The Landscaping Standards and Requirements ordinance is established to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public by enhancing the aesthetic quality of residential and commercial areas while promoting water-efficient landscaping. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as set forth herein:

ACTIVE RECREATION AREA: An area that is dedicated to active play, including where turf may provide a playing surface.

WATER-CONSERVING PLANT: A plant that can generally survive with available rainfall once established although supplemental irrigation may be needed or desirable during periods of dry and warm weather. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public facility projects, commercial and industrial projects, multi-family residential projects, and landscaping for new single-family residential dwellings and fully rehabilitated single-family residential landscapes. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

   A.   Open Space:

      1.   Commercial Developments: A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total lot or parcel area of all commercial developments shall be provided as landscaped open space. All open space required shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree for every six hundred (600) square feet of landscaped area and one shrub for every two hundred (200) square feet of landscaped area. Planter beds shall be planted to provide a minimum of 50% ground plane coverage when plant material reaches maturity. Canopies of deciduous trees shall not count towards the coverage calculation. Park strips are exempt from the ground plane coverage requirements.

      2.   Multi-family Developments: A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the total lot or parcel area of multi-family developments located in the R-2 Zone shall be provided as landscaped open space. A minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total lot or parcel area of multi-family developments located in the R-3 Zone shall be provided as landscaped open space. All open space required shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree for every six hundred (600) square feet of landscaped area and one shrub for every two hundred (200) square feet of landscaped area. Planter beds shall be planted to provide a minimum of 50% ground plane coverage when plant material reaches maturity. Canopies of deciduous trees shall not count towards the coverage calculation. Park strips are exempt from the ground plane coverage requirements.

      3.   Industrial Developments: A minimum of five percent (5%) of the total lot or parcel area shall be provided as landscaped open space. All open space required shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of landscaped area and one shrub for every six hundred (600) square feet of landscaped area.

         a.   All yard areas between a street frontage and buildings, parking areas, or storage areas which are not used for vehicular or pedestrian access shall be landscaped with a minimum buffer landscaping depth of ten feet (10').

         b.   If adjacent to a residential zoning district, an additional building setback of ten feet (10') shall be provided adjacent to the residential use to reduce the visual impact of large-scale industrial buildings. The additional ten feet (10') shall be landscaped with trees to provide buffering and shall not include parking, vehicular access, or storage areas for equipment or mechanical systems. Those uses may exist beyond the ten foot (10') buffer.

      4.   Developments in the P-F Zone (Public Facilities):

         a.   Public Utility Facilities and Public Works Facilities shall comply with the open space and landscaping standards of Industrial Developments.

         b.   All other uses in the P-F Zone shall provide a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the total lot or parcel area as landscaped open space. All open space required shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree for every six hundred (600) square feet of landscaped area and one shrub for every two hundred (200) square feet of landscaped area. Planter beds shall be planted to provide a minimum of 50% ground plane coverage when plant material reaches maturity. Canopies of deciduous trees shall not count towards the coverage calculation. Park strips are exempt from the ground plane coverage requirements.

   B.   Landscape Design Standards:

      1.   Plant Selection:

         a.   Plants shall be well-suited to conditions at the project site. Both native and locally adapted plants are acceptable. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together as much as possible.

         b.   Areas with slopes greater than 33% shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water-conserving plants for erosion control and soil stabilization.

         c.    Park strips and other landscaped areas less than eight (8) feet wide shall not be landscaped with turf and shall be maintained free of weeds. Any hardscape installed within a park strip shall cover no more than fifty percent (50%) of the park strip area, unless otherwise required by city code.

         d.   Turf area shall not exceed 15% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas.

      Note: Please visit weberbasin.com for a list of recommended water-conserving plants (not a comprehensive list).

      2.   Mulch: After completion of planting, all irrigated non-turf areas shall be covered with a minimum three (3) inch layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth, and moderate soil temperature. Non-porous material such as concrete or asphalt shall not be placed under the mulch.

