Landscape Codes A Planner’s Toolbox: Creating Better Codes
Keven Graham, ASLA, RLA August 12, 2010
What is it we want to achieve ?
Landscape Controls: ► Ordinances
/ Codes
► Design
Review
► Audit
/ Inspections
Types of Landscape Ordinances/Codes:
Prescriptive counting the points
Performance design based on function & intent
Does It Work ?
A Landscape Architect’s Perspective - Long term establishment - Design Aesthetics Intent – scale - texture
Realistic Objectives - Day 1 screening ? - Immediate gratification ?
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Limit development of soils designated as prime farmland Protect floodplain functions Preserve wetlands Preserve threatened or endangered species and their habitats Conduct a pre-design site assessment Use an integrated site development process Reduce potable water consumption for irrigation by 50% from established baseline Control and manage known invasive plants found on site Use appropriate, non-invasive plants Create a soil management plan Eliminate the use of wood from threatened tree species Control and retain construction pollutants Restore soils disturbed during construction Plan for sustainable landscape maintenance Provide for storage and collection of recyclables
Alternative Approach:
Alternative Approach:
Alternative Approach: Key Area Guidelines - Corridor Plans - Historic Districts - Downtowns Value Added Features - Benches, Paving, Planters, Art
Design Review: Basic Considerations: Understanding Underlying Requirements Consistent = Defendable Subjective Understanding the Design Objectives Continuity with Engineering Objectives
Design Review: Plant Schedule - Form & Character
Landscape Notes - Establish Guidance - Community Standards
Review Elements: Does it achieve Screening Objectives Appropriate Plants Quality Flexibility Understanding / Commitment of Board
Trends: Sustainable Design - Sustainable Sites Initiative - More Natives - Less Turf - No or Reduced Irrigation - Greater Emphasis on Soils LEED - Green Mechanical and Electrical Equip. - Turf vs. Prairie
Trends:
Trends:
Trends:
Trends: Green Infrastructure - ILEPA & Legislation -$$$ - Priority on Function
Audits and Inspections:
How to Work with the Landscape Arch. “What the LA brings to the Table� Understanding of Systems Design Solutions
Thank You