Transmittal - 9/28/2023ERIN 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: September 27, 2023
Darin Mano, Chair
FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods
__________________________
SUBJECT: Landscaping and Buffers Chapter Text Amendment
STAFF CONTACT: Nan Larsen, Senior Planner
nannette.larsen@slcgov.com or 801-535-7645
DOCUMENT TYPE: Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Landscaping and Buffers Ordinance as recommended by
the Planning Commission.
BUDGET IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: This is a text amendment for a complete rewrite and
reorganization of the Landscaping and Buffers Chapter of the zoning ordinance to better support
the City’s adopted policies related to reducing water use, enhancement of the urban forest,
reduction in the urban heat island, improve air quality, and improvements to air quality and green
infrastructure city-wide. Reorganization and clarity of the ordinance was of upmost importance
for both the public’s understanding and for city administration.
On September 6, 2022, the Planning Division and Public Utilities held a work session with the
City Council to get initial feedback on priorities related to changes to landscaping regulations to
help achieve city policies and goals. The report that was prepared for the City Council briefing is
included in the staff report to the Planning Commission as found in Planning Commission records
b). The proposed Landscaping and Buffers Chapter changes are based on the feedback received
Lisa Shaffer (Sep 28, 2023 10:57 MDT)09/28/2023
09/28/2023
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from the Council during the briefing, feedback from several departments including Public Utilities,
Urban Forestry, and Enforcement, begins to implement strategies in the Urban Forest Action Plan.
ZONING REGULATIONS AND LANDSCAPING:
Title 21A, SLC zoning code, regulates landscaping in several ways for several purposes.
Generally, landscaping is regulated in the zoning code to reduce the heat island effect, reduce
stormwater runoff, reduce auditory and visual impacts of certain uses, improve aesthetics, and
make use of the health benefits of being in a more natural environment. These goals are
accomplished by regulating landscaping in certain locations of a property depending on the use or
district.
The zoning code regulates landscaping in the following locations:
Park strips: The strip of vegetation that is usually between the street and the sidewalk. Park
strips vary in size and form, different standards for different park strip sizes are
proposed.
Yard areas: Front or corner side yards are identified as required landscaped yards. Yard
areas are where the building is required to be setback from the property line, where
buildings are prohibited, and other structures like fences and sheds are limited. Outside
of a required landscaped yard, there are no specific vegetation requirements in a
required yard, except for buffer yards (if required) or parking lot landscaping (if
applicable).
Buffers: The purpose of buffer areas is to mitigate potential impacts between dissimilar
zoning districts. Landscaping in buffer areas is utilized to reduce auditory or visual
impacts on an adjoining property.
Parking lots: Landscaping standards in parking lots are utilized to reduce the auditory,
visual, or temperature impacts of a large surface area that is paved. This type of
landscaping takes the form of interior and perimeter parking lot landscaping and
generally applies to parking lots with 10 or more stalls.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
What’s Staying?
Several standards that are currently required in the landscaping chapter will remain:,
- Regulated landscaping locations.
- 33% vegetation standard.
- 20% hard surfacing limitations.
- Landscaping and irrigation designed depending on watering needs.
- Drip and spray irrigation on separate valves.
- Park Strip less than 36” in width are exempt from some landscaping standards.
- Landscaping buffer tree and shrub quantities.
- Mulching depth and permeability standards.
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- And encroachment standards in the park strip or public right of way.
- Maintaining the City’s resident’s eligibility for “rip your strip” rebate programs through
the CUWCD (Central Utah Water Conservancy District) and Utah Department of Natural
Resources.
What’s New?
The significant new additions to the landscaping chapter aim to:
- Improve water conservation by:
o Requiring a landscaping or irrigation professional letter of compliance with
irrigation and landscaping standards.
o Requiring a WaterSense automatic irrigation controller.
o Prohibiting water waste.
o Creating standards for irrigation systems to be designed and maintained to
maximize water efficiency.
- Simplify and clarify through:
o Requiring separate plans for planting, grading, and irrigation.
o Addressing artificial turf.
o Consolidating buffer sizes.
o Updating the Freeway Landscape buffer better comply with goals and intent of
chapter.
o Creating tables and graphics where possible.
o Removing duplicate or wordy standards that were difficult to implement.
o Quantifying, where possible, minimum landscaping standards.
- Prioritizing trees by:
o Allowing tree canopy to count toward vegetation coverage standards and
requiring the largest tree appropriate to the landscape location in most zoning
districts.
o Ensuring tree health by requiring Urban Forestry review of alterations to street
trees and root zone protection.
o Improving tree survival rates by requiring a permanent irrigation system for street
trees when a landscape plan is required (new construction, or a commercial
property where the landscaping is being updated by 50% or more, or a
commercial addition that increases the floor area by 50% or more).
o Requiring trees in the Northwest Quadrant.
- Reduce the urban heat island by:
o Creating parking lot landscaping standards directed at reducing the urban heat
island effect.
o Establishing rock mulch limitations.
o Allowing tree canopy to count toward landscape coverage and requiring street
trees where new construction is proposed.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by:
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o Allow stormwater curb cuts.
o Require bioretention for parking lots with 50 or more stalls in the Parking Chapter
(21A.44).
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERS CHAPTER:
The proposed Landscaping and Buffers Chapter is outlined and briefly described below:
21A.48: Landscaping and Buffers
Purpose and Intent: Explains the purpose of establishing a landscape chapter and
the intent of the standards.
- Increase tree canopy, protect and preserve
public trees, reduce heat island, reduce
stormwater runoff, improve air quality,
enhance community appearance from the
public realm, mitigate impacts through
buffer between uses, and promote water
conservation.
Applicability: Applies to all properties in SLC, any updates must
comply. Existing landscaping that does not comply with
the regulations of the chapter do not need to come into
compliance unless there is a change made to the
landscaping for single- and two- family districts, or if the
floor area or the number of parking stalls required
increases by 50% or more for all other uses.
Authority: What modifications can be applied; Zoning Administrator
may make modifications to standards to better comply with
the intent of the chapter, or in coordination with the Urban
Forestry, Police, or Public Utilities.
Responsibility &
Maintenance:
Establishes the responsibilities of the property owner and
ongoing maintenance required in regard to landscaping
maintenance in general, landscape yards, park strips, street
trees, and irrigation.
- Clearance from the public right-of-way.
- Maintained in good condition.
- Lists specific responsibilities for street
trees and irrigation systems.
- Height limitations within the sight distance
triangle to prevent vision obstructions from
approaching traffic.
Landscape Plan: Required for new construction of a primary structure and
when an addition increases the floor area by 50%, or modifies
any required landscaping by 50% .
- Landscape plans require a planning plan, a
grading plan, and an irrigation plan. Lists
specific criteria for each.
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- Requires Landscape Architect licensed
with the State or a US-EPA WaterSense
certified professional signature and letter of
completion.
Landscape Requirements: Describes required landscape locations, landscape location
sizes, and specific landscape standards per location.
Landscape locations include park strip, landscaped yards,
surface parking lot landscaping, and buffer areas.
- Establishes minimum ground coverage and
tree planting in all landscape areas.
- Describes locations where turf is permitted,
and the coverage allowed.
- Describes impervious surface coverage
maximums.
- Establishes where landscape buffers are
required, the size, location, and coverage,
shrub, and tree planting requirements.
Parking Lot Landscaping: Applies to surface parking lots with 10 or more stalls.
- Interior landscape areas and perimeter
parking lot landscaping required. Describes
size, location, exceptions, and vegetation
requirements in these areas that include
trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
- Curbs are required where no biodetention is
utilized.
Standards: Requires specific landscape installation and landscape
material standards that apply to all regulated landscaping
locations.
- Requires drought tolerant, adaptive, or
native species.
- Establishes limitations and standards on
turf, mulch, and berming. Prohibits
artificial turf.
- Describes specific park strip material
standards that includes ground cover
regulations, pathways, stormwater
detention allowances, and permitted
encroachments.
Private Lands Tree
Preservation:
Establishes process and standards for removing a tree on
private lands. This section has not been changed, it is expected
the Urban Forestry Division will update this section in the
coming years as they continue to work on updates to better
respond to the Urban Forest Action Plan.
Appeal: Right to appeal statement.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
On April 26, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed text
amendment and voted 10 to 1 to recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed Landscaping
and Buffers Chapter amendments with two recommended modifications to the draft ordinance:
• Define a landscape or irrigation specialist.
The draft ordinance language has been updated to address this and now requires review
and signature by a Landscape Architect, licensed with the State of Utah, or a US-EPA
WaterSense Labeled Certified Professional. The previous draft included a generalized
statement about a landscaping or irrigation professional, during the Planning Commission
hearing comments questions were raised on the need to define what constitutes a
landscaping or irrigation professional.
• Remove all language that permits artificial turf.
The existing Landscaping and Buffers chapter does not allow artificial turf in required
landscaped locations. The chapter draft the Planning Commission reviewed on April 26th,
permitted artificial turf in front and corner yard landscaping locations as an impervious
surface, which is limited to a maximum of 20% of the required landscaping. In all other
required landscaping locations, artificial turf was prohibited. Additionally, artificial turf
would have had to meet certain material standards such as individual grass blade length
and quantity as well as infill material type. With the Planning Commission’s recommended
modification, the artificial material standards and its inclusion in the impervious surface
has been removed. Now included in the draft language is a statement that artificial turf is
prohibited anywhere landscaping is regulated by the chapter. Where landscaping is not
regulated in this chapter, artificial turf would be allowed (such as the rear yard), as it is
today in unregulated landscaping areas. The commission’s recommendation was based on
a discussion centered around artificial turfs impact on stormwater runoff and possible
harmful chemicals contained in the manufacturing process.
MODIFICATIONS MADE AFTER PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW:
Following the positive recommendation from Planning Commission, planning staff made
corrections to the draft chapter for the City Council to consider. The current draft ordinance
reflects these changes:
Landscaping buffer
table
- Inconsistencies were found and updated between specific district
landscaping buffer references, within the I, RP, EI, and MU districts,
and the proposed chapter’s required landscaping buffers. Also updated
the table to maintain a required landscaping buffer between multi-
family residential and commercial districts, residential and Business
Park, residential and Research Park, and required a landscaping buffer
in Extractive Industries and Mobile Home Districts when abutting any
zoning district. Added a buffer between manufacturing districts and
open space.
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- Included language that a freeway landscape buffer is required on
properties abutting a freeway.
Parking lot
landscaping
- Added a provision that parking lot interior landscaping must include no
less than 5% of the total parking lot. This provision ensures there is
sufficient amount of landscaping to reduce the urban heat island effect
regardless of the parking lot design.
- Deleted the vehicle sales and lease lot provision that required a 5’
landscaping buffer in the front and corner side yard. The parking lot
perimeter landscaping provision already ensures that a greater setback
with sufficient landscaping would apply.
- Included in the perimeter parking lot landscaping specific section
references of 21A.44.060 and 21A.36.020 that address where a parking
lot may be allowed in a yard area.
- Clarified that the perimeter parking lot landscaping that abuts a building
does not need to be included in the tree calculation. Clarified that the
vehicle overhang area may be included in the perimeter parking lot
landscaping width.
- Specified parking lot interior landscaping allowed locations, minimum
size, and ratio of trees and shrubs required.
- Specified in 21A.44.060 that parking lots with 10 or more stalls or
within 20’ of a lot line are subject to the landscaping chapter.
Landscaping
graphics
- Consolidated the residential and nonresidential landscaping locations
graphics into a single graphic that addresses both residential and
nonresidential zoning districts. Updated the parking lot landscaping
graphics to show the approximate number of trees required based on
approximated scale and size of the interior and perimeter parking lot
landscaping areas.
Revision - Revised the purpose and intent section in the landscaping chapter that
simplified language and listed purposes and intents based on priority.
Multiple Section
Deletions
- Landscaping related terms and definitions as they are no longer
referenced in the ordnance: Evapotranspiration rate, Best Management
Practice, Landscape BMPs manual, Evergreen and Perennial,
Overspray, Maximum extent practicable, Tier 2 water target, Treasured
landscape, Landscaping vegetation, Water budget, and a duplicative
Street tree definition.
- Language in the applicability section that referenced that the entire
chapter 48 may be exempted if permitted in other sections of the zoning
code. There are no other sections that allow for an exception from the
entire chapter 48, specific sections exception language within the
proposed chapter have remained.
Multiple Section
Clarifications
- In the landscape requirements section of the landscaping chapter
clarified that where conflict between specific district standards and this
landscaping chapter the specific district standards shall prevail.
- In the Foothills and Foothills Protection District removed titles in the
landscape plan requirements to be consistent with the rest of the section.
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- Clarified precedence language in the Design Standards section where
conflicting language may occur between the design standards and the
district specific standards. Clarified where percent tree canopy coverage
is required in the design standards table, the tree canopy cannot be
counted toward vegetation coverage in the downtown districts.
Removed vegetation coverage and streetscape landscaping to ensure
vegetation coverage and streetscape landscaping applies to all
properties not just the downtown and CG districts.
