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Washington County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 27

LANDSCAPE AND WATER CONSERVATION STANDARDS

10-27-1: APPLICABILITY:

The provisions of this title are applicable to all new construction, development and major landscape improvements in the county as defined herein. The provisions apply to all new development, new construction, or rehabilitation of development undertaken after the adoption of these standards, including residential, planned development, commercial, manufacturing, and industrial. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any provision, clause, sentence, word, or part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any person or circumstances, such illegality, invalidity, unconstitutionality, or inapplicability shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, sections, words or parts thereof of this ordinance or their applicability to other persons or circumstances. Failure to comply may result in termination or restriction of water service, assessment of fines, civil penalties, or criminal penalties as set forth in Title 10. (Ord. 2022-1206-O, 4-19-2022; amd. Ord. 2023-1246-O, 12-19-2023; Ord. 2024-1252-O, 3-19-2024)

10-27-2: DEFINITIONS:

The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:
ACTIVE RECREATION AREA:
An area that is dedicated to active play where grass may be used as the playing surface. Active recreation areas are prohibited in all zones unless they meet the standards herein. Examples of active recreation areas include sports fields, play areas, and other similar uses designated for physical activity. Active recreation areas shall be appropriate for the development, and:
   A.   A minimum of one thousand five hundred (1,500) contiguous square feet of lawn area;
   B.   Not less than thirty feet (30') in any dimension;
   C.   Not less than ten feet (10') from areas dedicated to vehicular use, such as street or parking lot;
   D.   Designed and located to be accessible to large populations, such as at a school, daycare, recreation center, senior center, public park, private park, water park, or religious institution; and
   E.   Co-located with amenities, including but not limited to trash bins, benches, tables, walking paths, drinking water, playground equipment and/or other recreational amenities.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE:
A device, assembly or means designed to prevent backflow, which complies with the specifications of the international plumbing code, and prevents unwanted reverse flow of contaminants through cross-connection into a potable water system.
CHECK VALVE:
A device used in sprinkler heads or pipe to prevent water from draining out of the pipe through gravity flow.
CONTROLLER:
A device used in irrigation systems to automatically control when and how long sprinklers or drip irrigation systems operate.
DRIP EMITTER:
A drip irrigation fitting that delivers water slowly at the root zone of the plant, usually measured in gallons per hour.
DRIP IRRIGATION:
An irrigation system that delivers water by adding water at the plant's base and root zone, usually measured in gallons per hour. Drip irrigation exhibits a droplet, trickle, umbrella or short stream pattern, to reduce evaporation, overspray, and water use, and improving water conservation.
GRADING PLAN:
The grading plan shows all finish grades, spot elevations, drainage as necessary, and new and existing contours with the developed landscaped area.
GRASS:
A surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Lawn and grass are used interchangeably.
GROUND COVER:
Material planted in such a way as to form a continuous cover over ground that can be maintained at a height no more than twelve (12) inches.
HARDSCAPE:
Elements of landscape constructed from non-living materials such as concrete, boulders, brick, blacktop, and lumber. It includes patios, decks, and paths, but does not include driveways and sidewalks.
HYDROZONE:
Portion of landscape area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
IRRIGATION PLAN:
A plan that shows 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.
IRRIGATION RUNOFF:
Irrigation water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape area to which it is applied, and that flows onto other areas.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:
A person who holds a professional license to practice landscape architecture in the state of Utah, and who creates plans suitable to the local area and climate for plant selection, water use, and irrigation system design. Per State Code, licensed landscape architects, licensed architects, licensed land surveyors, and licensed engineers can professionally stamp plans that fall under the practice of landscape architecture if the plans meet local requirements.
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER:
A person who may or may not hold professional certificates for landscape design/architecture, and who generally focuses on residential design and horticultural needs of home landscapes.
LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE:
The documentation of graphic and written criteria, specifications, and detailed plans to arrange and modify the effects of natural features to comply with the provisions of this ordinance. The Landscape Documentation Package shall include a project data sheet, a site plan, a planting plan, an irrigation plan, construction details, and a grading plan.
LANDSCAPE AREA:
For single family dwelling development on a lot or parcel one acre or less, the Landscape Area includes the area that is not the home footprint, driveway, sidewalk or patio. For single family dwelling development on a lot or parcel that is more than one acre, the Landscape Area includes only the one acre area with the single family dwelling footprint in its center. For development other than single family dwellings, the Landscape Area includes any area on the development that is landscaped, or required to be landscaped under county ordinances.
LANDSCAPE OR LANDSCAPING:
Any combination of berms; living plants, such as trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, annuals, perennials, ornamental grass, or seeding; natural features such as rock, stone, or bark chips; and structural features, including but not limited to outdoor artwork, screen walls, fences or benches that create an attractive and pleasing environment.
LANDSCAPE OR LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE:
Maintaining or keeping any landscaping, or any area required to be landscaped:
   A.   In a live and thriving condition, with consideration for normal growth and water needs; and
   B.   Fertilized, mowed, trimmed, edged, mulched and free from weeds, dead plants, litter, refuse, or debris in compliance with regionally accepted horticultural practice and county ordinances.
LANDSCAPE PLAN:
A plan that clearly and accurately identifies the location and species of new and existing trees, shrubs, ground covers, and other plants on a site, and any other landscape element, and includes an irrigation plan.
LAWN:
Irrigated nonagricultural land planted in closely mowed, managed grasses. Lawn and grass are used interchangeably.
MULCH:
Any organic material uniformly applied on the surface of the soil to reduce evaporation or weed growth such as leaves, bark, wood chips, straw; inorganic material such as crushed stone or gravel; other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purpose of controlling weeds and conserving soil moisture. Mulch shall allow penetration of water and air.
PARK STRIP:
A typically narrow landscaped area located between the back-of-curb and sidewalk.
PLANT LIST:
A list of locally adaptable and environmentally sustainable plants for compliant Planting Plans as provided by the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
PLANTING BED:
An area of landscape that consist of plants, such as trees, ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials and other regionally appropriate plants.
PLANTING PLAN:
A Planting Plan that clearly and accurately identifies the type, size, and locations for new and existing trees, shrubs, planting beds, ground covers, grass areas, driveways, sidewalks, hardscape features, and fences.
POTABLE WATER:
Water that is treated to state and federal standards that make it safe for drinking. Potable water may be called culinary water, and may be sourced from a public or private system.
PRECIPITATION RATE:
The depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour.
PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE:
A valve installed in an irrigation mainline that reduces a higher supply pressure at the inlet down to a regulated lower pressure at the outlet.
PRESSURE COMPENSATING:
A drip irrigation system that compensates for fluctuating water pressure by only allowing a fixed volume of water through drip emitters.
REHABILITATED LANDSCAPING:
Landscape area in which over fifty percent (50%) percent of existing landscaping is removed and replaced. Includes all landscaping funded in part, or completely, by Washington County Water Conservancy District's landscape conversion program.
SECONDARY IRRIGATION WATER:
Non-potable water that is untreated and used for irrigation of outdoor landscaping.
SLOPE:
A vertical rise in feet measured over a horizontal distance, expressed as a percentage, measured generally at right angles to contour lines.
WATER-CONSERVIN G PLANT:
A plant that can generally survive with available rainfall once established, with possible supplemental irrigation needed or desirable during spring and summer months or during drought periods. (Ord. 2022-1206-O, 4-19-2022; amd. Ord. 2023-1246-O, 12-19-2023; Ord. 2024-1252-O, 3-19-2024)

