HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5586_Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual_4_11_24DRAFT
Version April 2020
Resolution 5586 - Page 1 of 2 -
RESOLUTION 5586
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, ADOPTING THE CITY OF BOZEMAN LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION
PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL
WHEREAS, on ______, __2024, the City Commission finally adopted Ordinance 2155 to
establish new water efficient landscape and irrigation performance and design standards; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 2155 authorizes the City Commission to adopt via resolution the
Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual to implement the landscape
and irrigation regulations of Ordinance 2155.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, to wit:
Section 1
The City Commission of the City of Bozeman adopts the Landscape and Irrigation
Performance and Design Standards Manual pursuant to Section 35 of Ordinance 2155.
Section 2
A copy of the Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual is
attached as Exhibit "A" and incorporated into this Resolution.
Section 3
The effective date of this resolution is June 15th, 2024.
PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the _____ day of ________, 2024.
DRAFT
Version April 2020
Resolution 5586 - Page 2 of 2 -
___________________________________
TERRY CUNNINGHAM
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN
City Attorney
EXHIBIT A:
City of Bozeman Landscape and Irrigation
Performance and Design Standards Manual
4/11/2024
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page No.
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Authority and Applicability ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Exemptions ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Departures ................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.5 Figures ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2 SKETCH PLAN PROJECTS ..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Submittal Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Required Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Criteria ....................................................... 9
3 PLAT, SITE PLAN, AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONE PROJECTS ................................................................. 12
3.1 Submittal Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.1 Plan Review Landscape Documentation Package ......................................................................... 12
3.1.2 Building Permit Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form ................................................... 12
3.1.3 Pre-Installation Meeting/Soils Approval or Certification .............................................................. 12
3.1.4 Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion (Appendix F) .................................................... 13
3.2 Landscape Design Requirements ............................................................................................................. 13
3.2.1 Landscape Design Standards ......................................................................................................... 13
Landscapes must be designed pursuant to the standards of this Section. _______________ 13
Landscape Design Approval Pathways ___________________________________________ 13
Landscaped Area Coverage Requirements _______________________________________ 14
Parking Lot Requirements ____________________________________________________ 16
Tree Requirements Outside of Parking Lots and Boulevards__________________________ 16
Soil Preparation and Amendment Requirements __________________________________ 18
3.2.2 Landscape Design Plan Requirements .......................................................................................... 18
Required Elements of the Landscape Design Plan for Preliminary Plat __________________ 18
Required Elements of the Landscape Design Plan for Final Plat and Site Plan ____________ 19
3.2.3 Landscape Requirements for Boulevards and Street Medians ..................................................... 20
Collector, Arterial, and Local Street Boulevards ___________________________________ 20
Street Medians _____________________________________________________________ 20
3.3 Irrigation Design Requirements ............................................................................................................... 21
3.3.1 Irrigation Design Standards ........................................................................................................... 21
Backflow Device and Controller ________________________________________________ 21
Sprinklers/Overhead Irrigation ________________________________________________ 21
Drip Irrigation ______________________________________________________________ 21
Irrigation Stations/Zones _____________________________________________________ 21
System ___________________________________________________________________ 22
3.3.2 Irrigation Building Additions and Remodel Improvements ........................................................... 22
ii
3.3.3 Irrigation Design Plan Requirements ............................................................................................ 22
Required Elements of the Irrigation System Design Plan for Preliminary Plat ____________ 22
Required Elements of the Irrigation System Design Plan for Final Plat or Site Plan ________ 23
3.3.4 Irrigation Operation and Maintenance ......................................................................................... 25
3.3.5 Irrigation Requirements for Boulevards and Street Medians ....................................................... 25
Collector, Arterial, and Local Street Boulevards ___________________________________ 26
Street Medians _____________________________________________________________ 26
3.3.6 Irrigation Requirements for Public Parks ...................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX B: WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR (PERFORMANCE PATHWAY ONLY) ................................................. 31
APPENDIX C: PLANT LIST ....................................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX D: WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR INFORMATION ............................................................................... 33
APPENDIX E: BUILDING PERMIT LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM ................................... 38
APPENDIX F: LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION ............................................................ 41
Page 3 of 44
1 INTRODUCTION
This Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual (“Manual”), was developed to
establish water efficient landscape and irrigation performance and design standards required pursuant to
Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC) 38.550.060. The water efficient landscape and irrigation performance and
design standards promote the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping and irrigation in a manner
that conserves local water resources by ensuring that landscaping projects are not unduly water-needy and that
irrigation systems are appropriately designed and installed to minimize water waste.
Other regulations affecting landscape and irrigation performance, design and maintenance standards may be
applicable and should be consulted as needed. These regulations include but may not be limited to:
1) Water Conservation and Drought Response Regulations of the City of Bozeman, located on the City of
Bozeman Water Conservation Division webpage;
2) The City’s Zoning Code;
3) The City’s Utility Code;
4) The City’s Building Code; and
5) Conditions of approval for a specific development project. For more information about conditions of
approval, contact the Community Development Department.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Manual, the approved landscape and irrigation plan, and any
required conditions of approval related to this Manual or the landscape and irrigation plan may result in a stop
work order or withholding of a certificate of occupancy pursuant to BMC 10.02.010, or other lawful sanction.
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Manual is to provide procedural and design requirements for development project applicants
proposing landscape and irrigation installation subject to the requirements of the Bozeman Municipal Code. This
document is also intended for use and reference by City of Bozeman (“City”) staff in reviewing and approving
designs and verifying compliance with the BMC.
1.2 Authority and Applicability
BMC 38.550.020 provides authority to the Bozeman City Commission to adopt standards and guidelines
implementing division 38.550 of the BMC.
BMC 38.200.010 authorizes the Director of Utilities to approve, approve with conditions or deny landscape and
irrigation plans per BMC 38.550.060.
Landscape design and irrigation requirements apply to all the following landscape projects:
1) Sketch Plans: New single household, townhome, duplex, triplex, and fourplex developments subject to
requirements outlined in BMC 38.230.070.
Applicants are afforded a streamlined approach to ensuring landscaping and irrigation is compliant with
standards through the submittal of a self-certification form included in Appendix E of this Manual.
2) Plats, Site Plans, Planned Development Zones: All development projects subject to the requirements
outlined in BMC. 38.550.040.
Applicants must create compliant landscape designs via one of two design pathway options: the prescriptive
(percentage-based) design approach; or the performance (water budget-based) design approach.
The prescriptive pathway provides a simple, but less flexible, pathway to receive landscape design
approval. This pathway limits the total amount of turfgrass permitted to be installed to a certain percentage
Page 4 of 44
of the total landscaped area1. The remaining landscaped area is limited to the installation of drought-
adapted or drought-tolerant plants, and landscape design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch.
The performance pathway provides flexibility in landscape design by limiting the total amount of
supplemental water required by the entire landscaped area to meet vegetation water demand, rather than
setting limits on the installation of certain vegetation types.
The prescriptive and performance pathway achieve similar water savings and therefore result in a
substantially equivalent water conservation standard.
1.3 Exemptions
Certain projects, plant materials, and irrigation types are exempt from some or all the landscape and irrigation
requirements set forth in this Manual. Situations and project types that may warrant an exemption from these
requirements are outlined in this Section.
Unless otherwise determined by the review authority, the standards outlined in this Manual do not apply to:
1) Reclamation and restoration projects such as superfund sites and brownfields that do not require a
permanent irrigation system; and
2) Plant collections as part of botanical gardens, and arboretums open to the public.
Edible Gardens and Urban Farming
The City recognizes the importance of edible gardens and urban farming as a reliable source of food for residents.
In general, areas dedicated to edible gardens and urban farming are not subject to the requirements of this
Manual if all of the following criteria are met:
1) Edible gardens must be included on the landscape plan, including total square footage. Edible garden areas
need not be included: (i) in the water budget calculation for determining compliance with the performance-
based approach to landscape design creation; (ii) the area calculations required to demonstrate compliance
with the prescriptive, percentage-based approach to landscape design creation; (iii) as part of the site area
coverage requirement; (iv) nor are edible gardens considered part of the landscaped area.
2) If connected to an automated irrigation system, drip irrigation must be utilized. Automated overhead
irrigation, including the use of micro-sprays, is prohibited in these areas.
3) If an automated irrigation system is installed and not used to irrigate the area dedicated to edible gardens,
the system must be disabled.
Temporary Irrigation
In some cases, the germination of native seed and the establishment of low and very-low-water-use plants may
only require temporary irrigation. In general, landscaped areas that are irrigated solely by a temporary irrigation
system are exempt from meeting irrigation requirements outlined in Section 3 of this Manual. The following
requirements apply to the installation and use of temporary irrigation systems:
1) Temporary irrigation is afforded a water demand of 2.3 gallons per square foot regardless of plant type.
2) Temporary irrigation may be achieved through multiple methods including, but not limited to:
a) A permanent underground irrigation system that is later disabled;
b) A temporary surface irrigation system that is later removed;
c) The use of a handheld watering device such as a bucket, hose, or soaker hose;
d) Hauled water.
1 See Appendix A – Definitions, for the definition of landscaped area.
Page 5 of 44
3) If temporary irrigation is used, project applicants must define and identify on the landscape design plan all
the following for each plant material type and area:
a) Total area (square feet) receiving only temporary irrigation;
b) Temporary establishment irrigation method. All temporary overhead irrigation must use rotors or multi-
spray, multi-trajectory rotary nozzles. Temporary overhead irrigation must be designed to achieve head
to head coverage;
c) Duration of establishment period. The establishment period may not exceed three years unless
otherwise approved by the review authority;
d) Application rates; and
e) Monthly and annual water demand totals for the establishment period.
4) Temporary irrigation must be clearly labeled and identified on the irrigation design plan and must specify
whether overhead or drip irrigation will be used.
5) Signage is encouraged. The City encourages the applicant to install a temporary waterproof sign in a location
visible from each adjacent road stating the following:
a) TEMPORARY IRRIGATION;
b) Dates of the temporary irrigation;
c) Contractor’s contact information.
