Engineering Design Guidelines Landscape: Planning Scheme Policy No. 15.11
Engineering Design Guidelines Landscape: Planning Scheme Policy No. 15.11
Engineering Design Guidelines Landscape: Planning Scheme Policy No. 15.11
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M:\Planning Dev\Strategic Planning\Infrastructure Planning\Engineering Design Guidelines\February 2008\PSP 15.11 - Landscape V2.doc FEBRUARY 2008
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Contents
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 2 1 General......................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 1.2 1.3 2 Scope .................................................................................................................... 3 Objectives.............................................................................................................. 3 Referenced documents.......................................................................................... 3
On-Street Landscaping Works ................................................................................... 4 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 General.................................................................................................................. 4 Existing Vegetation ................................................................................................ 4 Verges ................................................................................................................... 5 Street Tree Planting............................................................................................... 5 Buffer Zones .......................................................................................................... 6 Stormwater Management Measures ...................................................................... 7 Roundabout & Median Strip Landscape Design .................................................... 7 Stockpiling of Materials.......................................................................................... 8 Managing Impacts During Construction ................................................................. 9
Public Open Space .................................................................................................... 10 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 General................................................................................................................ 10 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design ............................................... 10 Treatment To Park Boundaries ............................................................................ 10 Internal Circulation............................................................................................... 11 Planting ............................................................................................................... 11 Grassing .............................................................................................................. 12 Mounding............................................................................................................. 12 Stormwater Management Measures .................................................................... 13 Furniture .............................................................................................................. 13 Signage And Interpretation .................................................................................. 13 Lighting ................................................................................................................ 13 Provision Of Water............................................................................................... 14 Water Features .................................................................................................... 14 Playgrounds......................................................................................................... 14
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Policy took effect on 31/03/08
1 General
1.1 Scope
This section sets out the Guidelines for landscape within new subdivisions and on-street works for private developments. This Guideline contains procedures for the design of: On-street landscape works, including buffers measures, traffic islands and roundabouts. mounds, stormwater management
1.2
Objectives
The objective of this guideline is to define Council's minimum landscape requirements and to assist the designer in achieving the following: Visual enhancement of the streetscapes Enlargement of the habitat and plant diversity in order to provide a food source for indigenous fauna Enhanced living environments by reducing the impacts of noise, fumes and car headlights Provision of shade trees Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
1.3
Referenced documents
Council Guidelines and Specification D7 Soil and Water Quality Management C273 Landscaping D20 Drawings and documentation guidelines Mackay City Council - Landscape Performance, Procedures & Style Manual for Development Applications Standard Drawings (various) Australian Standards AS/NZS 1158.3 Pedestrian area (Category P) lighting AS 3500 National Plumbing and Drainage, Part 1.2 Water Supply - Acceptable Solutions AS/NZS 4422 AS/NZS 4486 AS 4685 Other Qld Government Building Safer Communities Crime Prevention Manual for Quennsland Healthy WSUD Technical Design Guidelines for South East Queensland (June Waterways 2006) Playground Surfacing Playgrounds and Playground Equipment Playground Equipment
The Designer shall incorporate into their design the requirements for both installation and maintenance, especially during the initial on-maintenance period, as detailed in Councils construction specification C273 Landscaping.
2.2
Existing Vegetation
In order to retain any established landscape character, all trees located within existing road reserves shall be protected and retained unless approved otherwise by Council. Significant trees located within the verge of new road reserves shall be protected wherever possible and where advised by Council. This may require the adoption of non-standard utility service alignments; therefore, Designers are encouraged to discuss proposed solutions with Council. All instances of trees / vegetation removed without prior consent will result in referral of these matters for action by the Department of Natural Resources and Water under the Vegetation Management Act.
2.3
Verges
All verges shall be covered full width with topsoil to a depth of not less than 40mm and shall be lightly compacted and grassed in accordance with Council's Guidelines and Specifications. This shall also require full width turfing of all verges. In order to guarantee a high standard of maintenance all verges are to be in a mowable condition, free from rocks and loose stones, and graded to even running contours. Aside from grass establishment and tree planting, landscaping of the verge between the property boundary and kerb is not a Council requirement. However, additional landscape within the verge may be considered subject to Council approval. Generally, any additional landscape shall be clear of underground services or alternatively limited to ground covers or small shrubs less than in 600mm height from road surfaces. Should any excavation of the underground services in this vicinity of the additional verge landscape be required, thus destroying the vegetation, Council will not be held responsible for plant replacement. Maintenance of planting in this vicinity will be the sole responsibility of the adjacent property owner/occupier.
