City leaders seek guidance on water conservation vs landscaping code compliance

The Ridgecrest Planning Commission meeting on February 28, 2017, focused on the city's approach to landscaping and water conservation amid ongoing water crisis concerns. City staff expressed the need for clarity on how to balance landscaping requirements with water conservation goals, highlighting a contradiction in current practices.

During the meeting, staff noted that while the city aims to lead in water conservation, they are simultaneously requesting landscaping plans that inherently require water usage. This situation has led to a conflict with existing municipal codes, which staff acknowledged they are not fully adhering to due to the pressing need for water conservation.

The discussion centered on whether the Planning Commission should continue to enforce landscaping ordinances that comply with city codes or seek further direction from the city council. Staff emphasized the importance of aligning landscaping requirements with the current water crisis, which was not a consideration when the general plan was last updated in 2009.

Commission members were urged to provide guidance on how to proceed with landscaping regulations, considering the city's water conservation objectives. Staff expressed discomfort with the current situation, where they feel they are violating municipal codes while trying to address the urgent need for water conservation.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Planning Commission to decide whether to uphold existing landscaping requirements or to modify them in light of the ongoing water crisis, potentially seeking further direction from the city council. This decision will play a crucial role in shaping the city's future landscaping policies and water usage strategies.