6) All temporary irrigation systems must be disabled at the end of the establishment period. Methods for
disabling irrigation include but are not limited to disconnecting wires for control valves in the controller,
setting runtimes for establishment period zones to zero, or physically removing components of the zone(s)
so it may no longer operate. Any temporary irrigation installed above ground must be physically removed.
Plant Nurseries
Commercially licensed nurseries irrigating plants for retail or wholesale sale are not subject to the requirements
of this Manual.
Watercourse Setback Planting Plans
Watercourse setbacks are exempt from landscaping requirements including the site area coverage requirement
and are not part of the landscaped area. However, watercourse setback plantings must meet requirements
outlined in BMC 38.410.100.A.2.f. Irrigation is not required in the watercourse setback, but if irrigation is to be
installed within the watercourse setback, the irrigation system must meet requirements outlined in this Manual.
Existing watercourse setback plantings are excluded from the Water Budget Calculator.
Stormwater Detention or Retention Ponds
Stormwater detention and retention ponds are exempt from landscaping requirements including the site area
coverage requirement and are not part of the landscaped area if irrigation is not installed. Stormwater detention
or retention plantings must meet requirements outlined in BMC 38.410.080. Irrigation is not required in the
detention or retention pond area, but if irrigation is to be installed, the irrigation system must meet
requirements outlined in this Manual, be included in the Water Budget Calculator, and is subject to vegetation
percentage limitations.
Water Treatment and Low-Impact Development
Constructed wetlands used for water treatment on the property, habitat protection, or stormwater best
management practices are not subject to the Water Budget Calculator or vegetation percentage limitations, site
area coverage requirements, and are not considered as part of the landscaped area. Irrigation is not required in
these areas, but if irrigation is to be installed, the irrigation system must meet requirements outlined in this
Manual, be included in the Water Budget Calculator, and is subject to vegetation percentage limitations.
Public Parks
Page 6 of 44
Public parks include parkland dedicated to the City and lands maintained by the City for recreation and park
purposes. Parks may require the installation of plant material that requires more water than the water
conservation standards outlined in this Manual authorizes. As a result, public parks are exempt from the
landscaping requirements outlined in this Manual. To further City water conservation goals, public parks must
adhere to irrigation requirements listed in Section 3 of this Manual.
1.4 Departures
To achieve the optimal design and function of a property or project, it may be necessary and beneficial to depart
from the landscape and irrigation requirements set forth in this Manual per BMC 38.250.060. Situations and
project types that may warrant a departure from these requirements are outlined in this Section. The request
for a departure must be submitted with the initial application for any development. Locations qualifying for the
departure must be clearly identified on the landscape or site plan. Review times and processes are coordinated
with the overall development application.
The following types of departures are available:
Established Vegetation Preservation
1) Purpose. To encourage the preservation of existing established vegetation, including but not limited to
trees, shrubs, perennials, bunchgrasses, and/or groundcovers that use less water than new vegetation.
2) Description. Development sites may include existing established vegetation if such vegetation can be
preserved on site.
3) Procedures. The review authority may allow areas of healthy, established vegetation to be included in the
total landscaped area for the purposes of meeting requirements outlined in this Manual. These areas will
have a water use value of zero gallons per square foot per year when calculating the irrigation water
requirement (IWR) unless irrigation is added to support the existing vegetation.
4) Criteria. To approve this departure, the review authority must determine the following criteria are met:
a) The existing vegetation is healthy;
Note: For the preservation of existing trees, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified
arborist must determine that the tree(s) proposed to be preserved on site are healthy.
b) The existing vegetation does not contain noxious or invasive plants;
c) The existing vegetation has a high chance of survival after project completion;
d) The existing vegetation will be appropriately protected during project construction; and
e) New irrigation is not necessary to support the established vegetation.
Historic Preservation
1) Purpose. To encourage the preservation of existing, established trees in the Neighborhood Conservation
Overlay District (NCOD). This departure applies only to development occurring in the NCOD.
2) Description. A healthy, established, urban tree canopy provides numerous benefits to the community
including reduced water demands for the vegetation under the tree canopy. Trees within the NCOD are
typically large, established trees that contribute to these benefits. As a result, preserving these trees will
result in an increased allowance for turfgrass or other groundcover that will require less water because of
the existing established tree canopy.
3) Procedures. The review authority may approve departures from the landscape and irrigation requirements
in this Manual if healthy, established trees are preserved on site. In this case, up to 15% additional turfgrass,
or its equivalent in water use, may be planted and irrigated depending on the size of the healthy, preserved
tree(s). These trees may also apply towards the tree planting requirement listed in Section 3 of this Manual.
4) Criteria. To approve this departure, the review authority must determine the following criteria are met:
a) The tree is deemed healthy by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist and is at
or near its mature, established size for its species;
Page 7 of 44
b) The allowance of up to 15% additional turfgrass, or its equivalent water use, is based off tree canopy
area. The additional turf allowed is equal to 30% of the area provided by the tree’s canopy, per tree. For
example, one tree with a 30’ canopy allows for 215 square feet of additional turf.
c) The areas to receive additional turf, or its planting equivalent, will be shaded by the preserved tree(s) as
much as possible;
d) The tree(s) has a high chance of survival after project completion; and
e) The tree(s) will be protected from damage during project construction.
Open Space Recreation Areas
1) Purpose. To accommodate open space areas dedicated solely to an active recreation activity. This departure
applies only to privately owned open space subject to BMC 38.360.250. and BMC 38.520.060.
2) Description. Open space areas within a development committed to active recreational play provide positive
benefits to residents of that development. These areas are subject to high foot traffic, and typically turfgrass
is used to support recreational play in these areas.
3) Procedures. The review authority may approve a departure from the landscape requirements included in
this Manual if additional turfgrass is required for a dedicated active recreation activity.
4) Criteria. To approve this departure, the review authority must determine the following criteria are met:
a) Recreation areas are designed in the most efficient configuration to maximize irrigation efficiency;
b) A need for the additional turfgrass is demonstrated by addressing the proximity, or lack thereof, to
similar nearby recreation areas;
c) The activities to be used in the open space area are defined and a description of how the layout and use
of turfgrass is necessary for its function is included;
d) If the open space area also includes stormwater features, the stormwater features must not impede on
the area’s ability to provide recreational benefits;
e) No additional turfgrass outside of the recreation area(s) is included once the maximum turfgrass amount
has been exceeded; and
f) The remaining landscaped area includes low or very low water use plantings.
Cemeteries
1) Purpose. To allow for the installation of turfgrass in cemeteries.
2) Description. Turfgrass is the predominate plant type in cemeteries and continues to be part of the function
and expected aesthetic in these areas.
3) Procedures. The review authority may approve a departure from the landscape requirements included in
this Manual if additional turfgrass is necessary or required for these spaces.
4) Criteria. To approve this departure, the review authority must determine the following criteria are met:
a) No additional turfgrass is included in areas where the turfgrass is not providing essential functions for
the cemetery; and
b) The remaining landscaped area includes low or very low water use plantings.
Previously Established City Project Specific Conflicting Condition
1) Purpose. To resolve conflict between the standards established in this Manual and project specific
conditions imposed under prior regulations during the redevelopment or further development of the site
and qualifying under criteria established below.
2) Description. To provide relief from standards that may otherwise require a variance or other non-
administrative method of addressing conflict established by prior land use decisions of the city.
3) Procedures. The review authority may allow alternate landscaping plant palettes, irrigation configurations,
plant coverage percentages, or other specific numeric standard established in this manual.
4) Criteria. To approve this departure, the review authority must determine all the following criteria are met:
Page 8 of 44
a) The non-compliance with the standards of this Manual is the direct result of a project specific condition
established by a decision to approve a land use application by the city of Bozeman prior to the effective
date of this manual;
b) The applicant can provide the specific language of the condition and associated project review
identifying number for the original application;
c) The conflict cannot be resolved by an administratively approved amendment to the previously approved
subdivision, site plan, planned unit development, or planned development zone application;
d) The current application under review does not require full compliance with the standards of Chapter 38,
BMC;
e) With the requested departure, the approved project advances the purposes of water conservation and
reduces irrigation water use beyond the existing conditions on the site if the site has been previously
developed; and
f) The approved departure must be the least departure from the standards of this manual that allows the
conflict to be resolved.
1.5 Figures
The figures in this Manual are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute regulatory standards. Figures
may be revised, replaced, or added by the Water Conservation Division by administrative order issued by the
Director of Utilities.
Page 9 of 44
2 SKETCH PLAN PROJECTS
New single household, townhome, duplex, triplex, and fourplex developments subject to requirements outlined
in BMC 38.230.070 must meet the landscape and irrigation requirements outlined in this Section.
2.1 Submittal Requirements
The purpose of this Section is to establish landscape and irrigation submittal requirements that must be provided
to the City for new single household, townhome, duplex, triplex, and fourplex developments not subject to
Section 3 requirements, below.
Applicants must submit a completed, signed, and dated Building Permit Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification
Form verifying compliance with landscape and irrigation performance and design criteria outlined in this Section.
This form may be approved administratively by the Community Development Department or Utilities
Department. The form is included in Appendix E in this Manual and is available on the City’s website.
2.2 Required Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Criteria
The purpose of this Section is to establish required landscape and irrigation performance and design criteria for
new single household, townhome, duplex, triplex, and fourplex developments not subject to Section 3
requirements, below.
The landscaping to be installed must meet the following standards:
1) Turfgrass areas may not exceed 35 percent of the total landscaped area. Non-turfgrass landscaped areas
must consist solely of low and/or very low water use vegetation, (plant factor of 0.3 or less), and landscape
design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch, except for raised beds dedicated to edible gardens.
Please refer to the City of Bozeman plant list for acceptable plant types. It is strongly encouraged to install
at least 50% native plants in the overall landscape.
2) In lieu of compliance with 1 (above), for those seeking more landscape design flexibility, a landscape water
budget demonstrating the landscape does not exceed an average annual irrigation demand of 10 gallons per
square foot for the entire landscaped area may be provided. Project applicants pursuing the water budget
approach must provide a completed Water Budget Calculator as outlined in Appendix B with the signed and
dated Building Permit Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form.
