§ 114-32. Permit requirements for new development and redevelopment.

An approved landscape and irrigation plan shall be required prior to the issuance of any building, grading, or site permit.

(1)

General site planning and design.

a.

No more than 60 percent of the landscapable portion of a lot (up to a maximum of ½ acre) shall be irrigated via a permanent in-ground irrigation system.

b.

Turf used in common areas, not including medians, [is] planted with a drought tolerant turf with a rating of medium or high and in compliance with the principle of "right plant right place" as described in the most recent edition of the Florida-friendly landscaping guidelines. Information regarding Florida-friendly landscaping guidelines can be found by visiting the IFAS extension of the University of Florida.

c.

Site designs and landscape construction documents for new development and redevelopment shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Florida Statutes. All landscape and irrigation system designs shall be consistent with landscape irrigation and Florida-Friendly Design Standards, Dec. 2006, or the most recent version.

d.

The site plan shall consider natural drainage features to minimize runoff. The use of pervious surfaces and areas is strongly encouraged.

e.

Nonorganic materials including gravel, river rock, shell and similar materials shall not occupy more than 50 percent of the landscape surface area.

f.

Only turfgrass shall be used in drainage easements. Other landscaping including, but not limited to groundcovers, shrubs, trees, irrigation pipes, or other material is prohibited in drainage easements.

g.

For new development or redevelopment, the irrigation contractor shall submit "as-built" irrigation system construction documents to the city's building department prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy, with a copy delivered to the homeowner. This will help to prevent later damage from digging by utility workers or the homeowner and assist the owner with understanding the system design.

(2)

Nonresidential applicants (to include multi-family projects).

a.

If a development requires a site plan, a landscape irrigation system plan and landscaping plan shall be submitted with the site plan. The name of the owner/contractor or contractor shall be included in the site plan permit issued by the city.

b.

A valid site and/or building permit must be displayed at the site prior to commencement of work.

c.

Each landscape and landscape irrigation system plan shall include the following:

1.

Name, signature, address, and telephone number of the property owner, surveyor, or designer.

2.

North arrow and scale.

3.

All dimensions.

d.

The proposed landscape plan shall include the following information:

1.

All trees, natural features, manmade appurtenances and structures to be retained upon the site and all topographic changes.

2.

All proposed landscaping improvements and planting or landscaping areas identified. The grade, spacing, size and name of proposed landscape materials shall be listed on the plan.

3.

Comments regarding site preparation, tree preservation, methods of installation, and methods of maintenance shall be listed on the plan.

4.

Square footage of landscape beds and turf areas.

5.

Designate by common name and location the existing vegetation to be preserved and the new vegetation to be installed.

6.

Hydrozones.

7.

The landscape plans for new large-scale residential and commercial development and redevelopment shall be prepared by and bear the seal of a landscape architect and/or certified irrigation contractor. Existing homeowners or individual new homeowners are not required to have a landscape architect design their landscape plans but shall submit a proposed landscape plan of their own.

8.

Delineate the existing and proposed buildings, parking spaces, or other vehicular areas, access aisles, driveways, and similar features, plants, trees, and other obstacles.

9.

Include a tabulation clearly displaying the relevant statistical information necessary for the city to evaluate compliance with the provisions of this chapter. This includes gross acreage, area of preservation areas, number of trees to be planted or preserved, square footage of paved areas, and such other information as may be necessary.

e.

The proposed landscape irrigation system plan shall include the following information:

1.

Irrigation point(s) of connection and design capacity.

2.

Water source and service pressure at irrigation POCs.

3.

Water meter size.

4.

Reduced-pressure-principle backflow-prevention devices for each irrigation POC on potable water systems.

5.

Major components of the irrigation system, including all: pumps; filters; valves; pipe sizes and lengths; irrigation emitter specifications and spacing; controller model number and rain and/or soil moisture sensor location(s).

6.

Hydrozones.

7.

Irrigation zones.

8.

Sprinkler head type.

9.

Plant type.

10.

Location.

f.

If landscaping is conducted by a professional contractor and/or an automatic irrigation system is installed, the completed landscape installation shall be certified by a landscape design professional who meets the licensing and certification requirements of this article. Existing individual homeowners or individual new homeowners are not required to have the landscape installation certified. When the landscape installation is part of a larger site construction project, such as a new subdivision, then the certification is required before issuance of the certification of occupancy or its equivalent. The certification shall indicate that plants were installed as specified in the landscape design documents and in accordance with this article, that an irrigation audit has been performed, and that the audit confirmed that the system has been built and functions as designed.

(3)

Residential applicants (single-family homeowners).

a.

An irrigation permit shall be required by the utility department for all new and redeveloped single family residences. This permit is titled, "Application for Irrigation/Backflow Permit." Residential single-family owner-occupied landscape and landscape irrigation projects are not required to present a sealed landscape plan by a landscape architect or an irrigation plan stamped by a certified irrigation contractor. However, the project shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall meet the standards outlined herein.

b.

Individual, single-family residences that are not a part of a larger development or redevelopment are required to submit the following to the City:

1.

Site-grading plan.

2.

Landscape irrigation plan from their contractor.

3.

General landscaping plan indicating landscaped areas, the type of turf and plants to be installed, and any other features.

c.

City staff will be available to assist home owners implement Florida-friendly landscaping and/or provide landscaping recommendations.

d.

Small developers/contractors and owners/contractors shall be accountable for proper installation and compliance through the completion of the city's landscape irrigation system and landscape compliance self-certification checklist. The city may conduct inspections to ensure compliance with this code.

e.

Contractors employed to execute residential installations must provide property owners with a copy of the self-certification checklist, the list of plants installed on the site, and the landscape irrigation system plan.

f.

Issuance of a CO shall require a completed self-certification checklist be submitted to the city.

(Code 1988, § 12.5-27; Ord. No. 15-40, § II, 6-11-15)