ARC Restrictions - Xeriscaping

Can an Architectural Review Committee make guidelines for Xeriscaping which limit the amount of lawn which can be converted to stone without plantings? We do not want to go against the FL statutes.

Here is the definition:

Florida-friendly landscaping” means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance.

Stones and Xeriscaping? Interesting.

My question also falls into this category....we have homeowners who want to replace all of their lawn with stone and not use any plantings. Can we legally restrict their proposed plan? We are in the process of trying to interpret the FFL and give our residents guidelines for how much area is allowed to be stone. We want to try to encourage the true FFL idea of using native plants and mulch instead of stone. Would appreciate any feedback regarding this. Thanks.’

Thie above is from your other post and coupled that with your covenants you can ‘legally’ approve the stones or disapprove them. Either way you are not going to break any laws.

If it doesn't fit into the theme/scheme of the rest of the HOA, then it can be denied. It's like putting in a Zen Garden in a golf course type lawn. The two don't mix. Plus the other neighbors may not like the stone versus grass. I would take this up as a vote topic to see what the views are of the neighbors. Would they be against this? Are they okay and want approval to do it themselves?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...except in a HOA when everything is supposed to be in conformance. Even though I personally like the stone idea, I would vote it down for various reasons. 1 it wouldn't fit in with the rest of the landscaping. 2. Future sales of that house may be effected. 3. The future sale of the houses around that house may be effected. Buyers may not want to live near the "odd" house and not purchase. The whole idea of the HOA is to keep harmony in the aesthetics of the homes so they can be sold in the future at a good price. Having odd landscaping, may effect this.

My vote would be a "No". It's just not what everyone else has and it will turn into a sour subject for years...