10-27-3: SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS, AND MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING PROJECTS WITH SIX UNITS OR LESS, WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS:

These provisions are applicable to all new construction and development in any residential zone, or for a single family dwelling in any zone, or for multiple family dwelling projects with six (6) units or less.
   A.   Construction Standards for New Residential Dwellings, or Rehabilitation of Development, Including Accessory Dwelling Units:
      1.    New residential dwellings, including accessory dwelling units, one thousand four hundred (1,400) square feet or greater shall install hot water recirculation systems, unless hot water delivery can be demonstrated to occur without first displacing more than 0.6 gallons of system water.
      2.    New residential dwellings, including accessory dwelling units, shall install plumbing fixtures to meet or exceed the water conservation requirements specified in Utah Code.
      3.    New residential dwellings, including accessory dwelling units, shall install Energy Star qualified appliances.
      4.    All multiple family units with ground floor square footage or individually platted, shall be separately metered, submetered, or equipped with alternative technology capable of tracking the water use of the individual unit, and the information shall be made available to the resident of each unit. All multiple family projects require separate water meters for all outdoor water usage, including landscaping, when irrigating more than five thousand (5,000) square feet.
   B.   Landscape Standards: For all new single family dwellings, or multiple family dwelling projects with six units or less, the landscaping shall meet the following requirements, and be subject of code enforcement if the requirements are not followed:
      1.    Single Family Dwellings, and Multiple Family Dwelling Projects with Six Units or Less:
         a.   The total grass area for a single family dwelling shall not exceed 8% of the lot or parcel size, or the following, whichever is less:
 
