Page 11 - Efficient Irrigation and Landscape Design Standards

The following items could be added or incorporated into landscape plan requirements in order to encourage water efficient landscape design, installation and maintenance practices. These have been adapted from codes and ordinances throughout the Pacific Northwest and arid regions of the western United States.
1. Landscape Design Plans shall be designed by
a licensed Landscape Architect or landscape contractor, or a Certified Master Gardener. Provide the name, address and phone number of preparer, license number, and expiration date.
2. The landscape plan submitted to the [agency] shall be drawn on the same base map as the development plans and shall identify the following:
» Indicate existing and proposed topographic lines and elevations, 100 year floodplain line and riparian or shoreline habitats.
» The total square footage for each of the following: the site, impervious areas, gross parking area, undisturbed landscape areas, landscaping required, and landscaping provided.
» Total square footage for each landscaped area separated by service meter. For example: if there are multiple landscape meters, the area served by each meter must be measured (in square feet) and the % of total site determined for each area.
» Designation of planting hydrozones.
» A calculation of the estimated applied irrigation
water to establish the landscape.
» A calculation of the estimated applied irrigation water for the landscape at maturity.
» Graphically show the extent of disturbed/graded areas and all materials and elements provided for the revegetation and/or slope stabilization of these areas.
3. A plant list and legend, indicating the scientific (botanical) and common name and total quantity of each plant, planting size, location and symbol, hydrozone/water need.
4. Specifications and/or details for plant installation, soil preparation, and mulch.
5. When grading plans or a combination paving/ grading plan is required, the landscaping plans must be submitted concurrently with the first submittal of the grading plans.
6. The proposed landscape plan shall be certified by a state licensed landscape architect.
» An affidavit signed by the individual specified in subsection 1. of this section, certifying that the landscaping has been installed in compliance with the approved landscaping plan, shall be submitted to the [agency] within thirty days of installation completion, unless the installed landscaping has been inspected and accepted by the [agency].
7. A design concept statement, plan notes or sketches that contain:
» Plant selection. Plant materials with intrusive root systems cannot be placed within drainage basins with engineered bottoms.
» Irrigation. Groundwater and stormwater runoff detention and use; temporary or permanent systems.
» Site grading and how it benefits landscaping. Where applicable, specifications for stockpiling and reapplying site topsoil or imported topsoil.
» Use of groundcover or mulch (both organic and inorganic).
» Use or disposal of existing, on-site vegetation.
» Address maintenance requirements. Specifically describe the maintenance and include a statement assuring the continued maintenance program
of the required landscaping and assigning the responsibility of the maintenance to the property owner or agent, a homeowners’ association or other liable entity.
EFFICIENT IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS 11