Transmittal - 12/22/2022ERIN MENDENHALL DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY
Mayor and NEIGHBORHOODS
Blake Thomas
Director
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 404 WWW.SLC.GOV
P.O. BOX 145486, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5486 TEL 801.535.6230 FAX 801.535.6005
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
________________________ Date Received: _________________
Lisa Shaffer, Chief Administrative Officer Date sent to Council: _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE: December 22, 2022
Dan Dugan, Chair
FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods
__________________________
SUBJECT: PLNPCM2022-01055 Landscaping Modifications Required to be an Eligible City to
Qualify for Rebates.
STAFF CONTACT: Nick Norris, Planning Director at nick.norris@slcgov.com or 801-535-
6173
DOCUMENT TYPE: Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the Planning Commission
recommendation to approve the proposal.
BUDGET IMPACT: none
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: This proposal modifies 21A.48 Landscaping of the zoning
code in order for Salt Lake City to become an eligible city for grant programs related to
replacing turf with more appropriate water wise landscaping. There are currently two rebate
programs offered, one through the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and one
through the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD). The DNR rebate program
was a pilot program in 2021 that was funded by an allocation from the Utah Legislature.
The DNR program requires rebate applicants to own property in a qualifying city. A qualifying
city is one that has adopted landscaping provisions that prohibit turf in park strips or other areas
that are less than eight feet in width and that limit the total amount of turf to no more than 35%
of the landscaped area in a front or side yard. More information can be found here:
https://conservewater.utah.gov/grass-removal-rebates/
Lisa Shaffer (Dec 22, 2022 11:58 MST)12/22/2022
12/22/2022
The CUWCD rebate program has similar requirements, but also requires certain provisions
related to sprinkler valve controllers, turf for non-residential uses, and turf on steep slopes. This
rebate program requires cities to include in their landscaping regulations provisions that include:
• Limits turf in residential uses to no more than 35% of the landscaped area;
• Limits turf in multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses to no more than
20% of the landscaped area.
• Prohibits turf in areas that have a minimum dimension of less than eight feet
• Prohibits turf on slopes greater than 25%
• Prohibits the use of aerial sprinkler heads in areas with turf that are less than eight feet
• Requires a smartsense sprinkler controller
The proposed ordinance includes a complete list of changes. This rebate program is requiring
that landscape codes be updated by March 1, 2023 for residents of the city to be eligible for the
rebates. CUWCD indicated that Salt Lake City residents are the largest recipient of their rebate
programs.
The landscape regulations are going through a comprehensive update. However, these
modifications were pulled out of the proposal to try to have the proposal adopted before the
March 1, 2023 deadline or at least reduce the time that the city is not listed as an eligible city.
These changes will be incorporated into the more comprehensive proposal.
PUBLIC PROCESS: This proposal is subject to the required 45-day engagement period that is
required prior to the first public hearing. The 45-day notice period began in late October and ran
through December 13, 2022. Notice of the proposal was sent to all recognized organizations and
emailed to the Planning Division list serve. Comments that were received are included in the
Planning Commission staff report. Comments received after the Planning Commission public
hearing are attached to this transmittal. There was one comment submitted that indicated that
turf can be watered with an underground system that eliminates water waste. However, the
requirements that need to be adopted do not include this type of exception.
Planning Commission (PC) Records
a) PC Agenda of December 14, 2022 (Click to Access)
b) PC Minutes of December 14, 2022 (Click to Access)
c) Planning Commission Staff Report of December 14, 2022 (Click to Access Report)
EXHIBITS:
1) Project Chronology
2) Notice of City Council Public Hearing
3) Original Petition
4) Public Comment Received After Publishing of Planning Commission Staff Report
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SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. _____ of 2023
(Amending the zoning text of Section 21A.48.050 and definitions in Title 21A associated
therewith of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to the use of landscape materials)
An ordinance amending the text of Section 21A.48.050 and definitions in Title 21A of
the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to the use of landscape materials pursuant to Petition No.