Lot or Parcel size
Maximum grass
Up to 7,500 sf
600 sf
7,501 to 31,250 sf
8 percent of total parcel
Greater than 31,250 sf
2,500 sf max
 
      The total lawn area for attached multi-family dwellings shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per dwelling unit. For residential developments with limited common areas designated for the exclusive use of the adjacent dwelling shall have the same allowances as for a single family dwelling. Please note that properties with less than six dwelling units are allowed up to six hundred (600) square feet of lawn.
         b.   In addition, grass is prohibited in areas less than eight feet wide, and on any slope that exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) (one foot (1') per four feet (4') of run).
         c.   Each single family dwelling shall have a minimum of two water-efficient shade trees with a minimum one-and-one-half-inch (1½") caliper trunk. Each multiple family development with six (6) units or less shall submit, and have approved by the county, the number and selection of its shade trees, as set forth in Section 5, below; the number of shade trees may be more or less than two (2)per dwelling, in the sole discretion of the county.
         d.   If the dwelling is on a lot or parcel that exceeds one acre, these regulations only apply to the one (1) acre portion of the lot or parcel with the footprint of the dwelling centered inside that one (1) acre portion.
         e.   Non-ornamental plants and trees actively used for food production may use potable water, like garden and fruit tree areas.
      2.    Multiple Family Dwelling Projects with More than Six Units: Comply with the Landscape Standards in Section 4, below.
   C.   Restrictive Covenants in Conflict with Water Efficiency Standards: Any homeowners or property owner's association governing documents, such as bylaws, operating rules, covenants, conditions, and restrictions that govern the operation of a common interest development, recorded after passage of this ordinance, are void and unenforceable if they conflict with the water efficiency standards in this ordinance, or if they have the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with this ordinance. (Ord. 2022-1206-O, 4-19-2022; amd. Ord. 2023-1246-O, 12-19-2023; Ord. 2024-1252-O, 3-19-2024)

10-27-4: NONRESIDENTIAL ZONES, AND MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING PROJECTS WITH MORE THAN SIX UNITS, WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS:

