Planning commission recommends commercial xeriscaping rules be added to landscaping code

The planning commission opened a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to Far West's landscaping code that would allow specified xeriscaping treatments in commercial zones where secondary (irrigation) water is unavailable. The chair said the intent was to bring the code into compliance with ongoing development realities and to avoid inadvertent violations. "We need to make sure because we're basically violating our own code," the chair said, referring to businesses that lack secondary water but still must meet landscape requirements.

Commissioners and members of the public asked for clarity about definitions and minimum standards; staff confirmed xeriscaping definitions and minimum material choices are included in the draft language and that the amendment applies to commercial zones only. After discussion the commission voted to recommend council approval of the landscaped-code amendments and closed the public hearing.