      3.   Tree Selection: Tree species shall be selected based on growth characteristics and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance, soil conditions, exposure, and desired color and appearance. Trees shall be selected as follows:

         a.   Broad canopy trees shall be selected where shade or screening of tall objects is desired;

         b.   Low-growing trees shall be selected for spaces under utility wires;

         c.   Trees shall be selected from which lower branches can be trimmed to maintain a healthy growth habit where vision clearance and natural surveillance is a concern;

         d.   Narrow or columnar trees shall be selected where awnings or other building features limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings and the street for natural surveillance;

         e.   Street trees shall be planted within existing and proposed park strips, and in sidewalk tree wells on streets without park strips. Tree placement shall provide canopy cover (shade) and avoid conflicts with existing trees, retaining walls, utilities, lighting, and other obstacles. All street trees shall comply with the clear vision standards of this Title;

         f.   All trees to be installed on public property or on property to be maintained by the city shall be subject to approval by the city arborist or designee;

      4.   Plant Material Size at Installation:

         a.   Deciduous trees shall be installed at a minimum size of two (2) inches in caliper, measured eight (8) inches above the soil line.

         b.   Evergreen trees shall be installed at a minimum height of six (6) feet.

         c.   Shrubs shall be installed at a minimum size of three (3) gallon.

         d.   Ornamentals grasses and perennials shall be installed at a minimum size of one (1) gallon.

         e.   Groundcover shall be installed at a minimum height of three (3) inches.

   C.   Landscape and Irrigation Plan Submittal: A copy of a landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted to and approved by the city prior to the issue of any permit. The plans shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect and shall consist of the following items:

      1.   Landscape Plan. A detailed landscape plan shall be drawn at a scale that clearly identifies the following:

         a.   Project name and address, and landscape architect’s information;

         b.   Location of all plant materials, a legend with botanical and common names, and size of plant materials;

         c.   Location of landscape features, ground and water forms, walks, hardscape, mulch, and other features;

         d.   Property lines and street names;

         e.   Existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site improvements;

         f.   Existing trees and plant materials to be removed or retained;

         g.   Scale: graphic and written;

         h.   Date of design;

         i.   Designation of a landscape zone; and

         j.   Details and specifications for tree staking, soil preparation, and other planting work.

      2.   Irrigation Plan. A detailed irrigation plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the planting plan and shall contain the following information:

         a.   Layout of the irrigation system and a legend summarizing the type and size of all components of the system, including manufacturer name and model numbers;

         b.   Static water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) at the point of connection to the public water supply;

         c.   Flow rate in gallons per minute and design operating pressure in psi for each valve and precipitation rate in inches per hour for each valve with sprinklers; and

         d.   Installation details for irrigation components.

   D.   Plan Review, Construction Inspection, and Post-Construction Monitoring:

      1.   As part of the land use approval process, a copy of the landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted to the city for review and approval before construction begins.

      2.   All installers and designers shall meet state and local license, insurance, and bonding requirements, and be able to show proof of such.

      3.   During construction, site inspection of the landscaping may be performed by the city.

      4.   Following construction and prior to issuing the approval for occupancy, an inspection shall be scheduled with the Community Development Department to verify compliance with the approved landscape plans.

   Note: The City reserves the right to perform site inspections at any time before, during, or after the irrigation system and landscape installation, and to require corrective measures if requirements of this chapter are not satisfied. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022; amd. Ord. 2024-06, 4-23-2024)

   A.   Open Space:

      1.   Single-family Residential Developments: Each lot or parcel located within a platted single-family subdivision shall comply with the minimum open space requirements of the zone in which the property is located.

      2.   Planned Single-family Residential Developments: Developments shall comply with the open space requirements of the zone in which the property is located or comply with the requirements of any applicable development agreement.

   B.   Landscape Design Standards:

      1.   Plant Selection:

         a.   Plants shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions at the project site. Both native and locally adapted plants are acceptable. Plants with similar water needs should be grouped together as much as possible.

         b.   Areas with slopes greater than 33% shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water-conserving plants for erosion control and soil stabilization.

         c.   Park strips and other landscaped areas less than eight (8) feet wide shall not be landscaped with turf and shall be maintained free of weeds. Any hardscape installed within a park strip shall cover no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the park strip area.

         d.   Turf area shall not exceed 35% of the combined front and interior side yard landscaped areas of the lot or parcel or 250 square feet, whichever is greater.

      Note: Please visit weberbasin.com for a list of recommended water-conserving plants (not a comprehensive list).

      2.   Mulch: After completion of all planting, all irrigated non-turf areas and all non-irrigated park strip areas shall be covered with a minimum three (3) inch layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth, and moderate soil temperature. Non-porous material shall not be placed under the mulch.

   C.   Homebuilders and Developers:

      1.   Homebuilders and developers subdividing lots and/or constructing new single-family residential homes within a planned development with common ownership and maintenance of landscaped areas shall comply with all of the water efficient landscaping and irrigation standards of this chapter, and provide water efficient designs, such as the Localscapes® design style, to prospective home buyers.