These provisions are applicable to all new development, new construction, or rehabilitation of development in all nonresidential zones, and nonresidential development in any zone, related to any area on the development that is landscaped, or required to be landscaped under county ordinances. It applies to multiple family dwelling projects with more than six (6) units, manufactured home parks, and commercial, manufacturing, and planned development projects.
   A.   Construction Standards:
      1.    Hot water recirculation systems shall be installed, unless hot water delivery can be demonstrated to occur without first displacing more than 0.6 gallons of system water.
      2.   WaterSense labeled fixtures shall be installed, including, but not limited to faucets, showerheads toilets, and urinals.
      3.   Energy Star qualified appliances shall be installed.
      4.   All shell units with ground floor square footage, or individually platted, shall be separately metered, submetered, or equipped with alternative technology capable of tracking the water use of the individual unit, and the information shall be made available to the individual unit. All nonresidential projects require separate water meters for all outdoor water usage, including landscaping.
      5.   During construction, all carwash projects shall be plumbed and use water recycling systems. At all times a carwash shall limit the maximum amount of water to thirty-five (35) gallons of potable water per vehicle washed.
      6.    Manmade ornamental water features are limited to twenty-five (25) square feet per parcel and are limited to the parcel.
      7.    All golf courses using water district or municipal water supplies shall have separate water meters for irrigation. Irrigation with potable water is prohibited. Each golf course development shall submit and follow a water budget with the Landscape Documentation Packet and identify water conservation measures for regular county and water provider review.
      8.   Outside misting systems shall only operate during the May through September time period where the daily high temperature is ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
   B.   Landscape Standards:
      1.   All new construction, new development, or rehabilitation of development, in all nonresidential zones, or as defined in Section 4 in any zone, shall meet the Landscape Design Standards and Irrigation Design Standards of this ordinance.
         a.   Grass is not permitted outside of an Active Recreation Area. In addition, grass is prohibited in park strips, streetscape frontages, parking lots, roundabouts, medians, driveways, within 10 feet of a roadway, and in all landscape areas less than eight feet wide, and on any slope that exceeds twenty-five percent (25%).
         b.   Landscape and irrigation installers shall follow the plans that have been signed and approved by the county.
         c.   Each project shall propose and follow an approved Planting Plan that has a minimum of forty percent (40%) vegetative cover of a landscaped area with water-efficient shade trees and bushes adequate in number and configuration to visually enhance the project, prevent heat islands, and prevent soil erosion. The configuration of the vegetation in the Planting Plan is in the sole discretion of the county.
         d.   If secondary irrigation water is available, each project shall connect to the system for all outdoor water use. A county may make minor exceptions, allowing use of treated water for outdoor plantings in small beautification areas, in its sole discretion.
      2.    Required Documentation:
         a.   Landscape Documentation Package: A copy of a Landscape Documentation Package shall be submitted to and approved by the county prior to the issue of any building permit. A copy of the approved Landscape Documentation Package shall be provided to the property owner or site manager. All packets and plans are required to have suitable plants, water use, and irrigation system design, using the plant lists from the Washington County Water Conservancy District, and that follow locally adaptable and environmentally sustainable practices that emphasize xeriscape design. The Landscape Documentation Package shall be prepared by a professional landscape architect (PLA) and shall consist of the following items:
         (1)   Project Data Sheet containing the following:
            (a)   Project name and address;
            (b)   Applicant or applicant agent's name, address, phone number, and email address;
            (c)   Landscape architect's name, address, phone number, and email address; and
            (d)   Landscape contractor's name, address, phone number and email address, if available at this time.
         (2)   Planting Plan. A detailed Planting Plan shall be drawn at a scale that clearly identifies the following:
            (a)   Location of all plant materials, a legend with common and botanical names, and size of plant materials;
            (b)   Property lines and street names;
            (c)   Existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site improvements;
            (d)   Existing trees and plant materials to be removed or retained;
            (e)   Scale: graphic and written;
            (f)   Date of design;
            (g)   Designation of hydrozones; and
            (h)   Details and specifications for tree staking, soil preparation, and other planting work.
         (3)   Irrigation Plan. A detailed irrigation plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the Planting Plan and 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 or district 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 irrigation equipment (i.e., sprinklers, drip emitters, bubblers, etc.); and
            (d)   Installation details for irrigation components.
         (4)   Grading Plan. A grading plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the Planting Plan and shall contain the following information:
            (a)   Property lines and street names, existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site improvements; and
            (b)   Existing and finished contour lines and spot elevations as necessary for the proposed site improvements, as well as drainage.
         b.   Plan Review, Construction Inspection, and Post-Construction Monitoring.
         (1)   As part of the building permit approval process, a copy of the Landscape Documentation Package shall be submitted with a county provided pre-submittal checklist completed to initiate a review and approval process 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 county Building Inspection Department or other entity tasked with approvals.
         (4)   Following construction, and prior to issuing an occupancy permit, an inspection shall be scheduled with the Building Inspection Department or other appointed entity to verify compliance with the approved landscape plans. The Certificate of Substantial Completion shall be completed by the property owner, developer, contractor or landscape architect and submitted to the county.
      (5)   The county or other appointed entity 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 ordinance are not satisfied. (Ord. 2022-1206-O, 4-19-2022; amd. Ord. 2023-1246-O, 12-19-2023; Ord. 2024-1252-O, 3-19-2024)

10-27-5: LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ALL NEW AND REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT IN ANY ZONE:

