Draft Proposals: April 10, 2023

As of April 13, 2023, the draft proposals being considered are:

Proposal 1. Limit cool-season grass (turf) in new development and redevelopment

Commercial properties to not contain more than 30% turf, not to exceed 10,000 square feet, and with no single turf area less than 300 square feet. Exceptions may include: 1) recreational and active play areas and 2) other high-use areas. Please note, even if an exception is approved, the landscape water budget for the total landscape area must average at or below 15 gallons/square foot/season

Residential properties to not contain more than 30% turf, not to exceed 1,000 square feet, and with no single turf area less than 300 square feet. Exceptions may include: 1) houses that do not contain a backyard.

For both residential and commercial:

• Properties shall not contain any synthetic turf.
• Parkways attached to the common irrigation system of a property are considered part of the total landscape area.

Proposal 2. Expand irrigation efficiency standards

Trees: All development plans shall show automatic drip irrigation to all new and existing trees on-site.

• If the development is to use non-potable water for watering the landscape, all new and existing trees on site must be served by a drip system that utilizes bubbler emitters to prevent clogging.
• The ring of the drip line must be an appropriate diameter to continue watering the tree once the tree is at full maturity.

Residential High-Efficiency Standards: All residential development plans must show high-efficiency equipment and design standards.

Watering Window: All properties within Fort Collins city limits shall not use overhead irrigation (e.g., pop-up sprinklers and hose-dragging attachments) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Exceptions may include:
  • Properties establishing grass seed or sod after applying for a permit.
  • Maintenance of the irrigation system that requires turning on overhead irrigation during the watering window; a maintenance worker or landscaper needs to be seen on the property while the zone is turned on.
  • Properties that use hand-held hoses to water their landscape are exempt from this watering window; the owner or landscaper needs to be seen on the property with the hose and shut-off nozzle in hand.
  • Water users that only use non-potable water. If the property is served by a Utilities water tap it must still abide to the watering window, even if non-potable water is used some of the time.

Proposal 3. Increase flexibility, compliance, and enforcement in existing soil amendment code

Loosening of Compact Soils to an 8-inch depth. Result must test less than 100 psi. Trees only require loosening.

Amendment of Soils: Soil test to determine appropriate inputs and volumes. If no soil test, 3 cubic yards of soil amendment per 1,000 square feet. Soil can be stockpiled and reincorporated once topsoil definition is met. Subgrade still to be loosened

• Exceptions may include:
  • Native plant species
  • Sites near active waterways
  • Areas less than 1,000 square feet not required to provide documentation
  • If the project schedule requires a temporary soil waiver (weather, project timeline)

Increased compliance and enforcement:

• Written certification of compliance
• Lab samples
• Soil Analysis Report including recommendations
• Receipts, tare/load tickets
• Photos of installation as proof
• On-site inspections of soil amendment and loosening
• Administrative fee