3) For whichever approach is selected in 1 and 2 (above), the following apply:
a) A minimum of 75 percent of trees must be drought adapted or have a plant factor of 0.3 or less.
b) At least 60 percent of the site area not included in footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks,
driveways, walkways, or other hardscaped areas, such as decks or pervious pavers, must be landscaped
and maintained with some combination of vegetative understory plantings, such as shrubs, perennials,
turfgrass, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or other living plants (excluding weeds). The installation of
at least 50% native plants in the overall landscape is encouraged.
c) Landscaped areas must have at least 6 inches of topsoil depth throughout the entire planted area. The
building footprint and all areas within 5 feet of the actual building are exempt from the topsoil
requirement. The topsoil requirement may be met by implementing one of the following methods prior
to planting:
i) Amend existing topsoil at a rate of 4 cubic yards of compost/1000 square feet;
ii) Amend existing topsoil based on the recommendations of a soil test; or
iii) Import topsoil to achieve a minimum depth of 6 inches of topsoil.
d) A minimum three-inch layer of mulch must be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas
except for turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is
disadvantageous.
Page 10 of 44
e) Rock mulch is discouraged around private trees and prohibited around public, boulevard trees. Public,
boulevard trees must have a 3’ diameter wood mulch ring 3”-4” in depth.
f) Tree diversity requirements must be met according to the table below.
Deciduous and Evergreen Tree Plant Diversity Table
Number of Trees Maximum % of Single Species
1-5 Can have 100% of one species
6-10 Maximum 50% of any one species
11-20 Maximum 33% of any one species
21+ Maximum 25% of any one species
Figure 1: A single residential household showing the 35% turfgrass limit with the remaining 60% coverage requirement
satisfied by shrubs and perennials.
Irrigation is not required for development projects subject to this Section. However, in areas where irrigation
is to be installed, the irrigation must meet the following standards:
1) Backflow prevention devices are required (compliance with local plumbing code).
2) Irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program must be
installed on the irrigation system. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, ET, soil moisture, etc.), either integral or
auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient
soil moisture is present are required.
3) Overhead irrigation must consist of multi-stream, multi-trajectory (MSMT) nozzles and/or rotors.
4) Overhead irrigation must use a 6 inch minimum riser.
5) Sprinkler heads must be spaced 2 inches minimum from hardscape edges.
Page 11 of 44
6) Irrigation systems must be designed to properly address hydrozoning in the landscape (plants with similar
water needs are irrigated by the same valve or controller station).
7) Trees must be on a separate irrigation valve(s) from other plant types to allow for a unique watering schedule
during drought-related outdoor watering restrictions. Drip irrigation, such as emitters, root watering
systems, or bubblers, must be used to irrigate trees.
8) Drip irrigation must be used in all landscaped areas outside of turfgrass areas (except in areas without
irrigation).
9) Areas less than 8 feet wide must be irrigated with drip irrigation, either subsurface or above ground.
Overhead irrigation is prohibited in areas less than 8 feet wide unless being used for temporary
establishment purposes only.
10) Irrigation systems must be installed to achieve optimal operating pressure. This may be accomplished by
using pressure regulators at the zone valve or integrated into the sprinkler body. It is encouraged to use
sprinkler bodies with integrated pressure regulators.
11) It is encouraged to connect all sprinkler bodies to the lateral line with flexible swing joints or swing pipe.
12) Irrigation pipe installed under hardscape surfaces must be sleeved in a rigid pipe.
Page 12 of 44
3 PLAT, SITE PLAN, AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONE PROJECTS
Any site development that is not subject to Section 2, above, is subject to this Section 3. Any projects subject to
BMC. 38.550.040 must meet landscape and irrigation requirements outlined in this Section and must receive
landscape and irrigation plan approval from the review authority before proceeding with landscape and
irrigation project installation.
These landscape and irrigation requirements also apply to landscaped open space areas that do not fall under
the Exemptions or Departures Sections of this Manual.
3.1 Submittal Requirements
The purpose of this Section is to establish submittal requirements that must be provided to the review authority
to receive landscape and irrigation design approval.
3.1.1 Plan Review Landscape Documentation Package
A Landscape Documentation Package must be submitted by the project applicant as part of the application to
the Community Development Department. Applicant must receive approval prior to landscape and irrigation
installation, including the issuance of any permits. Unless otherwise required by the Director of Community
Development, the Landscape Documentation Package must include the following elements either on plan sheets
or supplemental pages as required by the Director of Community Development:
1) Completed Landscape Design Plan meeting criteria outlined in Section 3.2 based on development type;
2) Completed Irrigation Design Plan meeting criteria outlined in Section 3.3 based on development type; and
3) Water Budget Calculator for Performance (water budget-based) Design Projects Only (Appendix B).
The Landscape Documentation Package is not applicable to new single household, townhome, duplex,
triplex, or fourplex developments that are subject to Sketch Plan requirements outlined in Section 2 of this
Manual.
3.1.2 Building Permit Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form
A signed copy of the Building Permit Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form (Appendix E) is necessary to
receive a building permit.
3.1.3 Pre-Installation Meeting/Soils Approval or Certification
Prior to commencing any work, the applicant must contact the Water Conservation Division to schedule a pre-
installation meeting. The pre-installation meeting will address the following:
1) The approved landscape and irrigation plan and requirements of this Manual;
2) Timing of required inspections including the final inspection to obtain a certificate of completion;
3) Soil amendment requirements and the process for approval of installed soil, including the party responsible
for soils inspection;
4) Discussion of the day and hours for irrigation scheduling after installation;
5) The process required for making changes to the approved landscape and irrigation plan; and
6) Installation of landscaping and irrigation according to the approved landscaping and irrigation plan and
requirements this Manual, which is required to receive a final certificate of occupancy.
The pre-installation meeting must include all contractors responsible for the installation of the landscape and
irrigation systems. This may include: the applicant’s general contractor, the landscape architect or other design
professional responsible for the landscape and irrigation design, and any contractor or subcontractor that will
be responsible for installing any component of the landscape and irrigation plan.
Page 13 of 44
After installation or amendment of all soils required by the application approval, or after the City’s approval of
a soils report (and after the installation of any soil amendments required by the soils report), the applicant must
contact the Water Conservation Division for inspection prior to the installation of any landscaping. In lieu of the
City inspecting and approving soils, the applicant may have a landscape architect or landscape professional
certify, on a form provided by the City, the soils have been installed as required by the landscape and irrigation
plan and this Manual. The applicant shall not install any landscaping until the City approves the soil preparation
or receives a signed certification.
3.1.4 Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion (Appendix F)
A signed Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion (Appendix F) must be submitted at Final Plat, prior to
certificate of occupancy for site plans, or prior to releasing a security as provided by an improvements
agreement. The Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion is required to notify the City the landscaping
and irrigation for the identified property complies with the requirements of the landscape and irrigation plan
and this Manual. See Appendix F for a copy of the Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion form. This
form does not apply to areas dedicated as parkland.
3.2 Landscape Design Requirements
This Section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation pursuant to BMC 38.550.
For the efficient use of water, a landscape must be carefully designed and planned for the intended function of
the project. The following criteria must be complied with as part of the landscape design. Landscapes must be
designed and installed in a manner that supports the conservation of water.
3.2.1 Landscape Design Standards
Landscapes must be designed pursuant to the standards of this Section.
Landscape Design Approval Pathways
Applicants may create compliant landscape designs via one of two design pathway options: the prescriptive
(percentage-based) design approach; or the performance (water budget-based) design approach.
The prescriptive pathway provides a simple pathway to receive landscape design approval. This pathway limits
the total amount of turfgrass permitted to be installed in the landscape to a certain percentage of the total
landscaped area. The remaining landscaped area is limited to the installation of drought-adapted and/or
drought-tolerant plants and landscape design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch.
The performance pathway provides flexibility in landscape design by limiting the total amount of supplemental
water required by the entire landscaped area to meet vegetation water demand, rather than setting limits on
the installation of certain vegetation types.
Prescriptive Landscape Design Pathway (percentage-based approach)
Design criteria specific to this pathway includes:
1) Plant material must comply with the following:
a) Turfgrass areas must not exceed 20 percent of the total landscaped area.
b) All remaining landscaped areas must consist solely of low and/or very low water use vegetation (plant
factor of 0.3 or less), and landscape design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch, except for
raised beds dedicated to edible gardens. Refer to the plant list in Appendix C.
2) Landscape Design Plan compliance with requirements outlined in 3.2.2 of this Manual.
Performance Landscape Design Pathway (water budget-based approach)
Page 14 of 44
Design criteria specific to this pathway includes:
1) Plant material compliance with the following:
a) Landscape plant water demands for the entire landscaped area must not exceed an average of 8 gallons
per square foot per year.
b) Landscape Design Plan compliance with requirements outlined in 3.2.2.
c) Project applicants following the performance pathway must provide a completed Water Budget
Calculator as provided. See Appendix B. The performance landscape design pathway also relies on
plant factor water use data outlined in the City of Bozeman Plant List (Appendix C).
Landscaped Area Coverage Requirements
1) Landscaped area is defined in Appendix A. At least 60 percent of the site area not included in footprints of
buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, walkways, or other hardscaped areas, such as decks or
pervious pavers, must be landscaped and maintained with some combination of vegetative understory
plantings, such as shrubs, perennials, turfgrass, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or other living plants
(excluding weeds). Rock mulch or wood mulch must be installed in all landscaped areas not covered with
plant material. The installation of at least 50 percent native plants in the overall landscape is encouraged.
Certain areas listed under Section 1.3 are exempt from being included in the site area coverage requirement
listed above.
a) A minimum of 10 percent of the landscaped area must be vegetated with container grown shrubs or
perennials. This requirement does not apply to City right-of-way boulevard strips and medians.
b) Evergreen trees count towards the landscape plant coverage requirement. Deciduous trees do not count
towards this requirement.
i) 8 feet of canopy spread (or 50 square feet) shall be used for evergreen trees when calculating plant
size for the coverage requirement.
c) The average mature plant size shall be used when calculating coverage amounts.
d) Artificial plant materials do not count towards the landscape plant coverage requirement (BMC
38.550.050.F.4.).
Page 15 of 44
Figure 2: This multi-household residential site plan showcases the 20% maximum allowable turf amount with the
remaining 60% coverage requirement satisfied by shrubs and perennials.
