The purpose of the landscaping requirements in this chapter shall be to conserve water supply and enhance property values by encouraging pleasant and attractive surroundings and thus create the necessary atmosphere for the orderly development of Heber City. Landscaping also contributes to the relief of heat, noise and glare through the proper placement of green plants and trees.

Where landscaping is required, such landscaping shall comply with the requirements set forth in this chapter. Where there may be contradicting landscaping provisions between this chapter and other sections of code, the greater requirement shall apply.

A. General Provisions:

1. The absence of any landscaping (bare ground, dirt) is prohibited. 2. Xeriscaping is permitted in all zones. 3. Natural landscaping using plants found locally that are drought resistant are permitted for required yard spaces and open space areas. 4. Vegetation coverage is measured by the area of the plant at full seasonal coverage. Trees do not account for this area. Areas with non-living landscaping materials that are greater than 200 square feet shall include at least one tree for shade to reduce summer heat gain. 5. Landscaped areas such as park strips, that are less than 8’ wide shall only use drip/point source irrigation systems and shall contain 100% xeriscape designs. 6. Water-wise designs are required, using drip/point source irrigation systems wherever possible. 7. Water from roofs, driveways, and parking lots shall be contained on site to the greatest extent possible. 8. Healthy trees that are drought tolerant are encouraged to be preserved. 9. Stormwater catchment basins and/or ponds are exempt from these general provision requirements. 10. Existing front and corner lot yards shall meet the standards of this Section upon redevelopment of the property.

B. Non-Residential and Multi-Family Residential Standards.

1. A minimum of 20% of landscaped areas shall be planter beds, containing a combination of rock or bark mulch, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. 2. A minimum of 40% of all landscaped areas shall be covered with planted vegetation. 3. Community Gardens may be counted toward a landscaping and/or open space requirement for Multi-Family Residential developments. 4. Automated water-wise irrigation systems are required and shall include a Water Sense labeled smart irrigation controller which automatically adjusts 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 5. Landscaping shall be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. For phased developments, the landscaping within each phase shall be completed with the phase. 6. No more than 20% of any front yard, including both yards on a corner, shall be landscaped with turf/lawn. Non-turf areas are required to be watered via a drip system. Decorative pools/ponds/or streams are discouraged and are limited to no more than 5% of a lot. This standard does not apply to recreational activity areas. 7. A landscaping bond may be used during non-growing seasons, as determined by the Planning Director or designee. Landscaping shall be completed, and assurances established prior to a Certificate of Occupancy is granted as per Utah State Code Section 10-9a-509 (i) et seq. Bonds shall cover 110% of the costs of the bond estimate included in the bond agreement executed with the City.

C. Single Family Residential Standards.

1. In any residential or residential-agricultural zone, all portions of the required front and side yards adjacent to a street that are not covered by permitted structures, driveways or pedestrian paths shall be landscaped. No more than 35% of any front yard, including both yards on a corner, shall be landscaped with turf/lawn. Non-turf areas are required to be watered via a drip system. No turf/lawn is allowed on slopes greater than 50% (2:1 grade). Decorative pools/ponds/or streams are discouraged and are limited to no more than 5% of a lot. 2. Required landscaping shall be installed within 24 months of the date of receiving an occupancy permit for the property. 3. A minimum of 50% of the front and street side yards shall be covered with planted vegetation at the time of maturity.

Required landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean, orderly and healthful condition. This is meant to include proper pruning, mowing lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing and replacement of dead plants and the regular watering of all plantings to assure their continued viability.

Where landscaped screening is required, said screening shall consist of groundcovers, non-living mulches, a mixture of evergreen shrubs and medium sized trees planted on 30’ centers. The shrubs and trees shall be planted to create a visual barrier over time. When not otherwise specified, natural screening shall be maintained at a height of from four to six feet.

Where landscaping is provided for multi-family residential and non-residential developments in this title, a plot plan showing the proposed landscape development, efficient water-wise irrigation system and use of the property shall be submitted to the Planning Director. See Plot Plan application/checklist available online and at the City Offices. The same plot plan used to show parking layout or other requirements for the issuance of a building permit may be used to show landscaping providing all proposed landscaping is detailed adequately on said plot plan. See18.72 Off-Street Parking and Loading. The Planning Director may deny or suggest modifications of such plans if it is determined that they are not consistent with the requirements and purposes of this chapter. All plot plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, engineer, or certified landscaper installer. All plot plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, engineer, or certified landscaper installer, designed using water-wise design standards as recommended by local water conservancy districts, The City reserves the right review plans for compliance with this section and all applicable Heber City Ordinances.

In all zones and locations within Heber City, street trees, with root structures generally not shown to lift/disrupt sidewalks, shall be planted by property owners within the planter strip, or on private property in the front yard 5’ from the right of way line if no planter strips exists, as part of the required landscaping. Street trees shall be planted and spaced in accordance with Chapter 12.20 of Heber City Municipal Code

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the landscaping within the adjoining right-of- way and/or planter strips in accordance with Chapter 12.20 of Heber City Municipal Code.

Parking is prohibited upon any required landscaping or any area that is landscaped.