Landscape Design Principles

• Landscaping is a mandatory and integral part of home design at Round Mountain.
• High-quality, mature landscaping:
  • Adds property and community value
  • Improves lifestyle comfort (shade, wind protection)
  • Enhances street appeal
• Native plants are strongly encouraged to:
  • Integrate homes with the natural bushland setting
  • Support local wildlife and biodiversity
  • Reduce water use and maintenance
• Landscapes should be:
  • Low maintenance (minimal front-yard turf)
  • Drought tolerant
  • Biodiversity-friendly
  • Visually appealing to the streetscape
• A landscaping covenant bond is required and refundable once landscaping is completed and established.
• Alternative landscape designs may be approved by the DRP if they meet the intent of the guidelines.

General Landscape Requirements

• Minimum front landscaping coverage:
  • Lots ≤10 m wide: at least 25%
  • Lots >10 m wide: at least 40%
• One shade tree required in the front yard:
  • Minimum 100-litre pot size or 1.8 m height
• Garden beds must be:
  • Edged (approved materials only)
  • Finished with mulch
• Impermeable surfaces limited to 60% of the lot frontage.
• Irrigation systems are strongly recommended.
• Planting design must consider:
  • Shade, screening, ventilation, and security
  • Solar access and prevailing winds
• Large trees must not be planted near retaining walls.
• Additional minimum planting quantities apply to front yards.

Minimum planting standards per lot based on lot frontage widths:

Lot Frontage (width)	Trees	Shrubs	Groundcovers
10.99m and less	1	8	22
11m to 12.99m	1	9	28
13m to 14.99m	1	10	30
Greater than 15 metres	2	15	45
Minimum Plant Size	100L pot or 1.8m when planted	140mm pot	140mm pot

Pre-Approved Landscape Designs

• Four pre-approved landscape designs are available.
• Designs include planting and material palettes prepared by a qualified Landscape Architect.
• Homeowners may adapt these designs to suit their home details.
• Full details are included in the Landscape Guidelines section.

Landscaping Approval & Bond Return

• All landscaping must be approved by the DRP .
• Landscaping (including fencing) must be completed within 3 months of occupation .
• A DRP inspection is required for a partial bond refund .
• $1,000 of the bond is retained for 12 months to ensure landscaping establishment.
• The remaining bond is refunded once landscaping is confirmed as compliant and well established.

Pre-Approved Front Yard Landscape Designs

• Front yards play a key role in shaping the overall character and sense of place of the Round Mountain community.
• Homeowners are encouraged to design their front yard using one of four pre-approved landscape typologies , each with a distinct look and feel:
  • The Mountain: Strong, sculptural, nature-inspired with rugged materials and hardy planting.
  • The Creek: Soft and flowing, with curved forms, lush native plants, and wildlife-friendly qualities.
  • The Parkland: Open and welcoming, featuring shade trees, greenery, and community-focused spaces.
  • The Urban: Sleek and contemporary, with clean lines, bold planting, and modern materials.
• Well-designed front yards do more than enhance appearance:
  • Support biodiversity and wildlife habitat
  • Help cool streets and reduce the urban heat island effect
  • Contribute to a sustainable, green community vision
• Each front yard contributes to the collective identity and visual quality of Round Mountain.

How to Use the Landscape Guidelines

The provided resources help homeowners and designers deliver compliant, high-quality landscape outcomes:

• Material Recommendations: Approved surfaces, finishes, and structural elements for each typology.
• Character Palette: Colours, textures, and forms that define each landscape style.
• Sketch Plans and Perspectives: Visual examples to illustrate street and plan views.
• Minimum Planting Standards: Clear requirements to ensure functionality and consistency.
• Planting Matrix: A guide to plant selection based on planting use and biodiversity value, supporting local fauna and pollinators.
• Please refer to the Landscape Guidelines within the Design Guidelines for further details