8-13D-9-36: LANDSCAPE STRATEGY:

The landscape of Hidden Springs is intended to knit the natural and cultural themes of the community together through careful layout, planning and design. The goal of the landscape strategy will be to establish an impression of Hidden Springs that is both visually appealing and cohesive as well as being a successful living environment. This will project a positive and active character for the community that emphasizes its opportunities, its facilities, and the vitality of its residents.

   •   Develop a rural theme that builds upon the character, location, traditions, history, and self-sufficiency of Hidden Springs. Utilize traditional landscape elements such as hedgerows, windrows, orchards, groves, grasslands, and cultivated land as functioning components within the community. This will reinforce the theme while providing the foundation for phased implementation or sequencing of the project.

   •   Create an environment that is harmonious with the regional climatic conditions. This will be achieved through careful selection of plant materials that express the desired aesthetic qualities while meeting the maintenance and durability requirements of the project. A general list of plants that meet these criteria is included in Section 8-13D-52 of this Article.

   •   Exercise prudent use of water resources by implementing water conservation measures in the landscape. This will include implementing the principles of xeriscaping; setting limits on landscaped and irrigated areas within common areas and residential lots; and utilizing high- efficiency, low-volume irrigation systems.

   •   Establish a clear and logical orientation to the neighborhoods, and open space areas within Hidden Springs. Providing a sense of entry, a sense of place and a sense of community by understanding the needs in each zone is a critical landscape planning and design factor. These areas can be characterized as outlined below.

Rural Residential Neighborhoods: Irrigated landscape envelopes will contrast with enhanced native shrubs and grasses outside those envelopes.

   •   Provide for ongoing maintenance and management of the common area landscape through the homeowners' association, CC and R's, and coordination with ACHD for road and right of way maintenance.

   •   A list of approved species will be developed specific to the Hidden Springs site that reflects water conservation and wildfire strategies and will be a component of the design guidelines.

(Ord. 1002, 10-28-2025)