It is in the public interest to conserve the public's water resources and to promote water efficient landscaping. The purpose of this chapter is to protect and enhance the community's environmental, economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources by promoting efficient use of water in the community's landscapes, to reduce water waste, and to establish a structure for the designing, installing and maintaining of water efficient landscapes throughout the City. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)

The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:

ARTIFICIAL TURF: A ground cover or surface consisting of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass.

BACKFLOW: An unwanted flow of water in the reverse direction.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE (BACKFLOW PREVENTER): Reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the soil, storage, or other sources to be drawn up into the system. A backflow prevention device (backflow preventer) is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.

BUBBLER: An irrigation head that delivers water to the root zone by "flooding" the planted area, usually measured in gallons per minute. Bubblers exhibit a trickle, umbrella or short stream pattern.

DRIP EMITTER: Drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly at the root zone of the plant, usually measured in gallons per hour.

DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANT: A plant that can survive without irrigation throughout the year once established, although supplemental water may be desirable during drought periods for improved appearance and disease resistance.

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION: The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time, expressed in inches per day, month or year.

GRADING PLAN: The grading plan shall be shown at the same scale as the planting and irrigation plan. The grading plan shows all finish grades, spot elevations as necessary and existing and new contours with the developed landscaped area.

GROUND COVER: Material planted in such a way as to form a continuous cover over the ground that can be maintained at a height not more than twelve inches (12").

HARDSCAPE: Patios, decks and paths (does not include driveways and sidewalks).

IRRIGATED LANDSCAPED AREA: All portions of a development site to be improved with planting and irrigation. Natural open space areas shall not be included in the irrigated landscaped area.

IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR: A person certified by the Irrigation Association (IA) to install irrigation systems.

IRRIGATION DESIGNER: A person certified by the Irrigation Association to prepare irrigation system designs, and/or a professionally licensed landscape architect.

IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY: The measurement of the water beneficially applied, divided by the total water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system hardware characteristics and management practices.

IRRIGATION PLAN: The irrigation plan shall be shown at the same scale as the planting plan. The irrigation plan shall show the components of the irrigation system with water meter size, backflow prevention, precipitation rates, flow rate and operating pressure for each irrigation circuit, and identification of all irrigation equipment.

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDITOR (LIA): A person certified by the Irrigation Association to conduct a landscape irrigation audit.

LANDSCAPE PLAN DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE: The preparation of a graphic and written criteria, specifications, and detailed plans to arrange and modify the effects of natural features such as plantings, ground and water forms, circulation, walks and other features to comply with this chapter. The landscape plan documentation package shall include a project data sheet, a planting plan, an irrigation plan, a grading plan, a soils report, a landscape water allowance, a landscape water allowance report, and an irrigation schedule.

LANDSCAPE WATER ALLOWANCE: For design purposes, the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the local reference evapotranspiration rate, the ETO adjustment factor and the size of the landscaped area.

LANDSCAPE ZONE: A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs, areas with similar microclimate (i.e., slope, exposure, wind, etc.) and soil conditions, and areas that will be similarly irrigated. A landscape zone can be served by one irrigation valve, or a set of valves with the same schedule.

MULCH: Any material such as bark, wood chips or other materials left loose and applied to the soil for the purpose of preventing evapotranspiration.

NON-DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANT: A plant that will require regular irrigation for adequate appearance, growth and disease resistance.

PLANTING PLAN: A planting plan is a drawing that clearly and accurately identifies and locates elements related to a landscape such as new and existing trees, shrubs, ground covers, turf areas, driveways, sidewalks, hardscape features, and fences, etc.

PRECIPITATION RATE: The depth of water applied to an area, usually measured in inches per hour.

PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in Utah.

RAIN SHUT-OFF DEVICE: A device wired to the automatic controller that shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.

REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE OR ETO: A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETO is expressed in inches per day, month or year and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four inch (4") to seven inch (7") tall, cool season grass that is well watered. The average annual ETO for South Ogden City is 25.57 inches¹.