2.4
An avenue of trees of identical species and size planted at regular intervals has far greater visual and aesthetic impact than a mis-matched selection of incompatible trees. In order to promote continuity in new streetscapes, a single species should be nominated for each street. Where a development is occurring in an established street setting, an assessment of the existing trees should be made and the most prevalent and healthy species chosen for verge planting. This species selection shall be approved by Council's Landscape Architect. Tree species shall be selected for their suitability to the site conditions (eg. Small trees under power lines, drought resistance, soil suitability) and shall be in accordance with any relevant Council plant selection guidelines and suburban planting themes. (see Appendix A Recommended Street Tree Species List) To ensure consistency in growth rate and form all trees shall be no less than two metres in height and shall be well established in their root and branch formation. A minimum 45-litre container should ensure a good survival factor. Any trees to be planted within the Mackay CBD shall be required to be of minimum 100-litre container size. Street trees are to have a minimum of 2.4 metre clearance from ground level at time of maturity. At the discretion of the traffic engineer, advanced stock may be required to provide a minimum 1.5 metre canopy clearance from ground level at the time of installation. The alignment and placement of street trees measured from the tree at the estimated ultimate size shall be in accordance with the following: Greater than 4.0 metres from electricity or telecommunication poles or pillars
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Greater than 7.5 metres from streetlights to ensure effective street lighting Greater than 4.0 metre radius from high voltage transmission lines Greater than 2.0 metres from stormwater drainage pits Trees are to be planted in the front of properties at the centre of the lot, if no structures are present, at a rate of one per lot, or at the necessary rate to provide minimum 20metre spacing. Within the CBD this density shall be reduced to a maximum 10m spacing. If this planting location will impinge on existing structures alternative locations shall be negotiated with Council's Landscape Architect. Trees are to be placed a minimum of 750mm and a maximum of 1000mm from the back of kerb Trees are to be placed a minimum of three(3) metres from driveway At intersections trees are to be placed a minimum of ten(10) metres back from the face of the kerb of the adjoining street Trees are to be located so as not to obstruct access to any services or signage Trees are to be located so as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, nor create traffic hazard or cause damage to existing trees
Street Trees shall be planted in accordance with Standard Drawing A4-49D and installed in accordance with Council Specifications. Street trees planted within Mackay CBD are to be in accordance with the Mackay Master Street Tree Plan and in accordance with Standard Drawing A4-177. Street trees should not be a plant listed in: Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 Mackay City Council Pest Management Plan or the Publication "Agricultural and Environmental Weeds - Far North Queensland" (Wet Tropics Management, Department of Natural Resources and Mines)
2.5
Buffer Zones
Mounds / Buffers adjacent to major roads controlled by the Department of Main Roads must comply with the requirements as specified by the Department of Main Roads and as outlined in this document. Generally, these buffers are five (5) to ten (10) metres wide along the full frontage of the major road. Landscape of Buffer Mounds shall be in accordance with Standard Drawing A3-841 'Buffer Plantings' and A3-842 'Buffer Plantings - Plant Schedule'. The aim of the Buffer Mound landscape is to: Reduce the visual impact of adjacent development by screening rooflines. Reduce the visual impact of proposed noise attenuation barriers, which may be constructed at some time in the future on the mound crest. Reduce the visual impact of the mound's severe geometric landform by screening with foliage to ground level. Introduce a "natural" vegetated landscape appearance by replacing open agricultural land with a faade of dense planting. Reinforce the local character by indigenous tree and shrub species. Provide additional functions, i.e. Shade over adjacent bikeways.
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In order to accomplish the above aims, the species mix of plant selection should incorporate a range of species to provide variation in form, colour and texture, to contribute to a natural appearance. The front line of planting should have foliage down to ground level. The species mix to be provided shall be a minimum of 70% / 30% ratio of Native / Exotics. (Greater % if Native component is acceptable) To ensure that buffer mounds are given the best possible chance of successful establishment and prolonged survival, a temporary irrigation system is required to be installed to the mounding. The preferred system is with a drip style irrigation system or similar below the surface of the mulch, which reduces the chances of vandalism and reduces excess water loss as a result of runoff and evaporation. Strong recognisable character is further reinforced by repetition of some suitable species as street and park trees in the adjacent subdivision. Use of disciplined plant selection based on themes such as colour, texture, or natural species associations, in addition to site suitability, creates higher quality landscapes than random assortments of nursery stock chosen solely for short notice availability and growth suitability. Advance ordering and growing on contracts are desirable to ensure availability of desired species in the large quantities required. Local species, which typify and reinforce the regions image, are preferred. Most are hardy, long lived and have dense growth, which suppress weeds and reduce long-term maintenance. The landscape shall be designed so as not to create a safety risk to people using the mound and adjacent areas (i.e. no thorns, heavy nuts or poisonous fruits or berries). In addition, a 1 metre maintenance strip shall be allowed along the property boundary.
