Centerfield City Zoning Code

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote water-efficient landscaping practices by encouraging  the use of Xeriscape principles on commercial properties within the City of Centerfield. These standards are intended to preserve the aesthetic character of the community while conserving water and reducing landscape maintenance requirements. Therefore this would not require the forfeiture of irrigation shares as required by the city but a culinary connection is required. 

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. Xeriscaping: Landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation, using drought-tolerant plants, mulch, efficient irrigation, and limited turf areas.
2. Turf Grass: Any grass requiring regular irrigation and mowing, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
3. Hardscape: Non-living landscape elements such as rock, gravel, mulch, concrete, or decorative paving.
4. Frontage: The portion of a lot that faces a public street.

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. This ordinance applies to:
2. All new construction and significant renovations of commercial properties, including retail, office, and industrial uses.
3. Commercial properties are subject to an inspection fee of the city.

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. Commercial Properties
2. Street Frontage Landscaping
3. A minimum of 60% of the landscape area along street frontage must be Xeriscaped.
4. The landscaped area will be 10 feet from the sidewalk or curb (whichever is closest to the property line) and a minimum of two trees per hundred feet.
5. Turf grass within the first 10 feet from the sidewalk or curb can be no more than 50% of landscaped frontage.
6. Parking Lots
7. Landscaping islands and buffer areas must include Xeriscape or hardscaped design elements.
8. Use of native/drought-tolerant plantings is required (if xeriscape).
9. Irrigation Requirements
10. Drip or low-flow irrigation systems must be installed for all landscaped areas.
11. Spray irrigation is permitted for watering turf within 24 inches of hard surfaces (e.g., sidewalks, buildings).

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. All Xeriscape areas must incorporate:
2. Native or drought-tolerant plants from the city's approved Xeriscape plant list.
3. Inorganic mulch ( e.g., rock, gravel) or organic mulch ( e.g., bark) around plantings.
4. Minimal use of turf, subject to percentage restrictions above.
5. Impervious materials (like concrete) are allowed only for access and utility purposes, not as a substitute for landscaping.
6. All weed barriers must be permeable, maintained and required in any xeriscape area.

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. All landscaping plans must be submitted and approved by the City's Planning Department before construction.
2. Non-compliance may result in citations, penalties, or withholding of certificates of occupancy and or services.
3. Final inspection shall confirm compliance prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
4. Properties found noncompliant may be subject to correction orders or fines as determined by the city.
5. All utilities for emergency services must remain clear of any vegetation for easy access.

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025

1. Property owners may apply for a variance to this ordinance if:
2. The Xeriscape percentage is impractical due to slope or use requirements.
3. Aesthetic, historic, or functional reasons are demonstrated and approved by the Planning Commission.
4. A letter of credit may be required if landscaping can only be done after building.

HISTORY:

Ord. No. 2025-8, 12/3/2025