RUNOFF: Water not absorbed by the soil or landscape area to which it is applied and which flows onto other areas.

SOILS REPORT: A report by a laboratory indicating soil type(s), soil depth, uniformity, composition, bulk density, infiltration rates, and pH for the topsoil and subsoil for a site. The soils report also includes recommendations for soil amendments.

SPRAY SPRINKLER: An irrigation head that sprays water through a nozzle.

STREAM SPRINKLER: An irrigation head that projects water through a gear rotor in single or multiple streams.

TURF: A surface layer of earth containing grass with its roots.

WATER AUDIT: An on-site survey and measurement of irrigation equipment and management efficiency, and the generation of recommendations to improve efficiency.

WATER-CONSERVING PLANT: A plant that uses less water than standard plants. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)

Notes

¹ETO is based on the 30 year average from 1961 to 1990 for the Ogden area, for the 8 month growing season March through October. See Sprinklers, Crop Water Use, and Irrigation Time - Weber County by Robert W. Hill and James Barnhill, Utah State University Extension, April 2001, table 3, page 6.

This chapter shall apply to all new and renovated landscapes in the City. For renovated landscapes, this chapter shall apply when more than 15% of the total landscape area for existing public projects, private development projects, developer-installed landscaping in multi-family residential projects, and developer-installed landscaping in single-family projects is being replaced. For existing single-family homes and duplexes, this chapter shall apply when more than 30% of the total existing landscaped area is being replaced.

Sports fields, turf play areas within public parks, school grounds, golf courses and cemeteries are exempt from the landscape water allowance limitations described in 10-23-4-6- Documentation Requirements. Furthermore, the requirements of 10-23-6 and 10-23-8 will not apply to new single-family homes or duplexes where the homeowner is installing the landscaping, nor to any existing single-family home or duplex where landscaping is being renovated or replaced. All other portions of this chapter shall apply.

The following section shall apply to new public projects, private development projects, developer-installed landscaping in multi-family residential projects, developer-installed landscaping in single-family projects; it shall also apply to existing public projects, private development projects, developer-installed landscaping in multi-family residential projects, and developer-installed landscaping in single-family projects where more than 15% of the total existing landscape area is being renovated or replaced.

1. Landscape Plan Documentation Package: A copy of a landscape plan documentation package shall be submitted to and approved by the City prior to issuance of any permit. The landscape plan documentation package shall be prepared by a professional landscape architect.
   
   The irrigation plan shall be prepared by an irrigation designer certified by the Irrigation Association and/or a professional landscape architect.
   
   The landscape plan documentation package shall consist of the following items:
   1. Project Data Sheet: The project data sheet shall contain:
      1. Project name and address;
      2. Applicant or applicant agent's name, address, phone and fax number;
      3. Landscape designer/landscape architect's name, address, phone and fax number; and
      4. Landscape contractor's name, address, phone and fax number, if applicable.
   2. Planting Plan: A detailed planting plan shall be drawn at an appropriate scale and include a legend that is suitable for identifying the following:
      1. Property lines and street names;
      2. Existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site features;
      3. Existing trees and plant materials to be removed or retained;
      4. Location of all plant materials;
      5. A legend with botanical and common names and size of plant materials;
      6. Designation of landscape zones;
      7. Details and specifications for tree staking, soil preparation, blue stakes, and other planting work; and,
      8. Planting specifications
         
   3. Irrigation Plan: A detailed irrigation plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the planting plan and shall contain:
      1. Layout of the irrigation system;
      2. A legend summarizing the type and size of all components of the system, including manufacturer name and model numbers;
      3. Static water pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) at the point of connection to the public water supply;
      4. 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;
      5. Landscape water allowance;
         
      6. Irrigation schedule;
         
      7. Installation details for irrigation components; and,
      8. Irrigation specifications.
         
   4. Grading Plan: A grading plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the planting plan and shall contain:
      1. Property lines and street names, existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site improvements, and
      2. Existing and proposed contour lines and spot elevations for the proposed site improvements.
   5. Soils Report: A soils report will be provided and shall describe the depth, composition, and bulk density of the topsoil and subsoil at the site. The report shall include recommendations for soil amendments, which shall be incorporated into the planting specifications indicated in Section 10-23-2(h) above.
      