Figure 3: This multi-household residential site plan showcases the 20% maximum allowable turf amount with the 60%
coverage requirement satisfied by shrubs (10% coverage) and low water use perennial seed mix (30% coverage).
Page 16 of 44
Figure 4: This apartment site plan showcases how these standards apply to a larger site. The design satisfies the 60%
coverage requirement with turf (20% coverage), shrubs and perennials (10% coverage), and low water use perennial seed
mix (30% coverage).
Parking Lot Requirements
Parking lot landscaping is part of the landscaped area and must meet requirements in this Manual and
38.550.050.B. except for tree requirements as provided below.
Tree Requirements Outside of Parking Lots and Boulevards
1) Tree diversity requirements must be met according to the table below.
Deciduous and Evergreen Tree Plant Diversity Table
Number of Trees Maximum % of Single Species
1-5 Can have 100% of one species
6-10 Maximum 50% of any one species
11-20 Maximum 33% of any one species
21+ Maximum 25% of any one species
2) A minimum of 75 percent of proposed trees must be drought adapted or have a plant factor of 0.3 or less.
3) Rock mulch is discouraged around private trees and prohibited around public, boulevard trees. Public,
boulevard trees must have a 3’ diameter wood mulch ring 3”-4” in depth.
4) Trees must be planted at a rate of 1 per 1600 square feet of landscaped area.
Page 17 of 44
a) Trees used for residential adjacency requirements outlined in BMC 38.550.050.K may also count towards
this requirement.
5) A minimum of fifty percent of trees must be canopy trees. The review authority may adjust this
requirement if utility conflicts exist.
6) Transplanted trees exceeding the sizes outlined in BMC 38.550.050.F. may be allowed at the discretion of
the review authority.
7) Exemptions:
a) All areas within 10 feet of the building(s) on site are exempt from the square footage used to calculate
the number of required trees.
b) Landscaped areas under 6 feet wide are exempt from the square footage used to calculate the number
of required trees. This does not apply to boulevard tree requirements.
c) Deciduous and evergreen trees deemed healthy and preserved on site shall apply towards the tree
planting requirement at the discretion of the review authority.
d) Tree requirements for street frontage shall adhere to the requirements listed in BMC 38.550.050.D.
These areas are exempt from the square footage used to calculate the number of required trees.
Figure 5: This figure demonstrates how to calculate tree requirements for a site plan. One tree is required for every 1,600
square feet of landscaped area. However, all areas within 10’ of the building are exempt from this square footage
requirement. As a result, only 2,250 square feet is used to calculate the required number of trees. Only one tree is required
for this site plan. Boulevards and parking lots have separate tree requirements and are exempt from this square footage
requirement.
Page 18 of 44
Soil Preparation and Amendment Requirements
Plants in healthy soils have an opportunity to develop robust root systems, leading to improved overall health
and viability during drought conditions. By amending topsoil, plant die-off can be reduced, especially during the
critical plant establishment period.
Soil Quality Requirements
1) Landscaped areas must have a minimum topsoil depth of 6 inches throughout the entire planting area.
2) The topsoil quality requirement may be met by implementing one of the following methods prior to planting:
a) Amend existing topsoil at a rate of 4 cubic yards of compost/1000 square feet. Compost must meet the
State of Montana's compost requirement for soil amendment (Admin. Rule Mont. 17.50.1716).
Compost must be spread and mixed evenly into the top 6 inches of topsoil;
b) Perform a soil test and amend the existing soil as recommended by the soil test; or
c) Imported topsoil that has been amended pursuant to the recommendations of a soil test.
3) Remove stones that are, at minimum, larger than 2 inches, sticks, roots, construction debris, and other
extraneous matter, and legally dispose of them off the property.
4) Compliance with the following practices is required:
a) Do not apply material or scarify if soil is frozen, muddy, or excessively wet.
b) Protect areas of in-place soil from additional compaction, disturbance, and contamination during
construction.
5) Exemptions:
a) The building footprint and all areas within 5 feet of the actual building are exempt from the topsoil
requirement.
b) On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes must meet the topsoil requirement.
Soil Testing Requirements
The following requirements apply when performing a soil test:
1) A soil analysis must be conducted by an independent, state-operated, or university-operated soil
laboratory with the capability and experience to conduct the required testing.
2) The soil sample(s) must represent a uniform area. Differences in texture (sand, silt, or clay), color, slope,
degree of erosion, drainage, past management practices, and types of plant material designed for each area
should be considered when collecting the sample. The recommended sampling frequency is no less than one
sample per 5,000 square feet of landscaped area.
3) The soil analysis must test the following:
a) Soil Texture
b) Percentage of Organic Matter
c) Soil Reaction (acidity/alkalinity pH value)
d) Soluble-Salt Content
e) Nutrients: including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and lime.
4) The soil test must be dated no more than 60 days prior to conducting the pre-installation meeting and
must be provided to the review authority at the pre-installation meeting.
3.2.2 Landscape Design Plan Requirements
The landscape design plan must meet requirements outlined in BMC 38.220.100.B.
Required Elements of the Landscape Design Plan for Preliminary Plat
The following information must be submitted and approved by the Water Conservation Division at preliminary
plat.
Page 19 of 44
The landscape design plan must include property and project information listed in BMC 38.220.100.D.
The landscape plan must match the scale and orientation of the irrigation plan. To satisfy requirements listed
in BMC 38.220.040.B., the landscape design must contain a scaled landscape plan detailing the following
landscape and plant material information:
1) The landscape design approval pathway selected for compliance (prescriptive vs. performance);
2) The total landscaped area (square feet);
3) The general location of the following vegetation categories, total square footage, and intended plant
coverage expressed as a percentage of total landscaped area:
a) Turf;
b) Seed mix; and
c) All other plants except for trees;
4) List the number of required trees, proposed trees, and proposed canopy trees. If existing trees are being
preserved, indicate their location and method for protecting existing trees from damage during
construction. The location and type of all existing trees over six inches in caliper must be specifically
indicated;
5) Type of mulch and application depth;
6) Indication of method used to meet topsoil quality requirements;
7) Areas used solely for water treatment, stormwater retention, or stormwater detention; and
8) Areas that are exempt from this Manual’s requirements as provided for in Section 1.3. and 1.4.
Required Elements of the Landscape Design Plan for Final Plat and Site Plan
The following information must be submitted and approved by the Water Conservation Division at final plat or
prior to installation, whichever occurs first, or at site plan.
The landscape design plan must include property and project information listed in BMC 38.220.100.D.
The landscape plan must match the scale and orientation of the irrigation plan. To satisfy requirements listed
in BMC 38.220.070.A.5. and BMC 38.220.100.A. for final plats and site plans, the landscape design must
contain the following landscape and plant material information:
1) The landscape design approval pathway selected for compliance (prescriptive vs. performance);
2) The total landscaped area (square feet):
3) Landscaped areas with specific plant types and their general locations;
4) The square footage and percent coverage based off the total landscaped area of the following vegetation
categories:
a) Turf;
b) Seed mix; and
c) All other plants except for trees;
5) A plant schedule including the following plant items shown per page and an overall plant schedule that
includes totals of the following: typical symbols, plant names (common and botanical name), quantities,
container or caliper sizes at installation, height and width at maturity, and spacing for groundcovers as
applicable. When using seed mixes or plant mixes, include species composition as a percentage and total
square feet;
6) The number of required trees, proposed trees, and proposed canopy trees. If existing trees are being
preserved, indicate their location and method for protecting existing trees from damage during
construction. The location and type of all existing trees over six inches in caliper must be specifically
indicated;
7) Type of mulch and application depth;
8) Indication of method used to meet topsoil quality requirements;
Page 20 of 44
9) Areas used solely for water treatment, stormwater retention, or stormwater detention; and
10) Areas that are exempt from this Manual’s requirements as provided for in Section 1.3. and 1.4.
3.2.3 Landscape Requirements for Boulevards and Street Medians
This Section describes minimum landscape requirements for rights-of-way and street medians. Unless
specifically called out in this Section, requirements outlined in Section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of this Manual apply.
Collector, Arterial, and Local Street Boulevards
1) Artificial plant materials are prohibited.
2) The final grade of landscape design elements such as rock and wood mulch must be below the top of the
curb to prevent mulch from migrating into the curb line and sidewalk. The curb reveal must not pose a trip
hazard. Mulch maintenance and replenishment is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
3) Only landscape design elements that will not become damaged from plowing or pose an obstruction to
plowing are permitted in rights-of-way boulevard strips.
4) Plant material must comply with street vision triangle requirements outlined in BMC 38.400.100.
5) Maintenance responsibility for landscaping in city rights-of-way is required per BMC 38.550.070.B.
Adjacent property owners are responsible for weed mitigation and the replenishment of landscape design
elements such as rock and wood mulch.
6) Plant materials that cannot withstand impacts from snow storage and plowing, including being buried
under snow throughout the winter months, are prohibited in City rights-of-way boulevard strips. The City
is not responsible for damage to plant material and landscape design elements in boulevard strips due to
plowing.
Street Medians
1) The installation of turfgrass in City right-of-way street medians is prohibited.
2) Artificial plant materials are prohibited.
3) The final grade of landscape design elements such as rock and wood mulch must be below the top of the
curb to prevent mulch from migrating into the street.
4) Landscape design elements that pose an obstruction to snow plowing and snow storage, including but not
limited to large rocks and boulders, that are not below the top of the curb line are prohibited.
5) Plant material must comply with street vision triangle requirements outlined in BMC 38.400.100.
6) Plant materials that cannot withstand impacts from snow storage and plowing, including being buried
under snow throughout the winter months, are prohibited in City rights-of-way street medians.
21
3.3 Irrigation Design Requirements
This Section applies to landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation pursuant to BMC 38.550.050.H.
For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system must be carefully designed and planned for the intended
function of the project. The following criteria must be complied with as part of the irrigation system design.
Irrigation systems must be designed and installed in a manner that supports the conservation of water.
3.3.1 Irrigation Design Standards
Irrigation systems must be designed pursuant to the standards of this Section.
Backflow Device and Controller
1) A backflow device compliant with the City’s currently adopted plumbing code for use in an irrigation system
is required;
2) Irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program are required.
