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Earlier this month, Dripping Springs City Council members approved a new landscape ordinance.
Passed at the regular council meeting on March 5, the initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more vibrant environment for current and future Dripping Springs residents. According to a statement released by the city of Dripping Springs, the ordinance will help maintain a cohesive and visually appealing appearance throughout the city and mitigate the impacts of development.
Developed through extensive collaboration between city officials, landscape experts and community stakeholders, the new landscape ordinance is intended to Dripping Springs’ commitment to responsible land use practices, the statement said.
By establishing comprehensive guidelines for landscape design and management and by regulating aspects such as drought tolerant plant selection, tree preservation and drip irrigation incentives, the city can ensure that public spaces, streetscapes and private properties contribute positively to the overall landscape without putting an undue strain on local water resources.
Key features of the ordinance include the following for commercial projects:
• Prohibits the removal of Heritage Trees (18 inches or larger of specific species).
• Limits the removal of Standard Trees (Trees 8-18 inches for certain species). Provides incentives for drip irrigation and lessens allowance of live grass turf.
For those with residential homes, the ordinance:
• Prohibits the removal of Heritage Trees (18 inches or larger of specific species).
• Prohibits sprinklers that cause water flows over sidewalks, streets and other nonvegetated areas.
The city will be holding a virtual town hall meeting for builders and planners on March 21. A link to that zoom meeting can be found on the City’s website at cityofdrippingsprings/ landscapeordinance.
For more information about the Landscape Ordinance and related initiatives, visit cityofdrippingsprings. com. For questions, contact the Communications Department at communications@ cityofdrippingsprings. com or call the city at (512) 858-4725.
