Title
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. O-1213-39 UPON SECOND AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AMENDING, REPEALING AND REPLACING APPENDIX F OF CHAPTER 22 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF NORMAN IN ORDER TO RECOMMEND PLANT SPECIES THAT ARE DROUGHT TOLERANT OR NATIVE TO OKLAHOMA FOR INSTALLATION IN DEVELOPMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY THEREOF.
Body
BACKGROUND: The Council Oversight Committee met on January 9, 2013 to discuss drought resistant landscapes for Oklahoma's climate. The Committee asked Staff to draft a Resolution that encourages the use of sustainable drought resistant or Oklahoma Proven plant species that require minimal water. Staff drafted Resolution R-1213-99 and it was presented to the Oversight Committee on February 13, 2013 along with amended Appendix F. Resolution R-1213-99 was adopted by City Council on February 26, 2013.
DISCUSSION: The replacement of Appendix F in the Zoning Ordinance, containing plant species that are native, drought resistant and/or Oklahoma Proven, will increase the survivability of landscapes in periods of drought. The amended version of Appendix F contains more species that can withstand periods of drought without requiring more water to survive thus creating more sustainable landscapes. This is not only cost effective but also an effort to reduce water consumption in our landscapes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: In an effort to develop more sustainable landscapes that will withstand Oklahoma's drought cycles staff recommends repealing and replacing Appendix F with the approval of O-1213-39.