Planning commissioners refine landscape ordinance, remove plant-species mandate

Fairfields planning commission reviewed proposed changes to the towns landscape requirements (Title 10.19.00) on March 9, recommending several edits before the public hearing scheduled for March 19.

Commissioners agreed to remove a provision that would have embedded a recommended list of water-wise plant species in the ordinance, saying such recommendations are better kept as guidance on the town website. Commissioner David Riet expressed concern that listing species in the ordinance could create liability if the list proved problematic.

The draft ordinance was updated to add technical definitions for terms including "caliper," "clear vision triangle," and "hardscape." Commissioners decided to retain a licensing requirement for landscape professionals on commercial projects while allowing homeowners to undertake residential landscaping themselves.

Commissioners discussed language about "weeds" and agreed to drop an absolute phrase that would exclude certain vegetated areas from being considered landscaping; instead the ordinance will rely on a requirement to keep areas free of debris and invasive weeds. The commission also clarified that references to "turf" refer to natural grass and agreed to require drought-tolerant plants without specifying particular species.

Fencing standards were revised to include a 30-foot-by-30-foot clear-vision triangle for corner lots; commissioners said that dimension is appropriate given local lot sizes. The commission discussed allowing administrative flexibility to approve alternative designs or materials, but Commissioner Riet cautioned about potential legal issues if standards were applied inconsistently.

The commissioners indicated they were comfortable with the proposed amendments as discussed and asked staff and legal counsel to incorporate the changes prior to the public hearing.