Revisions to the county code on landscaping were approved by Nye County commissioners Tuesday.

The call to ease requirements on landscaping and parking were part of the emphasis of a group of Realtors urging a more developer-friendly planning department. There was a goal of reducing the number of waivers developers submit from regulations.

Detached, single-family homes are exempt from the requirements, but developers of apartments and commercial projects must get an approved landscaping plan prior to receiving a building permit.

The landscaping plan will specify plants to be used; the type of watering system; parties responsible to maintain landscaping; square footage of landscaping; type of irrigation system and location of utility easements and overhead power lines.

Pahrump Regional Planning Commission Chairman Mark Kimball noted three extensive workshops were held on amending the landscaping code. The RPC approved the text amendment Jan. 14.

Developer Tim Hafen requested a last minute change before the RPC to eliminate a requirement to retain as much water as possible and reduce street runoff. Hafen was concerned that language could require diverting water back to the structure and compromise the foundation.

The bill encourages xeriscaping, or desert landscaping. The use of recycled water for irrigation is required if it's available.

Landscaping will be required on from 10 to 15 percent of the square footage depending on the size of the lot. Landscape buffers may be required.

Trees are required around off-street parking areas to provide shade and reduce the impact of large expanses of pavement, with one tree per 20 parking spaces. One tree is also required for every 30 feet of street frontage.

Concerns about water led to the insertion of language allowing artificial, outdoor landscaping using natural plant colors.

A requirement to cover pools was eliminated. Artificial lakes are prohibited unless they use reclaimed water. Vegetable gardens are exempt from the rules but salt cedar trees are prohibited.

The only subject of discussion Tuesday was a requirement to plant only slow-growing trees with a maximum height of 10 feet below overhead power lines.

Phil Jackson, representing Valley Electric Association wanted the requirements tightened.

"That would be good but it won't be something most people would follow. It could be changed to where trees are prohibited and maybe large shrubs or other flowering plants might be appropriate," Jackson said.

His appearance raised another issue: a request by VEA for a 15-foot easement around buildings that Planning Director Jack Lohman said would defeat any quality landscaping plans.

"We don't want to preclude having some nice projects and some nice landscaping coming to town," Lohman said. "I just want to preclude having a barren wasteland around our lots."

Commissioner Gary Hollis said trees absorb carbon dioxide. Commissioner Butch Borasky predicted it would cause more developers to seek waivers.