LANDSCAPING
All yards, front, side and back, must be landscaped within six months of completion of a residential unit on the lot. Landscape plans and changes must be approved by the Planning Committee before implementation. Landscaping shall be in conformance with the following:
- Forty percent (40%) of all front yards and forty percent (40%) of the side yards adjacent to the street on corner lots must be natural grass. To determine the size of the yard, front yards and side yards shall be defined as that area between the back of the curb and the front and/or side faade of the dwelling excluding the driveway and the sidewalk adjacent to the curb (street walk). The intent of this rule is to comply with provisions in the City of Albuquerque ordinance that a property owner cannot be required to install high water use turf covering more than 20% of the total landscapable area of a lot. Should a property owner of a corner lot wishing to remove turf from the front and/or side yard find that the 40% rule results in more than 20% of the total landscapable area, the Planning Committee shall work with the property owner to allow a variance to the 40% front and side yard rule.
- The grass should be placed so that it is adjacent to the street walk and furthermore, if two lots have adjacent front yards and if the grade difference is less than twelve inches (12"), the grass should flow from one yard into the next creating the visual impression of one large expanse of grass.
- The remaining sixty percent (60%) of all front yards and side yards of corner lots shall include lead walks to the dwelling and the balance may be grass, flower beds, rock or other ground cover. If rock is used, it is recommended that the size range from crusher fines to river rock. Lava rock, cinder and white rock are not permitted. If laying a weed barrier under rock/gravel, it is recommended that a permeable landscape fabric be used in place of the less desirable black plastic. Boulders may also be placed to enhance the landscape. Xeric designs require plant material as follows: If the plant grows to a mature size of 3' or more across, there must be at least one plant every 25 sq.ft. (no more than 5' apart; they can, of course, be closer if desired). If the plant grows to a mature size of less than 3' across, then the number of plants will need to be doubled.
- All lots shall contain a minimum of one 2" caliper or greater shade tree in the front yard and corner lots shall have a minimum of two additional 2" caliper or greater shade trees in the side yard adjacent to the street.
- All plant material must conform to the City of Albuquerque approved plant list.
- If planters are built adjacent to the golf course wall and if dirt is to be placed against the golf course wall, it must be sealed from moisture by the use of mastic.
- EXCEPTION. There is no grass requirement on lots with 100 sq. ft. or less of front yard landscapable area. All other rules apply.