- In the park strip standards table, specified where the center of a park
strip is.
- In the authority section, stated simply which departments or divisions
may provide input to the zoning administrator when the provisions of
the landscaping chapter may be waived. Removed qualifying
provisions required when departments or divisions may recommend a
landscaping waiver.
- Clarified in the landscape plan section, permitted modification if the
change is from one plant species to another with similar watering needs.
- Specified in the CSHBD district sufficient soil volumes for street trees
must be approved by Urban Forestry.
PUBLIC PROCESS:
Recognized Organizations: All recognized organization chairs city-wide were notified on
February 10th, 2023, of the proposed text amendments. The Planning Division presented the
proposed code amendments to the Sugar House Community Council on March 20th, 2023 and
accepted comments and answered questions.
Open House: A virtual open house was hosted on Planning’s website and published via list serve
on February 10th, 2023. The open house information included the most recent version of the
landscaping and buffers chapter draft. The open house page was continually updated to include the
most recent draft amendments and public hearing dates.
Public Hearing Notification: Notice of the public hearing was posted on City and State websites
and emailed via list serve to subscribers on April 19th, 2023.
Planning Commission Public Hearing: The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the
text amendments on April 26, 2023. The Planning Commission provided a positive
recommendation to City Council on the proposed amendments.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Public Comments Received: We received 14 public comments, as of the date this memo was
transmitted. The public comments ranged from concerns of enforceability of some of the
standards, landscaping rocks and their contribution to the urban heat island, landscaping
materials on the sidewalk and unkempt landscapes, vegetation and vegetation maximum height
in the park strip, costs associated with requiring permanent irrigation, water waste, allowing
native grass species, and public noticing procedures. Comments included statements encouraging
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waterwise landscaping and improving water conservation in landscaping areas. There were also
statements where there was some misunderstanding on when a street tree is required. Where
possible staff clarified when a street tree is required to the public – in a park strip over 36” in
width and for new construction for single- and two- family developments.
PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) RECORDS:
a) PC Agenda of April 26, 2023 (Click to Access)
b) PC Staff Report of April 26, 2023 (Click to Access Report)
c) PC Minutes for April 26, 2023 (Click to Access)
d) PC Video for April 26, 2023 (Click to Access)
EXHIBITS:
1) Project Chronology
2) Notice of City Council Public Hearing
3) Petition Initiation
4) Public Comments Received after Planning Commission Staff Report Published
5) Public Utilities Director Statement
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Project Chronology
2. Notice of City Council Public Hearing
3. Petition Initiation
4. Public Comments Received After Planning Commission Staff Report Published
5. Public Utilities Director Statement
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1) PROJECT CHRONOLOGY
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Petition: PLNPCM2023-00098
September 6, 2022 City Council briefing to get initial feedback on potential changes
to landscaping regulations.
February 8, 2023 Text amendment to update the Landscaping and Buffers chapter
initiated.
February 10, 2023 Notice emailed to recognized organizations City-wide.
February 10, 2023 The proposed code changes were posted to the Planning Division’s
Online Open House webpage.
March 20, 2023 The Planning Division presented proposed code changes to Sugar
House Community Council. Public comments and questions were
accepted.
April 19, 2023 Public hearing notices were posted on City and State websites.
April 21, 2023 Staff Report posted online and sent to the Planning Commission.
April 26, 2023 Planning Commission forwards a positive recommendation to City
Council.
May 8, 2023 Draft ordinance forwarded to the Attorney’s Office for review.
June 7, 2023 Ordinance corrections forwarded to the Attorney’s Office.
June 12, 2023 Ordinance corrections forwarded to the Attorney’s Office.
Ordinance returned from the Attorney’s Office.
June 15, 2023 Ordinance corrections forwarded to the Attorney’s Office.
June 22, 2023 Reviewed ordinance returned from the Attorney’s Office.
June 29, 2023 Ordinance forwarded again to the Attorney’s Office, reviewed
final received from Attorney’s Office.
August 29, 2023 Corrected ordinance returned to Attorney’s Office for final review.
September 26, 2023 Final ordinance version received from Attorney’s Office.
September 27, 2023 Transmitted to CAN administration.
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2) NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL HEARING
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Salt Lake City Council is considering Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 – A petition initiated by Mayor
Erin Mendenhall to amend the Salt Lake City Zoning Code for the Landscaping and Buffers Chapter Text
Amendment. This proposal includes amendments that will be affected City-wide. The proposed code
amendments seek to better address landscaping regulations and seek to reduce water consumption,
enhance the urban forest, and improve air quality and green infrastructure city-wide. The proposed
amendment also seek to clarify, simplify, and reorganize the landscaping and buffer chapter to be more
user friendly. The City Council may consider modifications to other related sections of the code as part of
this proposal.
DATE: Date #1 and Date #2
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
All persons interested and present will be given an opportunity to be heard in this matter.
his meeting will be held via electronic means, while potentially 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. If you are
interested in participating during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, please visit the
website www.slc.gov/council/virtual-meetings/ or call 801-535-7654 to obtain connection
information.
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
Nannette Larsen at 801-535-7645 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday or via e-mail nannette.larsen@slcgov.com
People with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodation no later than 48 hours in
advance in order to participate in this hearing. Please make requests at least two business days in advance.
To make a request, please contact the City Council Office at council.comments@slcgov.com , 801-535-
7600, or relay service 711.
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3) PETITION INITIATION
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 406 WWW.SLC.GOV
PO BOX 145480 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5480 TEL 801-535-7757 FAX 801-535-6174
PLANNING DIVISION
DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY and NEIGHBORHOODS
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Erin Mendenhall
Cc: Lisa Shaffer, Chief Administrative Officer; Blake Thomas, Department of Community and
Neighborhoods Director; Michaela Oktay, Deputy Planning Director
From: Nick Norris, Planning Director
Date: January 27, 2023
Re: Initiate Petition to Amend Text in the Zoning Ordinance to Update the Landscaping Chapter
This memo is to request that a petition is initiated directing the Planning Division to update the
Landscaping Chapter to better address the needs of the City and the changing climate being
experienced along the Wasatch Front. Amendments to the Landscaping Chapter will also better
conform to Plan Salt Lake.
In Plan Salt Lake direction to reduce water consumption, protect and enhance the urban forest, and
improve green infrastructure in the City’s neighborhoods is emphasized. To achieve these goals
amending the landscaping chapter is necessary to reduce barriers to water conservation while
improving water and air quality.
In addition to providing best management practices to reduce barriers and incentive water
conservation, is promoting accessible conservation strategies and standards in the Zoning Ordinance.
The updates to the Landscaping chapter will accomplish this by quantifying best practices and
creating visual elements to the chapter to better achieve accessibility needs of the residents in the
City.
As part of the process, the Planning Division will follow the City adoption process for zoning text
amendments, which includes citizen input and public hearings with the Planning Commission and
City Council. The adoption process will include collaboration with other City Departments and the
Central Utah Water Conservancy District to ensure best management practices are utilized.
This memo includes a signature block to initiate the petition if that is the decided course of action. If
the decided course of action is to not initiate the application, the signature block can remain blank.
Please notify the Planning Division when the memo is signed or if the decision is made to not initiate
the petition.
Please contact me at ext. 6173 or nick.norris@slcgov.com if you have any questions. Thank you.
Concurrence to initiate the zoning text amendment petition as noted above.
_____________________________________ ______________
Erin Mendenhall, Mayor Date
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4) PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED AFTER PLANNING
COMMISSIONS STAFF REPORT PUBLISHED
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attachments.
From:Amanda Dillon
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Comment on new Landscaping Ordinance - Planning Commission Meeting
Date:Tuesday, April 25, 2023 10:38:19 PM
Hey Nan!
I was chatting with Amanda Roman and she let me know that tomorrow is when the new
landscaping ordinance goes in front of the planning commission. Congrats on getting these
revised policies to this point! I had the chance to skim through it earlier today and wanted to
submit two official comments. SLC's website said to reach out to you as the staff listed at the
top of the report. Let me know if I should reach out somewhere else to get this comment
officially recorded.
The first comment is in regards to plant height in the park strip. The proposed ordinance
says: Plant height is limited to 22” to preserve clear views from intersection driveways,
alleys, and streets, to preserve line of sights for people, and to prevent areas that some
people may find unsafe when visibility is blocked.
One issue we've found with this limited plant height is that it makes it hard to put planter boxes or
similar into the park strip because we are so limited in height. As a developer of infill multifamily
housing, we find that many of our residents let their pets relieve themselves in the park strips on
any planted vegetation. The high acidity of their urine/feces makes it so that most plants die
immediately and don't really grow back, leaving barren and unattractive park strips. One solution
we've found that helps keep the park strips vegetated and looking nice is putting plants in planter
boxes, which makes it harder for pets to disturb them. However, to create one that is hard for pets
to get into, the planter box needs to be at least 12" tall. With the plant height restriction, that
means we can only put a plant in that will mature to 10" tall. This really narrows down the
selection of plants we can use to beautify the park strips and prevents us from designing attractive
landscaped right of way areas for the City. It would be great to have a slight modification in this
part of the code that would allow for taller plant heights if those are planted in garden boxes or the
like.
The second comment is more of a clarification question. On page 6 of the ordinance, in the second
paragraph, it says "rocks (over a certain size)" but no where else in the code does it give any
specifics about that size. Can more definition/clarity be added on this point?
Thanks so much! Let's get together soon.
Amanda
Amanda Dillon
Giv Development
From:Bruce A. Hamilton
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Case PLNPCM2023-00098: oppose vegetation requirements on park strips
Date:Monday, April 24, 2023 10:54:24 PM
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Re: Planning Commission, April 26 agenda, case PLNPCM2023-00098:
It is insane to require vegetation on park strips in this age of
droughts. Please oppose all such existing and new zoning requirements.
--Bruce (Bruce A. Hamilton, Salt Lake City, UT)
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attachments.
From:Margaret Holloway
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) PLNPCM2023-00098
Date:Tuesday, April 25, 2023 10:40:34 AM
The goal of the city is to increase the canopy throughout the city.
But what I see is a stumbling block is the fact of a permanent irrigation line to a street tree. I
was quoted 3000 dollars just to connect a irrigation connection to my water line.
If this is required of ALL homeowners who would like a tree or are going to be required to
have a tree planted To whom is going to pay this bill?
That quote was just to dig down to the water line and connect a meter. That does not include
the line to the tree. I understand the need to encourage watering the tree. But if this is not done
correctly you can have the water go into reverse and contaminate the water supply. It has
happened when people try to do plumbing themselves. Now how is this even reasonable?
All you need is a hose . The city gave buckets to the homeowners that had their trees taken out
by Rocky Mountain power on 900 west. They were told to haul 5 gallons to the tree each week
or 10 days.
Which sounds reasonable... But how do you fill the bucket with a hose...... And if they had
given them a hose instead maybe they would have watered the trees. But they didn't and they
did not get watered
They all died except a couple that did..... The city plants trees into parks without water and
then they die. The new trees the city planted on 1200 west there were 10 all but 2 died
Because the sprinklers were turned off
and the new trees need help for the first few years. The city turns off the sprinklers or cuts
back and the trees die. But here you are requiring homeowners to spend upward of 3,000 to
put a line in maintain it
when you just need a hose..... I water my street tree with a soaker hose every other week if it
doesn't get enough water like last 2 years.... The canopy changes over the life of the
tree.....You MUST water under
the canopy..... It only benefits the tree if you water under the growing canopy... This is where
a soaker hose is important.. it goes straight to the roots....
But to make the decision that everyone has to pay upto 3,000 dollars to put a permanent line to
where it isn't going to do what you want it to do.... seems missguided.
The city just planted 30 more trees in Rosewood In Rosepark..... if they have to cut off the
water again will they make it? It depends this year they have a chance because of all the water
in the soil.
But last year they lost 5 from the previous year lack of water. The west side needs the trees
but forcing people to put in an expensive hook up when a 30 dollar hose will do ...
But last year you just drive around and see the trees they had planted in the parks that died.
So why is the city going to require something of homeowners that the city does not do itself?
Please reconsider this it won't do the trees any good to water where they can't use it.,..It will
not get the city where it wants to go with the canopy.
If there are actually any new houses built in the city i can see where this might come into play
before everything is installed. But since we don;t have any place to build new houses
you are telling existing homeowners what to do. after the fact of 60 or more years.
Margaret Holloway
1412 west 1100 north
SLC
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From:
To:Larsen, Nannette; Planning Public Comments
Cc:Wharton, Chris; City Council Liaisons; slcgreen;
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Public Comment on Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates
Date:Tuesday, April 25, 2023 12:51:52 PM
Attachments:21A.48 Nextdoor posting 1.4 K Views 5 Days .pdf
Public Comment on Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates
From: Stanley Holmes
4-25-2023
Dear Salt Lake City Planning Commission,
I urge you to reject the proposed ordinance rewrite of 21A Zoning that was submitted as Petition
PLNPCM2023-00098 - "21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" as flawed and problematic on
several fronts. The set of proposed amendments to Title 21A Zoning should be remanded back to
Salt Lake City's Planning Division ("Division") for revision and a new, more appropriately noticed
45-day public comment period to be opened by the Division before a corrected set of proposed Title
21A Zoning amendments is brought before the Planning Commission ("Commission").
