Hillsborough 24-0343 LDC Amendment Instructions

Hillsborough 24-0343 LDC Amendment Instructions

Irrigation Plan and Installation Attestation by Consultants

INTENT STATEMENT

This proposed amendment to the Land Development Code (LDC) aims to reduce duplication irrigation designs by eliminating the need for developers to submit an irrigation plan for review during the site and subdivision application process.

Currently, all commercial and subdivision developments in unincorporated Hillsborough County are required to submit a signed and sealed irrigation plan for review. These plans are created to ensure that the plant material is appropriately irrigated, promoting its survival. While the County has minimum landscape requirements, most developers choose to exceed these requirements by planting additional vegetation. As a result, applicants generate an irrigation plan for the County that only addresses the required landscapingand then create an additional irrigation plan for all the installed vegetation. This process incurs additional costs for the applicant and requires the County to review unnecessary plans.

This Text Amendment will eliminate the requirement for applicants to submit an irrigation plan, increasing review efficiency and reducing duplicate efforts when designing the irrigation system. Instead, the amendment will require that the irrigation design meets the LDC design criteria, attested to by a Florida state-licensed professional. Additionally, a Florida state-licensed professional must sign an attestation certifying that the irrigation system has been installed per the LDC design criteria.

LDC 24-0343| Division Director Sign-off|
Brian Gradyn Feb 19 2024 12:57:40
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A : Plant Species

1. Plant species shall be appropriate for their designated use and
2. Using the concept of a “Florida Friendly Landscape” or Xeriscape®, a landscape plan shall be submitted identifying all existing vegetation to be preserved, proposed turf areas and other landscape Installed trees and plants should be grouped together into landscape plant zones according to water and cultural (soil, climate and light) requirements. Plant groupings based on water requirements are as follows: natural, drought tolerant and oasis. Informationabout xeriscape landscaping and the selection of appropriate plant species can be obtained from the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service.
3. A minimum of 50 percent of the requiredtrees shall be native species, or hybrids or cultivars of native
4. A minimum variety of tree speciesshall be providedas indicated below. Each species shall comprise a minimum of ten percent of the total number of trees
5. YTUJHG
   Total No. of Trees| Minimum No. of Species
   ---|---
   10—19| 2
   20—29| 3
   30—over| 4
6. To avoid a power line conflict, vegetation that exceeds 25 feet in height at maturity shall not be planted closer than 30 feet of the vertical plane of an existing power line, excluding service The Administrator may grant an exemption to this requirement upon the applicant’s ability to demonstrate the canopy growth structure of a proposedspecies will not create conflict with an existing power line. Consultation with the local utility representative should occur for assistance on selecting suitable vegetative species.
7. Non-living groundcover, suchas rocks, gravel, and mulch, may be used in combinationwith living plant The use of artificial plants shall not be permitted to meet any of the landscaping requirements.
8. Minimum Number of Trees

A minimum number of trees shall be requiredbasedon development type and area. Credit shall be given for existing trees as specified in 6.06.03 C. The minimum number of trees shall be as shown below, unless a greater number of trees is required to meet the screening requirements of 6.06.06 C or the off- street vehicularuse area landscaping requirements of 6.06.04. On a single- family or two-family residential lot, a minimum of 50 percent of the requiredtrees shall be shade trees. The Administrator shall provide a list of suggested shade trees.

• This requirement applies only to subdivision lots which also have a street tree planting requirement** u/a = units per acre* ga = gross acre
  C :** Credit

  1. Trees.
     a : When trees are required to meet the landscaping requirements, credit for the use of existing
     trees shall be given according to tree size as provided in the following table: Crown Spread (feet)| | DBH (inches)| No. of Tree Credits
     ---|---|---|---
     90 or greater| or| 35 or greater| 7
     60—89| or| 30—34| 6
     50—59| or| 25—29| 5
     40—49| or| 20—24| 4
     30—39| or| 15—19| 3
     20—29| or| 10—14| 2
     5—19| or| 1—9| 1

b : To receive credit for the preservation of an existing tree, the following requirements must be met:

1. The developershall comply with the requirements of the Natural Resources Regulations pertaining to tree protection;
2. The tree shall not be irreparably damaged from skinning, debarking, or the like;
3. The tree shall be freeof activedisease or insect infestation potentially lethal to the tree;
4. The tree shall meet the landscaping requirements for location and the minimum quality; and
5. No credit shall be given for trees within natural areas to be
6. No credit shall be given for exempted trees, as defined in this  

c : If, any time within one year after all associated land alteration and construction activities are completed, a tree for which credit was given is dead or irreparably damaged or unhealthy as a result of these activities, then it shall be removedand replaced by the current property

2. Other Vegetation. Instances where existing vegetation other than trees is retained as part of a site’s development, credit shall be allowed for this plant material when such an adjustment is in keeping with the intent of these

D: Landscaping Material
The following plant material standards shall be considered the minimum requirements for complying with the Landscaping Regulations, unless specified differently elsewhere in these regulations.

1. Plant material shall conform to the standards for Grade #1 or better as given in the latest “Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Parts I and II,” Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or to the standards as given in the latest “American Standard for Nursery Stock,” American National Standards Institute.
2. All landscaping shall be installed according to sound nursery practices. Plants grown in containers prior to installation shall be removed from their containers before they are planted in the ground. A layer of mulch to a minimum depth of three inches shall be specified in plant beds and around individual trees in turf areas. Organic mulches are preferred. Mulch shall not be required in annual beds.
3. At the time of planting, a tree shall have a minimum height of six feet. The use of exemptedtree species to meet the requirements of the landscaping regulations shall be prohibited.
4. Where palms are used, three palms shall constitute one tree, except multi-stem palms and species in the genus Phoenix(excluding roebelenii). Single specimens of these exceptions shall each constitute one tree. At the time of planting, a palm shall have a minimum of six feet of clear trunk.
5. Whenusedfor screeningpurposes, shrubs shall becold tolerant and non-deciduous and have a minimum height of 24 inches at the time of planting and shall be spaced a maximum of three feet on center.
6. At the time of planting, vines shall have a minimum of three runners, each with a minimum length of approximately one foot.
7. Ground Cover Plants. Groundcoverplants shall be spaced so as to present a finished appearance and have reasonably complete coverage within oneyear after planting. The use of any non-living ground cover suchas mulch, gravel, rocks, etc. shall be in conjunctionwith living plants so as to cover exposed
8. Grassed Areas. Site Development Projects. No more than 50 percent of the landscaped area may be planted with shallow-rootedturfgrass varieties. Theseturfgrass varieties shall be consolidated in and limited to areas that are provided with central automatic irrigation systems. The balance of the landscaped area shall be vegetated with water conserving varieties of trees, shrubs, ground covers, turfgrass, and/or Storm water ponds, parks, recreational facilities, and steepsloped areas are excluded from this requirement.

E : Maintenance and Protection of Landscaping

1. The property owner shall beresponsible for the maintenance of all landscaped areas which shall be maintained in good conditionso as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, free of refuse, debris and
2. To maintain the landscaping in a healthy condition, all landscaped areas shall be provided with an irrigation system that supplies 100 percent coverage to all required landscaping plant The irrigation system may consist of an automatic or manual underground system, drip system, quick coupling valves, or hose bibs located within 50 feet of all landscaping plant material.
3. The landscape and irrigation system shall be maintained and managed to ensure water efficiency and prevent wasteful practices. This should include, but not be limited to, resetting the automatic controller according to the season, flushing the filters, testing the rain sensor device, monitoring, adjusting and repairing irrigation equipment such that the efficiency of the system is maintained; replenishing mulch, utilizing turf and landscape best management
4. Wherenecessaryto prevent encroachment by parkedor moving vehicles into landscapedareas, wheel stops or curbs shall be used and shall measure a minimum of six inches in height and six inches in
5. Paving, treating or covering a required landscaped area in a way that renders it impervious is prohibited.

