HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-1165 City Code Landscaping Mulch
CITY OF MERIDIAN
ORDINANCE NO. tJ ~ - //6 '5
BY THE CITY COUNCIL: BIRD, DONNELL, ROUNTREE, WARDLE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12, CHAPTER 13, SECTION 7-8
REGARDING LANDSCAPING MULCH AND TITLE 12, CHAPTER 13, SECTION
7-13(B) REGARDING WATER EFFICIENCY FOR LANDSCAPE MULCH OF THE
MERIDIAN CITY CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF THE READING
RULES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MERIDIAN, IDAHO:
Section 1: That Title 12, Chapter 13, Section 7-8, of the Meridian City Code is
amended to read as follows:
12-13-7-8
MULCH:
AD organic mulch such as bark or soil aid shall be applied to all pl8:BtÎBg areas for moisture
reteBtioB, weed cofltrol, aaå moåeration of soil temperatures. Impermeable plastic weed
barrier is proBibiteå under the mulch, becaasc it restricts water and oxygen to the roots.
Gravellrock mulch is prohibited ia required landscape areas as per subsection 12 13 7 13:8 of
this c~ter. Mulch shall be used in all required planting areas. Approved mulches may be
organic. such as bark or soil aid. or they may include rock products. such as "permabark" or
similar products. Use of mulch. organic or rock. as the only groundcover in required planting
areas is prohibited. Required landscape areas shall be at least 70% covered with vegetation
at maturity. with mulch used under and around the plants. Pea gravel. drain rock. road base
gravel. and similar products shall not be used as mulch. All mulch shall be contained by a
curb or other edging material to contain the mulch and prevent it trom migrating to adjacent
surfaces. If rock mulch is used. a weed barrier fabric shall be used beneath the rock.
Impermeable plastic weed barriers are prohibited because they restrict water and oxygen to
the plants.
Section 2: That Title 12, Chapter 13, Section 7-13(B), of the Meridian City Code is
amended to read as follows:
12-13-7-13: WATER EFFICIENCY:
B. Mulch: Mulches shall be organic and broaà uses of gravel/rode mulch are restrieteå as pcr
sooseetion 12 13 7 8 of this chapter. Gravel does Rot retæB water, reflects heat, aÐ.å causes
greater stress OR trees and sh.-ubs. Organic mulch retftÍas water f-or a longer perioå of time for
plants. Mulches may be organic or rock as per Section 12-13-7-8. Low shrubs or other
vegetative groundcovers with mulch are preferred over lawn areas wherever feasible due to
the lower water requirement of shrubs.
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - 2005
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Section 3: All ordinances, resolutions, orders, or parts thereof or in conflict with this
ordinance are hereby voided.
Section 4: That pursuant to the affirmative vote of one-half (1/2) plus one (1) of the
Members of the full Council, the rule requiring two (2) separate readings by title and one (1)
reading in full be, and the same is hereby, dispensed with, and accordingly, this Ordinance
shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval and publication.
'ð"¡lt.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this ~ day of
'(,Ji:l,')1J!- , 2 0 0 5 .
~R-tt
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this ~ day of
V~ ,2005.
ATTEST:
LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - 2005
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