The proposed changes to Title 21A Zoning Chapter 48 under consideration now would have
significant, wide-ranging, and costly impacts for many Salt Lake City ("City") property owners of
various means and for all city taxpayers. That the Division would rely primarily on community
council chairs to, at their individual discretion and in a timely manner, notify the general public of
statutory/regulatory changes of this scope and magnitude can be most graciously characterized as
cavalier.
Division records indicate that only four comments were received during the 45-day comment
period and that Sugarhouse C.C. was the only community council to actively engage. I learned
from city staff that the Division’s notification system had been used, but found that there are no
water conservation, landscaping, energy conservation, environment, or other sustainability
categories listed. Through which category did the Division send the landscaping code updates
notice; and how many city residents actually get notices through that means?
Please be advised, and let the public record show, that on April 20, 2023, I posted on the
community blog --Nextdoor.com-- information about the proposed Title 21A Zoning changes and
ways that interested citizens could submit public comments. Over the next five days, Nextdoor.com
reported 1,400 views and there were 48 public comments. Please see evidence of this included
with the Addendum at the close of my comment and attached.
Those folks on Nextdoor.com were Salt Lake City residents who missed the initial comment period
that ended on March 27th and, quite likely, also did not know about your April 26 Planning
Commission meeting or their opportunities to submit public comments before the zoning/ordinance
changes had become a ‘done deal.’ Outrageous.
I am also quite surprised and disappointed that there was no input from the Sustainability
Department, and wonder how their input was solicited. SLCGreen is copied on this comment, as
are my District 3 Councilman Chris Wharton and the City Council Liaisons.
City officials should have known that not every community council would post or distribute the
notice. Not every potentially interested and impacted citizen is on a community council distribution
list or regularly checks a community council's website. One might wonder to what extent the
Division was truly desirous of robust public input, having solicited comments by such a narrow and
undependable means. The Commission should insist upon a proper re-do of the public comment
period and extend its further consideration of any Title 21A Zoning Chapter 48 amendments until
legitimate opportunities for public input have occurred.
The proposed Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - "21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" are
themselves in several ways inadequate and problematic. Their 'as is' endorsement by the
Commission and the City Council would, upon attempted implementation and enforcement by the
City, certainly result in strong opposition that would include costly litigation.
Please recall that the most recent revision of 21A.48 was in the year 2000, prior to over two
decades of climate change-exacerbated heat increases and drought that finally prompted state and
local officials to take action. The updates now under consideration were supposed to deal more
effectively with the climate change-related impacts.
Let me begin with the proposed re-write of 21A.48.010, the Purpose and Intent section. While the
earlier version calls for promoting "the prudent use of water", the update would remove this and
make no mention of water conservation as a priority. The lead "purpose" of a revised chapter
21A.48 would be to "increase Salt Lake City's urban tree canopy"; and the lead "intent" would be to
"promote and enhance the community's appearance."
While trees are nice, useful, and can be aesthetically pleasing, the City is located in the second
driest U.S. state and is experiencing an unprecedented, worsening drought. Water conservation
should not only have been mentioned in the proposed re-write of 21A.48.010, but been listed as a
priority goal, as has been done by other Utah municipalities. Why was this not done?
Under the current zoning ordinance, Section 21A.48.060 refers to Park Strip Landscaping and one
of the "intent" items is to "encourage water conservation". But the proposed re-write (update) would
change the title of 21A.48.060 to "Landscape Requirements" and remove the water conservation
reference.
The re-write of 21A.48.060 has a new "Park Strip Standards" section that adds the requirement of
at least one "street tree" in the park strip. Additional park strip trees would be required, depending
on the park strip length. The current ordinance has no park strip tree requirement. Therefore,
residents who've implemented water-wise park strip measures --in compliance with the existing
ordinance -- that do not include at least one street tree would be required to add a tree and,
according to the 21A.48.040 re-write, see that it is "irrigated with a permanent automatic irrigation
system." A hydrozoned irrigation system would be required, so that tree(s) watering can be
isolated from any water needed for other vegetation.
The park strip abutting property owner would have to pay for the new park strip tree-plus-irrigation
requirement. That could be quite costly, especially if the park strip has to be excavated to install
the required irrigation system. The Commission should assume that some residents will be unable
to afford this and that others who had been compliant would rather fight the compliance rules
change in court. Please consider the burden on low-income families, especially if the $25-per-day
violation fine is retained.
The Commission should also consider that the City's Department of Community and
Neighborhood's Civil Enforcement staff would have to be expanded and that additional budgetary
provisions would have to be made for the City's legal team. Litigation could delay implementation
and enforcement of parts or all of the proposed 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates for an
extended period of time.
And aside from pushback from angry residents delaying implementation of the proposed
ordinance updates, the sheer magnitude of any effort to achieve widespread compliance should
sober city planners and policy-makers. Have Division staff conducted a city-wide, on-street survey
of the number of park strips that would require tree-planting and new irrigation plumbing? Have
they calculated how many contractors, and how many years, would be required to accomplish full
implementation? Then, there's the additional per-tree water requirement times however many park
strips would be affected.
At this point, I'll add that there are some positive aspects of the proposed ordinance re-write, such
as 21A.48.040.E.1., which says that "All irrigation systems shall be maintained in good operating
condition to eliminate water waste and run-off into the public right-of-way." Drip irrigation is also
mentioned in 21A.48.040.E, though it could have been promoted.
Some of the proposed re-write items are not clear. For example, 21A.48.040.C.2. "Exceptions"
circles back to itself. And under 21A.62 "Definitions", the Park Strip Landscaping section says that
park strip landscaping may include "lawn", which is normally a reference to turf. The re-write, under
21A.48.060 and 21A.48.080, prohibits turf in park strips. There is also a reference to the right-of-
way line's relevance if there is no sidewalk, but the dimensions of the right-of-way line are not
given.
As a final point to this comment, it concerns me that the City Planning Division failed to take a
holistic view of the abutting residential property owner's landscape unless a new home is being
constructed or the floor area of an existing structure(s) is being expanded by 50% or more. The
overall vegetative contribution of individual residential properties that are not undergoing structural
change is ignored by the proposed 21A Zoning rewrite's determination of compliance or non-
compliance with new park strip requirements. I can imagine situations where the owner of a well-
wooded, well-vegetated residential property is forced to install and water a park strip tree while the
owner of a minimally vegetated property who happens to have a tree in the park strip is left alone.
Where is the environmental justice in that?
Salt Lake City needs to do a better job of conserving water. The proposed amendments to Title
21A Zoning are inadequate to the task, as they do not give water conservation the top priority
status our current megadrought crisis demands. I urge the Commission to deny Petition
PLNPCM2023-00098 - "21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" and send it back to the Division
for revision and a properly noticed, 45-day public review and comment period.
I thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of the points I raised and your directive to
have the ordinance revised in a more transparent way that better engages the public and serves
the City's best interests.
Stanley Holmes
846 N. East Capitol Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Addendum:
My attempt to use Nextdoor.com to notify the public of proposed 21A.48 changes, first posted on
April 20, 2023, is copied below. In five days, 1,400 views and 48 resident comments. The
Planning Division got 4 public comments in 45 days.
Stan Holmes
Author
•West Capitol Hills•0 mi
SLC Park Strip, Landscape Policy Changes
Public comments are being taken by the Salt Lake City Planning Division and Planning
Commission as they consider city-wide changes to the Landscaping Chapter of the Zoning Code.
This includes proposed revision of the Park Strip ordinance under which many city residents have
been penalized for their water conservation efforts. The proposed Park Strip policy revision would
require one "street tree" every 30 feet and vegetation covering at least 30% of the area. See all
proposed amendments at...
www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Online%20Open%20Houses/2023/02 2023/PLNPCM2023-
00098/02102023%20DRAFT%20Landscaping%20Updates_Posted.pdf The Planning Commission
will consider landscape/park strip ordinance changes at its April 26 meeting. Public comments can
be submitted in-person or via email to and . Reference case number PLNPCM2023-00098 in the
subject line. The agenda for next Wednesday's (April 26) Planning Commission meeting is at...
www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Planning%20Commission/2023/PC04.26.2023/PC04.26.2023agenda.pdf
Whatever the Planning Commission decides will then be presented to the City Council for final
approval. Now is the time to shift from opinion to action and file a public comment.
Stan Holmes
Author
•West Capitol Hills•0 mi
The email addresses that were stripped are planning.comments and nannette.larsen that are both
at slc.gov. They are also listed in the April 26 agenda at...
www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Planning%20Commission/2023/PC04.26.2023/PC04.26.2023agenda.pdf
also attached:
Caution: This is an external email. Please be cautious when clicking links or opening
attachments.
From:Chelsea Benjamin
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Report to include as part of public record for today"s planning commission meeting
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 11:00:08 AM
Attachments:2022 WRA Artifical Turf Report.pdf
Hello Nannette,
I would like the following report to be included as part of the public record during the Planning
Committee discussion on the new landscaping ordinance today. Here is a link to the report, and I
have attached it as a PDF to this email. https://westernresourceadvocates.org/publications/is-
artificial-turf-a-beneficial-water-conservation-tool-in-the-west/
Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do to include it in the Planning Commission’s
discussion today.
Thank you,
Chelsea Benjamin
photo
Chelsea Benjamin
Water Policy Fellow
| WesternResourceAdvocates.org
2260 Baseline Road, Suite 200 | Boulder, CO 80302
Is Artificial Turf a Beneficial Water
Conservation Tool in the West?
December 2022
Author: Chelsea Benjamin
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Water Management ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Temperature Impacts ................................................................................................................................... 4
Lifecycle Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Harmful Chemicals ........................................................................................................................................ 5
PFAS Contamination ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Microplastic Contamination.......................................................................................................................... 7
Soil Quality .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Pet Waste Buildup ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Cost ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction
Artificial turf is a landscaping alternative made of plastic that mimics the look, feel, and function of a
natural grass lawn or athletic field. Artificial turf has become more popular in Colorado and the West in
recent years for its ability to reduce landscape water use in the face of unprecedented drought and
water security challenges; the region now accounts for 24% of the artificial turf market share in the
United States, with most being used for athletic fields. In recent years, many communities across the
West have mounted turf replacement programs to encourage residents to save water used on outdoor
landscapes in the face of prolonged drought. Communities are also limiting the amount of high water
use, non-functional turf that can be installed in new development and instead requiring landscaping
alternatives. As momentum continues to grow around reducing high water use turfgrass in our
communities, water conservation practitioners, land use planners, landscape professionals and
community members are asking: is artificial turf a worthwhile landscaping alternative, especially for
residential properties? While artificial turf may reduce landscape water demand compared to traditional
cool season turf, research shows that artificial turf can also have significant environmental and
economic drawbacks. This report explores the current state of the research behind the benefits and
drawbacks of artificial turf as it relates to: water management, temperature impacts, lifecycle analysis,
PFAS contamination, harmful chemicals, microplastic contamination, pet waste buildup, and cost. While
much of the data available are from studies of artificial turf athletic fields, most findings are applicable
to properties with smaller footprints as well.
Water Management
Artificial turf has gained popularity in large part for its ability to reduce outdoor water use. One study
found that full-sized, 1.32 acre, natural grass sports fields can use up to 1.5 million gallons of water for
irrigation per year depending on geographic location. The Synthetic Turf Council estimates that same-
sized artificial turf athletic fields can save 500,000 to 1 million gallons of water per year (8.7 to 17.4
gallons/sq-ft), and that a turf lawn of 1,800 square feet can save 99,000 gallons of water per year, or
about 70% of a homeowner’s water bill. In the arid Western United States, the need for water
conservation has been a driver of artificial turf demand. Artificial turf for residences has proven
especially popular in drought-stricken California, where some areas were limited to one day of outdoor
watering per week in the summer of 2022 due to water shortages.
While artificial turf companies tout water savings as a main benefit of artificial turf, this is not always the
case. Studies have found that on a warm, sunny day artificial turf can measure up to 80 degrees hotter
than the ambient air temperature. In one study, an artificial turf field measured 160 degrees while the
ambient air temperature was 87 degrees. On an athletic playing field, one solution to this heat is to
water the artificial turf. A large amount of water needs to be applied to achieve a cooling effect, and it
has been found that this cooling effect lasts only minutes before temperatures rebound. Some sports
arenas have attempted to solve the problem by installing misters that apply water to the turf field
throughout sports events. Others find that irrigation of artificial turf improves traction and athletic
performance; one university in North Carolina going so far as to apply for a business exemption to water
their artificial turf athletic fields during a drought.
An additional concern is the effect of artificial turf on groundwater recharge. Cities in California that
once encouraged the replacement of natural grass with artificial turf have since changed their policies
upon discovering that artificial turf can increase stormwater runoff and prevent groundwater recharge.