   6. Landscape Water Allowance: This is the maximum limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the local reference evapotranspiration rate, the ETo adjustment factor and the size of the landscaped area. The maximum applied water allowance shall be calculated using the following equation:
      MAWA = (ETo) (0.62)(1.15)[(0.8 x LA) + (0.3 x SLA)]
      MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
      ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) as calculated from weather data at the closest available weather station.
      0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons)
      1.15= Delivery Inefficiency Factor (sprinkler system uniformity etc.)
      0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor (ETAF), plant factor or crop coefficient (.8 standard for cool season turf)
      LA = Landscape Area including SLA (square feet)
      0.3 = Additional Water Allowance for SLA
      SLA = Special Landscape Area (square feet)
      
      ETo values can be obtained directly from the USU Climate Center where a data base of weather data from local stations is collected, analyzed, and stored. If you cannot find the ET data you need, please contact the City or refer to EPA Watersense tools, worksheets and calculators at https://www.epa.gov/watersense.
      
      
   7. Irrigation Schedule: A monthly irrigation schedule shall be provided that covers the initial 120-day plant establishment period adjusted for seasonal variations. This schedule shall consist of a table with the following information for each valve:
      
      1. Plant type (turf, trees, low water use plants);
         
      2. Irrigation type (sprinklers, drip, bubblers);
      3. Flow rate in gallons per minute;
      4. Precipitation rate in inches per hour (sprinklers only);
      5. Run times in minutes per day;
      6. Number of water days per week; and
      7. Cycle time to avoid runoff. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)

1. Plant Selection:
   1. The Salt Lake City Plant List and Hydrozone Schedule 2013 prepared by Salt Lake City Public Utilities and the Jordan Valley Conservation District Conservancy Gardens Localscapes programs shall be the primary references for the selection, design and installation of water-conserving plants and landscapes as modified from time to time by South Ogden City's certified arborist or the Planning Commission.
   2. Plants selected for landscape areas shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions at the project site. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together as much as possible.
   3. No turf grasses or overhead irrigation is allowed on slopes greater than 25%. Areas with slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water-conserving plants for erosion control and soil stabilization.
   4. No turf grasses or overhead irrigation is allowed in areas with a width less than 8 feet, including park strips. Park strips must consist of permeable material such as mulch, gravel, pavers, etc. Impermeable surfaces such as concrete, cement, asphalt, etc. are not allowed, other than in the carriageway and/or drive approach. A carriageway is a walkway in the park strip between the curb and sidewalk made of concrete or pavers. Any permitted impermeable surface within the right-of-way, including a carriageway, shall be approved by public works.
   5. Turf grass areas shall not exceed a total of 15% of the total landscaped area for new Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, Multi‐Family, HOA Common Areas, mixed‐use, townhome, PRUD, etc., or exceed 15% of the total existing landscaped areas of existing Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, Multi‐Family, HOA Common Areas, mixed‐use, townhome, PRUD, etc. where more than 15% of the landscaping will be renovated or replaced.
      
   6. Turf grass areas shall not exceed a total of 35% of the total landscaped area for new single-family homes or duplexes, or existing single-family homes and duplexes where more than 30% of the existing landscaping area is being replaced.
      
   7. For projects at the interface between urban areas and natural non-irrigated open space, drought tolerant plants shall be selected that blend with the native vegetation and are fire resistant or fire retardant. Plants with low fuel volume or high moisture content shall be dominant.
2. Trees: The City wants to ensure that existing trees are preserved and newly planted trees survive in order to enhance the beauty of the City. This is particularly important for street trees. In order to accomplish this, the following guidelines should be followed:
   1. Selection and planting of street trees should follow requirements of 10-5.1A-7-3, 10-5.1B-7-3, and 7-2.
   2. Existing trees should be preserved whenever possible.
   3. When removing turf or other plantings around trees in order to install a water efficient landscape, special care should be taken to not damage the roots of existing trees.
   4. Newly planted trees will need additional water during the first years of planting in order to become established. In addition to properly designed irrigation systems, other methods such as drip hoses and gator bags should be used to provide more water for new trees.
      