PLNPCM2022-01050.
WHEREAS, on December 14, 2022, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning
Commission”) held a public hearing on a petition submitted by Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin
Mendenhall to amend land use regulations pertaining to water wise landscaping materials for
new development (Petition No. PLNPCM2022-01050); and
WHEREAS, at its December 14, 2022 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor
of forwarding a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council (“City Council”) on said
petition; and
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the City Council has determined that
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah:
SECTION 1. Amending the Text of Section 21A.48.050. That Section 21A.48.050 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Landscaping and Buffers), shall be and hereby is amended read
as follows:
21A.48.050: DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Landscape plans shall be prepared
based on the following design standards and guidelines. The standards and guidelines apply to all
new development and redevelopment of a residential, commercial, institutional, or
manufacturing use and all associated landscaped areas as identified by this chapter. The
standards and guidelines also apply when a landscaping plan is required to be submitted by this
chapter. Design standards are numerically measurable design requirements that can be
definitively evaluated for compliance. Design guidelines are not precisely measurable, but
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compliance can be determined through the evaluation process of landscape plan review. The
evaluation and approval of landscape plans shall be based on compliance with both the design
standards and guidelines.
A. Design Standards At Time Of Planting:
1. Deciduous Trees: All deciduous trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two inches
(2") in caliper, unless otherwise specified.
2. Evergreen Trees: All evergreen trees shall have a minimum size of five feet (5') in
height, unless otherwise specified.
3. Ornamental Trees: All ornamental trees shall have a minimum trunk size of one and
one-half inches (11/2") in caliper, unless otherwise specified.
4. Shrubs: All shrubs shall have a minimum height or spread of eighteen inches (18")
depending on the plant's natural growth habit, unless otherwise specified. Plants in
five (5) gallon containers will generally comply with this standard.
5. Drought Tolerant Species: Site conditions in Salt Lake City are generally arid, and the
selection of plant species suited to dry conditions is appropriate. To promote water
conservation, not less than eighty percent (80%) of the trees and eighty percent (80%)
of the shrubs used on a site shall be drought tolerant species that can withstand dry
conditions once established. The city has compiled a list titled "Water Conserving
Plants For Salt Lake City", that may be locally available.
6. Street Trees: Trees located within the public right of way are subject to the following
provisions:
a. The pruning or removal of trees is prohibited without the approval of the urban
forester or designee.
b. Cutting, Removal, Or Damage Prohibited: Trees shall not be cut, removed, pushed
over, killed, or otherwise damaged without the approval of the urban forester or
designee.
c. The root zone of all street trees shall be protected when impacted by any
construction work on the abutting property or any work within the right of way
when a street tree is present. Root zone protection is subject to approval from the
urban forester or designee.
d. All street trees shall be provided with an irrigation system that has the capability of
providing adequate and efficient water to each street tree as determined by the
urban forester or designee.
7. Limitations on Turf:
a. For single family and two-family uses turf shall not exceed 35%, of the
area to be covered with vegetation. For yards and areas required to include
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vegetation where the 35% calculation would result in a number less than
250 square feet, the property may have a maximum of 250 square feet of
turf. Active recreation areas are exempt from this provision.
b. For multi-family uses turf shall not exceed 20% of the area to be covered
with vegetation. Active recreation areas are exempt from this provision.
c. For commercial, industrial, and institutional uses, turf shall not exceed 20%
of the area to be covered with vegetation. Active recreation areas are
exempt from this provision.
d. Areas planted with turf shall not be less than eight feet wide at the narrowest point.
This applies to any required yard, landscaped yard, landscape buffer, park strip,
and parking lot landscaping.
e. Turf shall not be installed on any slope greater than 25% or where the rise of the
slope is more than one vertical foot for every four horizontal feet.
8. Mulch: At least 3-4 inches of mulch, permeable to air and water, shall be used in
planting beds and in landscaped areas that are not covered with vegetation or other
allowed inorganic surfaces to control weeds and improve the appearance of the
landscaping. Fiber barriers and plastic sheeting that are not porous to air and water
are prohibited.
