§ 630-100. Water-Efficient Design Considerations.

630-100.1  It is the policy of Gwinnett County to encourage individuals or firms who prepare the plans and plats required by this UDO to consider the use of water-efficient landscaping principles and techniques as one of the criterion to be used in plant selection and design.

630-100.2   Principles and Techniques of Water-Efficient Landscaping (Xeriscaping). The recommended principles and techniques to be considered are as follows:

A.

Proper Location and Design. Locating plants where they will naturally thrive and not require excessive water and maintenance to survive, as well as grouping plants by water needs, and limiting and concentrating high water using plants.

B.

Turf Selection. Limiting turf areas, and selecting turf grasses that can survive the variable rainfall conditions in this region.

C.

Efficient Watering. Once plants are established, avoid watering during periods of normal rainfall and during droughts, watering every week to 10 days or less depending on the drought tolerance of the plants.

D.

Soil Improvements. Loosening and breaking up the soil beyond the immediate planting area to allow better water absorption and to promote deep roots.

E.

Mulching. Using mulch to hold moisture in the soil which helps maximize the benefits of watering as well as preventing weeds.

F.

Plant Selection. Selecting plants native or suitable to the region according to their watering requirements and optimum locations.

G.

Maintenance. Maintaining the landscape to maximize water conservation such as increasing mowing heights and avoiding fertilizing during dry spells.