Except for parks and irrigation systems where the water supply is fully independent of City ownership or
maintenance, the controller must be programmed to accommodate any water windows or restrictions for
operation such as the day of the week and hours of the day pursuant to BMC 40.02.1290.; and
3) Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, ET, soil moisture, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation
operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient soil moisture is present are required.
Sprinklers/Overhead Irrigation
1) All overhead irrigation must consist of multi-stream, multi-trajectory (MSMT) nozzles and/or rotors;
2) Head(s) subject to low head drainage must be equipped with integrated check valves to avoid draining when
the system completes its cycle;
3) Sprinkler heads must be spaced 2 inches minimum from hardscape edges and installed flush with finished
grade;
4) Overhead irrigation must use a 6 inch minimum riser;
5) Overhead irrigation spacing must be designed to achieve head-to-head coverage or per manufacturer
specifications;
6) Areas less than 8 feet in width in any direction must be irrigated with drip irrigation, either subsurface or
above ground. Overhead spray irrigation is prohibited in areas less than 8 feet wide unless being used for
temporary establishment purposes only; and
7) It is encouraged to connect all sprinkler bodies to the lateral line with flexible swing joints or swing pipe.
Drip Irrigation
1) Drip irrigation must be used for all landscaped areas other than turfgrass, creeping or rooting groundcovers,
and seeded areas;
2) Drip irrigation must include a pressure regulator and filter;
3) Inline drip irrigation installed on a slope must lay parallel to the elevation contours;
4) Drip irrigation must be installed with the ability to easily flush the line; and
5) All subsurface drip must be installed with air/vacuum relief valves per manufacturer recommendations.
Irrigation Stations/Zones
1) Each zone must be designed to achieve matched precipitation rates;
2) Irrigation zones must be separated based on hydrozone, which considers irrigation type (e.g. overhead or
drip) and plant water use (e.g. low, medium, or high);
22
3) Stations that irrigate trees cannot irrigate other plant types. An individual irrigation station may irrigate more
than one tree. The established size and extent of the root zone must be considered when designing irrigation
for trees. Drip irrigation, such as emitters, root watering systems, or bubblers, must be used to irrigate trees.
4) Each irrigation zone must be designed to prevent runoff, overspray, or other similar conditions; and
5) Stations must be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
System
1) Valve boxes must be installed in a manner that prevent breaks and must easily be accessible for repairs;
2) Irrigation pipe installed under hardscape surfaces must be sleeved with a rigid pipe 1 inch larger than the
pipe within it, at a minimum;
3) Operating pressure of the irrigation system must meet manufacturer’s recommended operating pressure.
a) Pressure-regulating devices must be installed to ensure proper operation. This may be accomplished by
using pressure regulators at the zone valve or integrated into the sprinkler body. Sprinkler bodies with
integrated pressure regulators are encouraged. If using sprinkler bodies with integrated pressure regulators,
the bottom inlet must be used; and
b) A booster pump is required If water pressure is below the required operating pressure.
4) A flow sensor and master valve are required for systems with mainlines greater than or equal to (>) 2 inches
that are connected to City municipal water. Flow sensors must be installed according to manufacturer’s
specifications and tested for functionality.
a) A flow sensor serves two primary functions: 1) to detect breaks so the controller can suspend watering
and notify the irrigation manager, and 2) to assist in efficient system operation by reducing the watering
window the system requires to complete its watering cycle. It may also be used to track the irrigation
system’s water consumption.
3.3.2 Irrigation Building Additions and Remodel Improvements
For building additions and remodels falling under Level II Improvements as defined in BMC 38.500.020.B.2., the
following irrigation components must be installed:
1) Irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program are required.
Except for parks and irrigation systems where the water supply is fully independent of City ownership or
maintenance, the controller must be programmed to accommodate any water windows or restrictions for
operation such as the day of the week and hours of the day pursuant to BMC 40.02.1290.;
2) Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, ET, soil moisture, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation
operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient soil moisture is present are required;
and
3) All overhead irrigation must consist of multi-stream, multi-trajectory (MSMT) nozzles and/or rotors.
3.3.3 Irrigation Design Plan Requirements
The irrigation designer must meet requirements outlined in BMC 38.220.100.C. Both prescriptive and
performance landscape design pathways must follow the irrigation requirements of this Section unless
otherwise noted.
Required Elements of the Irrigation System Design Plan for Preliminary Plat
The following information must be submitted and approved by the Water Conservation Division at preliminary
plat.
An irrigation design plan must be provided with the submission of a preliminary plat. To satisfy requirements
listed in BMC 38.220.040.B.6., the irrigation design, at a minimum, must contain the following information:
23
1) An irrigation water requirement (IWR) in units of gallons per year. For applications seeking plan approval
via the performance landscape design pathway, the required water budget calculation serves as the
project IWR. For those seeking plan approval via the prescriptive landscape design pathway, the following
must be used in the IWR calculation, as applicable:
Cool season turfgrass 18.4 gallons/ft2/year
Drought-adapted woody plants and
herbaceous perennials 5.4 gallons/ft2/year
Drought tolerant 1.8 gallons/ft2/year
2) Water supply source location, ownership (e.g. private or public), and type(s) (e.g. municipal, existing surface
water, groundwater well). Identify areas irrigated with non-municipal water, including total square footage.
Include all supporting documentation of compliance with all State, County, and City regulations as
applicable. If using a well for irrigation, provide pre-determination/approval by DNRC for the well;
3) Assumed static water pressure at the point of connection to the water supply;
4) The general location of areas irrigated by the following methods:
a) Overhead irrigation (e.g. rotors/rotary nozzles);
b) Drip irrigation;
c) Temporary irrigation, if applicable, including indication of whether overhead or drip irrigation will be
used.
5) Areas that are exempt from this Manual’s requirements as outlined in Section 1.3. and 1.4.; and
6) A scaled plan that matches the scale and orientation of the landscape plan representing the irrigation
components listed below with unique symbols and general locations, an irrigation schedule, and the
following required information:
a) Property line;
b) Easements;
c) Existing or proposed structures;
d) Impervious surfaces;
e) Existing features consistent with the landscape design plan;
f) Point of connection;
g) Backflow prevention device;
h) Irrigation controller labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program;
i) Rain, freeze, wind, evapotranspiration (ET), or soil moisture sensor(s); and
j) Irrigation sleeves.
Required Elements of the Irrigation System Design Plan for Final Plat or Site Plan
The following information must be submitted and approved by the Water Conservation Division at final plat or
prior to installation, whichever occurs first, or at site plan.
The irrigation plan must match the scale and orientation of the landscape plan. To satisfy requirements listed in
in BMC 38.220.070.A.5. and BMC 38.220.100.A. for final plats and site plans respectively, the irrigation design,
at a minimum, must contain the following information:
1) An irrigation water requirement (IWR) in units of gallons per year. For applications seeking plan approval
via the performance landscape design pathway, the required water budget calculation serves as the
project IWR. For those seeking plan approval via the prescriptive landscape design pathway, the following
must be used in the IWR calculation, as applicable:
Cool season turfgrass 18.4 gallons/ft2/year
24
Drought-adapted woody plants and
herbaceous perennials 5.4 gallons/ft2/year
Drought tolerant 1.8 gallons/ft2/year
2) An irrigation schedule that shows the total number of each component including in the irrigation design plan
including make, model, size, and quantity of the following irrigation components per page and an overall
irrigation schedule showing total quantities of the following components (as applicable). Quantities do not
need to be provided for lateral lines, mainlines, sleeves, drip irrigation, rotors, and sprinklers.
a) Point of connection;
b) Backflow prevention device;
c) Irrigation controller labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program;
d) Rain, freeze, wind, evapotranspiration (ET), or soil moisture sensor(s);
e) Flow sensor, if applicable;
f) Isolation valve(s);
g) Remote control valve(s);
h) Pressure regulator(s);
i) Pressure regulator and filter for drip irrigation;
j) Drip irrigation;
k) Sprinklers and Rotors:
i) Pop-up heights;
ii) Radius and arc;
l) Pipe type and size including lateral lines, mainlines, and sleeves;
m) Quick coupler(s);
n) Temporary irrigation, if applicable, including indication of whether overhead or drip irrigation will be
used; and
o) If applicable, the location and set pressure of the booster pump;
3) A scaled plan that matches the scale and orientation of the landscape plan representing the irrigation
components listed above with unique symbols and general locations, along with the following required
information:
a) Property line;
b) Easements;
c) Existing or proposed structures;
d) Impervious surfaces;
e) Existing features consistent with the landscape design plan;
f) Water supply source location and type(s) (e.g. municipal, existing surface water, groundwater well).
Identify areas irrigated with non-municipal water, including total square footage. Include all supporting
documentation of compliance with all State, County, and City regulations as applicable;
g) Assumed static water pressure at the point of connection (POC) to the water supply;
h) Connection point for winterization;
i) Irrigation valves labeled to indicate flow rate (gallons per minute), station number, temporary irrigation
(if applicable), and valve size; and
j) Identification of the worst case station, or critical station, that faces the most pressure loss. Provide the
pressure required for this station’s proper operation and the pressure delivered after accounting for
pressure loss. Provide information showing pressure loss from the mainline, pressure loss from any
elevation change to the POC, pressure loss from the backflow, and from any other applicable system
components.
4) Except for parks and irrigation systems where the water supply is fully independent of City ownership or
maintenance, a watering schedule demonstrating the system can meet the landscape’s peak demand, or
25
water need during the hottest month, while remaining within the City’s watering window as outlined in
BMC 40.02.1290. Appendix D contains evapotranspiration rate information to help determine water need.
a) If the watering window cannot be met after the first 45 days of plant establishment, an exemption
request form must be submitted to the Water Conservation Division for approval per Administrative
Order 2023-02 upon submission of the Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion.
b) The watering schedule must consider the following information and parameters for each zone/station:
i) Plant material,
ii) Watering days;
iii) Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);
iv) Number of cycle start times required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;
v) Application rate;
vi) Root depth;
vii) Plant type;
viii) Soil type;
ix) Slope;
x) Sun or shade exposure;
xi) Distribution uniformity or efficiency factor; and
xii) Whether the station/zone is temporary or permanent.