Los Angeles offered a rebate for homeowners who replaced irrigated grass with artificial turf until 2016,
when they revised their program’s requirements to provide a rebate only for replacement with
xeriscape landscaping. Los Angeles realized that artificial turf reduces the amount of rainwater that
soaks into the ground after a storm, and that more stormwater flushed out to sea via the stormwater
system.
Temperature Impacts
Artificial turf can reach temperatures up to 80 degrees higher than the ambient air temperature due to
its material composition and color, as well as the color and heat retention abilities of infill materials
used. This excess heat contributes to urban heat island effect in cities, as heat from the synthetic turf
elevates the ambient air temperature and disperses into the local environment. One researcher found
that some of the hottest areas in New York City are artificial turf fields, rivaling black colored roofs in
their heat retention abilities. Research has shown that excessively hot artificial athletic fields can lead to
heat stress, especially in children who are more susceptible than adults, turf burns, and the cancellation
of athletic events due to unsafe playing conditions. Artificial turf heat can also be an issue when used in
landscaping, as pets and children use the turf for play on warm days. Urban heat island effect can also
increase the demand for energy for air conditioning, and can increase pollution as natural grass areas
are removed. Natural grass absorbs the sun’s heat during the day, and slowly releases it at night,
contributing a cooling effect to the surrounding environment, as well as removing pollutants from the
air.
The artificial turf industry has responded to temperature issues and has developed products that can
repel UV rays, better disperse heat, and even mimic the evaporative cooling effects of natural grass.
Some types of artificial grass have been developed specifically for areas like Arizona that have extreme
high temperatures during the summer. Manufacturers claim that heat-repellent synthetic turf measures
10-20% cooler than grasses with high heat retention. Another heat reduction measure is the infill
material chosen; crumb rubber and sand infill materials can contribute to extreme artificial turf
temperatures due to their color and heat-retention abilities. Special infill materials have been developed
that when wet with water, will slowly release the water over time, mimicking the evaporative cooling
properties of natural grass and reducing the hottest temperatures by 50 degrees. Cooling technologies
seem to be distributed across price points, but largely cannot match the cooling properties of natural
grass or other plants.
Lifecycle Analysis
In the early 1990s, the United States had a mounting problem with the disposal of used automobile
tires; they were costly to dispose of and created pest and fire hazards in landfills. It was then discovered
that discarded tire rubber could easily be recycled into small pellets to be used as “infill” to stabilize
artificial turf athletic fields and lawns. The infill is now mainly used for large athletic field installations
and industry experts estimate that the artificial turf industry now recycles one-twelfth of all automobile
tires disposed of each year. One artificial turf athletic field can use 20,000 to 40,000 used tires as crumb
rubber infill. Infill is added during installation, and as needed to replace infill that migrates out of the
artificial turf area.
Artificial turf has an average lifespan of 8-10 years before an athletic field becomes worn out, or a
residential lawn loses its formerly lush appearance. The Synthetic Turf Council, an artificial turf industry
group, insists that artificial turf is recyclable, and that its members actively recycle the spent turf it sells.
Investigative journalists and concerned citizens have documented otherwise in the Netherlands and in
the United States.
The Netherlands requires artificial turf to be recycled. A few Dutch companies claim to be artificial turf
recyclers; these companies accept payment to recycle spent turf and provide removal services.
However, investigative journalists have found that several of these companies have no active facilities
for turf recycling. The companies do not recycle the artificial turf they accept, but either hold on to it
indefinitely in growing piles in municipalities with lax regulations or sell it to new customers who
repurpose the turf, rather than recycle its components into new materials.
In the United States, there are no regulations that pertain to the disposal or recycling of artificial turf.
Most municipalities will accept artificial turf in local landfills. Fees to dispose of large amounts of turf,
such as from athletic fields, can be extremely expensive. As artificial turf owners are not held
responsible for the turf at the end of its life, it is often illegally dumped, or a small fee is paid to store the
turf on an abandoned lot rather than paying disposal or recycling fees. Piles of discarded turf create fire
and chemical hazards, just as discarded automobile tires did in the 1990s. Although a Danish artificial
athletic field recycler, Re-Match, has plans to open an artificial turf recycling facility in Pennsylvania, and
has recently expanded its European operations to the Netherlands and France, life cycle concerns for
end-of-life artificial turf athletic fields and synthetic residential landscaping remain an active problem
the world over.
Harmful Chemicals
Artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that are traditionally used to
maintain a lawn or sports field; the plastic turf and its base layers block the growth of weeds and pests
that otherwise might invade natural grass. However, artificial turf contains many chemicals of concern.
These chemicals can migrate into the surrounding environment as the plastic material degrades when
exposed to heat and light. The majority of research on artificial turf focuses on athletic fields, and many
specifically on the chemicals related to crumb rubber infill. Crumb rubber infill is the cheapest infill
material on the market and is often used in athletic field installations. It is less likely to be used for
artificial lawns, but the following research discussed can at times apply to residential installations.
The cheapest infill material on the market is crumb rubber infill made from recycled discarded tires.
Crumb rubber infill is most often used for athletic fields, as it provides a durable playing surface.
However, crumb rubber infill has been found to release chemicals as it degrades. Crumb rubber infill has
been analyzed and found to contain 197 carcinogenic chemicals. Alternative infill materials include
EPDM rubber, TPE plastic, and recycled athletic shoe material, as well as natural materials like sand,
cork, and zeolite clay. A study comparing infill materials found that almost all contain chemicals of
concern, except natural infill materials, which may conversely be susceptible to mold growth, or cause
negative respiratory effects. Studies have found that organic contaminants and heavy metals in crumb
rubber leach into stormwater runoff, posing hazards to the surrounding environment, aquatic life, and
human health. Studies have also found that Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from crumb rubber infill
can aerosolize during play on artificial turf athletic fields. VOCs can cause respiratory irritation and have
been linked to the development of cancer.
While there are no fully conclusive studies on the human health effects of exposure to artificial turf,
studies have been conducted on the effects of crumb rubber infill chemicals on earthworms, an
invertebrate, and on chicken embryos, a vertebrate. Two experiments have been conducted on the
effects of earthworm exposure to crumb rubber infill. The first experiment tested the effect of exposure
to new crumb rubber infill, and found that after one week of incubation in contaminated soil, the
exposed earthworms had noticeably lower body weight than those in clean soil. A second, similar,
experiment was conducted using recycled tire crumb rubber infill. In this experiment, the exposed
earthworms quickly died in a stress test, demonstrating a marked decrease in resilience to stress when
exposed to chemicals in recycled tire rubber.
Another study that examined the effects of crumb rubber leachate on fertilized chicken embryos during
their development process found that approximately half of the fertilized eggs exposed to the leachate
developed extreme malformations, while the unexposed group developed into healthy chicken
embryos.
Although no conclusive studies have been conducted on the direct effects of artificial turf on human
health, anecdotal collections of statistics have raised concerns about artificial turf’s potential connection
to cancer development in humans. In 2013, one women’s soccer coach compiled a list of 38 US soccer
players who had developed cancer, mainly leukemia and cancers of the blood. Many of the players were
goalies, who regularly dive into artificial turf. Health experts have been unable to reach consensus on
whether artificial turf and the use of crumb rubber infill can be linked to cancer or other human health
effects. Despite this lack of consensus, the presence of known carcinogens in artificial turf blades and
infill and the results of the animal studies have raised alarm.
PFAS Contamination
PFAS chemicals are widely found in artificial turf because they are used in the artificial turf production
process and are typically added as a coating to the grass blades as they are manufactured. The chemicals
can break down and leach into the environment when exposed to heat and light after artificial turf is
installed.
PFAS chemicals are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down under normal
environmental conditions, and can last in the environment for hundreds of years, or longer. PFAS
chemicals are also associated with negative health effects in humans and wildlife. Studies on the human
health effects of PFAS chemicals have found that the chemicals bioaccumulate in human tissues and can
lead to liver effects, immunological effects, developmental effects, endocrine effects, decreased fertility,
cardiovascular effects, and can contribute to the development of cancers. PFAS can cause similar
problems in animals and can also bioaccumulate in plants.
In 2020, one New Hampshire community attempted to purchase PFAS-free artificial turf to minimize
exposure risks. The community tested the turf they had been sold, and found that it did contain PFAS
chemicals. The company claimed that the levels of PFAS in the turf were below EPA accepted maximum
levels of the chemical and could safely be labeled “PFAS-free”. However, the EPA has recently concluded
that no amount of PFAS chemicals are safe in drinking water, which is concerning as many components
of artificial turf installations regularly make their way into surrounding waterways.
Microplastic Contamination
In addition to the chemical concerns surrounding artificial turf, there are also significant concerns
relating to microplastic pollution. Artificial turf plastic grass blades can break off from the turf surface
and migrate into the surrounding environment, creating microplastic pollution as they break down into
smaller pieces over time. Artificial turf athletic fields that use crumb rubber infill can be even greater
sources of microplastic pollution. One study in Norway found crumb rubber infill pieces in 85% of water
samples taken in waterbodies downstream from artificial turf fields, and in 42% of samples taken from
locations upstream. Microplastic pollution from artificial turf fields accounts for over one third of total
microplastic pollution in Norway. Similarly, researchers have found that artificial turf fields are the
second highest source of microplastic pollution in Sweden. Swedish authorities estimate that large
artificial athletic fields lose 2-3 tons of infill to the surrounding environment per year.
Microplastic pollution is a concern for actively used artificial turf fields, and for discarded fields that
await recycling or incineration or are illegally dumped. Discarded fields have the potential to release
microplastic pollution into the surrounding environment indefinitely. Artificial turf lawns also can
release microplastics via the grass blades’ degradation over time, and depending on the choice of infill
will also release infill particles into the environment. Researchers are only beginning to understand what
the effects of this pollution might be.
Study of the effects of microplastics is relatively new. Studies have found the tiny particles worldwide,
including in remote wilderness areas that have no human visitors, and in the umbilical cords of newborn
babies. The effects of microplastic pollution on human health and the environment are still relatively
unknown, but some early studies suggest that microplastic exposure and ingestion can cause harm to
human health and the environment. One study in particular found that microplastics added to soil
disturb natural biological processes and change soil structure. Knowledge of the long-term effects of
microplastics will continue to develop over time.
Soil Quality
Artificial turf installation requires the removal of the existing top level of soil and heavy soil compaction
to create a smooth surface for the turf. Compaction negatively effects the soil structure, disturbs the
soil’s microbial activity, and can damage tree roots. After soil is compacted for athletic field installation,
several layers are added between the soil and the artificial turf surface to level the playing field, improve
storm water drainage, and provide cushioning. In artificial turf lawn installations, plastic and wire layers
may be added beneath the turf for protection from burrowing animals, and weeds. In addition to the
effects of soil compaction, artificial turf changes the quality of the soil beneath it by starving the soil of
water, air, and light. Artificial turf has also been shown to degrade over time, leaching chemicals from
the plastic turf material and the infill materials into stormwater runoff that can soak into surrounding
soils, further disturbing soil health.
Pet Waste Buildup
Pet waste can build up over time on artificial turf, and additional maintenance is required to keep
artificial lawns fresh. Artificial turf companies have designed special types of turf to improve pet waste
drainage and claim that it can better eliminate waste than natural grass. Pet-friendly infill has also been
created with a special coating to prevent odors and the growth of bacteria. Despite these measures,
artificial turf needs to be rinsed off after use by pets. To fully sanitize artificial turf when pet waste builds
up, infill must be vacuumed out and a special cleaner applied to break down urine and other waste.
Natural grass and other plant installations do not need this type of maintenance and special products;
the elements naturally break down remnant pet waste.
Cost
A New York Times investigation compared costs for artificial turf lawns. Bids to install a large artificial
turf grass lawn averaged $10,000. The average lifetime of artificial grass is 10 years or less and there are
maintenance costs associated with artificial turf, and costs associated with removal and replacement at
end of life. Natural grass lawns are likely to have longer lifespans if managed sustainably. Natural lawn
costs increase substantially if located in an area that requires supplemental irrigation. One way to lower
such costs is to install drought-resistant or low-water species of grass in drought-prone regions, though
irrigation systems will likely be needed even if used less frequently.
Regarding athletic fields specifically, many schools and universities choose to install artificial turf rather
than natural grass fields because artificial turf is a durable play surface that allows for continuous use,
while natural grass can require rest between athletic activities. Artificial turf can also save on
maintenance costs associated with irrigation and mowing. However, artificial turf has been shown to
require heat related closures, maintenance such as brushing and sanitization, regular replacement of
infill material, and even irrigation to improve heat conditions and playability.
The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) has conducted several studies comparing costs between
artificial fields and natural grass fields that show that organically managed natural grass fields can
improve play conditions, reduce wear and tear related closures, and lower maintenance costs. Costs to
install a variety of natural grass field installations range from $0.60-$5.00 per square foot, and estimates
for artificial turf costs range from $4.50-$10.25 per square foot. TURI’s research concludes that artificial
turf athletic fields can cost 2 to 10 times more than organically managed natural grass fields over their
life cycles when accounting for installation fees, maintenance fees, and disposal and replacement fees at
the end of an artificial turf’s lifecycle. Many sports facilities decide that the investment is worth it
because artificial turf can extend playing time, and be used in any season or weather condition,
including in snow.
