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Landscape Requirements
- No more than 50% of the green space area or 0.5 acre, whichever is smaller, may be planted with a lawn grass that has a rating of low drought tolerance (i.e. St. Augustine grasses).
- Medians, open spaces and retention areas must use drought tolerant grasses with a rating of medium or better (i.e. Bahia grass).
- Plant selection must be based on the plant's adaptability to the existing conditions at the site.
- Appropriate hardiness zone, soil type, moisture conditions, exposure to sun, and the mature plant size must be considered.
- The landscape must be installed a minimum of 2.5 feet from the foundation.
- Turf and non-turf areas are to be designed to be distinctly separate when irrigation is used.
- Plants must be selected based upon Florida Friendly landscape concepts outlined in the UF/IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook (PDF) and published in the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Plant List (PDF) (current addition). Trees and plants other than those listed in the Florida Friendly Plant List must be approved by the City.
- Root barriers with a minimum depth of 36 inches must be installed when canopy trees are planted within 5 feet from utilities, walls, sidewalks and any other structure as determined by the city.
- Single-family residential developments are required to submit a self-certification checklist and a list of plants installed on the site to the City upon completion of the installation. A copy of the checklist and plant list must also be provided to the property owner. A random number of inspections by the City may be conducted.
- A valid permit must be obtained from the City prior to installation, expansion, or modification for all development except for individual single-family residential homes.
- Prior to the issuance of a permit for construction of a new non-residential building, common area, or the substantial alteration of a non-residential building or site, a landscape plan (when required) shall be submitted and approved by the City.