      2.   Any Model Home shall meet the water-efficient landscaping standards of this chapter and provide an informational brochure on water-efficient landscaping. Brochures can be obtained from the City Planning Division. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022; amd. Ord. 2024-06, 4-23-2024)

   A.   Irrigation systems shall be designed to maximize irrigation efficiency.

   B.   Landscaped areas shall be provided with a smart automatic irrigation controller. Smart irrigation controllers shall be WaterSense® labeled and automatically adjust the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to changing weather conditions. All controllers shall be equipped with automatic rain delay or rain shut-off capabilities.

   C.   Each valve shall irrigate a landscape with similar site, slope, and soil conditions. Plants watered by a valve should have similar watering needs. Turf and non-turf areas shall be irrigated on separate valves. Drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate valves.

   D.   Drip emitters or a bubbler shall be provided for each tree. Bubblers shall not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute per device. Bubblers for trees shall be placed on a separate valve unless specifically exempted by the City due to the limited number of trees on the project site. Drip irrigation or bubblers shall be used to irrigate plants in non-turf areas.

   E.   Pop-up spray heads shall be at a minimum of four (4) inches in height to avoid blockage from lawn foliage.

   F.   Sprinkler heads shall be attached to rigid lateral lines with flexible material (swing joints) to reduce potential for breakage.

   G.   Check valves shall be required where elevation differences cause low-head drainage. Pressure compensating valves and sprinklers shall be required where a significant variation in water pressure occurs within the irrigation system due to elevation differences.

   H.   Filters shall be required on all secondary water service connections. Filters shall have as a minimum a 30 mesh screen and shall be cleaned and maintained by the property owner on a regular basis.

   I.   Drip irrigation lines require additional filtration at or after the zone valve at a minimum of 200 mesh and end flush valves are required as necessary for drip irrigation lines.

   J.   Valves with spray or stream sprinklers shall be scheduled to operate in accordance with local water supplier restrictions to reduce water loss from wind, evaporation, or other environmental conditions not suitable for irrigation.

   K.   Program valves for multiple repeat cycles where necessary to reduce runoff, particularly on slopes and soils with slow infiltration rates. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022; amd. Ord. 2024-06, 4-23-2024)

   A.   Any Homeowners Association governing documents, such as bylaws, operating rules, covenants, conditions, and restrictions that govern the operation of a common interest development, shall not:

      1.   Require the use of any uniform plant material requiring overhead spray irrigation in landscape areas less than eight (8) feet wide or require any uniform plant material requiring overhead spray irrigation in other areas that exceed 35% of the landscaped area; or

      2.   Prohibit, or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of water-conserving plants as a group; or

      3.   Have the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with this chapter or other water conservation measures. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

   A.   Completion: All landscaping improvements required by this title shall be installed in accordance with the approved landscape and irrigation plans as follows:

      1.   Nonresidential Landscaping: Landscaping for commercial, industrial, and public facility projects shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the building or structure with which it is associated, or in cases of inclement weather, within six (6) months of the date of initial occupancy. The date of initial occupancy shall be the date that a certificate of occupancy is issued for the first building or structure of an individual phase or plat of the development.

      2.   Multi-family Residential: Landscaping for two-family and multiple-family dwellings in all zones shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the building or structure with which they are associated, or in cases of inclement weather, within six (6) months of the date of initial occupancy. Date of initial occupancy will be the date that a certificate of occupancy is issued for the first dwelling unit.

      3.   Single-family Residential: The front and side yards of all single-family dwellings in all zones shall be landscaped within twelve (12) months of the date of initial occupancy for the building or structure with which they are associated. The rear yard shall be landscaped within eighteen (18) months of the date of initial occupancy. Date of initial occupancy will be the date that a certificate of occupancy is issued for the dwelling unit.

   B.   Bond/Escrow required for nonresidential, two-family, and multiple-family developments: In cases of inclement weather and in order to ensure that all required landscaping is installed in an acceptable manner, the developer shall post a separate cash bond with the city or establish an escrow account with an appropriate financial institution. The cash bond or escrow account shall be subject to approval by the Community Development Department, and shall be in an amount equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the estimated costs of construction and installation of all required landscaping, parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, fences, walls, and other amenities shown on the final landscape plan or site plan, as applicable.

      1.   The bond or escrow account shall be posted or established in accordance with all other city regulations.

      2.   The bond or escrow account shall be posted or established prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the site.

      3.   The bond shall be accompanied by a schedule of anticipated completion dates for such improvements. In no case shall the time period for completion exceed the time periods set forth in subsection A of this section.

      4.   In the event that the improvements are not completed in reasonable conformance with said schedule, the city may undertake to complete the improvements and pay for such improvements from the bond or escrow account.