Conclusion
Artificial turf has gained popularity, particularly in the increasingly arid West, as it conserves water used
on outdoor landscapes and sports fields, among other reasons, like extending playing time for athletic
activities. While artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used on
natural grass, it can have considerable drawbacks. Artificial turf can have unexpected negative impacts
to water supplies including requiring watering for cooling on hot days and hindering groundwater
recharge. The heat generated by artificial turf can increase urban heat island effect and cause heat-
related injuries. To date, there are few sustainable options for artificial turf recycling, leading to stacks of
discarded artificial turf building up the world over. In addition to the above issues, the chemicals and
microplastic particles that make up artificial turf can leach into the environment, causing environmental
and health impacts not yet entirely known. And, while many artificial turf companies tout the material
as more cost-effective, cost comparisons with natural grass show that in some cases artificial turf is
significantly more expensive. Better alternatives to artificial turf exist in the form of water wise
landscaping, including drought-resistant and native species of grasses, trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Water-wise landscaping can reduce irrigation water use significantly, with some native plants and
grasses requiring no or very little supplemental irrigation. While water savings vary depending on what
is installed, compared to cool season turf, water-wise plantings provide numerous other benefits such as
pollinator habitat, reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, and groundwater recharge. As the West faces a
hotter and drier future, we must continue to research and assess opportunities for reducing landscape
water demand while maximizing benefits and minimizing negative consequences. For residential
property owners seeking to be more water efficient or wanting lower maintenance landscaping, artificial
turf is likely not the hoped-for solution due to costs and wide-ranging environmental and potential
health impacts.
From:Christopher C. Nixon
To:Planning Public Comments; nannette@slcgov.com
Cc:jan Nixon
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Comment on Landscaping, Park Strip Changes to Code 21A.48
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 12:25:04 PM
Caution: This is an external email. Please be cautious when clicking links or opening attachments.
To Whom It May Concern,
I just learned of this public comment opportunity through our neighborhood social media, not from city officials.
Apparently, the first comment opportunity has come and gone with little publicity.
Salt Lake City must try harder to not only save water, but also to provide the public with more chances to have a
say in what we can do as individuals and neighbors. The water crisis is serious. City officials need to get serious,
too.
What Salt Lake City needs to do first is to stop all the water waste on park strips and adjoining properties. Every
day in the summer, I see broken and badly adjusted sprinklers watering the street and sidewalks. I’ve received two
citations from SLC Civil Enforcement wanting to penalize me for getting rid of park strip turf and putting in a
water-wise, attractive rock garden.
What is Civil Enforcement doing about the gutter rivers from the wastrels that are mismanaging their landscape and
park strip water? Do city planners need water-wise residents to submit photos and addresses of these residential,
commercial, and industrial wastrels across the city?
I know neighbors who would like to have a say in this but also missed the opportunity. The city planning division
should re-open the public comment period and have it properly noticed in the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune.
KSL and KUER would air PSAs to let people know.
Please get serious about the drought situation and bring the residents onboard to find solutions.
Thank you.
Jan Nixon
Salt Lake City
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attachments.
From:Margaret Holloway
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) design presented on landscaping last night
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 11:25:34 AM
I see a design with a tree in the corner with mulch and drought bushes spotted around. The
problem with mulch is that leaves that fall from the tree can not be raked or blown without
removing the mulch with the leaves.
So that is a problem I was going to put bark and mulch like this buyt my trees drop small
leaves and large leaves during the year. WHich i saw before i did this new landscaping. So it
sounds and looks good
until the trees drop leaves.
Margaret Holloway
1412 west 1100 north
Salt Lake City, Utah
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attachments.
From:Kyle Deans
To:Larsen, Nannette
Subject:(EXTERNAL) PC
Date:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:41:42 PM
Nannette,
I am sending this in regards to the Landscaping and Buffers Amendments.
I am in full support of anything that can help reduce the consumption of water by SLC
residents, especially when it comes to non essential ornamental landscapes.
Kyle Deans
SLC Resident
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attachments.
From:
To:Larsen Nannette
Cc:Planning Public Comments; City Council Liaisons; Gliot Tony;
Subject:(EXTERNAL) Second Public Comment on 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates
Date:Thursday, July 20, 2023 4:57:24 PM
Attachments:West Side Street UHI Despite Park Strip Trees jpg
Freshly Black Topped West Side Street UHI.jpg
Public Comment Follow-Up to 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates
From: Stanley Holmes
7-20-2023
Dear Salt Lake City Planning Division,
As a follow-up to my 4-25-202 public comment [copied further below] urging the S.L.City Planning Commission to
reject the proposed 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates, I submit the following inquiry along with
suggestions for improvement of your Urban Forest Action Plan adopted Feb. 2023.
First, the inquiry.
Some residents have asked me whether the new park strips street tree requirement applies to park strips abutting
existing homes as well as to new homes and remodeled homes. My responses have included references to the
Salt Lake City Planning Division's ordinance revision proposal report that was submitted to the SLC Planning
Commission on April 26, 2023, the day the Commission considered proposed Landscape and Buffers Chapter
[21A.48] Amendments. That report included the Planning Commission Draft as Attachment B.
My counsel to residents for whom the ordinance revision is unclear is that, as worded, the new park strips street
tree requirement applies everyone, with few exceptions. I point to the following document components which,
taken together, substantiate this:
The 4-26-2023 document states that it is intended to "Specify responsibilities of the property owner."
Applicability [21A.48.020] chapter provisions state that the ordinance "[A]pplies to all properties within the city,
unless otherwise exempted in another chapter."
Responsibility & Maintenance [21A.48.040] chapter provisions state that, with reference to park strips, "The
owner of the property abutting the park strip shall be responsible for the correct installation, maintenance, repair, or
replacement of all landscaping vegetation..." and include "Providing sufficient irrigation to a street tree located in
the abutting park strip." That section proceeds to list multiple requirements for irrigation systems.
The Landscape Plan chapter, 21A.48.050, indicates that a landscape plan is only required for "[New] construction
of a primary structure" and alterations to an [existing] property that increase the floor area by 50% or more.
The next chapter, Landscape Requirements [21A.48.060], however, makes no distinction between properties
requiring a landscape plan and those that do not, when it states that "Where there are conflicting standards in this
chapter, the more restrictive requirements shall apply." Park Strip Standards include "Minimum of 1 street tree..."
and, for overall vegetation, "Minimum 33% coverage."
The General Standards chapter, 21A.48.080, states that "All landscape improvements in the required landscape
locations, as described in 21A.48.060 and 21A.48.70 shall meet the regulations described in this section." Under
the chapter's Specific Park Strip Standards section, the Street Trees:Substitutions rule is that the Urban Forester
"may approve a substitute of the required street tree provision for a cash in lieu payment..."
In the Key Considerations section, under Consideration 2, the SLC Planning Division's 4-26-2023 document
references its Urban Forest Action Plan, then concludes that the proposed landscaping chapter will include the
requirement that "[S]treet trees are required in every park strip depending on the length of the park strip."
[Attachment A, Water Conservation and Landscaping Regulations Council Briefing Report, includes specific
observations and recommendations in its Water Conservation and Landscaping Regulations. It acknowledges that
"property owners are not aware" of landscape zoning rules and criticizes the current landscape chapter's "lack of
clarity" and consequent problems that include resident violations and subsequent [civil] enforcement actions. My
takeaway is that the Division has identified a problem, but not corrected it.]
Looking again at the Planning Commission Draft:
The first textual content specifying applicability to new construction does not occur until chapter 21A.48.050,
Landscape Plan, where it states that such a plan shall be required for new construction and modification of an
existing property's floor plan by 50% or more. Up to that point, the revision suggests that requirements apply to all
residences...with a few exceptions.
Prior to 21A.48.050 we have:
~ 21A.48.020: Applicability... "The provisions of this chapter apply to all properties within the city, unless otherwise
exempted..."
~ 21A.48.040: Responsibility and Maintenance ... "The owner of the property abutting the park strip shall be
responsible for...all landscaping vegetation." "Providing sufficient irrigation to a street tree located in the abutting
park strip." "shall provide water adequately and efficiently to each street tree..."
Then, in 21A.48.060 under Park Strip Standards, the document sets a minimum of one street tree per park strip
and a minimum 33% vegetation. No distinction is made between existing properties and those requiring a
landscape plan. If the Commission intended to exempt existing properties, it should have stated that.
I therefore conclude that the SLC Planning Division document fails to convince me that the revised ordinance
requirements would only apply to new projects or non-residential landscape sites. While there are separate
chapters in the Division and Commission portions of document that apply to new projects and changes to existing
residential property floor plans, and there are later chapters citing variations for certain areas, such as the
Northwest Quadrant, there are no residential park strip requirement waivers or exemptions specified in prior
chapters. Nor is it stated in introductory sections, such as Project Description or later in Purpose & Intent, that the
ordinance update does not apply to most existing residential properties. General applicability of the park strip
street tree requirement should have been clearly stated up front, but was not.
Since the proposed ordinance update is not clear about all who would be subjected to the new park strip street
tree requirement, my counsel is that SLC residents whose park strips have no trees should assume they will be
required to make changes if the Commission-approved ordinance update is adopted by the Salt Lake City Council.
What would you say to SLC residents who feel threatened by the proposed ordinance update?
Finally: Some comments on the Urban Forest Action Plan (UFAP)…
Inasmuch as the City is concerned about the urban heat island (UHI) effects of <33% vegetation covered park
strips, and is focusing on irrigated park strip street trees as a solution, I am surprised that the UFAP lacks details
about the UHI of super-wide residential streets, especially on the West Side. For example, 1100 West and 400
North are 77 feet wide. That's the width of seven or eight car lanes…all imposing intense UHI effects and trying-to-
stay-cool cost burdens on economically vulnerable families.
The only [passing] reference to the option of street trees median strips is a sketch on page 76. There's no
discussion of the functionality of street trees median strips, which could be quite useful in reducing UHI on wide
residential streets. I have attached to this comment the photo of a West Side street block whose park strips are full
of trees. Notice the huge area of exposed street pavement still drawing and radiating heat. Another attached
photo shows a recently black-topped street. Why is the City still coating streets with black when lighter alternatives
are available?
There are other cost-burden, mitigation responsibility, and water conservation topics that should inform
improvements to the Urban Forest Action Plan and the revision of city ordinance 21A.48 prior to the City Council's
scheduling of public hearings and its final vote.
Thank you for your attention to questions and suggestions raised in this, my second, public comment to the City
regarding plans, policies, and programs to address climate change impacts that threaten our quality of life.
And please let me know when any potential revisions are available to the public prior to City Council hearings.
Thanks.
Caution: This is an external email. Please be cautious when clicking links or opening
attachments.
Stanley Holmes
846 N. East Capitol Blvd.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Quoting "Larsen, Nannette" <Nannette.Larsen@slcgov.com>:
Stanley,
Thank you for your comments. I will forward them to the Planning Commission for commission
members to view before the public hearing tomorrow.
Best,
NANNETTE LARSEN | (She/Her)
Senior Planner
PLANNING DIVISION | SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
Mobile: (801) 535-7645
Email: Nannette.Larsen@slcgov.com
WWW.SLC.GOV/PLANNING WWW.SLC.GOV
From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 12:52 PM
To: Larsen, Nannette <Nannette.Larsen@slcgov.com>; Planning Public Comments
<planning.comments@slcgov.com>
Cc: Wharton, Chris <Chris.Wharton@slcgov.com>; City Council Liaisons
<City.Council.Liaisons@slcgov.com>; slcgreen <slcgreen@slcgov.com>
Subject: (EXTERNAL) Public Comment on Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - 21A.48 Landscaping and
Buffers Updates
Public Comment on Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates
From: Stanley Holmes
4-25-2023
Dear Salt Lake City Planning Commission,
I urge you to reject the proposed ordinance rewrite of 21A Zoning that was submitted as Petition
PLNPCM2023-00098 - "21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" as flawed and problematic on
several fronts. The set of proposed amendments to Title 21A Zoning should be remanded back to
Salt Lake City's Planning Division ("Division") for revision and a new, more appropriately noticed 45-
day public comment period to be opened by the Division before a corrected set of proposed Title 21A
Zoning amendments is brought before the Planning Commission ("Commission").
The proposed changes to Title 21A Zoning Chapter 48 under consideration now would have
significant, wide-ranging, and costly impacts for many Salt Lake City ("City") property owners of
various means and for all city taxpayers. That the Division would rely primarily on community council
chairs to, at their individual discretion and in a timely manner, notify the general public of
statutory/regulatory changes of this scope and magnitude can be most graciously characterized as
cavalier.
Division records indicate that only four comments were received during the 45-day comment period
and that Sugarhouse C.C. was the only community council to actively engage. I learned from city
staff that the Division’s notification system had been used, but found that there are no water
conservation, landscaping, energy conservation, environment, or other sustainability categories listed.