3. Mulch: After completion of planting, all irrigated non-turf areas shall be covered with a minimum three inch (3") to four inch (4") layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth, and moderate soil temperature. Nonporous material shall not be placed under the mulch. Drip irrigation is required where turf grasses are not being utilized.
4. Soil Preparation: Soil preparation will be suitable to provide healthy growing conditions for the plants and to encourage water infiltration and penetration. Soil preparation shall include scarifying the soil to a minimum depth of six inches (6") and amending the soil with organic material as per recommendations of the landscape designer/landscape architect based on the soils report. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)
   

The standards below do not apply to new single-family homes or duplexes where the homeowner is installing the landscaping, nor to existing single-family homes and duplexes where landscaping is being renovated or replaced.

1. Design Standards: Irrigation design standards for this chapter are outlined in the latest version of the "Minimum Standards for Efficient Landscape Irrigation System Design and Installation" prepared by the Utah Irrigation Association. In addition, the remainder of this section shall also apply.
2. Backflow Prevention Device: A backflow prevention device shall be installed according to State and County standards on all culinary irrigation systems. The backflow device must be tested on an annual basis and annual certification submitted to the City.
3. Pressure Regulation: A pressure regulating valve shall be installed and maintained by the consumer if the static service pressure exceeds eighty (80) pounds per square inch (psi). The pressure-regulating valve shall be located between the meter and the first point of water use, or first point of division in the pipe, and shall be set at the manufacturer's recommended pressure for the sprinklers.
4. Landscape Water Meter: A water meter shall be installed for landscape irrigation systems, and shall be separate from the water meter installed for culinary uses. The size of the meter shall be determined based on irrigation demand.
5. Automatic Controller: All irrigation systems shall include an electric automatic controller with multiple program and multiple repeat cycle capabilities and a flexible calendar program. All controllers shall be equipped with an automatic rain shut-off device, and the ability to adjust run times based on a percentage of maximum ETO.
6. Slopes Exceeding Twenty-Five Percent: On slopes exceeding twenty-five 25%), the irrigation system shall consist of drip emitters, bubblers or sprinklers with a maximum precipitation rate of 0.85 inch per hour and adjusted sprinkler cycle times to eliminate runoff.
7. Separate Valves: Each valve shall irrigate a landscape with similar site, slope and soil conditions and plant materials with similar watering needs. Turf and non-turf areas shall be irrigated on separate valves. Drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate valves.
8. Bubbler Specifications: 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.
9. Matched Precipitation Rates: Sprinklers shall have matched precipitation rates with each control valve circuit.
10. Check Valves: Check valves shall be required where elevation differences will cause low-head drainage. Pressure compensating valves and sprinklers shall be required where a significant variation in water pressure will occur within the irrigation system due to elevation differences.
11. Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation lines shall be undergrounded, except for emitters and where approved as a temporary installation. Filters and end flush valves shall be provided as necessary.
12. Times Of Operation: Valves with spray or stream sprinklers shall be scheduled to operate between six o'clock (6:00) P.M. and ten o'clock (10:00) A.M. to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation.
13. Programmed Valves: Valves shall be programmed for multiple repeat cycles where necessary to reduce runoff, particularly on slopes and soils with slow infiltration rates. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)
    

