Ordinance 2008-298 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

O'Leary Richards Design Associates, Inc. Li\ndsc~pe Architecture & Plimning Oak Plaza Professional Center 8525 SW 92nd Street. Suite C 11 Miami. Florida 33156 Phone: 305.596.6628 Fax: 305.596.9160 LC26000175 Memtwr of the Amcric~n Society of lrmdscape Architects February 14, 2008 Mr. Robert Solera Director of Community Services Building Department City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Coli ins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 Re: Effects of Phase III South Florida Water Management District Water Restrictions Dear Mr. Solera: According to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), with rainfall in 2006 and 2007 far below normal, South Florida is experiencing the third driest season on record. Because of the regional water shortage conditions, the SFWMD has imposed the most restrictive water regulations in history which became effective January 15, 2008. The restrictions encompass all of South Florida, including the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Currently. all existing landscaped areas in Sunny Isles are limited to a mandatory one day a week water restriction with the following exceptions. Sub- surface irrigation that is installed in the medians on Collins Avenue (excluding bull noses) is not restricted, but voluntary reduction of water use is encouraged. All newly planted material that is in place 30 days or less can be watered 6 days a week for the first month and 4 days a week for the second month. I f necessary. hand watering (via a water truck) is permitted for stressed plants for 10 minutes per day using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. To maintain safe playing field conditions, sports turf can be watered 3 days a week for 20 minutes. There are several drought tolerant shrubs and groundcovers that can be used to replace the high water consumptive vegetation such as the seasonal plantings. However, it should be understood that the color and intensity of the seasonal flowers will not be achieved. Since seasonal plantings are replaced every 3 to 4 months, the restrictions allow these plantings to be watered with regular frequency for a portion of their life cycle. Therefore, the seasonal plantings should show only moderate diminishment in their color and intensity for approximately 2 to 3 months a year. In addition, other measures such as adding water absorbing polymers to the potting soil should be considered in order to increase the moisture retention in the soil.