5) Areas that are exempt from this Manual’s requirements as outlined in Section 1.3. and 1.4.
3.3.4 Irrigation Operation and Maintenance
Irrigation management includes the planning of water use, monitoring of water use, and verifying that
equipment is maintained and properly adjusted for optimal performance. As the landscape matures,
adjustments to the system must be in harmony with the original intent of the irrigation design. As such, the
following operation and maintenance requirements are ongoing obligations of any development subject to this
Manual:
1) Watering schedule must be regulated by an irrigation controller labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s WaterSense® Program. Except for parks and irrigation systems where the water supply is fully
independent of City ownership or maintenance, all irrigation scheduling must be programmed to operate
within the City’s watering window outlined in BMC 40.02.1290;
2) Scheduling of irrigation events must match the needs of the plants to maintain health and meet the
function of the landscape. This includes regular adjustments for plant establishment, plant maturity, and
seasonal variations in weather;
3) Irrigation frequency and duration must account for soil texture and slope to prevent runoff;
4) Irrigation systems must be maintained to ensure proper operation for water use efficiency;
5) Regular operation and maintenance includes, but is not limited to, routine inspection, adjustment, and
repair of the irrigation system;
6) Repair of all irrigation equipment must be done with components of equal or greater efficiency and
quality;
7) When winterizing systems with flow sensors, manufacturer recommendations must be followed to prevent
damaging the flow sensor assembly; and
8) All areas irrigated with temporary irrigation by means of connection to the irrigation controller must have
run times reduced to zero minutes, wires disconnected, or components physically removed after the plant
establishment period.
3.3.5 Irrigation Requirements for Boulevards and Street Medians
This Section describes minimum irrigation requirements for rights-of-way and street medians. Unless
specifically called out in this Section, requirements outlined in Section 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 of this Manual apply.
26
Collector, Arterial, and Local Street Boulevards
1) The installation of overhead spray irrigation in City rights-of-way boulevard strips along all collector,
arterial and local streets is prohibited in areas less than eight feet wide unless the overhead spray
irrigation is used for temporary plant establishment purposes only.
2) Whenever a subsurface drip system is installed in these areas, it must also be equipped with a system pop-
up indicator to help identify leaks.
Street Medians
1) The installation of overhead spray irrigation in City rights-of-way street medians is prohibited in areas less
than eight feet wide unless the overhead spray irrigation is used for temporary plant establishment purposes
only.
2) Whenever a subsurface drip system is installed in these areas, it must also be equipped with a system pop-
up indicator to help identify leaks. In these areas, the irrigation mainline, lateral lines, and wiring must be
in individual sleeves.
3.3.6 Irrigation Requirements for Public Parks
1) Public parks must follow the Manual requirements listed in Section 3.3 and include the relevant information
in applicable plans as required in BMC 38.220.060.A.14. except for the following:
a) Ensuring that the system can meet the landscape’s peak water demand while fitting within the watering
window (Sec 3.3.2). Due to the size of some parks, it may not be possible to irrigate the entire landscape
within the defined watering window; and
b) Flow sensor requirements unless otherwise prescribed by the Parks Department.
2) In addition, irrigation system components, such as a controller, rotor, or tree bubbler, must have their make
and model approved by the Parks Department.
27
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms used in this Manual have the meaning set forth below:
“Application rate” means the depth of water that the irrigation system applies over a period of time. Usually
expressed in units of depth per time (e.g. inches of water/hour).
“Backflow” or “Backflow prevention device” means a device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the
water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
“Boulevard” or “Boulevard strip” means the area between the street and sidewalk.
“Canopy tree” means a species of tree which normally bears crown foliage no lower than six feet above ground
level upon maturity.
“Check valve” means a valve located under a sprinkler body, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold
water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler bodies when the irrigation system is not operating.
“City” means the City of Bozeman or its authorized designee.
“Controller” see irrigation controller.
“Distribution uniformity” means the measure of the evenness of irrigation water applied to a defined landscaped
area expressed as a decimal.
“Drip irrigation” means a non-spray, low volume irrigation system using emitters.
“Edible garden” means an area within the landscape that is dedicated to the production of food.
“Emitter” means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water from the drip system to the soil. Emitter
flow rates are measured in gallons per hour (GPH).
“Establishment period” means the time period when landscape water demands may be adjusted to establish
new plantings.
“ET sensor” means a sensor that uses evapotranspiration (ET) data to adjust the watering cycle.
“ETo” or “ET” means the amount of water lost annually from plants and soil, depending on sun, wind, humidity
and temperature. ETo is expressed in inches per day, month, or year as represented in Appendix D and is an
estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of 4”-7” tall, cool-season grass that is well watered. Local
values are sourced from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation AgriMet data.
“Evapotranspiration rate” see ETo.
“Flow rate” means the rate of water or volume per unit period of time.
“Flow sensor” means a sensor that detects the flow of water through an irrigation system.
“Freeze sensor” means a sensor that can detect the temperature.
“Groundcover” means low growing, perennial species that create a mat of continuous cover over the ground,
which makes it difficult for weeds to establish in the landscape.
“Hardscapes” or “hardscape surface” means any hard material or feature including pervious and non-pervious
materials installed in or around a landscaped area, such as pavements, pavers, concrete, or walls.
“Hydrozone” means a portion of the landscaped area which has plants with similar water needs grouped
together that are typically irrigated by one valve or station with the same irrigation type. A hydrozone may be
irrigated or non-irrigated.
28
“Infiltration rate” means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g.,
inches per hour).
“Inline drip irrigation” means a style of drip irrigation that uses drip pipe with integrated emitters creating an
even distribution across the landscaped area.
“Irrigation” means supplemental water that is artificially applied to an area for the purpose of fostering plant
growth and health.
“Irrigation controller” means the device that starts and stops the irrigation watering based on a watering
schedule.
“Irrigation design plan” means a scaled drawing of an irrigation system which lists irrigation information required
by this Manual.
“Irrigation efficiency” or “IE” means the measurement of the amount of water used by plants divided by the
amount of water applied to a landscaped area.
“Isolation valve” means a valve installed downstream of the point of connection of the irrigation water supply
to shutdown water flowing through the mainline.
“Landscaped area” means the area of a lot where landscaping has been or is proposed to be installed. It also
includes landscape design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch. It does not include footprints of
buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, walkways, or other hardscaped areas, such as decks or pervious
pavers.
“Landscaping” means an area with vegetative plantings, such as shrubs, perennials, and turfgrass, creeping or
rooting groundcovers, seed mixes, or other living plants.
“Landscape design plan” means a scaled drawing of a landscape which lists landscape information required by
this Manual.
“Landscape installation certificate of completion” means the certificate included in Appendix F in this Manual
that must be submitted to the City.
“Lateral line” means the water delivery pipeline that supplies irrigation water to the emitters or sprinkler bodies
from the irrigation zone valve.
“Mainline” means the pipeline that delivers irrigation water from the water source to the irrigation zone valve(s)
or outlet(s).
“Matched precipitation” means an individual irrigation zone in which all sprinklers have similar precipitation
rates.
“MSMT nozzle” or “Multi-Stream, Multi-Trajectory nozzle” means nozzles designed to distribute water in
individual streams, of varying trajectories, which rotate across the distribution area.
“Nozzle” means the opening of a sprinkler body used to control the volume of discharge, distribution pattern,
and droplet size.
“Operating pressure” means a measurement of water pressure with the water in motion.
“Organic mulch” means ground covering material consisting of organic matter such as wood chips, compost,
straw, or leaves.
“Overhead spray irrigation” means the sprinkler or spray nozzle components of an irrigation system; or the act
of applying water to a landscape by sprinklers or spray nozzles that deliver water to the landscape through the
air.
29
“Overspray” means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target landscaped area.
“Plant factor” means a factor that, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water needed by plants.
The plant factor for very low water use plants is 0.1; low water use plants is 0.3; medium water use plants is 0.5-
0.6; and high water use plants is 0.8.
“Precipitation rate” see application rate.
“Rain sensor” means a sensor that detects the amount of rainfall received.
“Raised bed” means raised above the surface of the ground; usually framed by some barrier such as wood or
stones.
“Recommended operating pressure” means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed
to operate at by the manufacturer.
“Riser” means the component of a sprinkler body that extends vertically to elevate the nozzle so it can achieve
proper coverage.
“Rock mulch” means ground covering material consisting of inorganic matter: rocks, gravel, decomposed granite,
etc.
“Rotor sprinkler body” or “rotor” means a sprinkler body that distributes water to the landscaped area by use of
a single rotating stream.
“Runoff” means water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the
landscaped area to waste.
“Sensor” means a component of an irrigation system that has the ability to alter or suspend watering cycles
based on locally collected data.
“Soil moisture sensor” means a sensor that detects the soil moisture level in the landscaped area.
"Spray irrigation" see overhead spray irrigation.
“Sprinkler body” means the exterior case or shell of a sprinkler incorporating a means of connection to the piping
system designed to convey water to a nozzle or opening.
“Sprinkler” means an emission device consisting of a sprinkler body with one or more openings to convert
irrigation water to high velocity discharge through the air.
“Static water pressure” means the pipeline or water supply pressure when water is not flowing.
“Station” means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operates simultaneously.
“Swing joint/pipe” means an irrigation component that provides a leak-free connection between the emission
device and lateral line to allow movement in any direction.
“Temporary irrigation” means a temporary watering system designed to transport and distribute water to plants
for a limited period, primarily used during the establishment period, after which time the irrigation is terminated
or abandoned.
“Turfgrass” or “turf” means a relatively high water use groundcover surface of grass and the surface layer of
earth held together by its roots, including but not limited to cool season lawn grasses. For the purposes of this
Manual, turfgrass has a plant factor of 0.8 or above.
“Urban farming” see edible garden.
“Valve” means a device used to control the flow of water in an irrigation system.
30
“Watering schedule” means collectively the zone or station run times (duration), zone or station watering days
(frequency), and the time that the irrigation will begin running on the selected days (start times).
“Watering window” or “water window” means the period, timeframe, or continuous hours of the day(s) in
which outdoor watering is permitted.
“Wind sensor” means a sensor that detects the wind speed.