1. Artificial turf shall consist of green, lifelike individual blades of grass that:
   1. Emulate natural turf in look and color;
   2. Have a minimum pile height of 1.5 inches, except in areas where shorter pile height may be installed as a sport or recreational surfaces; and
   3. Have a minimum tufted weight of fifty six (56) ounces per square yard;
2. In no case shall artificial turf be installed within permanent drainage features (e.g., ponds, swales, and retention and detention basins);
3. Artificial turf may be installed in park strips located within the public right-of-way fronting properties.
   1. In order to maintain an acceptable appearance, special maintenance and care of artificial turf park strips is assumed. Acceptance of this responsibility shall be borne by the property owner when installing artificial turf.
   2. South Ogden City will not be responsible for costs to maintain artificial turf in the street right-of-way.
   3. South Ogden City shall not be responsible for any costs to repair artificial turf damaged as part of utility and street repair and maintenance within the street right-of way.
4. Artificial turf shall have a minimum eight (8) year manufacturer's warranty protecting against color fading and decrease in pile height;
5. The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a substitute or replacement for artificial turf or natural turf is prohibited;
6. It shall be properly anchored to ensure that the artificial turf will withstand the effects of wind;
7. All seams shall be nailed and glued, not sewn, and edges shall be trimmed to fit against all regular and irregular edges to resemble a natural look;
8. Proper grading, compaction and drainage shall be provided for all artificial turf installations to prevent excess runoff or pooling of water and artificial turf installations shall have a minimum permeability of thirty inches (30") per hour per square yard;
9. It shall be visually level, with the grain pointing in a single direction;
10. An appropriate solid barrier device (e.g., concrete mow strip, bender board) is required to separate the artificial turf from planters and live vegetation;
11. A minimum four foot (4') separation between artificial turf and tree trunks and two foot (2') separation between artificial turf and shrubs shall be maintained to ensure roots are not damaged with the installation of artificial turf and that the overall health of the living plant material is not compromised;
12. It shall be cleaned regularly and maintained in an appropriate and neat manner; and
13. It shall be replaced if it is worn, uneven, discolored, or damaged. (Ord. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)
    

The standards below do not apply to new single-family homes or duplexes where the homeowner is installing the landscaping, nor to existing single-family homes or duplexes where landscaping is being renovated or replaced

1. As part of the building permit approval process, a copy of the landscape plan documentation package shall be submitted to the city for review and approval before a permit shall be issued and construction begins. With the landscape plan documentation package, a copy of the landscape water allowance worksheet shall be completed by a landscape designer and submitted to the City. Once approved, the landscape water allowance worksheet will be transmitted to the local water purveyor.
2. All landscape plan documentation packages submitted must be stamped by a professionally licensed landscape architect (PLA). The irrigation plan must be prepared by an IA certified irrigation designer, or a PLA.
3. All landscape irrigation systems shall be installed by an IA certified irrigation contractor. The certified person representing the contracting firm shall be directly involved with the project and complete and document at least weekly site visits.
4. All installers, designers and auditors shall meet State and local license, insurance, and bonding requirements, and be able to show proof of such.
5. During construction, site inspection may be performed by the City Building Inspection Department.
6. Prior to issuance of substantial completion status, an inspection shall be scheduled with the Building Inspection Department to verify compliance with the approved landscape plans. The Certificate of Substantial Completion shall be completed by the property owner, contractor or landscape designer/landscape architect and submitted to the City.
7. Prior to issuance of substantial completion status, a water audit will be conducted by an IA certified landscape irrigation auditor. The auditor shall be independent of the contractor, design firm, and owner/developer of the project. The water performance audit will verify that the irrigation system complies with the minimum standards required by this chapter. The minimum efficiency required for the irrigation system is sixty percent (60%) for the distribution efficiency for all fixed spray systems and seventy percent (70%) distribution efficiency for all rotor systems. The auditor shall furnish a certificate to the City, designer, installer, and owner/developer certifying compliance with the minimum distribution requirements, and shall also submit an irrigation schedule.
8. A guarantee of the installation of landscaping as approved by the Planning Commission shall be made to the City in the same manner as that required for any other required improvement by including in a bond, escrow or letter of credit, the estimated cost of the landscaping work at the time of building permit issuance, or is deemed satisfactory by the Planning Commission for all small developments, by means of a financial guarantee for landscaping remaining uncompleted at the time of application for final building inspection and power to panel and/or occupancy permit. Such financial guarantee shall specify the maximum length of time for completion of the remaining landscaping.
   
9. 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. 17-10, 3-21-2017, eff. 3-21-2017)