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Decatur staff proposes citywide xeriscape ordinance with limits on artificial turf and new maintenance rules
Summary
City staff proposed a detailed xeriscape ordinance that would permit drought-tolerant landscaping citywide and set limits on artificial turf and other ground-cover practices.
City staff brought forward a staff-initiated ordinance to expand xeriscape (drought-tolerant landscaping) regulations beyond industrial districts and to add detail to definitions, permitted plant lists, irrigation/backflow permitting, and maintenance rules.
Wayne (Development Services) said the proposed ordinance would set minimum traditional landscaping requirements by use type (e.g., single-family and duplex lots would retain a minimum of 35% traditional landscaping; multifamily 30%; commercial 10%; schools/churches 20%). Artificial turf limits were proposed (residential: up to 40% of required landscaped area; nonresidential: up to 50% of required landscaping). The draft includes requirements to cover exposed soils to avoid erosion and a hold‑harmless agreement where artificial turf or other hardcover sits within drainage easements or city right-of-way.
Planning & Zoning voted 6–0 to recommend approval of the staff-initiated ordinance. Staff recommended approval and said the draft was developed after reviewing Texas guidance and peer jurisdictions.
Ending
Council closed the public hearing portion on the item; staff will return the ordinance for action in the ordinance-reading sequence.