“Zone” means the section of an irrigation system served by a single valve. Zones are comprised of similar
irrigation types and plant material types with similar water requirements.
“Zone valve” means an electronically controlled automatic valve that operates a group of sprinkler bodies or a
specific area of drip irrigation in the landscaped area.
31
APPENDIX B: WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR (PERFORMANCE PATHWAY ONLY)
The Water Budget Calculator is a spreadsheet tool created for consistent calculation of supplemental irrigation water demands for various plant types
installed in the landscape and serves as a tool to ensure landscapes are compliant with this Manual. A completed Water Budget Calculator is required
for all performance-based landscape design plans. To complete the Water Budget Calculator, project applicants will need to enter inputs such as
irrigation type and total square feet for each hydrozone type. The calculator will auto-calculate the supplemental irrigation water use of each plant
type category, the total area, and the average gallons of supplemental irrigation per square foot of landscape. Additional details on the elements and
calculations in the Calculator can be found in Appendix D.
The Water Budget Calculator file can be downloaded at www.bozeman.net or by contacting the City’s Water Conservation Division. The City may
update factors and calculation methods utilized within the Calculator. Such updates may occur at the discretion of the City.
32
APPENDIX C: PLANT LIST
This list is intended to serve as a supplemental resource to aid in creating compliant landscape designs. The
plant list also contains plant factors, which will help to determine a plant’s hydrozone water use category.
Plants not included can still be used by matching their water use to the appropriate hydrozone water use
category and plant factor.
The plant list can be found on the City’s website at www.bozeman.net or at the City’s Water Conservation
Division office.
33
APPENDIX D : WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR INFORMATION
CALCULATOR INFORMATION & EQUATIONS
The water budget calculation is based on peer-reviewed studies, other cities’ water budget calculation
methodologies, and the Simplified Landscape Irrigation Demand Estimation (SLIDE) methodology. SLIDE serves
as the basis for the ANSI/ASABE S623 Standard, Determining Landscape Plant Water Demands and is the most
widely applicable and accepted industry standard for determining urban landscape plant water demands. This
calculator only applies to performance based landscape and irrigation submittals.
WATER BUDGET AREA CALCULATOR INFORMATION
The Water Budget Area Calculator is used to determine the area input for the Water Budget Calculator. This
calculator takes the Total Lot Area subtracted by the Building Footprint, Hardscape (e.g. sidewalk, pavers, or
driveway), Exemptions, and areas with Artificial Plant Materials to determine the Water Budget Area (sq. ft.).
Constant Categories (no input required)
This category does not require any user input.
1) Category
a) These site elements determine the water budget area to be used in the calculator.
Input Categories
Values are added by the user based on the site dimensions.
1) Area (sq. ft.)
a) This is each category’s area within the site (total lot area, building footprint, hardscape, walkways,
exemptions, and artificial plant materials).
Output Categories
1) Water Budget Area (sq. ft.)
a) This is the Total Lot Area category subtracted by the Building Footprint, Hardscape (e.g. sidewalk,
pavers, or driveway), Walkways, Exemptions, and Artificial Plant Materials categories.
WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR INFORMATION
One of two Water Budget Calculators will be used depending on the development type. The Section 2 Water
Budget Calculator is used for all developments falling under Section 2 of this Manual, while the Section 3 Water
Budget Calculator is used for all developments falling under Section 3 of this Manual. Both calculators share the
same categories, inputs, and outputs but have a different allowable water budget (gallons of supplemental
irrigation required per square foot of water budget area).
When using seed mix or plant mix, the plant with the highest plant factor is used to determine that mix’s
Hydrozone Water Use Category.
Constant Categories (no input required)
These categories do not require any user input. The water budget calculation considers the following in
determining the total water demand of the landscape:
1) Hydrozone Water Use Category
34
a) The Hydrozone Water Use Category is based on the SLIDE methodology and has been refined for the
City’s climate. The intent of these broad categories is to group plantings of similar water use and
provide a reasonable Plant Factor to be used in the water budget calculation for each hydrozone area.
b) Appendix C includes the City of Bozeman Plant List with plant factors and serves as a supplemental
resource to aid in creating compliant landscape designs.
2) Plant Factor (PF)
a) Plant Factors are assigned to each plant type category and adjust the net evapotranspiration (ETo) to
better reflect water needs.
b) For example, cool season turfgrass maintained at a height of typical urban landscapes requires about
80 percent of the Net ETo to be replenished with supplemental irrigation to maintain plant health.
Drought adapted plants typically require about 30 percent of the total Net ETo to be replenished with
supplemental irrigation to maintain plant health. Therefore, the plant factor used for cool season
turfgrass is 0.80, and the plant factor used for drought adapted plants is 0.30. Multiplying the total
Net ETo by the applicable plant factor will properly adjust the water demand for each plant type based
on the City’s climate.
3) Net ETo
a) Net evapotranspiration is a combination of water lost through soil evaporation and plant transpiration,
minus the effective precipitation amount (25% of total precipitation). The Net ETo value (expressed in
inches) directly correlates to the amount of supplemental water needed to maintain plant health.
b) Data used to determine seasonal Net ETo demands were gathered from a local weather station that
monitors evapotranspiration (ETr) values based on a reference crop of alfalfa, which are adjusted for
grass to arrive at ETo. Seasonal ETo and seasonal rainfall values observed in the City from 2011 to 2021
were averaged to determine the Net ETo value used in the Water Budget Calculator.
Agrimet Bozeman: Monthly ETo Total (in)
Year May June July August September
May-Sept
Total
2011 4.11 5.23 7.23 6.26 4.64 27.47
2012 4.40 6.54 7.12 6.50 4.49 29.04
2013 4.36 5.70 7.49 6.46 3.77 27.78
2014 4.73 5.11 7.08 4.96 3.69 25.57
2015 4.18 6.29 6.20 5.80 4.20 26.67
2016 4.54 7.01 7.60 6.80 3.30 29.25
2017 5.04 5.03 8.09 6.56 4.35 29.07
2018 4.51 5.04 6.61 5.30 3.54 25.00
2019 4.45 6.10 7.10 5.57 3.42 26.63
2020 4.81 5.04 6.43 6.01 4.17 26.46
2021 4.35 7.35 8.62 5.61 4.58 30.50
Average: 4.50 5.86 7.23 5.98 4.01 27.59
Agrimet Bozeman: Monthly Precipitation Total (in)
Year May June July August September
May-Sept
Total
2011 2.83 2.87 0.76 0.90 0.57 7.92
35
2012 1.77 0.90 0.60 0.21 0.21 3.70
2013 3.07 2.74 0.62 0.40 2.60 9.42
2014 1.85 2.77 0.37 2.72 1.24 8.95
2015 2.86 0.59 1.52 0.75 1.21 6.93
2016 2.50 0.74 1.06 0.83 2.03 7.17
2017 2.53 2.10 0.16 0.47 2.50 7.75
2018 2.38 2.74 0.24 1.10 0.49 6.94
2019 1.82 2.18 2.56 0.77 3.88 11.21
2020 0.99 3.50 0.74 0.58 0.74 6.55
2021 3.29 0.81 0.77 1.83 0.15 6.85
Average: 2.35 1.99 0.85 0.96 1.42 7.58
c) The steps used to arrive at the Net ETo of 26 inches used in the Water Budget Calculator are included
below:
i) Seasonal average ETo (2011-2021) from Bozeman Agrimet station: 27.59 inches
ii) Seasonal average precipitation (2011-2021) from Bozeman Agrimet station: 7.58 inches
iii) Effective precipitation: 25 percent of total average precipitation (7.58 in. * 0.25) = 1.90 inches
iv) Net ETo (Total ETo - Effective Precipitation): 27.59 in. – 1.90 in. = 25.69 inches
v) Round 25.69 up to 26 inches
4) Irrigation Gallons per Square Foot
a) This value is automatically generated based on the water budget variables listed above.
b) Irrigation gallons per square foot: (PF * Net ETo * 0.62)*/IE
i) Where: PF = plant factor, Net ETo = 26 inches, 0.62 is a conversion factor (inches to gallons per
square foot), and IE = irrigation efficiency
5) Water Budget Area (sq. ft.)
a) This is automatically generated by the Water Budget Area Calculator.
Input Categories
Values are added by the user based off the project’s landscape design.
1) Irrigation Type
a) Irrigation Type is selected using a drop down menu. When drip or overhead irrigation is selected, a
value is automatically assigned in the Irrigation Efficiency column. Drip irrigation has a 0.9 irrigation
efficiency, while overhead irrigation has a 0.7 irrigation efficiency.
b) Additional rows can be added as needed to reflect different irrigation types for each hydrozone water
use category.
2) Sq. Ft.
a) This is the square footage of each hydrozone water use category.
b) The total of all inputs within this category is equal to the Water Budget Area (sq. ft.).
Output Categories
These values are automatically generated based off input values. These output values are used to determine if
a site is compliant with the Bozeman Municipal Code.
36
1) Irrigation Efficiency
a) Irrigation Efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics
and management practices recognizing that it is not possible for each drop of supplemental irrigation
to be beneficially used by the plant(s) it targets.
b) Factors that could reduce the efficiency of irrigation include wind drift, evaporative loss, application
method, runoff, and overspray. For this reason, an irrigation efficiency factor is applied to the water
budget calculation to adjust the total amount of water applied to the landscape to more accurately
account for real-world losses. Drip irrigation, which applies water directly to plant roots, is more
efficient than overhead spray irrigation which can be lost to wind drift, evaporation, and overspray.
2) Water Use (gal)
a) This value represents each hydrozone category’s supplemental water use per season in gallons.
3) Percent of Total Water Budget Area
a) This value represents plant type area expressed as a percentage of the total Water Budget Area.
4) Percent of Total Irrigation Demand
a) This value represents each plant type’s water requirement as a percentage when compared to the
Total Water Use.
5) Total Area
a) The total of all Sq. Ft. inputs and is equal to the Water Budget Area (sq. ft.).
WATER BUDGET CALCULATOR - TREE WATER CALCULATOR
The tree water calculator is used to calculate tree water use and combines water use with the Water Budget
Calculator to determine if a landscape is compliant. This calculator shares some of the same categories, inputs,
and outputs as the Water Budget Calculator. Only the differences between the two calculators will be discussed
in this section.
