§ 10-17. Purpose and intent.

In addition to the intent evidenced in the provisions of this article, the board of county commissioners has these specific purposes and intentions in adopting the 2008 Hernando County Landscape Ordinance:

(1)

Preserved natural vegetation areas can reduce landscaping costs by minimizing the need to install/maintain irrigation systems and to install/maintain planting areas.

(2)

This article is based on concepts of Florida Friendly Landscaping and Xeriscape TM and the use of BMPs. The Florida Friendly Landscape concept is based on the principles of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) and Environmental Landscape Management (ELM) programs as promoted by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, along with the programs of the state's water management districts, and BMPs identified in resources available pertaining thereto, which should be referred to before making landscape and other site decisions. In general, all landscapes shall be designed to minimize adverse effects of Florida's natural systems. No part of these guidelines shall be interpreted to restrict creative designs or the inclusion of landscape elements such as vegetable gardens, fruit trees, arbors, water gardens, or furnishings.

(3)

Trees and vegetation give off oxygen for humans to breathe.

(4)

Trees and effective landscaping can enhance property values.

(5)

Approximately thirty (30) percent of applied irrigation water can be wasted due to inefficient irrigation systems.

(6)

A landscape design plan or a land clearing plan can encourage a review of natural vegetation areas, tree preservation, efficient irrigation, soil characteristics, and proper plant selection.

(7)

Shade trees reduce energy costs and cool the air.

(8)

Landscaping can enhance the image of a community.

(9)

Water conservation in the county is becoming increasingly important.

(10)

Grouped plantings by the amount of water used, which increases irrigation effectiveness.

(11)

Mulches retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and prevent soil erosion.

(12)

Ground cover reduces dust clouds, loss of topsoil, and prevents soil erosion.

(13)

Invasive-exotic noxious plants degrade natural habitat and displace native species. Certain species of invasive-exotic plants have a variety of noxious qualities, including but not limited to, adverse effects on human health, hazards to public safety, and creating undesirable vegetative monocultures.

(14)

Trees and vegetation clean polluted air and water.

(15)

Trees and vegetation slow rain runoff thereby reducing the need for flood and storm water controls.

(16)

Trees and vegetation allow percolation of rain unlike paved and impervious surfaces.

(17)

Trees and vegetation provide habitat for native wildlife.

(18)

A variety of tree age classes and species can minimize pest outbreaks and rapid canopy losses.

(19)

Tree canopy can lower temperatures in urbanized areas.

(20)

Landscaped roadways are the most visible public spaces in the county.

(21)

Trees and vegetation provide aesthetic relief from signs, noise, glare, and expanses of asphalt.

(Ord. No. 2008-02, § 2, 1-15-08)