Through which category did the Division send the landscaping code updates notice; and how many
city residents actually get notices through that means?
Please be advised, and let the public record show, that on April 20, 2023, I posted on the community
blog --Nextdoor.com-- information about the proposed Title 21A Zoning changes and ways that
interested citizens could submit public comments. Over the next five days, Nextdoor.com reported
1,400 views and there were 48 public comments. Please see evidence of this included with the
Addendum at the close of my comment and attached.
Those folks on Nextdoor.com were Salt Lake City residents who missed the initial comment period
that ended on March 27th and, quite likely, also did not know about your April 26 Planning
Commission meeting or their opportunities to submit public comments before the zoning/ordinance
changes had become a ‘done deal.’ Outrageous.
I am also quite surprised and disappointed that there was no input from the Sustainability
Department, and wonder how their input was solicited. SLCGreen is copied on this comment, as are
my District 3 Councilman Chris Wharton and the City Council Liaisons.
City officials should have known that not every community council would post or distribute the
notice. Not every potentially interested and impacted citizen is on a community council distribution list
or regularly checks a community council's website. One might wonder to what extent the Division was
truly desirous of robust public input, having solicited comments by such a narrow and undependable
means. The Commission should insist upon a proper re-do of the public comment period and extend
its further consideration of any Title 21A Zoning Chapter 48 amendments until legitimate opportunities
for public input have occurred.
The proposed Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 - "21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" are
themselves in several ways inadequate and problematic. Their 'as is' endorsement by the
Commission and the City Council would, upon attempted implementation and enforcement by the
City, certainly result in strong opposition that would include costly litigation.
Please recall that the most recent revision of 21A.48 was in the year 2000, prior to over two decades
of climate change-exacerbated heat increases and drought that finally prompted state and local
officials to take action. The updates now under consideration were supposed to deal more effectively
with the climate change-related impacts.
Let me begin with the proposed re-write of 21A.48.010, the Purpose and Intent section. While the
earlier version calls for promoting "the prudent use of water", the update would remove this and make
no mention of water conservation as a priority. The lead "purpose" of a revised chapter 21A.48 would
be to "increase Salt Lake City's urban tree canopy"; and the lead "intent" would be to "promote and
enhance the community's appearance."
While trees are nice, useful, and can be aesthetically pleasing, the City is located in the second
driest U.S. state and is experiencing an unprecedented, worsening drought. Water conservation
should not only have been mentioned in the proposed re-write of 21A.48.010, but been listed as a
priority goal, as has been done by other Utah municipalities. Why was this not done?
Under the current zoning ordinance, Section 21A.48.060 refers to Park Strip Landscaping and one of
the "intent" items is to "encourage water conservation". But the proposed re-write (update) would
change the title of 21A.48.060 to "Landscape Requirements" and remove the water conservation
reference.
The re-write of 21A.48.060 has a new "Park Strip Standards" section that adds the requirement of at
least one "street tree" in the park strip. Additional park strip trees would be required, depending on
the park strip length. The current ordinance has no park strip tree requirement. Therefore, residents
who've implemented water-wise park strip measures --in compliance with the existing ordinance --
that do not include at least one street tree would be required to add a tree and, according to the
21A.48.040 re-write, see that it is "irrigated with a permanent automatic irrigation system." A
hydrozoned irrigation system would be required, so that tree(s) watering can be isolated from any
water needed for other vegetation.
The park strip abutting property owner would have to pay for the new park strip tree-plus-irrigation
requirement. That could be quite costly, especially if the park strip has to be excavated to install the
required irrigation system. The Commission should assume that some residents will be unable to
afford this and that others who had been compliant would rather fight the compliance rules change in
court. Please consider the burden on low-income families, especially if the $25-per-day violation fine
is retained.
The Commission should also consider that the City's Department of Community and Neighborhood's
Civil Enforcement staff would have to be expanded and that additional budgetary provisions would
have to be made for the City's legal team. Litigation could delay implementation and enforcement of
parts or all of the proposed 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates for an extended period of time.
And aside from pushback from angry residents delaying implementation of the proposed ordinance
updates, the sheer magnitude of any effort to achieve widespread compliance should sober city
planners and policy-makers. Have Division staff conducted a city-wide, on-street survey of the
number of park strips that would require tree-planting and new irrigation plumbing? Have they
calculated how many contractors, and how many years, would be required to accomplish full
implementation? Then, there's the additional per-tree water requirement times however many park
strips would be affected.
At this point, I'll add that there are some positive aspects of the proposed ordinance re-write, such as
21A.48.040.E.1., which says that "All irrigation systems shall be maintained in good operating
condition to eliminate water waste and run-off into the public right-of-way." Drip irrigation is also
mentioned in 21A.48.040.E, though it could have been promoted.
Some of the proposed re-write items are not clear. For example, 21A.48.040.C.2. "Exceptions"
circles back to itself. And under 21A.62 "Definitions", the Park Strip Landscaping section says that
park strip landscaping may include "lawn", which is normally a reference to turf. The re-write, under
21A.48.060 and 21A.48.080, prohibits turf in park strips. There is also a reference to the right-of-way
line's relevance if there is no sidewalk, but the dimensions of the right-of-way line are not given.
As a final point to this comment, it concerns me that the City Planning Division failed to take a
holistic view of the abutting residential property owner's landscape unless a new home is being
constructed or the floor area of an existing structure(s) is being expanded by 50% or more. The
overall vegetative contribution of individual residential properties that are not undergoing structural
change is ignored by the proposed 21A Zoning rewrite's determination of compliance or non-
compliance with new park strip requirements. I can imagine situations where the owner of a well-
wooded, well-vegetated residential property is forced to install and water a park strip tree while the
owner of a minimally vegetated property who happens to have a tree in the park strip is left alone.
Where is the environmental justice in that?
Salt Lake City needs to do a better job of conserving water. The proposed amendments to Title 21A
Zoning are inadequate to the task, as they do not give water conservation the top priority status our
current megadrought crisis demands. I urge the Commission to deny Petition PLNPCM2023-00098 -
"21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers Updates" and send it back to the Division for revision and a
properly noticed, 45-day public review and comment period.
I thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of the points I raised and your directive to
have the ordinance revised in a more transparent way that better engages the public and serves the
City's best interests.
Stanley Holmes
846 N. East Capitol Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Addendum:
My attempt to use Nextdoor.com to notify the public of proposed 21A.48 changes, first posted on April
20, 2023, is copied below. In five days, 1,400 views and 48 resident comments. The Planning
Division got 4 public comments in 45 days.
Stan Holmes
Author
•West Capitol Hills•0 mi
SLC Park Strip, Landscape Policy Changes
Public comments are being taken by the Salt Lake City Planning Division and Planning Commission
as they consider city-wide changes to the Landscaping Chapter of the Zoning Code. This includes
proposed revision of the Park Strip ordinance under which many city residents have been penalized
for their water conservation efforts. The proposed Park Strip policy revision would require one "street
tree" every 30 feet and vegetation covering at least 30% of the area. See all proposed amendments
at... www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Online%20Open%20Houses/2023/02_2023/PLNPCM2023-
00098/02102023%20DRAFT%20Landscaping%20Updates_Posted.pdf The Planning Commission
will consider landscape/park strip ordinance changes at its April 26 meeting. Public comments can be
submitted in-person or via email to and . Reference case number PLNPCM2023-00098 in the subject
line. The agenda for next Wednesday's (April 26) Planning Commission meeting is at...
www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Planning%20Commission/2023/PC04.26.2023/PC04.26.2023agenda.pdf
Whatever the Planning Commission decides will then be presented to the City Council for final
approval. Now is the time to shift from opinion to action and file a public comment.
Stan Holmes
Author
•West Capitol Hills•0 mi
The email addresses that were stripped are planning.comments and nannette.larsen that are both at
slc.gov. They are also listed in the April 26 agenda at...
www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Planning%20Commission/2023/PC04.26.2023/PC04.26.2023agenda.pdf
also attached:
17
5) PUBLIC UTILITIES DIRECTOR STATEMENT
From:Briefer, Laura
To:Larsen, Nannette
Cc:Thompson, Amy; Bench, Nikole; Rice, Marian; Duer, Stephanie; Draper, Jason
Subject:RE: Landscaping Chapter Planning Commission Public Hearing Tonight
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 1:02:05 PM
Attachments:image002.png
image003.png
Good afternoon, Nannette – please let me know if this will be useful tonight for the questions
concerning artificial turf– see below:
Artificial turf has the potential to impact water quality and stormwater runoff in the following ways:
1. The combination of soil compaction in the installation of artificial turf and the material that is
used does not allow water to be retained onsite. As such, this is considered an impermeable
surface. This contributes to additional stormwater runoff from a site, which can have negative
downstream impacts, such as flashier and increased stormwater flows.
2. As stormwater flows across impermeable surfaces it picks up and carries pollutants that get
deposited in receiving water bodies, such as the Jordan River and streams that flow through
our city. All stormwater that flows through Salt Lake City ultimately heads toward Great Salt
Lake.
3. Pollutants of concern that can emanate directly from artificial turf include micro-plastics and
PFAS compounds (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained). PFAS compounds are “forever
chemicals” that pose health risks to people and animals. It is unclear whether all artificial turf
contains PFAS compounds, but there is evidence that at least some of it does. To our
knowledge, it is not currently tested and certified regarding the presence or absence of PFAS.
Microplastics also pose health risks to people and animals. Both PFAS and microplastics are
ubiquitous in the environment, and there is much concern nationally and globally about this
pollution.
4. Artificial turf also needs to be washed periodically, which could contribute runoff that contains
cleaning chemicals. Pet feces needs to be removed from artificial turf, and pathogens from pet
feces could be introduced into stormwater during cleaning.
Regulatory and health considerations with respect to PFAS compounds: Salt Lake City
Public Utilities is obligated to comply with drinking water and clean water regulations promulgated
by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced by both the Utah Department of
Environmental Quality and the EPA. The EPA is prioritizing the regulation of PFAS in drinking water
and in cradle to grave hazardous materials regulations (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/key-epa-actions-
address-
pfas#:~:text=On%20August%2026%2C%202022%2C%20EPA,for%20cleaning%20up%20their%20c
ontamination). In March 2023, EPA proposed new very stringent regulations for six PFAS
compounds with a proposed maximum contaminant level of four (4) parts per trillion, showcasing
that EPA is extremely concerned about the health risks associated with PFAS in drinking water. The
EPA is also considering new regulations under the Clean Water Act which would affect stormwater
and wastewater discharges. Finally, EPA is considering new PFAS regulations under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, also known as
Superfund). This primarily impacts environmental remediation for PFAS-contaminated soil and
water, and there is some concern about the potential long thread of liability associated with PFAS
contamination.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. I have added Jason and Stephanie to this email
thread too.
