I. LANDSCAPE SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Any modification to, and/or new, landscaping must be submitted to and approved by the ACC including, but not limited to, masonry or concrete walkway and patio, driveway, landscaping materials, irrigation devices and lighting. Landscape plans must meet all city, county and state codes and restrictions.
2. The landscape plan shall be drawn to scale and accurately depict the following information:
A. The names of all of the types of plant species proposed.
B. The number, size and spacing of all proposed plants and the height of existing and proposed trees and shrubs at the time of planting. Tree wells or retaining walls should be incorporated as necessary in the landscape plan to protect existing trees.
C. The lot area and the total area of the lot required lo be landscaped.
D. Location and dimensions of various planting areas.
E. Details of any proposed walls or fences.
F. The location of any proposed walkways.
G. Location Qf known sprinkler lines and heads
3. Non-approved landscape materials, irrigation fixtures and/or plants installed not listed in the submitted landscape plan by the ACC must be removed 30 days after written notification.
II. DESIGN CRITERIA
1. All landscaping shall not obstruct pedestrian walkways or vehicular use of driveways
2. All landscaping shall not obstruct vehicular traffic at corners or side streets
3. Existing trees and other types of approved vegetation should be preserved whenever possible.
4. Fire hydrants and street signage shall be free from obstruction on all sides by a minimum of 3
feet.
5. Vegetation between the curb and sidewalk must not exceed 24 inches in height, be of the type
to contain thorns or spines that could injure pedestrians or is known to be toxic.
6. Grass or other living plants will be the primary ground covers in required landscaped areas.
Both sod planting and seeding is acceptable
7. Xerescaping with drought tolerant grasses, plants and shrubs may be permitted in landscape
areas deemed appropriate by the ACC as listed by the San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) or
approved plant nursery vegetation list.
8. Adequate irrigation shall be provided and xcrcscapic grasses shall be maintained at a
maximum height of nine inches or less, free of weeds and debris and shall not present a fire
hazard. The use of several species is highly recommended.
III. DESIGN GOALS
1. Maintain vigorous and healthy growing plants and lawn, and attractive non-organic
landscaping. Criteria to help establish this are:
A. Add plants that provide year-round curb appeal by mixing evergreen plants with perennials
that go dormant in winter.
B. Grass species should tolerate of the local climate. Ornamental grasses in front of residences
should not exceed 4 feet in height.
C. Edging materials shall consist of concrete, brick pavers, or steel edging. No plastic or
aluminum edging is allowed. Payers or edging shall not impede nor create a hazard for
pedestrian traffic along sidewalks, streets and/or driveways.
D. Ground covers other than grass shall be planted in required landscape areas to provide
complete coverage within two growing seasons. Vines and spreading shrubs shall not be planted
adjacent to pedestrian areas, cover sidewalks, or cover the entire front of homes.
2. Mulches and other inorganic ground cover shall be installed per the following:
A. Materials such as river rock, cobble, or patterned concrete payers shall be limited in area,
and in no circumstances shall they exceed 50% of the required landscape area. Use hardscape
elements: rocks, driftwood or other decor that are less than a foot tall.
B. All such ground covers shall be a minimum of four inches deep and shall be placed on a
water permeable geo-textile fabric or approved equal to control weed growth. The color of these
materials must be consistent and compatible with the surrounding BOA landscaping.
C. Lightweight materials such as bark or leaf mulch shall not be used in areas unshielded from
high winds or between the curb and sidewalk.
D. Loose gravel shall not be used in areas abutting public streets or sidewalks, unless it is
larger than two-inch minimum aggregate size. Gravel color and pavers will be part of the
approved landscape plan.
E. Non”organic ground cover such as river rock, cobble, patterned concrete, bark and pole
peelings that abuts public sidewalks and driveways shall be installed at least 2 inches below the
sidewalk grade so as to avoid rocks and bark from moving onto the sidewalks and driveways.
F. Homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks adjacent to their property free from any
and all landscaping materials that are derived from their property. Dead plant materials placed at
the front of homes must be removed within 7 days.
G. Homeowners along greenbelts must keep vegetation trimmed along their fences to remove
fire hazards.
IV. MAINTENANCE OF LANDSCAPING
1. Maintenance includes all reasonable and regular irrigation, weeding, weed control, fertilizing, pruning as well as removal of tree wrap and staking. Plant materials that show signs of insect pests, diseases and/or damage shall be appropriately treated. Dead plant material or non-organic ground cover will be replaced according to the original approved landscape plan.
2. The homeowner shall be responsible for maintaining all on-site landscaping as shown on an approved landscape plan, or as existing if an approved landscape plan does not exist. Lawn grasses will be watered, mowed and kept less than 6 inches in height.
3. Design and installation of all landscaping and improvements shall meet or exceed ACC Standards.
4. Tree prohibited from new planting within the BOA to include the following: cotton-bearing Cottonwood, Lombardy Poplar, Box-elder, Siberian/Chinese Elm, Russian Olive, Mimosa and Mulberry.
5. Landscaping or plant material may not interfere with the function, safety, and access to any public easement or right-of-way, or the flow of storm water runoff. Landscaping must not create a storm runoff hazard across neighboring properties.
6. Landscape or leaf materials keep for mulch must be maintained in back yards in an approved fashion and not create a fire and/or safety hazard.
7. All landscaping shall meet be maintained to meet minimum city, county and state standards.
V. XERISCAPE STANDARDS.
The ACC will use the following standards to determine if a landscape design meets the xerescapic standards of this section:
1. Site analysis will take into account slopes, soils, drainage, activity areas, privacy / screening needs, winds, sunny/shady areas, existing site features, existing and future structures and site improvements, and the design will complement the site and structures and impact on neighboring property.
2. Turf areas are minimized and low water demand alternative turf grasses are used wherever possible.
3. Mulches are used to cover soil, save moisture, and reduce weed growth.
4. The irrigation system is designed to suit the landscape design and conserve water by:
A. Irrigating turf separately from other areas
B. Zoning the system to serve plant groupings with similar water needs
C. Incorporating efficient irrigation head layout, and
D. Designing for efficient water distribution patterns.
E. Low water demand plants are selected. Refer to the xerescapic plant list as published by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), Texas A&M or an approved plant nursery.
F. Regular maintenance is provided to preserve the landscape and conserve water. Proper mowing, weeding, fertilization, pruning, mulch replacement and watering are provided according to climatic seasons and guidelines.
VI. XERISCAPE IRRIGATION.
1. Portions of irrigation systems may be comprised of temporary irrigation components to
irrigate xerescapic areas if the ACC determines that all of the following standards are met:
A. Plant selection, design, installation specifications and site conditions combine to create a
micro-climate that will sustain the plant material in a healthy condition without regular irrigation
after the plant establishment period.
B. The temporary irrigation will provide reliable automated irrigation for new plants during the
establishment period of up to two years.
C. The applicant needs to demonstrate the ability to provide ongoing maintenance of xerescapic
areas necessary to keep plant material healthy without irrigation.
Drainage Issues:
It is important to note: Each property has setback lines of five feet down each side boundary and twenty-five feet at the back boundary. Nothing is allowed to be constructed within those setbacks. Changes or blockage within these setbacks can seriously affect the overall drainage in the sub-division.