The city’s landscape code, which was amended after the adoption of Ordinance 10-25 (LDR Rewrite project), includes several provisions that are based upon the Florida-friendly landscape principles as developed by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). The Florida-friendly landscaping principles are based upon nine (9) components:
1. Right Plant, Right Place
2. Water Efficiently
3. Fertilize Appropriately
4. Mulch
5. Attract Wildlife
6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
7. Recycle
8. Prevent Stormwater Runoff
9. Protect the Waterfront
After the adoption of Ordinance 10-25, staff soon realized that more research may be warranted, in particular, to increase the emphasis on water conservation. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) recently declared a water shortage in south Florida, due to what is called a record-breaking dry season. Because of the lack of rain, the SFWMD issued general watering restrictions, which apply to homes, farms, nurseries, and golf courses located throughout Palm Beach County. Furthermore, the SFWMD predicts that many of its monitoring areas and data collection points will continue to experience moderate-to-severe drought conditions for the remainder of this dry season. Water shortage and water conservation represent extreme issues facing this region, warranting more proactive and responsible approaches to outdoor water use.
Staff is pleased to report that new regulations have been drafted, and they are set to be reviewed by the Planning and Development Board on June 28 and by the City Commission in July and August. The intent of these regulations is to foster a more sustainable outdoor environment on developed non-residential and multi-family residential sites, while taking into consideration feasibility and financial impacts upon the development community, landscape industry, businesses, and property owners. These new regulations would not apply to properties occupied by single family homes or duplexes.
1. Right Plant, Right Place
2. Water Efficiently
3. Fertilize Appropriately
4. Mulch
5. Attract Wildlife
6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
7. Recycle
8. Prevent Stormwater Runoff
9. Protect the Waterfront
After the adoption of Ordinance 10-25, staff soon realized that more research may be warranted, in particular, to increase the emphasis on water conservation. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) recently declared a water shortage in south Florida, due to what is called a record-breaking dry season. Because of the lack of rain, the SFWMD issued general watering restrictions, which apply to homes, farms, nurseries, and golf courses located throughout Palm Beach County. Furthermore, the SFWMD predicts that many of its monitoring areas and data collection points will continue to experience moderate-to-severe drought conditions for the remainder of this dry season. Water shortage and water conservation represent extreme issues facing this region, warranting more proactive and responsible approaches to outdoor water use.
Staff is pleased to report that new regulations have been drafted, and they are set to be reviewed by the Planning and Development Board on June 28 and by the City Commission in July and August. The intent of these regulations is to foster a more sustainable outdoor environment on developed non-residential and multi-family residential sites, while taking into consideration feasibility and financial impacts upon the development community, landscape industry, businesses, and property owners. These new regulations would not apply to properties occupied by single family homes or duplexes.
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