F : Irrigation

1. An irrigation plan shall be submitted preparedthat identifies illustrating the proposed irrigation zones, delineat e ing micro-irrigation and areas utilizing irrigation techniques other than micro-irrigation. The irrigation system sh al lould be designed to Standards and Specifications for Turf and Landscape Irrigation Systems, Fourth Edition, 2000, Florida Irrigation Society and as may be subsequently amended from time to time , or otherapplicablestandards that achieve the general irrigation system configuration requirements and associated water conservation benefits identified in this part.
2. Turf areas shall be on separate irrigation zones from other landscape plant The irrigation system sh al lould be designed to accommodate separate landscape plant zones based on differing water requirements.
3. Sprinkler spacing shall not exceed 55 percent of the sprinkler’s diameter of
4. Sprays and rotors shall not be combinedon the same control valve Sprays and rotors shall have matching application rates within each irrigation zone.
5. All irrigation systems shall be designedto avoid overspray, runoff, low head drainage or other similar conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walkways, roadways, structures or water Narrow areas (four feet wide or less) shall not be irrigated unless micro-irrigation is utilized.
6. Irrigation control equipment shall include an automatic irrigation controller having program flexibility such as repeat cyclesand multiple program capabilities. Automatic irrigation controller(s), other than mechanical, shall have battery back-upto retain the irrigation program(s). Automatic Control systems shall be equipped with an operable rainsensor device or other technology acceptable to Hillsborough County to overridethe irrigation cycle during periods of adequate rainfall or soil moisture levels to support the vegetation served by the
7. A low volume irrigation system shall be used wherever possible to minimize
8. An irrigation system shall use the lowest quality water
9. An irrigation system shall be designed to minimize adverse impacts to existing trees and other vegetation to be preserved on the No irrigation shall be required within areas where existing vegetation is preserved.

G. Storm water Detention Ponds

1. The following design guidelines are recommended for landscaping the littoral zone of man-made stormwater detention basins that function as wet (Figure 6.8):
   a : A landscaped littoral shelfshouldbe incorporated along a minimum of 30 percent of the pond To create this landscapedlittoral shelf, the slope between the normal water level elevation and three feet below the normal water level elevation should be no greater than 6:1.
   b : The littoral shelf should be landscaped with native wetland plants. This landscaping material should consist of a diversity of herbaceous species, such as cord grass, soft rush, arrowhead, pickerel weed and water lilies. (If trees are used, they shall be planted only on islands so as not to interfere with the maintenance of the drainage facility). All wetland species used for landscaping should be planted at elevations appropriate for their type.
   c : To prevent erosion deltas from forming along the landscaped littoral shelf, bank slopes landward of the shelf should be no greater than 4:1 and should be stabilized with sod.
   d :  To prevent the littoral shelf from sloughing, the slope below the shelf should be no greater than 2:1

2. These guidelines do not supersede or waive any County regulations regarding the design or landscaping of stormwater detention

3. If the proposed landscaping of a stormwater detention pond complies with the recommended
   guidelines, the Administrator shall give credit toward meeting the development project’s minimum
   landscaping requirements in cases where a reduction of the minimum requirements does not subvert the intent of the Landscaping Regulations.

Figure 6.8, Storm water Detention Basin
H :  Road Right-of-Way

1. Public and private road right-of-way may containtrees and other landscaping material provided their location does not present a traffic hazard, impede drainage, or adversely interfere with the use of the right-of-way by
2. Written approval fromthe Florida Department of Transportation shall be required for all landscaping materials proposed for placement on State Highway System rights-of-way.

I :  Scenic Roadways

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Landscaping Regulations, other landscaping standards shall apply to any roadway that the Board by ordinance designates a Scenic Roadway to protect its special visual Scenic roadways designated by ordinance are those Scenic Roadway Corridors identified on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Upon designation of any scenic roadway, all site plans, permits, improvements, including maintenance thereon, shall be in accordance with the following standards and any other roadway-specific, Board- approved plan for the designated scenica
   a : Rural Scenic Roadways. In rural areas, in the AM, A, AR, AE, PEC 1/2, and RES-1 Comprehensive Land Use Plan classifications there shall be a 30-foot scenic easement provided, which shall be left in a natural state, unless attractiveness agricultural purposes. Landin agricultural use may continue in agricultural use.
   b : Suburban Scenic Roadways. In suburban zones, including RES-2, RP-2, and RES-4 Comprehensive Land Use Plan classifications, a 15-foot buffer yard with four canopy trees and four under story trees per 100 linear feet shall be provided. In addition, if street trees do not exist, the developer shall provide one street tree for every 50
   Urban Scenic Roadways. Allother Comprehensive Plan Classifications shall be considered These districts shall require the planting of one street tree per 40 feet of frontage. The planting of one canopy tree for every 50 feet of yard frontage shall also be required.

