§ 10-4.386. Stormwater management facility landscaping.

(a)

Visual screen. A visual screen shall be placed around the entire perimeter of any detention or retention facility around which fencing is required pursuant to section 10-4.303.

(b)

Landscape area credit availability. As a design alternative, 100 percent credit can be given toward the 25 percent landscape area requirements of section 10-4.344 when stormwater retention facilities meet the minimum standards as follows:

(1)

Impoundment water depth is no deeper than 24 inches.

(2)

Sediment sumps are to be located at all points of concentrated inflows to the pond.

(3)

The pond area allowable for landscape credit shall be defined as the area encompassed by the pond's contour line at the spillway elevation.

(4)

Landscaping shall function to visually integrate the stormwater management system into the overall landscape design of the site.

(5)

The pond is landscaped in accordance with the following standards:

a.

Planting specifications. Species selected for stormwater management facility landscaping shall be suitable for individual pond characteristics of soil, slope, aspect and hydro period and micro climate.

b.

Plant material requirements.

1.

Stormwater management facilities are to be landscaped with native species which are well suited to the use within the boundaries of a stormwater management facility, including fluctuating water levels, changes in hydro periods, and anthropogenic impact. Aquatic species which are listed as prohibited by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection cannot be used under any circumstances.

(a)

Total tree, shrub, and ground cover requirements within the stormwater management facility area shall be determined using the planting specifications in the "Environmental Design Guide," published by the City of Tallahassee, Growth Management Department, or its successor.

(b)

Creative design and spacing of trees, shrubs and ground covers is encouraged.

(c)

Plant material. No aquatic plants or plants which are classified as those requiring water on a continual basis for survival shall be permitted. Since dry retention ponds typically possess significant fluctuation in hydro periods, with the potential for extended dry periods, plants must be chosen which are adaptable to either dry or wet conditions, but capable of surviving and growing in either extended periods of inundation or extended periods of drought as referenced in the "Environmental Design Guide," published by the City of Tallahassee, Growth Management Department, or its successor. Other species may be used in dry retention ponds if there is scientific evidence of their adaptability. Creative design and spacing of trees, shrubs and ground covers is encouraged.

(d)

Swales and berms. All swales and berms shall be sodded.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 2, 7-10-07)