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Committee weighs prohibited-plant list for large developments, debates local exemptions
Summary
Committee members discussed a draft prohibited-plant list intended for large development landscape plans, questioned inclusion of species such as Russian olive, bamboo and oleander, and noted locally significant trees such as Italian cypress may remain permitted in Clarkdale.
The Zoning Code Update Citizen Advisory Committee discussed a proposed prohibited-plant list Jan. 15 intended mainly for landscape plans submitted with large development applications rather than private residential yards.
Scott, the staff presenter, said the list is not meant to force existing homeowners to remove plants but to guide what species are allowed in new large developments' landscape plans. "We're not gonna go police that," Scott said, noting the list targets developments that must submit landscape plans.
Members questioned specific entries. One member asked whether "Russian olive" was included; the group noted Russian olive appears on a state noxious-weed list and is on the draft list. A member said Italian cypresses are "signature trees of Clarkdale" and should remain permitted in town; others noted certain willows should be limited to the Peck's Park riparian area rather than broadly prohibited. The committee agreed it could add bamboo and would review other suggested species such as morning glory and vinca (periwinkle) for riparian-invasion risk.
Scott said staff will fold the plant list into Chapter 7 (landscaping) material that will move forward with the overall code update and that the committee can revisit the list at the next meeting.
