Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by the City of McKinney for Approval of an Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A of Chapter 146 - Zoning Regulations by Adding Xeriscape Plants to the Approved Landscape Plant List
Summary
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2012
DEPARTMENT: Development Services/Engineering
CONTACT: Emily Braht, RLA, Landscape Architect / Arborist
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approval of the Ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
· This Ordinance amends Appendix A of Chapter 146 of the City of McKinney Code of Ordinances Zoning Regulations by adding Xeriscape plants to the approved landscape plant list.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· A Council work session was held on February 24, 2012 to discuss the median landscaping ordinance.
· The focus of the discussion was an amendment that would encourage a variety of plant materials in the medians of arterial roadways.
· During the work session Council directed staff to review the current list of approved plant materials and develop a recommendation to add appropriate Xeriscape plants to the list.
· Because of recurring drought conditions, the use of Xeriscape plants in our region is desirable. These plants require less water, resulting in a long-term benefit from the reduction in the amount of water used for irrigation.
· Council also asked staff to research a possible incentive for the use of the recommended Xeriscape plants.
· The lower demand for irrigation water is an inherent benefit resulting from the use of Xeriscape plants; therefore, Staff suggests educating developers and citizens as to the advantage of Xeriscape plants
· The use of these plants will then be monitored. In the event the plants are underutilized an appropriate incentive will be developed and forwarded to the Council for their consideration.
· The attached redline copies of the ordinances highlights the proposed changes.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· On March 27, 2012, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6 - 0 to recommend approval of Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A of Chapter 146 - Zoning Regulations by Adding Xeriscape Plants to the Approved Landscape Plant List.