LAURA BRIEFER, MPA | (She/Her/Hers)
DIRECTOR
Department of Public Utilities | Salt Lake City Corporation
Office: (801) 483-6741
Cell: (385) 252-9379
Email: Laura.Briefer@slcgov.com
www.slc.gov/utilities
www.slc.gov
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE 1
No. _____ of 202_ 2
3
(Amending the zoning text of various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code 4
pertaining to Landscaping and Buffers chapter amendments) 5
6
An ordinance amending the text of various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City 7
Code pertaining to Landscaping and Buffers Chapter amendments pursuant to Petition No. 8
PLNPCM2023-00098. 9
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2023, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning 10
Commission”) held a public hearing on a petition submitted by Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin 11
Mendenhall--at the request of the Salt Lake City Council--to amend the zoning code pertaining 12
to the Landscaping and Buffer Chapter (Petition No. PLNPCM2023-00098); and 13
WHEREAS, at its April 26, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of 14
forwarding a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council on said petition; and 15
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the city council has determined that 16
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests. 17
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah: 18
19
SECTION 1. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.010.P.12. That Subsection 20
21A.24.010.P.12 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: General Provisions: 21
Special Foothills Regulations), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 22
12. Landscaping Aand Revegetation: 23
a. Installation of all required landscaping shall begin no later than one month after a 24
certificate of occupancy; except that if the certificate of occupancy is issued 25
between October 15 and the following April 1, installation of the landscaping 26
shall begin no later than April 30. Landscaping shall be substantially completed 27
within nine (9) months after a certificate of occupancy is issued. Landscaping 28
shall conform to the requirements of cChapter 21A.48 of this title, and shall also 29
conform to the following requirements: 30
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
a.(1) Front Yards Aand Side Yards: Front yards, corner side yards and interior 31
side yards shall be completely landscaped except for driveways, walkways 32
and patios/decks. 33
b.(2) Disturbed Areas: All other areas disturbed during construction shall be 34
either landscaped or revegetated to a natural state. 35
c.(3) Undevelopable Areas: Lawns or gardens are prohibited in the 36
undevelopable areas. Native and drought tolerant plant species established in 37
undevelopable areas may be enhanced by irrigation and supplemental planting 38
as approved by the Zzoning Aadministrator, provided the Zzoning 39
Aadministrator finds that such supplemental planting is in keeping with the 40
natural conditions. 41
b. Special Landscape Regulations in the FR-1/43,560 and FR-2/21,780 Districts: In 42
addition to the regulations in Chapter 21A.48 “Landscaping and Buffers” the 43
following special landscape regulations apply: 44
45
(1) Landscape Plan: In addition to the landscape plan submittal requirements 46
listed in Section 21A.48.050, landscape plans shall also include: 47
48
(a) Delineation between the proposed revegetation of disturbed site areas. 49
(b) As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion. 50
(c) An irrigation plan designed to provide sufficient water for at least the first 51
two years of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas. 52
53
(2) Tree Preservation and Replacement: Existing trees over 2 inches in caliper 54
that are removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced. 55
Whenever microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of 56
replacement tree species shall be the same as the trees removed. 57
(3) Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be 58
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted 59
grasses, herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for 60
slope and microclimate conditions. 61
62
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.020.I. That Subsection 63
21A.24.020.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: FR-1/43,560 Foothills 64
Estate Residential District: Landscape Plan), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 65
I. Landscape Plan: A landscape plan conforming to the requirements of chapter Section 66
21A.48.050 and Subsection 21A.24.010.P of this title shall be required. 67
68
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.030. That Subsection 69
21A.24.030.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: FR-1/21,780 Foothills 70
Residential District: Landscape Plan), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 71
I. Landscape Plan: A landscape plan conforming to the requirements of chapter Section 72
21A.48.050 and Subsection 21A.24.010.P of this title shall be required. 73
74
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.120.G. That Subsection 75
21A.24.120.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: RMF-30 Low Density 76
Multi-Family Residential District: RMF-30 Building Type Zoning Standards), shall be and 77
hereby is amended to read as follows: 78
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Building Regulation Building Type
Single-
Family
Dwelling
Two-
Family
Dwelling
Multi-
Family
Residential
Row
House1
Sideways
Row
House1
Cottage
Development1
Tiny
House1
Non
Residential
Building
Building Regulation Building Type
Single-
Family
Dwelling
Two-
Family
Dwelling
Multi-
Family
Residential
Row
House1
Sideways
Row
House1
Cottage
Development1
Tiny
House1
Non
Residential
Building
H Height 30’ Pitched Roof-
23’
Flat Roof-16’
16’ 30’
F Front yard setback 20’ or the average of the block face
C Corner side yard setback 10’
S Interior side yard setback 4’ on one side
10’ on the other
10’ 4’ 6’ on one
side
10’ on
the other
4’ 10’
R Rear yard Minimum of 20% lot depth, need not exceed 25’ 10’ Minimum
of 20% lot
depth, need
not exceed
25’
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
L Minimum lot size2 2,000 sq. ft. per dwelling unit 1,500 sq. ft. per
dwelling unit
5,000 sq. ft.
per
building
DU Maximum Dwelling Units per
Form
1 2 8 6 8 per
development
1 n/a
BC Maximum Building Coverage 50%
LY Required Landscaped Yards The front and corner side yards shall be maintained as landscape yards.
LB Landscape Buffers per
subsectionChapter 21A.48.080 C
of this title.
X X X
G Attached Garages Garage doors accessed from the front or corner side yard shall be no wider than 50% of the front
facade of the structure and set back at least 5’ from the street facing building facade and at least
20’ from the property line. Interior side loaded garages are permitted.
DS Design Standards All new buildings are subject to applicable design standards in cChapter 21A.37 of this title.
80
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
81
SECTION 5. Amending the Text of Section 21A.26.010. That Section 21A.26.010 of 82
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: General Provisions), shall be and hereby 83
is amended as follows: 84
a. That Subsection 21A.26.010.C.1 shall be amended to read as follows: 85
86
C. Impact Controls Aand General Restrictions Iin Tthe Commercial Districts: 87
88
1. Refuse Control: Temporary storage of refuse materials shall be limited to that 89
produced on the premises. Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored 90
within completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the 91
requirements of chapter Section 21A.40.1208 of this title. For buildings existing as of 92
April 12, 1995, this screening provision shall be required if the floor area or parking 93
requirements are increased by twenty five percent (25%) or more by an expansion to 94
the building or change in the type of land use. 95
96
b. That Subsection 21A.26.010.H shall be amended to read as follows: 97
98
H. Landscaping Aand Buffering: The landscaping and buffering requirements for the 99
Ccommercial Ddistricts shall be as specified in cChapter 21A.48 , including 100
section 21A.48.110, of this title. 101
102
SECTION 6. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.020.G. That Subsection 103
21A.26.020.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CN Neighborhood 104
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as 105
follows: 106
G. Landscape Yard Requirements: Front and corner side yards shall be maintained as 107
landscape yards, conforming to the requirements of Chapter 21A.48. Subject to site plan 108
review approval, part or all of the landscape yard may be a patio or plaza, conforming to 109
the requirements of Chaptersection 21A.48.090 of this title. 110
111
SECTION 7. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.025.G. That Subsection 112
21A.26.025.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: SNB Small 113
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Neighborhood Business District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is 114
amended to read as follows: 115
G. Landscape Yard Requirements: Front and corner side yards shall be maintained as 116
landscape yards. Subject to site plan review approval, part or the entire landscape yard 117
may be a patio or plaza, conforming to the requirements of section 21A.48.090 of this 118
title. 119
120
SECTION 8. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.040.F. That Subsection 121
21A.26.040.F of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CS Community 122
Shopping District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as 123
follows: 124
F. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of fifteen feet (15’) shall be required on 125
all front and corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Chaptersection 126
21A.48.090 of this title. 127
128
SECTION 9. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.050.E. That Subsection 129
21A.26.050.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CC Corridor 130
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as 131
follows: 132
F. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of fifteen feet (15’) shall be required on 133
all front and corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Chaptersection 134
21A.48.090 and subsection 21A.48.100C of this title. 135
136
137
SECTION 10. Amending the Text of Section 21A.26.060. That Section 21A.26.060 of 138
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CSHBD Sugar House Business District 139
(CSHBD1 and CSHBD2)), shall be and hereby is amended as follows: 140
a. That Subsection 21A.26.060.J shall be amended to read as follows: 141
142
J. Park Strip Materials: Propertiesy within this zoning district may utilize alternative park 143
strip landscaping materials. Alternative materials are subject to planning director 144
approval based on its compliance with the adopted shall be considered part of 145
an improvement district subject to the provisions of Section 21A.48.060, and as such, 146
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
alternative materials may be utilized for park strips. Alternative material is subject to 147
planning director approval based on its compliance with the adopted “Circulation and 148
Streetscape Amenities Plan” or its successor. 149
b. That Subsection 21A.26.060.K shall be amended to read as follows: 150
151
K. Street Trees: Street trees are required and subject to the regulations in ChapterSection 152
21A.48.060. If a park strip does not exist, street trees are required when the sidewalk 153
width of at least 10’ can be maintained, to which required street trees shall be planted in 154
tree wells with tree grates with sufficient soil volume as determined by the Urban 155
Forestry Division. 156
157
SECTION 11. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.070.E. That Subsection 158
21A.26.070.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CG General 159
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as 160
follows: 161
E. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of five feet shall be required on all 162
front or corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Section Chapter 21A.48.090 163
of this title. 164
165
SECTION 12. Amending the Text of Section 21A.28.010. That Section 21A.28.010 of 166
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Manufacturing Districts: General Provisions), shall be and 167
hereby is amended as follows: 168
a. That Subsection 21A.28.010.B.1 shall be amended to read as follows: 169
170
B. Impact Controls Aand General Restrictions Iin Tthe Manufacturing Districts: 171
172
1. Refuse Control: Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored within 173
completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the requirements of 174
Section chapter 21A.4840.120 of this title. 175
b. That Subsection 21A.28.010.G shall be amended to read as follows: 176
177
G. Landscaping Aand Buffering: All uses in the manufacturing districts shall comply with 178
the provisions governing landscaping and buffering in cChapter 21A.48 of this title, 179
including section 21A.48.110 of this title. 180
181
182
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SECTION 13. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.28.030.E. That Subsection 183
21A.28.030.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Manufacturing Districts: M-2 Heavy 184
Manufacturing District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read 185
as follows: 186
E. Landscape Yard Requirements: The first twenty five feet (25’) of all required front yards 187
and the first fifteen feet (15’) of all required corner side yards shall be maintained as 188
landscape yards in conformance with the requirements of cChapter 21A.48 of this title, 189
including section 21A.48.110 of this title. 190
191
SECTION 14. Amending the Text of Section 21A.30.010. That Section 21A.30.010 of 192
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Downtown Districts: General Provisions), shall be and hereby 193
is amended to read as follows: 194
21A.30.010: GENERAL PROVISIONS: 195
A. Statement of Intent: The downtown districts are intended to provide use, bulk, urban 196
design and other controls and regulations appropriate to the commercial core of the city 197
and adjacent areas in order to enhance employment opportunities; to encourage the 198
efficient use of land; to enhance property values; to improve the design quality of 199
downtown areas; to create a unique downtown center which fosters the arts, 200
entertainment, financial, office, retail and governmental activities; to provide safety and 201
security; encourage permitted residential uses within the downtown area; and to help 202
implement adopted plans. 203
B. Permitted Uses: The uses specified as permitted uses in Section 21A.33.050, “Table of 204
Permitted and Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts”, of this title are permitted; 205
provided, that they comply with all requirements of this chapter, the general standards set 206
forth in Part IV of this title, and all other applicable requirements of this title. 207
208
1. Conditional Uses: The uses specified as conditional uses in Section 21A.33.050, 209
“Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts”, of this title, may 210
be allowed in the downtown districts provided they are approved pursuant to the 211
standards and procedures for conditional uses set forth in Chapter 21A.54 of this title, 212
and comply with all other applicable requirements. 213
214
C. Impact Controls and General Restrictions in the Downtown Districts: 215
216
1. Refuse Control: Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored within 217
completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the requirements of 218
Section 21A.40.120chapter 21A.48 of this title. For buildings existing as of April 12, 219
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1995, this screening provision shall be required if the floor area or parking 220
requirements are increased by twenty five percent (25%) or more by an expansion to 221
the building or change in the type of land use. 222
2. Lighting: On site lighting, including parking lot lighting and illuminated signs, shall 223
be located, directed or designed in such a manner so as not to create glare on adjacent 224
properties. 225
3. Fencing for Vacant Lots in the D-1 Central Business District and D-4 Downtown 226
Secondary Central Business District: Fencing shall be required on those lots 227
becoming vacant, where no replacement use is proposed, in conformance with the 228
following: 229
230
a. Fencing, pursuant to Section 21A.40.120 of this title, is required to secure vacant 231
lots in the downtown area; 232
b. Fencing shall consist of wrought iron or other similar material (chainlink is 233
prohibited); and 234
c. Fencing shall be open so as not to create a visual barrier, and shall be limited to a 235
maximum of 4 feet in height, with the exception of a fence located within a sight 236
distance on any corner lot as noted in Section 21A.40.120 of this title. 237
238
The approval of a building permit shall be delegated to the building official with the 239
input of the planning director, to determine if the fencing materials, location, and 240
height are compatible with adjacent properties in a given setting. 241
242
D. Outdoor Sales, Display and Storage: “Sales and display (outdoor)” and “storage and 243
display (outdoor)”, as defined in Chapter 21A.62 of this title, are allowed where 244
specifically authorized in Section 21A.33.050, “Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses 245
for Downtown Districts”, of this title. These uses shall conform to the following: 246
247
1. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not encroach into areas of required 248
parking for periods longer than 30 days; 249
2. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not be located in any required yard 250
area within the lot when the required yard abuts a residential zoning district; 251
3. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not include the use of banners, 252
pennants or strings of pennants; 253
4. Outdoor storage shall be allowed only where specifically authorized in the applicable 254
district regulation and shall be required to be fully screened with opaque fencing not 255
to exceed eight feet in height; and 256
5. Outdoor sales and display and outdoor storage shall also be permitted when part of an 257
authorized temporary use as established in Chapter 21A.42 of this title. 258
259
E. Restrictions on Parking Lots and Structures: An excessive amount of at or above ground 260
parking lots and structures can negatively impact the urban design objectives of the 261
Downtown Zzoning Ddistricts. To control such impacts, the following regulations apply 262
to surface parking and above grade structures: 263
264
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1. Parking shall be located behind principal buildings or incorporated into the principal 265
building provided the parking is wrapped on street facing facades with a use allowed 266
in the zone other than parking. 267
2. A parking lot shall not consist of more than two double-loaded parking aisles (bays) 268
adjacent to each other. The length of a parking lot shall not exceed 10 stalls. Parking 269
for government facilities necessary for public health and safety are exempt from this 270
provision. 271
272
Illustration of Regulation 21A.010.E.2 Surface Parking Lots
273
3. Parking lots, garages or parking structures, proposed as the only principal use on a 274
property that has frontage on a public street and that would result in a building 275
demolition are prohibited in the Downtown zoning districts. 276
4. No special restrictions shall apply to belowground parking facilities. 277
278
F. Midblock Walkways: As part of the city’s plan for the downtown area, it is intended that 279
midblock walkways be provided to increase pedestrian connectivity and overall livability 280
downtown through the creation of an intricate pedestrian network. The city has adopted 281
the Downtown Plan that includes a midblock walkway map and establishes a need for 282
such walkways as the Downtown grows. Because the districts within the downtown area 283
allow building heights that exceed those of other districts in the city, the requirement for 284
a midblock walkway is considered to be necessary to alleviate pedestrian impacts on the 285
public sidewalks by dispersing future use of the public sidewalks. All buildings 286
constructed after the effective date hereof within the Downtown zoning districts shall 287
conform to this officially adopted plan for midblock walkways, in addition to the 288
following standards: 289
290
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1. Any new development shall provide a midblock walkway if a midblock walkway on 291
the subject property has been identified in a master plan that has been adopted by the 292
city. 293
2. The following standards apply to the midblock walkway: 294
a. The midblock walkway must be a minimum of 15’ wide and include a minimum 295
6’ wide unobstructed path. 296
b. The midblock walkway may be incorporated into the building provided it is open 297
to the public. A sign shall be posted indicating that the public may use the 298
walkway. 299
c. Building encroachments into the midblock walkway are permitted if they include 300
one or more of the following elements: 301
302
(1) Colonnades; 303
(2) Staircases; 304
(3) Balconies: All balconies must be located at the third story or above. 305
(4) Building overhangs and associated cantilever: - These coverings may be 306
between 9 and 14’ above the level of the sidewalk. They shall provide a 307
minimum depth of coverage of six feet and project no closer to the curb than 308
three feet. 309
(5) Skybridge: A single skybridge is permitted. All skybridges must be located at 310
the third, fourth, or fifth stories. 311
(6) Other architectural element(s) not listed above that offers refuge from weather 312
and/or provide publicly accessible usable space. 313
314
Illustration of Regulation 21A.30.010.F Midblock Walkways
1 The midblock walkway must be a minimum of 15’ wide and include a minimum 6’ wide
unobstructed path.
