Description
The city is currently updating landscape standards to bolster requirements regarding native, pollinator supportive and water-wise vegetation. In addition to providing plant lists, which highlight plants that are low-water using, the new standards formalize hydrozone5 requirements for efficient irrigation.
Though the Development Codes are an important tool to require water efficient landscapes in new development and some redevelopment, ongoing compliance and maintenance with approved plans can be challenging.
5 According to the Westminster Landscaping Regulations, a Hydrozone “refers to areas within the landscape area defined by similar water needs to sustain healthy plants” (City of Westminster, 2004.).
Components
- Adopt new landscape standards through the Development Code that require, rather than encourage, water-wise and native plants, as well as pollinator-supportive species.
- Educate residents and businesses regarding the importance of following and using the landscape standards.
- Identify and request additional resources necessary to enforce new standards.