2.6
2.7
MACKAY CITY COUNCIL Grass should be avoided for use in median landscapes.
Median Islands 0.0m - 0.3m - appropriate pavement treatment (Applicable to state controlled roads only); 0.0m - 1.0m setback - appropriate ground covers, 200mm high, with minimal pruning requirements - 1.5m setback - shrubs / ground covers only. Shrubs and ground covers to have a maximum maintained mature height of 900mm above the road pavement (not top of kerb);min. 1.5m setback - trees and shrubs / ground covers. Trees are to be primarily single trunked species. Tree species chosen will depend on the species spatial requirements and clearance from service elements and light poles; and Trees will generally not be planted in medians with an internal width less than 3.0m In median strips, three (3) metres or wider, trees may be located centrally or staggered provided such accords with traffic engineering visibility requirements. Tree species will be selected for appropriate canopy shape. Ends of median strips require special consideration and discussion with Council with regards to clear zones and safety requirements. Irrigation is to be placed in medians with subsoil drainage installed to adequately stop the ingress of water into the roadway. Irrigation shall be of such a design and quality of material and workmanship that the ingress of water into the pavement due to failure or damage is avoided. The root system of plants must not interfere with subsurface drainage. The design should minimise the requirements for maintenance. Interfaces between grass and areas of chip mulch are to be avoided. Where grass does interface with chip mulch, a concrete mowing strip of 300mm wide must be provided. Irrigation is to be placed in medians with subsoil drainage installed to adequately stop the ingress of water into the roadway. Irrigation shall be designed to prevent pavement failures by ingress of water. The mature unpruned height of under plantings on road verges or in roundabouts, medians and splitter islands is not to exceed 600mm above road surfaces. This height, however, may be reduced at the discretion Council with approval to take into account individual site requirements.
2.8
Stockpiling of Materials
Stockpiling of material is undertaken in a manner that minimises environmental impacts and nuisance and annoyance to existing and adjacent premises. Existing or future public open space sites used for stockpiling are decompacted and remediated prior to any further landscape or grassing works. Stockpiles of landscape are stored separately on site Landscape material is free of any deleterious material that has the potential to impact upon the intended use of the land, prior to stockpiling. Stockpiles are treated appropriately to prevent wind and water borne erosion and weed infestation. Temporary erosion and sediment controls are installed to contain the stockpile and are removed upon usage of landscape material.
2.9
During construction, dust suppression measures (such as watering of the site) are implemented to protect nearby premises Temporary construction works do not pond or concentrate stormwater runoff in adjoining properties Temporary construction works do not create nuisance or annoyance on adjoining premises as a result of altering the stormwater runoff pattern exiting the site Construction traffic to and from the site uses the highest classification streets and roads where a choice of access routes is available. All materials associated with the landscape works that are dropped, deposited or spilled on streets giving access to the site are removed and the streets are cleaned as soon as practicable after the event. Any damaged areas are repaired and reinstated to the original condition. Where works are carried out on existing roads a traffic control plan is prepared in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and maintained during the works. Traffic Control Devices. All traffic control measures are properly erected
3.2
3.3
3.4
Internal Circulation
The park layout should be designed to ensure that internal circulation or movement within the park is: Safe Unencumbered Highly visible internally and externally Linked to external cycle and pedestrian networks
Design features including access points, street frontages, car parks, pedestrian / bike paths, park equipment and lighting should be considered. Design of paths, car parking and access points should consider the needs of people with mobility challenges. Pathways shall be in accordance with Design Guideline D1 and comply with accessibility standards.
3.5
Planting
Council parks seek to provide a range of recreation opportunities and there is scope to utilise planting design to help achieve this objective, options include: Shade trees evenly planted throughout the site to maximise protection from the sun. Island or corridor planting to concentrate trees for easy maintenance and encourage bird life for pleasure viewing. Grouped planting will also provide shade adjacent to open space to allow unencumbered active play areas. Lines of tree planting to define edges of informal kick-about areas.
