Do you know the difference between “XERIscaping” and “ZEROscaping”? One is allowable in the PCVA community, and one is not. Before you submit your Design Review Request (DRR) to the Modifications Committee for approval, it’s important to know what’s what with respect to landscaping changes.
Colorado Statute 37-60-126 has established the state water conservation and drought mitigation plan. XERIscaping is a part of that plan. Per the PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.6, xeriscaping is defined as “the principles of landscape planning and design, soil analysis and improvement, appropriate plant selection, limitation of turf area, use of mulches, irrigation efficiency, and appropriate maintenance that results in water use efficiency and water-saving practices.” Requests for xeriscaped yards MUST include plant material, to include but not limited to trees and shrubbery.
Xeriscaping is not to be confused with “zeroscaping,” where the property is completely covered with rock and devoid of any plant or mulch materials. Requests for zeroscaped yards will NOT be approved.
Check out the PCVA Guidelines, especially Sections 4.13.8 and 4.13.9 for additional information on xeriscaping requirements in the front/corner and side/rear yards, respectively. Homeowners are encouraged to consider all Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) guidelines for drought-tolerant and water-wise plants. The Modifications Committee will consider the selections and will add plants to the approved PCVA plant palette in the Guidelines, as appropriate; requests for invasive species will not be approved, however. The CSU website is www.csu.org, and additional information may be found at https://www.waterwiseplants.
Remember that for any landscaping changes, homes must be fully landscaped. PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.8 gives the minimum plant quantities for front and visible corner yards per square footage of yard:
Should you need a copy of the PCVA Guidelines, it may be found on PCVA.org at https://www.pcva.org/governing-documents.html
Colorado Statute 37-60-126 has established the state water conservation and drought mitigation plan. XERIscaping is a part of that plan. Per the PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.6, xeriscaping is defined as “the principles of landscape planning and design, soil analysis and improvement, appropriate plant selection, limitation of turf area, use of mulches, irrigation efficiency, and appropriate maintenance that results in water use efficiency and water-saving practices.” Requests for xeriscaped yards MUST include plant material, to include but not limited to trees and shrubbery.
Xeriscaping is not to be confused with “zeroscaping,” where the property is completely covered with rock and devoid of any plant or mulch materials. Requests for zeroscaped yards will NOT be approved.
Check out the PCVA Guidelines, especially Sections 4.13.8 and 4.13.9 for additional information on xeriscaping requirements in the front/corner and side/rear yards, respectively. Homeowners are encouraged to consider all Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) guidelines for drought-tolerant and water-wise plants. The Modifications Committee will consider the selections and will add plants to the approved PCVA plant palette in the Guidelines, as appropriate; requests for invasive species will not be approved, however. The CSU website is www.csu.org, and additional information may be found at https://www.waterwiseplants.
Remember that for any landscaping changes, homes must be fully landscaped. PCVA Guidelines, Section 4.13.8 gives the minimum plant quantities for front and visible corner yards per square footage of yard:
- Up to 12,000 square feet 2 trees, 8 shrubs and 15 perennials
- 12,000 square feet or greater 3 trees, 12 shrubs and 25 perennials
Should you need a copy of the PCVA Guidelines, it may be found on PCVA.org at https://www.pcva.org/governing-documents.html