9. Automatic Irrigation Controller Required. Irrigation systems are required to use an
irrigation controller that includes a Watersense label that can automatically adjust the
frequency and/or duration of irrigation in response to changing weather conditions
and be equipped with an automatic rain delay or rain shut-off capabilities.
B. Design Guidelines:
1. Scale And Nature Of Landscaping Material: The scale and nature of landscaping
materials shall be appropriate to the size of the structures. Large scale buildings, for
example, should generally be complemented by larger scale plants.
2. Selection Of Plants: Plants shall be selected for form, texture, color, pattern of growth
and adaptability to local conditions.
3. Evergreens: Evergreens should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site,
particularly in those areas where screening and buffer is required.
4. Softening Of Walls And Fences: Plants shall be placed intermittently against long
expanses of building walls, fences, and other barriers to create a softening effect.
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5. Detention/Retention Basins And Ponds: Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be
landscaped. Such landscaping may include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens,
shrubbery, hedges, turf, ground cover and/or other plant materials.
6. Irrigation Systems: All irrigation systems shall comply with the following
requirements:
a. All irrigation shall be appropriate for the designated plant material and
achieves the highest water efficiency.
b. Drip irrigation or bubblers shall be used except in turf areas. Drip irrigation
systems shall be equipped with a pressure regulator, filter, flush-end
assembly, and any other appropriate components.
c. Each irrigation valve shall irrigate landscaping with similar site, slope and soil
conditions, and plant materials with similar watering needs. Turf and planting
beds shall be irrigated on separate irrigation valves. In addition, drip emitters
and sprinklers shall be placed on separate irrigation valves.
7. Energy Conservation: Plant placement shall be designed to reduce the energy
consumption needs of the development.
a. Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to
provide shade from the summer sun.
b. Evergreens and other plant materials should be concentrated on the north side of
buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds.
8. Berming: Earthen berms and existing topographic features should be, whenever
determined practical by the zoning administrator, incorporated into the landscape
treatment of a site, particularly when combined with plant material to facilitate
screening.
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Section 21A.62.040. That the definition of Turf in
Section 21A.62.040 of the Salt Lake City Code shall be and hereby is amended read as follows:
TURF: Grasses planted as a ground cover that may be mowed and maintained to be
used as a lawn area of landscaping. Does not include decorative grasses, grasses that
are native to the local environment or grasses that do not generally require
supplemental water, or inorganic substitutes commonly referred to as artificial turf.
SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Section 21A.60.020. That Section 21A.60.020 of
the Salt Lake City Code shall be amended to include the following two (2) terms:
Active Recreation Areas
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Mulch
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Section 21A.60.040. That definitions of the terms
“Active Recreation Areas” and “Mulch” be added to Section 21A.62.040 of the Salt Lake City
Code as follows:
ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS: Areas of the landscape dedicated to active play
where turf may be used as the playing surface. This may include sports fields, play
areas, golf courses, and other similar areas where turf is commonly used as the surface
for outdoor activities.
MULCH: Any material such as rock, bark, compost, wood chips or other materials left
loose and applied to the soil.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ______ day of ______________,
2023.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor's Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
______________________________
MAYOR
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______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. ________ of 2023.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance Amending Section 21A.48.050 Landscape Materials
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date:__________________________________
By: ___________________________________
Katherine D. Pasker, Senior City Attorney
December 16, 2022
1. CHRONOLOGY
October 27, 2022 Petition initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
October 28, 2022 45-day engagement period started; notice emailed to all recognized
community organizations along with draft proposal.
November 14, 2022 Online open house information posted.
December 1, 2022 Public notice mailed, emailed, and posted on State Public Notice website
for Planning Commission Public Hearing on December 14, 2022.
December 7, 2022 Staff report posted on Planning Commission Agenda webpage.
December 13, 2022 45-day public engagement period ended.