A minimum 70% of the proposed tree planting should be native, and species should be selected on their adaptability to site conditions and their value to local fauna. Where the proposed park adjoins an area of established native vegetation, an extension of this habitat into the park should be implemented by using compatible species. The designer should also be encouraged to use rare and endangered plant species, or species proven to have excellent bird, butterfly and insect attracting qualities. In order to promote the unique landscape characteristics of the region exotic flowering trees and non-native palms should only be used as features or emphasis, where necessary. Council has plant selection guidelines and suburban planting themes and designers are encouraged to consult with Council in preparation of the landscape design. Street trees should not be a plant listed in: Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 Mackay City Council Pest Management Plan or the Publication "Agricultural and Environmental Weeds - Far North Queensland" (Wet Tropics Management Authority, Department of Natural Resources and Mines)
3.6
Grassing
All parks shall be covered with topsoil to a depth of not less than 40mm and shall be lightly compacted and grassed in accordance with Council's Guidelines and Specifications. In order to guarantee a high standard of maintenance all parks shall be in a mowable condition, free from rocks and loose stones, and graded to even-running contours. Grass should be established within the proposed park as quickly as possible in order to avoid erosion and sedimentation to the local waterways, and prevent the establishment of weeds in accordance with Council's Guidelines and Specifications. Edging is designed to provide adequate separation between turf and gardens and to provide safety for maintenance staff and other user groups. Built edges must be installed at grass mulch interfaces in local, district and regional parks and in commercial and retail centre development. Appropriate edging for these areas may include reinforced concrete edging, recycled plastic and bricks laid on a mortar bed. Timber edges within Council controlled land is not acceptable. Detailed requirements are as follows: 1. Extruded concrete edge, flush mounted or proud - machine installed with at least one 12mm deformed bar through the centre for reinforcement or steal pins where a raised kerb is used, both a minimum 150mm wide or 2. 3. Recycled plastic kerb 50mm wide Brick - laid either header or stretcher course on mortar; or
4. Timber edges (only applicable on land not to be managed by Council at any time) are built to a high durability standard. The minimum dimensions of the cross section of the timber edge are to be 140x45. CCA Pine 50x50 CCA stakes are to be installed at both ends of every panel with galvanized batten screws. All edging, especially that associated with Council managed land, is to be designed with smooth navigable lines and must be able to accommodate the operational characteristics of mowers and maintenance vehicles. Inward facing 90 degree or sharper corners are not permitted. At garden and turf interfaces, edging is to finish flush so that obstacles and trip hazards are not created.
3.7
Mounding
Mounding may be used within the park design to provide topographical interest, to emphasise views, to help screen adjacent properties or eyesores, or as part of the internal design. The mounds should not exceed a gradient of 25% (1 in 4) in order to reduce erosion and allow mowing. Planting of trees and shrubs over the mound will further emphasise height and shape. Care should be given to ensuring that the mound does not restrict visibility into and out of the park thus threatening the safety of users or provide unwanted visibility into private properties. Landscape mounding shall be in accordance with Standard Drawing A3-841 and A3-842 unless otherwise approved by Council.
3.8
3.9
Furniture
Park furniture should reflect the intended function of the park and compliment any distinguishing features present eg. Seating situated to maximise a viewscape. Some preferred features of furniture include: Park benches located under a natural or built shade structure to allow daylong use. If the shade is built, it should have an impervious roof eg. Colourbond to provide shelter during rain. Well drained ground and hard surfacing below any structure. Surface material could be pavers, coloured or exposed aggregate concrete etc. Shade structures should maximise protection from the sun during the hours of 12 noon 4pm. Refuse bins should be located for ease of use and pick up by refuse trucks eg. adjacent to playgrounds or picnic areas, at park exits.
Designs of furniture should reflect a strong aesthetic and vandal resistant appearance and be in compliance with specified requirements indicated in Council's Landscape Style Manual. Where possible, natural features may be used e.g. mounding for seating, trees or natural rock for bollards to simulate park furniture. Council has park furniture themes and master plans, Designers are encouraged to consult with Council in the preparation of the landscape design.
3.11 Lighting
Lighting requirements within parks will be advised by Council in accordance with the classification of the park. As a guide, two (2) park lights on poles shall be provided for every park of 4,000 square metres. However, this may vary depending upon the shape and alignment of the park and
ENGINEERING DESIGN GUIDLINE PLANNING SCHEME POLICY N 15.11 LANDSCAPE
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the presence of existing vegetation. Generally, parks should be well lit providing safe nocturnal environment for local users. Council will consider the relaxation of one or both lights where existing street lights are adjacent to the park area. Underground power should be provided to each pole. Light fittings should be vandal resistant. Pathways within parks that require lighting shall be lit to the lighting category determined from the Road Lighting Standards AS/NZS 1158.3, "Pedestrian area (Category P) lighting". Minimum lighting requirements shall be Category P2 with the absolute minimum level subject to approval by Council being Category P4 due to extenuating circumstances.