3. Compliance with the scenic roadway requirements shall in no case result in a non-conforming use. If the property has sufficient area for the scenic easement or bufferyard, no building permits shall be issued that would result in encroachment. If the property does not have sufficient area for the scenic easement or bufferyard, any use permittedin the zoning district shall be allowedto encroach into this area the minimum amount necessary to meet other setback

(Ord. No. 01-30, § 2, 11-15-01; Ord. No. 02-13, § 2, 8-1-02; Ord. No. 08-15, § 2, 6-12-08, eff. 10-1-08; Ord. No. 16-21, (Exh. A)(Item I-03)(16-1071), 10-11-16, eff. 10-18-16)

Sec. 6.06.07. Review, Permitting, and Compliance Procedures A : Landscape Plan

1. Wheneverthe provisions in accordance with this Part apply, a A Landscaping Plan preparedby Certified Landscape Designer, a Landscape Architect registered to practice in the State of Florida, or other authorized individuals as set forth in Chapter 481, Part II, Florida Statutes (1989), shall be submitted to the Administrator for review uponapplicationfor a Landscaping An application for an Irrigation Permit shall certifythat an irrigation plan has beenprepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.06.03 F.require the submittal of an Irrigation Plan prepared by a Landscape Architect, Licensed Irrigation Contractor or other individuals authorized by the Administrator.
2. The Landscaping Plan shall include information as set forth in the Development Review

B : Master Subdivision Landscaping Plan

At the option of the subdivisiondeveloper, a Master Subdivision Landscaping Plan may be submitted for a residential subdivision project, in lieu of the Landscaping Plan described above. The Master Subdivision LandscapingPlan shall depict the pertinent informationas requiredin to be included in a Landscaping Plan, and such additional information as may be required by the Development Review Manual.
C : General Procedure
Except as modified below, a Landscaping Plan or Master Subdivision LandscapingPlan shall be submitted and reviewed in accord with the Procedures for Issuance of Development Permits 10.01.00.
D : Modifications to General Procedure

1. Upon approval of a Master Subdivision Landscaping Plan, a Master Subdivision Landscaping Permit shall be The permit shall refer to the Master Subdivision Landscaping Planand identify for each lot, as applicable, informationregarding existing trees and other vegetation, tree replacement, tree credit, requiredlot trees, and required street trees. The permit shall be issued to the developer and shall be in lieu of individual Landscaping Permit for eachlot, unless upon submittal of a residential lot building permit application, additional trees need to be removed. In these instances, a Natural Resources Permit application to remove the tree(s) must be submitted. A copy of the Natural Resources Permit, if issued, shall be appended to the Master Subdivision Landscaping Permit and shall reflect any revisions to that permit.

2. If both a Natural Resources Permit and a Landscaping Permit are required, the Administrator shall perform the review concurrently and shall issue the permits as a combined

3. A copy of the Landscaping Permit shall be available onsite during installation of the

4. No Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until the Administrator has performed a final inspection and determined compliance with the minimum landscapingrequirements according to the approved plan and the Landscaping Permit, if required and the applicant has certified that an irrigation system has been installed in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.06.03 F. The Administrator’s final inspection may be replaced by the self certification process set forth in the Development Review Procedures Manual Section 1.6.
   The Administratorwill conduct periodic audits of self certification documents and inspections. Any contractor or engineer found certifying a residential lot not worthy of certification will have his privilege to self certify revoked for one year. It is the responsibility of the contractor or engineer providing the certification to correct any deficiencies.

5. A Landscaping Certificate of Compliance for a site development project shall be issued once the Administrator has determined the project is in compliance with the minimum landscaping

6. Periodic reinspections shall be performed by the Administrator to ensure the healthy survival of required landscaping material according to the approved Landscaping material identified as deficient shall be replacedby the owner of the property within 45 days of written notification by the Administrator.

(Ord. No. 02-13, § 2, 8-1-02; Ord. No. 14-34, § 2(Exh. A), Item B-2a(14-0864), 10-23-14, eff. 10-29-14)

LDC 24-0343| Division Director Sign-off|
Brian Gradyd Feb 21 2024 16:39:20
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