HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummary of Landscape and Irrigation Standards_3_8_24 Last updated: 3_8_2024
The City of Bozeman is creating landscape and irrigation performance and design standards for new construction
projects. These standards will ensure that new homes built within City limits use water efficiently outdoors through the
implementation of requirements for drought adapted landscaping, and efficiency requirements for irrigation systems.
Who: Once the standards are in effect, they will be required only for new development projects within the City of
Bozeman. There are no proposed retrofitting requirements for existing properties as this time.
What: During a work session with the City Commission, City staff were directed to develop standards that align with a
best-in-class extensive and proactive approach to outdoor water use efficiency, resulting in the greatest water savings.
The landscape standards are intended to reduce the installation of high-water-use turfgrass, support the installation of
functional turfgrass specifically, ensure adequate soil quantity and quality, and increase the installation of drought-
adapted landscaping in future developments. Draft standards include limits on the amount of turfgrass permitted to be
installed in new developments.
The irrigation standards are intended to ensure that irrigation systems installed in future development projects achieve
water use efficiency through proper design and performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of efficient
irrigation components and technology, limits on the use of overhead spray irrigation, and required installation of high-
efficiency drip irrigation
Why: Outdoor watering of lawns and landscapes represents fifty percent of annual residential water use in
Bozeman. An analysis of single-household water use in Bozeman based on year-built indicates that homes built over the
last 10-15 years are applying over twice the amount of water to landscapes as compared to older homes, despite being
located on smaller lots with less landscaping. This is likely due to the prevalence of high water use turfgrass and lack of
irrigation efficiency standards in the City’s current development code. Furthermore, Bozeman is drought-prone, and
relies entirely on snowpack for its water supply. More moisture is arriving as rain instead of snow, and warmer
temperatures are expected, leading to earlier peak flows and drier summers. Water-efficient growth policies are
important to ensure a reliable water supply for the future.
How: Standards are being created through a multi-pronged approach that consists of; 1) reviewing national best-in-class
water use efficiency standards, 2) evaluating standards implemented in other supply-constrained western states, 3)
analyzing Bozeman’s water use trends, 4) engaging with environmental groups and local landscape and irrigation
professionals and, 5) ensuring standards are compatible with the City’s existing administrative plan review process.
When: Go to https://www.bozeman.net/departments/utilities/water-conservation/new-development-standards for
the most up to date information for this project. Once the standards are adopted, the City will work closely with
developers, landscape architects, and contractors to ensure that the new requirements are well understood and
implemented in future development applications. To learn more about other City of Bozeman water conservation
efforts, please visit the Water Conservation Division’s webpage by clicking on the water conservation button at
www.bozemanwater.com.