3.14 Playgrounds
To ensure play equipment is as safe as possible and appropriate for the intended users, it should conform to the current and relevant Australian Standards for playgrounds and play areas and additional standards as may be established by Council. Where playground equipment is required by Council as a condition of the development permit of the subdivision, or proposed to be installed by the developer, the following requirements should be considered and incorporated into the design: Type of play equipment proposed should be selected in consultation with Council. The age range of the users should influence the type of equipment provided. The siting of the playground should not infringe upon adjacent residential properties; a minimum distance of 10 metres between equipment and park boundaries should be provided and suitably landscaped with a minimum of 3 metre of screen planting to reduce noise and visual impact. Such landscape is to be consistent with CPTED Principles.
During installation and maintenance periods it is the responsibility of the developer to undertake, by suitably trained and certified staff, the inspection and documentation of safety inspections of playground equipment in accordance with AS/NZS 4486.1. Such records are to be provided to Council at the end of the "on maintenance" period To conform to safety requirements impact absorbing surfacing should be installed to the play area in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard eg. sand, continuous rubberised matting, shredded car tyres.
ENGINEERING DESIGN GUIDLINE PLANNING SCHEME POLICY N 15.11 LANDSCAPE
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The site must be raised and free draining with positive falls and sub-soil drainage connected to a storm water system. A concrete surround edge must be installed to the softfall perimeter. Construct a 200x150 reinforced edge with 2/12mm deformed bars, doweled expansion jointing every 9 meters and crack control every 3 meters. A large round edger must be used to remove all sharp edges and located outside of the fall zone. All screws, bolts and other connection items to be installed shall be of 316-grade stainless steel construction. Shade cover over playgrounds is to be provided, in order to encourage day long use. Preferably, this should be a permanent shade structure approved by Council; however, shade trees planted at maximum 6-metre centres around the safety area are acceptable. The provision of seating overlooking the playground will be required.
4 Irrigation
4.1 General
All irrigation systems connected to Council's water supply shall be installed to satisfaction of Council. The installation of water meters, backflow prevention device and isolation valves are mandatory in all irrigation systems. Refer AS 3500 "National Plumbing and Drainage, Part 1.2 Water Supply - Acceptable Solutions". The Designer shall ensure that the installation of an irrigation system to all landscaped traffic islands and roundabouts is provided for. An irrigation plan prepared by an experienced irrigation consultant, shall be submitted to Council for approval together with the landscape plans and the proposed planting plans for the traffic islands / roundabouts. The design of all watering systems must ensure an efficient and economical application of water. Such systems are to be designed to use low water application and shall run only during Council's nominated times. The irrigation system shall be installed in accordance with Council Specifications and shall be installed to a standard compatible with Council's central irrigation control system, the Toro 'IrriNet' system. No alternative type is to be installed without prior written approval of Council. Reference should be made to construction specification C273 'Landscaping' for details of these requirements. All irrigation pipework installed under roadways shall be laid in minimum 100mm dia. uPVC Class 9 conduit of diameter equal to that of the irrigation pipe plus 50%. The water connection and installation of the irrigation system shall be carried out by Council personnel or an approved contractor at the developers / applicants cost. The maintenance period for irrigation works shall be three months and shall run concurrently with the 'on maintenance' / establishment period for landscape works. Thereafter all maintenance and watering will be the responsibility of the Council. The installation of an irrigation system on Council property, other than buffer mounds, traffic islands and roundabouts, eg. verges will not be permitted unless: The system is separate from the development and all pipework is located adjacent to the kerb and channel. Or the verge is irrigated from sprinklers that fall within the development property boundaries.
These requirements have come about in order to prohibit the installation of water lines across the underground services located within the verge. These water lines would not appear in Council records and are therefore at risk of breakage during service repair work / trench excavation. If a separate irrigation system within the verge is desired, the developer will be required to pay all installation costs, which include: Tapping into main Installation of backflow prevention device Installation of pipework and pop-up sprinklers Installation of solenoid valves and automatic controller in accordance with Council central irrigation control system.
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Maintenance Standard/Action Repair or replace defective park visitor facilities (e.g. barbecues, play equipment, toilets) on the same day in district and metropolitan parks, and within five working days at other locations. Safety hazards to be repaired on same day (urgent) or barricade the site and arrange repairs within 20 working days. Maintain equipment to manufacturer requirements.
Cleansing
Landscape
Irrigation
Utilities
Developer / MCC / Not applicable Developer / MCC / Not applicable Developer / Not applicable
Turf
Trees
Vegetation Management