Constant Categories (no input required)
1) Tree Water Use Category
a) The Tree Water Use Category is based on the SLIDE methodology and has been refined for the City’s
climate. This category provides a reasonable Plant Factor used in the water budget calculation.
b) Appendix C includes the City of Bozeman Plant List with plant factors and serves as a supplemental
resource to aid in creating compliant landscape designs.
2) Irrigation Efficiency
a) Irrigation Efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics
and management practices recognizing that it is not possible for each drop of supplemental irrigation
to be beneficially used by the plant(s) it targets.
b) Since drip irrigation is required for trees, a 0.9 efficiency factor is used.
Input Categories
Values are added by the user based off the project’s landscape design.
1) Number of Trees
a) This is the total number of trees including boulevard and parking lot trees for each Tree Water Use
Category.
37
Output Categories
1) Sq. Ft.
a) This is the square footage used to calculate each tree category’s water use.
b) This is automatically calculated based on the number of trees multiplied by 28 square feet, or a 6’
circle representing the drip irrigation surrounding a tree.
2) TOTAL WATER USE
a) This value represents the entire property’s supplemental water requirement per season in gallons.
3) GAL/SF (AVG)
a) This is the average supplemental irrigation required per square foot of Water Budget Area over the
entire season in gallons.
b) The Section 2 Water Budget Calculator is allowed a water budget of 10 gal/square foot.
c) The Section 3 Water Budget Calculator is allowed a water budget of 8 gal/square foot.
38
APPENDIX E: BUILDING PERMIT LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM
Property Owner: ___________________________________________________________________________
Applicant (if different from owner): ____________________________________________________________
Property Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Property Type & Number of Units (e.g. Single Household, 1 Unit): ____________________________________
Owner Email: ___________________________________ Owner Phone: ______________________________
Applicant Email: ______________________________ Applicant Phone: ______________________________
Building Application Number: __________________________________
A completed form must be submitted with building permit materials for certain development types. For any
questions regarding this form and its contents, please contact the City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation
Division at 406-577-7400 or WaterConservation@Bozeman.net.
Section 1
Is this project part of a site plan, modification, or further development? Yes _______No _________
If yes, enter the site plan, modification, or further development application number below and proceed to
Section 3.
Application Number: _________________________________________
If no, proceed to Section 2.
Section 2
If this project is not part of a site plan, the following developments must follow the Landscape and Irrigation
Design Requirements listed below:
• Single Household or Townhome
• Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex
Landscape and Irrigation Design Requirements:
Select either A) or B):
A) Turfgrass areas may not exceed 35 percent of the total landscaped area. Remaining landscaped
areas must consist solely of low and/or very low water use vegetation (plant factor of 0.3 or less)
and landscape design elements such as rock mulch and wood mulch except for raised beds dedicated
to edible gardens. Refer to the City of Bozeman plant list for acceptable plant types. It is strongly
encouraged to install at least 50% native plants in the overall landscape.
B) In lieu of compliance with the above requirement, for those seeking more landscape design
flexibility, a landscape water budget demonstrating that the landscape does not exceed an average
annual irrigation demand of 10 gallons per square foot may be provided. Project applicants pursuing
the water budget approach must provide a completed Water Budget Calculator as outlined in the
City’s Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual with this form.
Additional requirements:
At least 60 percent of the site area not included in footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways,
walkways, or other hardscaped areas, such as decks or pervious pavers, must be landscaped and maintained
with some combination of vegetative understory plantings, such as shrubs, perennials, turfgrass, creeping
39
or rooting groundcovers, or other living plants (excluding weeds). The installation of at least 50% native
plants in the overall landscape is encouraged.
Landscaped areas must have at least 6 inches of topsoil depth throughout the entire planted area. The
building footprint and all areas within 5 feet of the actual building are exempt from the topsoil requirement.
The topsoil requirement may be met by implementing one of the following methods prior to planting:
- Amend existing topsoil at a rate of 4 cubic yards of compost/1000 square feet;
- Amend existing topsoil based on the recommendations of a soil test; or
- Import topsoil to achieve a minimum depth of 6 inches of topsoil.
A minimum three-inch layer of mulch must be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except
for turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is
disadvantageous.
Rock mulch is discouraged around private trees and prohibited around public, boulevard trees. Public,
boulevard trees must have a 3’ diameter wood mulch ring 3”-4” in depth.
A minimum of 75 percent of trees shall be drought adapted or have a plant factor of 0.3 or less and must
follow the diversity table below:
Deciduous and Evergreen Tree Plant Diversity Table
Number of Trees Maximum % of Single Species
1-5 Can have 100% of one species
6-10 Maximum 50% of any one species
11-20 Maximum 33% of any one species
21+ Maximum 25% of any one species
Backflow prevention devices are required (compliance with local plumbing code).
Irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Program must be
installed.
Sensors (rain, freeze, ET, soil moisture, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation
operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient soil moisture is present are required.
Overhead irrigation must consist of Multi-Stream, Multi-Trajectory (MSMT) nozzles and/or rotors.
Overhead irrigation must use a 6 inch minimum riser.
Sprinkler heads must be spaced 2 inches minimum from hardscape edges.
Irrigation systems must be designed to properly address hydrozoning in the landscape.
Drip irrigation must be used outside of lawn areas where irrigation is installed.
Areas less than 8 feet wide must be irrigated by drip irrigation. Overhead irrigation is prohibited in areas
less than 8 feet wide unless only used for temporary establishment.
Operating pressure of the irrigation system must meet manufacturer’s recommended operating pressure.
Trees must be on a separate irrigation valve(s) from other plant types to allow for a unique watering schedule
during drought related outdoor watering restrictions. Drip irrigation, such as emitters, root watering
systems, or bubblers, must be used to irrigate trees.
40
Irrigation pipe installed under hardscape surfaces must be sleeved in a rigid pipe.
Adjacent boulevard(s) must comply with these Landscape and Irrigation Design Requirements and current
boulevard tree requirements.
Section 3
By signing this form, the property owner/applicant hereby agrees that the landscape and irrigation will comply
with the approved plan or the Landscape and Irrigation Design Requirements. The property owner/applicant
understands that this property is subject to random compliance inspections performed by City staff. Non-
compliant properties may be subject to fines or citations according to Chapter 40 in the Bozeman Municipal
Code.
Owner Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ______
Applicant Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ______
41
APPENDIX F : LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This form must be submitted prior to receiving final plat for subdivisions or prior to issuance of a certificate of
occupancy for site plan applications OR prior to releasing a security as provided by an improvement’s agreement.
This form does not apply to areas dedicated as parkland.
I hereby certify that:
1) I am a qualified professional per BMC 38.220.100.B. and/or BMC 38.220.100.C. to provide landscape and
irrigation design services for:
Project Applicant Name
________________________________________________________________________________
Project Applicant Telephone
________________________________________________________________________________
Project Applicant Mailing Address
________________________________________________________________________________
The landscape project for the property listed below was installed by me or under my supervision:
Street Address or Parcel Number(s)
________________________________________________________________________________
2) The installation complies with ONE of the following:
a) The required landscape and irrigation system has been installed according to the approved Landscape
Documentation Package and complies with the requirements of the approved landscape and irrigation
plan, the City of Bozeman Municipal Code, and the City of Bozeman Landscape and Irrigation Design and
Performance Standards Manual.
Yes_________ No ________
b) The required landscape and irrigation system has been installed in general conformance with the
approved Landscape Documentation Package and complies with the requirements of the approved
landscape and irrigation plan, the City of Bozeman Municipal Code, and the City of Bozeman Landscape
and Irrigation Design and Performance Standards Manual. Deviations from the approved landscape and
irrigation system plans still meet the intent of these standards.
Yes_________ No _________
(NOTE: If selecting (b), documentation of deviations from the approved landscape and irrigation
plans must be provided with this form.)
3) The following are attached hereto:
a) Documentation verifying the installation of 6” of topsoil through one of the following methods;
i) Amending existing topsoil at a rate of 4 cubic yards of compost/1,000 square feet,
ii) Performing a soil test and amending the soil as recommended by the test, or
iii) Importing topsoil that has been amended pursuant to the recommendations of a soil test.
b) Temporary irrigation watering schedule, including the plan and date for temporary irrigation to be
disabled (if applicable); and
42
i) The plan for disabling any temporary irrigation must be provided to the entity responsible for
irrigation maintenance. Establishment period is a maximum of three growing seasons.
c) Landscape and irrigation record drawings for all City maintained areas. For each area maintained by a
unique City division, provide a separate record drawing labeled for that division (e.g. a record drawing
for right-of-way area will be labeled for the streets division).
4) For the efficient use of water, all irrigation watering schedules have been developed to use the minimum
amount of water required to maintain plant health and function. Watering schedules meet the following:
a) Irrigation scheduling is regulated by a weather or soil moisture sensor connected to an irrigation
controller.
Yes________ No ________
b) Except for parks and irrigation systems where the water supply is fully independent of City ownership
or maintenance, all overhead irrigation is scheduled in accordance with BMC 40.02.1290.
Yes ________No _________
(NOTE: If the watering window cannot be met after the first 45 days of plant establishment, an
exemption request form must be submitted to the Water Conservation Division for approval per
Administrative Order 2023-02.)
5) The irrigation controller(s) contains a document outlining the following:
a) Scheduling parameters used to program the controller; and
b) Peak season watering schedule for the established landscape that specifies each controller station area,
run times and frequency, and temporary stations used for plant establishment.
The information I have provided in this Landscape Installation Certificate of Completion is true and correct
and is hereby submitted in compliance with the City of Bozeman Landscape and Irrigation Design and
Performance Manual and the City of Bozeman Municipal Code.
Print Name Date
Signature License Number
Address
Telephone E-mail Address
Signature or stamp of the qualified landscape and/or irrigation professional per BMC 38.220.100.B. and BMC
38.220.100.C. (If Appropriate)
43
Print Name Date
Signature License Number
Address
Telephone E-mail Address
Signature or stamp of the qualified landscape and/or irrigation professional per BMC 38.220.100.B. and BMC
38.220.100.C. (If Appropriate)