Staff Summary: Dec. 15, 2022, Natural Resource Advisory Board

On December 15, 2022, Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist, shared four opportunities to impact xeriscape and soil amendment policy with the Natural Resource Advisory Board. The opportunities were based on best practices research and public engagement input. The Natural Resource Advisory Board provided input in advance of the City Council Work Session scheduled for January 10, 2023.

The opportunities:

1. Less turf in new and re-development (three options)
2. Allow synthetic turf in some scenarios
3. Expanded irrigation guidelines and residential equipment efficiency
4. Increase flexibility in soil amendment policy

Board members were not in support of synthetic turf and wanted to see more research on how synthetic turf affected the environment. The intent to partner with other water districts and enforce these landscape standards equitably in all districts was made clear. Overall, the Board supported the proposed water-saving measures, except for artificial turf, and wanted to see less high-water-use grass around town.