To: Members of the Castle Rock Water Commission
From: David Van Dellen, Assistant Director of Castle Rock Water
Matt Benak, P.E., Water Resources Manager
Rick Schultz, Water Conservation Supervisor
Courtney Stoddard, Water Efficiency Specialist
Title
An Ordinance Approving the Proposed Changes to the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual [Entire Castle Rock Service Area]
Town Council Agenda Date: March 19, 2024
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek Town Council approval of changes to the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual by ordinance on first reading (see Attachment A). A summary of the proposed changes is provided in Attachment B. The Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual (Manual) is a key document that will help Castle Rock meet its long-term water efficiency goals. The Manual outlines landscaping and irrigation criteria which reduce water waste, improve watering efficiency, and supports landscapes that are native and regionally adaptive in a ColoradoScape design.
The major changes to the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual being proposed are included below:
• Concepts, formulas, and terminology related to Composite Landscape Water Use Rating (CLWUR) and Landscape Water Use Rating (LWUR) were removed.
• Several definitions were deleted and updated.
• The term head-to-head coverage was added regarding irrigation systems.
• The requirement for a Registered Landscape Professional to be present during all scheduled inspections was outlined.
• In regards to soil evaluations, the element Nitrogen was removed due to its mobility in soil.
• Surety amounts not specifically addressed in the Subdivision Improvement Agreement (SIA) or Property Improvement Agreement (PIA), will be determined as a percentage of the owner’s landscape and irrigation construction contract for items incomplete as determined by the approved plans. These percentages were updated to reflect the existing Municipal Code.
o Bond: 115% of the owner’s landscape and irrigation construction contract;
o Letter of credit: 75% of the owner’s landscape and irrigation construction contract;
o Cash/Escrow: 85% of the owner’s landscape and irrigation construction contract.
• The statement that native areas shall be maintained in a manner consistent with native or regionally adapted vegetation that differs from maintenance practices of traditional grass was added.
• In irrigation system design, master valves are now required in residential applications.
• Native grasses were included in section 4.6.3, Turf, Woody Plants, Native Grasses, and Fertilization.
• In parking lot requirements, the minimum irrigated area increased by one (1) foot. The minimum irrigable area is four (4), consistent with Town requirements.
• In design requirements, the need for home builders to design the front and backyard was outlined.
Discussion
The last revision of the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual was in 2023. The Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual works in conjunction with the Water Efficiency Master Plan and the Water Use Management Plan to ensure the overall goals are implemented through efficient landscape and irrigation design, installation, and maintenance. These plans outline the need for additional water conservation efforts to meet the long-term water demands of the growing community and minimize the need to acquire additional renewable water resources to meet peak summer demands.
The Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual consists of residential and non-residential landscape and irrigation efficiency requirements. All new development, renovations, and ongoing maintenance activities must follow the criteria in these standards.
The Landscape and Irrigation Criteria manual was reformatted to create consistency with other Town manuals. Town Staff including, Castle Rock Water, Plan Review, Development Services, Parks and Recreation all worked together to review and update the criteria.
Budget Impact
There is no significant anticipated additional cost to the Town due to the proposed changes. Some additional administrative and field work may be needed. The proposed changes will help reduce outdoor water usage and water waste. This will have an impact on associated renewable water needed in the future. Additionally, these efforts will also contribute to the stabilization of future peak water demands placed on the water system to meet the summer irrigation needs of the community and save on future per capita costs.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approving the revised Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual.
Proposed Motion
“I move to recommend to Town Council approval of the Ordinance as presented”
Attachments
Attachment A: Ordinance
Exhibit 1: Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual (Not Attached)
Attachment B: Summary of Changes to the Manual (Not Attached)