The purpose of this Chapter is to support the State of Utah, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, secondary water providers and other water stakeholders in the responsible use of water. Kaysville city desires to protect currently allocated water resources for existing users and define appropriate uses for landscaping and watering practices. Adoption of these standards will provide residents with eligibility for reimbursement programs and incentives to retrofit existing landscaping with water wise landscaping.

The responsible use of water and corresponding landscaping regulations will allow the City to grow in patterns which are more sustainable. These efforts will protect the public's environmental, economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources by promoting efficient use of water resources by reducing water waste and establishing guidelines for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes throughout the City.

The City highly encourages all property owners to retrofit existing landscaping to come into compliance with all standards in this Chapter.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

Wasteful use of water, including but not limited to the following, is prohibited on all properties within the City as regulated by KCC 9-4-1 Water.

1.

Irrigating any landscape between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

2.

Using culinary water for irrigation where irrigation water is available through an irrigation company or secondary water service district.

3.

Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other hard surface areas except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards.

4.

Watering in violation of regulations and restrictions set forth during drought periods.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

The remaining sections of this Chapter shall apply to:

1.

All new landscapes in all zones of the City associated with construction of any new residential home, commercial or industrial structure, public facility, or mixed-use development.

2.

Any existing residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use projects where the owner or developer proposes to modify the landscaped area by more than fifty percent (50%).

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

The following general standards apply:

1.

Turf, Grass or Lawn.

a.

Turf, grass or lawn shall not be placed in:

i.

Any area with a width of less than eight feet (8'), including park strips.

ii.

Any area with a grade greater than twenty-five percent (25%).

iii.

Parking lot landscaping.

b.

Residential developments shall not have more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the total combined area of the front and side yards landscaped with turf, grass or lawn.

c.

Commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-family developments and HOA common areas shall not have turf exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total landscaped. Designated active recreation areas are not included in this total.

d.

In areas where secondary water is not available, no more than ten percent (10%) of the landscaped area shall be turf.

e.

Developers and owners are encouraged to limit rear yard turf areas to a maximum of thirty-five percent (35%) of the total combined area.

2.

Plant Selection. Plants shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions at the landscape site. Native and locally-adapted plants are acceptable. For irrigating efficiencies, plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together as much as reasonably practicable.

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.

4.

Mulch. All irrigated non-turf areas shall be covered with a minimum three inch (3") layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth, and moderate soil temperature. The City strongly recommends rock mulch over bark or wood. Non-porous material shall not be placed under the mulch.

5.

Bioswales. Park strip areas may be utilized as bioswales, and are recommended in commercial, industrial and HOA common areas.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

The following irrigation design standards are strongly recommended for all landscape projects:

1.

Irrigation Controller. Landscaped areas should utilize a WaterSense-labeled smart automatic irrigation controller, equipped with rain delay or rain shut-off capabilities.

2.

Irrigation valves should irrigate landscapes with similar site, slope, soil conditions and plant materials with similar water needs.

3.

Drip irrigation should be used for all non-turf areas and be equipped with pressure regulator and filter.

4.

Turf and non-turf areas should be irrigated on separate valves.

5.

Drip emitters and sprinklers should be placed on separate valves.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

Owner's Associations shall not adopt or enforce regulations which prohibit or restrict compliance with this Chapter or other water conservation measures.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)

The Community Development Director, or their designee, shall be authorized to enforce all provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the Municipal Code.

(Ord. 23-05-01, 5/4/2023)