Drought-Resistant Landscaping and Natural Turf Guidelines for Lakeville Community Association, Inc.STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF HARRIS § Pursuant to the Declaration of Protective Covenants of Lakeville Community Association, lnc.(referred to as “Association”), the Association, a Texas non-profit corporation, consents to the adoption of the following resolution: RE: Architectural Guidelines for Drought-Resistant Landscaping and Natural Turf WHEREAS: 1. The Texas Property Code Section 202.007 precludes associations from adopting or enforcing a prohibition that restricts an owner from using drought-resistant landscaping or water conserving natural turf; and 2. In the best interest of the Association in light of frequent and persistent drought conditions in the area, the Association desires to adopt the following guidelines. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Association’s supplementary guidelines on drought-resistant landscaping and water conserving natural turf are as follows: 1. In order to comply with Section 202.007 of the Texas Property Code, the Board of Directors of the Association adopts the following guidelines for the use of drought—resistant landscaping or water conserving natural turf: a. The Architectural Control Committee (ACC or ARC) will allow variances for xeriscaping as long as 25% of publicly visible area is covered with natural turfand all other guidelines below are met. b. Homeowners must submit an Architectural Control Committee request or a request for a variance to the Architectural Control Committee (as applicable). The request must include details of the project and a design plan. Installation of the new xeriscaping cannot begin until the request has been approved. c. Non-turf planted areas must be bordered to define the xeriscapc areas clearly from turfed areas. d. Xeriscape areas must be kept maintained at all times to ensure an attractive appearance. This includes trimming plants, keeping the area weed-free, and edging along borders. c. No boulders or large rocks exceeding six inches (6") may be used on the narrow strips between sidewalks and the street curb. f. No plants may encroach onto or over public sidewalks. g. No plants with thorns, spines, or sharp edges can be used within six feet (6 feet) of the sidewalks. h. Urns, pots, and other man made ornamentation cannot exceed four (4) items in public view. i. No plants greater than twelve inches (12") in height may be planted in the sidewalk strip area. j. Sickly and dying plants must be removed and replaced. k. Perennials and ornamental grasses that die back in winter must be cut back to remove dead material. 2. Xeriscaping - Xeriscaping means using native and adapted plants that grow and sustain themselves with low water requirements, and that can tolerate heat and drought conditions. 3. Ground Cover - If a request is granted, non-turf areas can contain decomposed granite, ground hardwood mulch, crushed limestone, flagstonc, or other loose stone material for a ground cover. The ground cover must be maintained to prevent weed growth, preferably without using toxic or environmentally harmful chemicals. Paver stones may be used to create walkways. Concrete surfaces are limited to driveways and sidewalks only. 4. Plants - Use plants adapted to the pH soil conditions created by the non-turf materials used. For example, don`t use acid-loving plants along with alkaline crushed limestone. Acid-loving plants would do well with ground hardwood mulch. Native plants would do well with limestone or crusted granite. For public safety, no plants with thorns, spines, or sharp edges can be used within six feet (6 feet) of the sidewalks. Also, no plants higher than twelve inches (12") may be planted in the sidewalk strip, as this constitutes a visual safety hazard to pedestrians and drivers. 5. Borders - Xeriscape areas must be surrounded by a border to clearly define the xeriscapc areas from turfed areas. Borders can consist of metal edging or mortared masonry units. Masonry products include stone, clay brick pavers, or concrete masonry units manufactured as edging shapes. Any proposed masonry edging must receive approval of the Architectural Control Committee. All masonry products must be properly mortared in place to avoid displacement and weed encroachment or growth between masonary units. Brick masonry must be approved for color and type; if brick units are to be used they must be solid units, not those with holes. No "common" concrete blocks are permitted. If iron edging is used, it must be properly staked and set with top edge not more than two inches (2”) above grade. Borders must be maintained as part of the landscaping, must be kept in attractive condition, and must be edged. 6. Turf Grasses - Homeowners should consider replacing "thirsty" turf grasses such as St. Augustine with turf that has lower water requirements. Good turf grasses for our area include Buffalo grass, Zoysia, and Bermuda. However, no one turf grass is ideal for all situations, so carefully consider the amount of sunlight your lawn receives before choosing a new turf grass. 7. Hardscapes - Hardscapes can include large boulders or other natural materials that are used as part of xeriscape landscaping design. Urns, pots, and other man-made ornamentation can add variety, but are not to exceed four (4) items in public view. Any proposed landscape "decorative items" such as birdbaths, statuary, or other similar non-vegetative items must be approved in advance. No boulders or large rocks exceeding six inches (6") may be used on the easement strips between the sidewalks and the street curb. 8. Landscape Maintenance - Xeriscape areas are subject to the same maintenance requirements as other landscaping and must be maintained at all times to ensure an attractive appearance. Plants must be trimmed, beds must be kept weed-free, and borders must be edged. No plants may encroach on sidewalks. Sickly and dying plants must be removed and replaced. Perennials that die back during winter must be cutback to remove dead material. This includes most ornamental grasses and other flowering perennials that go dormant to the ground in winter. Xeriseapc areas are subject to the same maintenance requirements as other landscaping and must be maintained at all times to ensure an attractive appearance. Plants must be trimmed, beds must be kept weed-free, and borders must be edged. No plants may encroach on sidewalks. Sickly and dying plants must be removed and replaced. Perermials that die back during winter must be cut back to remove dead material. This includes most ornamental grasses and other flowering perennials that go dormant to the ground in winter. 9. To the extent these guidelines contradict with any previous guidelines, rules, covenants, or restrictions, these guidelines shall control. These guidelines are supplementary and are in addition to any and all other covenants, conditions, restrictions, rules, and guidelines in effect for the Association. EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/11/2014 Authorized Board Member Signature: % Date: 3-9-18 ============================================================================================================== For Certification, signature, and notary please refer to the PDF Page
