Homestead, Florida

Homestead Landscape Ordinance

Article 1. Landscaping 7.3.01

It is the intent of this code to establish minimum landscape standards for the city of Homestead that enhance, improve and maintain the quality of the landscape, and to:

• Promote xeriscape
• Use landscape material to visually define the hierarchy of roadways
• Prevent destruction of the city’s existing tree canopy and promote it’s expansion
• Provide for the reservation of existing natural forest communities and specimen sized trees
• Promote use of drought-tolerant plants for energy conservation through shade and channeling of breezes
• Contribute to air movement, air purification, oxygen regeneration, groundwater recharge and stormwater retention
• Improve aesthetic appearance of development
• Reduce negative impact of invasive plant materials
• Promote the use of trees to protect and buffer effects of high winds on structures
• Promote FYN (Florida Yards and Neighbors) landscape principles
• Adopt and follow the Miami-Dade county landscape manual

The zoning districts that this code applies to are single family dwelling and duplex may be in form of a plot plan prepared by owner or representative meeting more limited requirements. All other developments require plans prepared by landscape architect or other approved persons.

All materials installed conform to standards for Florida #1 in “Grades and standards for nursery plants, Part I and II” by the state of Florida Dept of Ag & Consumer Services. For tree, a minimum of 10 feet high & 2” caliper at time of planting. 30% native species may be 8’ high and 1.5” caliper. Species as indicated in Landscape Manual. 4’ Clear trunk, mature height 20’+, max 35’ O.C. for street trees. 1 Primary vertical trunk and secondary branches free of included bark up to a height of 6’ above grade. For shrubs, a minimum of 18” height. Max 30” OC as buffer, or 48” OC if 36” high. Must form continuous visual screen 1 year from planting. As far as ground covers, they must be planted in a manner as to present a finished appearance and reasonably complete coverage within 1 year after planting. For vines, they must be 12” in length after planting. Turf species selected must be adapted to local conditions in Homestead. Solid sod to be used in areas prone to erosion. Maximum permitted areas as indicated in Appendix Table A. Some exceptions apply based on use area. Palms must be 15’ high canopy at maturity. 25’ OC. 14’ Min height or 4” caliper at planting.

The design components that are contained within the code include land use buffers, parking lot buffers, internal VUA planting, storm water management, habitat preservation, and tree preservation.

Parking lot screening: All adjacent to ROW or private streets screened by continuous planting of native or drought tolerant plants or a 3’ high wall with a 7’ landscape strip on private property. Planting must be min 18” high & 30” max OC OR min 36” high and max 48” OC at time of planting.

Parking lot shading: 10 sq ft landscaped per parking stall. Drought tolerant trees planted at a density of 1 tree per 80 sq ft of landscaped area. Trees planted in min. width of 5’ (excl. curb dimensions) and shall be planted or covered with landscape materials.

Tree removal permits or natural forest community vegetation removal permits required prior to removal of trees, specimen trees or any vegetation in natural forest community pursuant to sect 29-60 of City of Homestead.

Reviewed by Development Services Department. Plans reviewed in accordance to FYN Florida Friendly landscape principles, guidelines and illustrations in Landscape Manual. Preparer submits Certificate of Landscape Compliance w/ signed, sealed statement by Landscape Architect or authorized persons (as by Chapter 481, Florida Statutes) indicating compliance to code. Changes or substitutions shall be approved prior to implementation. Changes must be noted on all copies. DSD reserves right to inspect all projects for compliance prior to approval. Failure to meet code requirements results in a withholding of Final Certificate of Use and Occupancy until compliance has been approved.

For a landscape plan to be approved, it must be drawn to scale including property boundaries, N. arrow, graphic scale and date. Include vegetation survey with aerial photograph outlining site at same scale as plan. Delineation of existing and proposed structures, parking, accessways , VUAs, sidewalks, utilities, easements, height and voltage of power lines, common and scientific name and quantity of plants installed using legend, all features and non-living materials, all areas of vegetation required to be preserved, geologic historic and archeological features to be preserved, storm water detention and retention areas, zoning district, net lot area, required open space, max lawn area, building coverage, location and dimension of greenbelt and water areas, complete ”Preparer’s Certification of Landscape Compliance.”

Irrigation systems are only if required by Chapter 30 in City of Homestead code. A maintenance code is required to ensure adherence to code pursuant to Chapter 29, City of Homestead. For plan review purposes, calculations of irrigation volumes, operating pressure, flow rates required.

Although the code appears thin at a glance, it requires large amounts in terms of submission despite only containing six design standards. Most important areas are covered, including storm water management, habitat/tree preservation and VUA planting and screening. Strong focus on preserving existing vegetation and habitat. Clearly defined restrictions on plant material credits, specimens available. Code relies upon greater Miami-Dade county code as umbrella. Appears to provide moderate options for solutions from designers. Example – hedge or wall selections. Somewhat restrictive by requiring either 30” or 36” min. height vegetative screens, 6’ in the case of disparate land uses. Leaves options open for fences and screens.

NATHAN ELLIOTT

Back to US Map

Back to Florida Map