§ 39-75. Purpose and intent.

The general purposes of this article are as follows:

(a)

To establish minimum standards for the development, redevelopment, installation, and maintenance of Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM areas in the unincorporated area of Broward County, without inhibiting creative landscape design, construction, and management, and to protect and enhance the aesthetic character of Broward County;

(b)

To provide minimum standards for landscaping new developments or redevelopment and to increase the overall tree canopy of Broward County to its goal of forty percent (40%);

(c)

To promote the establishment of functional and sustainable landscapes that increase the storage of sequestered carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

(d)

To provide the physical benefits of using plants as a function of sustainability and an integral part of Broward County's urban development;

(e)

To promote the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES®) in the landscape environment;

(f)

To adopt NatureScape standards for landscaping new developments or redevelopment of County facilities, excluding natural areas; and

(g)

To promote water conservation, water quality improvement, and vegetation protection objectives by providing for:

(1)

The preservation of existing native plant communities in coordination with Broward County's Tree Preservation and Abuse Ordinance, Chapter 27, Article XIV, of this Code;

(2)

The reestablishment of native plant communities;

(3)

The use of site-appropriate plants;

(4)

The implementation of Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM principles as identified by the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program operated by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services Extension ("UF/IFAS Extension"), Best Management Practices identified in the most recent edition of the Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), and as provided by law; and

(5)

The use of specific management guidelines to minimize negative secondary and cumulative environmental effects associated with the misuse of fertilizers.

The provisions of this article shall be a minimum standard and shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Broward County.

(Ord. No. 2017-15 , § 2, 5-23-17)