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: March 27, 2012
DEPARTMENT: Development Services/Engineering
CONTACT: Emily Braht, RLA, Landscape Architect / Arborist
APPROVAL PROCESS: The recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be forwarded to the City Council for action at the April 17, 2012 meeting.
RECOMMENDED PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 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:
• N/A