11-17-11 Planning and Zoning - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011 modest reduction of 10 percent in building energy usage is achievable under such plan. 3) Consider publicizing the City's progress in achieving the above stated goals on the City's Website and through other forms of public communication. 4) Analyze the current water rate structure to determine its effectiveness in achieving reduced water consumption, particularly from outdoor watering. 5) Consider sub - metering for all installed irrigation systems so that individual watering of landscapes can be tracked and managed over time. 6) Incentivize clustered development, e.g.; through density bonuses, so that larger areas of natural resources are protected; more natural areas are available for flood and drainage control, and less infrastructure is required to serve the development; which means that there will be less infrastructure for the City to maintain over the long -term. 7) Consider methods that either encourage, by education and information, or require /incentivize by regulation, water conserving landscaping by residential customers and commercial establishments. Municipal projects, e.g., gateways and bridge treatments, public rights -of -way and other landscaping, etc., should also be designed to survive in prolonged drought conditions. This has become increasingly more evident during the recent drought. 8) Periodically update the City's Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure the City remains up -to -speed on the latest available technologies. 9) Incorporate provisions in the zoning and subdivision regulations for low impact development (LID) practices. This approach uses site design techniques to store, infiltrate, evaporate, and detain runoff, which address runoff volumes, frequency, and water quality. Examples of site design elements include on -lot micro - storage, functional landscaping, open drainage swales, reduced imperviousness, minimal grades, and depression storage. (see inset) 10) Require the use of bio - swales in parking lots and along roadways to collect and hold stormwater, enhance recharge rates, and improve water quality. 11) Use bio- retention areas or rain gardens to collect rainwater after storms and divert it from the stormwater system. For instance, runoff from parking areas can channel water into constructed wetlands or native planting areas. 12) Consider phasing in incentives for private sector development that meets an established third -party green standard, e.g.; LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED -ND) or LEED for A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LA RTE, TEXAS -2010 UPDATE.