      5.   This section shall not pertain to the completion or installation of private landscaping on individual building lots for single-family dwellings. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

   A.   Purpose: The city values its open spaces, both natural and enhanced, and recognizes the importance of trees within the community. Not only do trees add to the beauty of the community, but they stabilize surface drainage and soil erosion. A well-designed landscape can reduce air and sound pollution, regulate solar radiation, and help with wind control.

   B.   City Arborist:

      1.   Created: The Community Services Director or designee shall appoint a City Arborist.

      2.   Duties And Responsibilities: The City Arborist shall have authority over all trees and shrubs located within the city’s rights of way, parks, and public places. On private, commercial, and residential property, the City Arborist shall have the authority over trees and shrubs which constitute a public hazard or threat as described in the standards for specification manual.

   C.   Planting Trees, Landscaping in City Right of Way: Tree planting on public ways shall be coordinated with required open landscaping areas to achieve the most effective use of these areas and to accomplish the purposes of aesthetics and conservation. Street trees shall be selected based on growth characteristics that are well suited to their environment. For a list of permitted street trees, contact the City Arborist.

   D.   Public Rights of Way Tree and Plant Care: It is the duty of the owner and occupant of any real property with frontage along a public sidewalk to maintain any trees, shrubs, and plant material between such property and the curb line of the street. The city shall have the right, as determined by its sole discretion, to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, plants, and shrubs within rights of way, streets, and public property as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance public grounds.

   E.   Clear Vision: All trees, shrubs, and other plant material located within the public rights of way or in public places shall comply with the clear vision standards of this Title.

   F.   Illegal To Cut, Injure, Or Top Trees:

      1.   It shall be unlawful for any person to remove trees situated on city property, including streets and roadways of the city, without obtaining permission from the city arborist for that purpose.

      2.   It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any tree on city property. Topping is the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches (3") in diameter within the tree’s crown to such a degree as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other cause, or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this subsection at the determination of the city arborist.

   G.   Pruning, Corner Clearance: Every owner of any tree or shrub overhanging any street, sidewalk or right of way within the city, shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not severely obstruct the light from any streetlamp, obstruct the view of any street intersection, or obstruct and create a hazard on a sidewalk. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased, or dangerous trees and shrubs, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The city shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with visibility of any traffic control device, sign or sight triangle at intersections or constitutes a hazard on a sidewalk. Any costs incurred by the city will be collected from the adjacent property owner.

   H.   Appeal: Any person may appeal a decision of the city arborist to the community service director, who may hear the matter and make a final decision within sixty (60) days. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

   A.   Fee In Lieu of Open Space: A fee in lieu of landscaped open space in commercial, industrial, multi-family, and public facility developments may be permitted by the planning commission for required open space that is less than five thousand (5,000) square feet in size, provided that the development can be adequately served by existing parks and recreation facilities. The amount of the fee shall be set forth in the city’s fee schedule. Any fee in lieu paid to the city shall be set forth in a development agreement. Open space fees in lieu shall be held by the city in a reserved account to be used solely for improvements to parks and recreation facilities. Where possible, the fees collected by the city shall be used to improve the park or open space nearest the location where those fees were paid.

   B.   Modification: The percentage of required landscaped open space may be modified through a development agreement, subject to planning commission recommendation and city council approval. No modification shall be granted, however, unless the following standards are met:

      1.   The granting of the modification will not adversely affect the rights of adjacent landowners or residents;

      2.   The modification desired will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or general welfare; and

   C.   The granting of the modification will not be opposed to the general spirit and intent of this title or the general plan.

Preservation, Maintenance, And Ownership:

      1.   The planning commission and city council shall require the preservation, maintenance, and ownership of all required open space for nonresidential, multi-family, or planned single-family residential developments through one or a combination of the following:

         a.   Dedication of the land as a public park or parkway system;

         b.   Dedication of the land as permanent open space on the recorded plat;

         c.   Granting the city a permanent open space easement on the private open spaces to guarantee that the open space remain perpetually in recreation use, with ownership and maintenance being the responsibility of a homeowners’ association; or

         d.   Through compliance with the provisions of the condominium ownership act as outlined in Title 57 of the Utah code, which provides for the payment of common expenses for the upkeep of common areas and facilities.

      2.   Landscaping for all single-family residential properties shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and applicable regulations of the zone in which the property is located.

      3.   In the event that open space or other required landscaping improvements or facilities are not landscaped or maintained in a manner consistent with the approved site plan or landscaping plan, the city may at its option cause such landscaping or maintenance to be performed and assess the costs to the affected property owner(s) or other responsible association or entity. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

Regardless of the age of a development, water shall be properly used. Waste of water is prohibited. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)

The Community Development Director or designee is authorized to enforce all provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2022-06, 2-22-2022)