December 14, 2022 Planning Commission Public Hearing held.
2. NOTICE OF CITY
COUNCIL HEARING
The Salt Lake City Council is considering Petition PLNPCM2022-01055
On December 14, 2022, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to
recommend approval of the proposed modifications to 21A.48 Landscaping of the
Salt Lake City Zoning Code. The proposed modifications are being requested in order
for the City to be listed as an “eligible city” by entities that provide rebates for
property owners who replace turf with more water-wise landscaping. If the changes
are not adopted, property owners would not be eligible to receive the rebates. The
proposal includes placing limits on the amount of turf that can be planted based on
use, size of landscaped area, and slope and makes other similar changes required to be
considered an eligible city. The City Council may amend other related chapters and
sections of Title 21A Zoning as part of this proposal. As part of their study, the City
Council is holding an advertised public hearing to receive comments regarding the
petitions. During the hearing, anyone desiring to address the City Council concerning
this issue will be given an opportunity to speak. The Council may consider adopting
the ordinance the same night of the public hearing. The hearing will be held:
DATE: TBD
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: Electronic and in-person options.
451 South State Street, Room 326, Salt Lake City, Utah
** This meeting will be held via electronic means, while also providing for an
in-person opportunity to attend or participate in the hearing at the City and
County Building, located at 451 South State Street, Room 326, Salt Lake City,
Utah. For more information, including WebEx connection information, please
visit www.slc.gov/council/virtual-meetings. Comments may also be provided
by calling the 24-Hour comment line at (801) 535-7654 or sending an email to
council.comments@slcgov.com. All comments received through any source are
shared with the Council and added to the public record.
If you have any questions relating to this proposal or would like to review the file,
please call Nick Norris (801) 535-6173 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m,
Monday through Friday, or via email at nick.norris@slcgov.com.
The application details can be accessed at https://citizenportal.slcgov.com/, by
selecting the “planning” tab and entering the petition number PLNPCM2022-01055
People with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodation, which
may include alternate formats, interpreters, and other auxiliary aids and services.
Please make requests at least two make a request, please contact the City Council
Office at council.comments@slcgov.com, (801)535-7600, or relay service 711.
3. Original Petition
4. Public Comment Received After Publishing Planning
Commission Staff Report
Letter to PC from SHCC 2900 S 900 E ADU www.sugarhousecouncil.org 1
December 9, 2022
TO: Salt Lake City Planning Commission
FROM: Judi Short, First Vice Chair and Land Use Chair
Sugar House Community Council
RE: PLNPCM20202-01050 Landscape Regulation Modifications Needed to Quality for Rebates
We have read this proposal and have no problems with it. Salt Lake City residents should be able to qualify for
rebates provided by other entities for replacing turf with water wise landscaping.
We understand the main changes being proposed are:
• Prohibiting turf in areas that are less than eight feet in width at the narrowest point;
• Limiting turf to no more than 35% of the total landscaped area for residential uses, with a carve out for small
lots where the yard areas required to be landscaped are less than 250 square feet;
• Prohibiting turf on slopes greater than
25% •Limiting turf to no more than 25% of the total landscaped area for commercial, industrial, instituti
onal, and multi-family development common areas.
• Limitations on types of sprinklers used in narrow landscaped areas.
All of us who worry about having enough water ought to be looking to convert our lawns and gardens into waterwise
irrigation and plants, if we haven’t already done so. We look forward to reading the complete chapter of the landscape
code. In the meantime, we approve this revision so that we can continue to be eligible for rebates.
From:James Webster
To:Norris, Nick
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Credit underground drip for sod
Date:Monday, December 12, 2022 6:12:37 PM
The 85 ac District commercial project in S. Jordan is entirely irrigated with Netafim drip under sod. Water
consumption is comparable, or less than SLC’s proposed irrigation concepts for non-sodded areas pending design
and equipment. I was the landscape architect for the District. Jim Webster, RLA
Sent from my iPhone