriate organic material with the first two-inch layer tilled into existing soils, or as called for in a soil amendment plan for the landscape prepared by a state registered landscape architect or a professional agronomist.
Newly landscaped areas, except turf, should be covered and maintained with at least two (2) inches of organic mulch to minimize evaporation.
Irrigated turf strips that are less than five (5) feet in width are discouraged.
Irrigated turf on slopes with finished grades in excess of thirty-three percent (33%) is discouraged.
Retention of existing trees and associated understory vegetation is encouraged to reduce impacts to the stormwater system and to reduce water use. To provide an incentive for new development to retain existing trees and associated plantings, property owners proposing new development may apply for a credit against their future utility charges as provided in Chapter 13.14, SMC.
Date Passed: Monday, December 2, 2019
Effective Date: Monday, January 20, 2020
ORD C35844 Section 6