   A.   Plant Selection: Plants shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions at the project site. Native, locally adaptable and environmentally sustainable plants are acceptable. See the Washington County Water Conservancy District's recommended plant list on wcwcd.org. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together as much as possible into hydrozones for efficient irrigation. Invasive plant species as identified by the county shall not be planted.
      1.   Areas with slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%) shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water- conserving plants that do not include grass.
      2.   Park strips and other landscaped areas less than eight (8) feet wide shall be landscaped with water-conserving plants and/or mulch that do not include grass. All Planting Beds must have mulch on the soil surface with exceptions for areas being restored to appear as a native desert.
      3.   All Planting Beds shall have mulch on the soil surface with exceptions for areas being restored to appear as a native desert.
   B.   Tree Selection and Irrigation: 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 suited for water-efficient landscapes. Trees shall be irrigated on a separate hydrozone as needed for efficient irrigation, and to allow for watering under water-shortage conditions when other plant material may not be watered due to drought conditions. Trees shall be selected and planted in accordance with the following county guidance:
      1.   Broad canopy trees shall be selected where shade or screening of tall objects is desired;
      2.   Low-growing trees shall be selected for spaces under utility wires;
      3.   Select trees from which lower branches will be trimmed to maintain a healthy growth habit where visual clearance and natural surveillance is a concern;
      4.   Narrow or columnar trees shall be selected for small spaces, or where awnings or other building features limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings and the street for natural surveillance; and
      5.   Tree placement shall provide canopy cover (shade) and avoid conflicts with existing trees, retaining walls, above and below ground utilities, lighting, and other obstructions.
   C.   Maintenance: All areas required to be landscaped shall be maintained in a live and thriving condition. Such areas shall be mowed, trimmed, fertilized, and edged, and free from dead plants, weeds, litter or debris, in compliance with regionally accepted horticultural practices.
   D.   Irrigation Design Standards:
      1.   Pressure Regulation. A pressure regulating valve shall be installed by the builder or developer, and maintained by the owner, if the static service pressure exceeds ninety (90) 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.
      2.    Irrigation Controller. It is required that landscaped areas use a WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller, or a similar weather-based controller if an appropriate WaterSense model is not available, 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 and have memory retention capability to retain pre-programmed irrigation schedules. Sites are not exempt from water waste prohibitions.
      3.   Where lawns are allowed, spray irrigation may be used. To the extent possible, spray irrigation should be free from obstructions.
      4.   Each valve shall irrigate a landscape with a similar site, slope and soil conditions, and plant materials with similar watering needs. Grass, trees and non-grass areas shall be irrigated on separate valves. Drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate valves.
      5.   Low-volume irrigation equipment (i.e., drip emitters, bubblers) shall be provided for each tree.
      6.   Drip irrigation shall be used to irrigate plants in non-grass areas. Drip system shall be equipped with a pressure regulator filter, flush-end assembly and emitters rated for twenty (20) gallons per hour (gph) or less. Spray head to drip conversion for rehabilitated landscape sites may be acceptable with county approval of Irrigation Plans.
      7.   High conservation efficiency spray nozzles are required for sprinkler applications.
      8.   Sprinkler heads shall have matched precipitation rates with each control valve circuit.
      9.   Sprinkler heads shall be attached to rigid lateral lines with flexible material (swing joints) to reduce potential for breakage.
      10.   Check valves are required. Pressure compensating valves and sprinklers are required where a significant variation in water pressure occurs within the irrigation system due to elevation differences.
      11.   Filters and end-flush valves shall be provided for drip irrigation lines if pumped or secondary irrigation water is utilized.
      12.   Landscape watering with potable (treated) water is prohibited from ten o’clock (10:00) a.m. to eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., from June 1 to September 1, to maximize irrigation efficiency.
      13.   Water waste is prohibited. Waste includes overwatering, irrigating during a precipitation event, water that sprays or flows off the property, failure to comply with drought restrictions and/or a failure to repair irrigation system leaks and/or malfunctions in a timely manner.
      Overwatering can be avoided by following the water district's recommended irrigation schedule and practices as noted on wcwcd.org. The generally recommended schedule is:
         a.   Winter (Nov - Feb) - sprinkler and drip irrigation up to one (1) day a week. Irrigation is typically not needed in December, January and February
         b.   Spring (Mar - April) - sprinkler irrigation up to three (3) days a week and drip irrigation up to two (2) days a week
         c.   Summer (May - Aug) - sprinkler irrigation up to four (4) days a week and drip irrigation up to three (3) days a week
         d.   Fall (Sept - Oct) - sprinkler irrigation up to three (3) days a week and drip irrigation up to two (2) days a week
      14.   Program valves for multiple repeat cycles are required to reduce runoff on slopes and for soils with slow infiltration rates.
   15.   Backflow prevention devices that are permanently affixed are required to prevent backflow of chemicals or other contaminants from entering the potable water system, or other water sources in the area. Fertigation systems are not permitted without backflow prevention devices that are permanently affixed. (Ord. 2022-1206-O, 4-19-2022; amd. Ord. 2023-1246-O, 12-19-2023; Ord. 2024-1252-O, 3-19-2024)