315
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
G. Sidewalks: For all downtown districts, sidewalks must be a clear walking path that is a 316
minimum of 10’ wide. Outdoor dining shall be permitted within the sidewalk if it 317
complies with the minimum width of a clear path as defined in the outdoor dining design 318
guidelines. 319
320
H. Landscaping and Buffers: All uses in the downtown districts shall comply with the 321
provisions governing landscaping and buffers in Chapter 21A.48 of this title. Where a 322
park strip does not exist, street trees are only required when the sidewalk width of at least 323
10’ can be maintained, in which required street trees shall be planted in tree wells with 324
tree grates. 325
326
IH. Additional Standards: All uses in the downtown districts shall comply with the standards 327
set in Part IV, Regulations of General Applicability, of this title, including the applicable 328
standards in the following chapters: 329
330
1. 21A.36 General Provisions 331
2. 21A.37 Design Standards 332
3. 21A.38 Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying Structures 333
4. 21A.40 Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures 334
5. 21A.42 Temporary Uses 335
6. 21A.44 Off Street Parking, Mobility, and Loading 336
7. 21A.46 Signs 337
8. 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers 338
9. Any other applicable chapter of this title that may include applicable provisions. 339
340
341
SECTION 15. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.30.020.C. That Subsection 342
21A.30.020.C of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Downtown Districts: D-1 Central Business 343
District), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 344
C. D-1 District General Regulations: The regulations established in this section apply to the 345
D-1 District as a whole. 346
347
1. Yard Requirements: No minimum yards are required. A maximum yard of eight feet 348
is allowed. 349
a. If provided, the yard must include one of the following elements: 350
351
i. Seating at a ratio of at least one bench for every 500 square feet of yard space; 352
or 353
ii. Landscaping that includes an increase of at least 25% in the total number of 354
trees required to be planted on the site; or 355
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
iii. Awning or a similar form of weather protection that covers at least five feet in 356
width and length from all street-facing building entrances. 357
b. Exceptions to this requirement may be authorized through the design review 358
process, subject to the requirements of Chapter 21A.59 of this title. 359
c. The planning director, in consultation with the transportation director, may 360
modify this requirement to accommodate a wider sidewalk if the adjacent public 361
sidewalk is less than 15’ wide and the resulting modification to the setback results 362
in a more efficient public sidewalk. The planning director may waive this 363
requirement for any addition, expansions, or intensification, which increases the 364
floor area or parking requirement by less than 50% if the planning director finds 365
the following: 366
367
i. The architecture of the addition is compatible with the architecture of the 368
original structure or the surrounding architecture, or 369
ii. The addition reduces the extent of the noncompliance of the existing building. 370
371
d. Regardless of the setback provided, doors shall be setback a minimum distance to 372
allow the door to operate without swinging into a right of way or midblock 373
walkway. 374
e. Interior Side Yards: No minimum interior side yard is required. 375
f. Rear Yard: No minimum rear yard is required. 376
377
4. Landscape Requirements For Demolition Sites: Vacant lots, resulting from 378
demolition activities where no replacement use is proposed, shall conform to chapter 379
21A.48 of this title, special landscape requirements applicable to the D-1 Central 380
Business District. 381
382
SECTION 16. Amending the Text of Section 21A.32.030. That Section 21A.32.030 of 383
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: BP Business Park District), shall be 384
and hereby is amended as follows: 385
a. That Subsection 21A.32.030.E shall be amended to read as follows: 386
387
E. Minimum Open Space Area: The minimum open space area for any use shall not be less 388
than fifteen percent (15%) of the lot area. 389
390
1. At least thirty three percent (33%) of the required open space area shall be covered 391
with vegetation. 392
2. All landscaped open space areas shall conform with the water efficient landscaping 393
standards found in section Chapter 21A.48.055 of this title. 394
395
396
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. That Subsection 21A.32.030.I shall be amended to read as follows: 397
398
I. Other District Regulations: In addition to the foregoing regulations, all uses shall comply 399
with the following requirements: 400
401
1. Enclosed Operations: All principal uses shall take place within entirely enclosed 402
buildings. 403
2. Outdoor Storage: Accessory outdoor storage shall be screened with a solid fence and 404
approved through the site plan review process. 405
3. Nuisance Impacts: Uses and processes shall be limited to those that do not create a 406
nuisance to the use and enjoyment of adjacent property due to odor, dust, smoke, 407
gases, vapors, noise, light, vibration, refuse matter or water carried waste. The use of 408
explosive or radioactive materials, or any other hazardous materials, shall conform to 409
all applicable State or Federal regulations. 410
4. Property Zoned Business Park: When a property zoned Business Park abuts, or is 411
across the street from, an AG-2 or AG-5 Zoning District the following standards shall 412
apply: 413
414
a. Buildings shall be prohibited within one hundred feet (100’) of the adjacent 415
property line; 416
b. Parking lots shall be prohibited within fifty feet (50’) of the adjacent property 417
line; and 418
c. The portion of the lot located between the adjacent property line and the parking 419
lot or building shall be improved in the form of a landscaped buffer with a 420
minimum five foot (5-’)foot berm and shall comply with the provisions of 421
subsection Chapter 21A.48.080D3 of this title. 422
423
SECTION 17. Amending the Text of Section 21A.32.040. That Section 21A.32.040 of 424
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: FP Foothills Protection District), 425
shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 426
21A.32.040: FP FOOTHILLS PROTECTION DISTRICT: 427
428
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of the FP Foothills Protection District is to protect the 429
foothill areas from intensive development in order to protect the scenic value of these 430
areas, wildlife habitats and to minimize flooding and erosion. This district is appropriate 431
in areas where supported by applicable master plans. 432
433
B. Uses: Uses in the FP Foothills Protection District as specified in sSection 21A.33.070, 434
“Table Oof Permitted Aand Conditional Uses Ffor Special Purpose Districts”, of this 435
title, are permitted subject to the general provisions set forth in sSection 21A.32.010 of 436
this chapter and this section. 437
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
438
C. Special Foothills Regulations: The regulations contained in sSubsection 21A.24.010.P of 439
this title, shall apply to the FP Foothills Protection District. 440
441
D. Minimum Lot Area Aand Lot Width: Any use, except trailheads, in the FP Foothills 442
Protection District shall comply with the following lot area and width requirements: 443
1. Minimum lot area: Sixteen (16) acres. 444
2. Minimum lot width: One hundred forty feet (140’). 445
446
E. Maximum Building Height: See sSubsection 21A.24.010.P of this title for special 447
foothills regulations governing building height. 448
F. Minimum Yard Requirements: No principal or accessory building shall be located within 449
twenty feet (20’) of the front or corner side lot line nor shall any principal or accessory 450
building be located within seventy five feet (75’) of any side or rear lot line. Accessory 451
structures (other than accessory buildings) shall conform to sSection 21A.36.020, 452
tTable 21A.36.020.B of this title. 453
G. Maximum Disturbed Area: The disturbed site area shall not exceed two (2) acres. For the 454
purposes of this district, “disturbed areas” shall be defined as areas of grading and 455
removal of existing vegetation for principal and accessory buildings and areas to be hard 456
surfaced. 457
H. Slope Restrictions: To protect the visual and environmental quality of foothill areas, no 458
building shall be constructed on any portion of the site that exceeds a thirty percent 459
(30%) slope for lots in subdivisions granted preliminary approval by the Pplanning 460
Ccommission after November 4, 1994. 461
I. Fence Restrictions: Fences and walls shall only be constructed after first obtaining a 462
building permit subject to the standards of this subsection. 463
1. Site Plan Submittal: As a part of the site plan review process, a fencing plan shall be 464
submitted which shall show: 465
a. Any specific subdivision approval conditions regarding fencing; 466
b. Material specifications and illustrations necessary to determine compliance with 467
specific subdivision approval limitations and the standards of this section. 468
2. Field Fencing Oof Designated Undevelopable Areas: Fencing on areas identified as 469
undevelopable areas or transitional areas on any subdivision granted preliminary 470
approval by the Pplanning Ccommission after November 4, 1994, or any lot 471
previously platted which identifies undevelopable areas or transitional areas shall be 472
limited to the following standards unless subdivision approval granted prior to 473
November 4, 1994, included specific fencing requirements which are more restrictive. 474
The more restrictive requirement shall apply. 475
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
a. A low visibility see through fence shall consist of flat black colored steel “T” 476
posts and not more than four (4) strands of nonbarbed steel wire, strung at even 477
vertical spacing on the “T” post, and erected to a height of not more than forty 478
two inches (42”) above the natural ground surface. 479
b. When fencing lot boundary lines, vegetation or native brush shall not be cleared 480
so as to create a visible demarcation from off site. 481
c. The existing surface of the ground shall not be changed by grading activities 482
when erecting boundary fences. 483
d. Fence materials and designs must not create a hazard for big game wildlife 484
species. 485
e. No field fencing shall be erected in conflict with pedestrian easements dedicated 486
to Salt Lake City. 487
3. Buildable Area Fencing: Fencing on any portions of a lot identified as buildable area 488
or required side yard on any subdivision granted preliminary approval by the 489
Pplanning Ccommission after November 4, 1994, or any lot previously platted which 490
identifies undevelopable areas or transitional areas shall be limited to the following 491
standards unless subdivision approval granted prior to November 4, 1994, includes 492
specific fencing requirements which are more restrictive. The more restrictive 493
requirement shall apply. 494
a. An open, see through fence shall be constructed of tubular steel, wrought iron or 495
similar materials, finished with a flat black, nonreflective finish constructed to a 496
height of six feet (6’) or less; or 497
b. A sight obscuring or privacy type fence shall be of earth tone colors, or similar 498
materials to the primary dwelling, and located in a way to screen private outdoor 499
living spaces from off site view. 500
4. Front Oor Corner Side Yard Fencing: Walls and fences located within the front or 501
corner side yards or along dedicated roads shall not exceed a maximum of forty two 502
inches (42”) in height. 503
J. Special Landscape Regulations: In addition to the regulations in Chapter 21A.48 504
“Landscaping and Buffers” the following special landscape regulations apply: 505
506
1. Landscape Plan: In addition to the landscape plan submittal requirements listed in 507
Section 21A.48.050, landscape plans shall also include: 508
509
a. Delineation between proposed revegetation of disturbed areas of the site, and 510
road/driveway areas. The landscape plan shall extend 100 feet beyond the 511
disturbed site area and 25 feet beyond the limits of grading for roads/driveways, 512
but need not include any portions of the site designated as undevelopable unless 513
these areas are disturbed. 514
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion protection. 515
c. An irrigation plan designed to provide sufficient water for at least the first 2 years 516
of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas. 517
518
519
2. Maximum Disturbed Area: The maximum disturbed area shall not exceed 10% of the 520
total site area. 521
3. Tree Preservation and Replacement: Existing trees over 2 inches in caliper that are 522
removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced. Whenever 523
microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of replacement tree species 524
shall be the same as the trees removed. 525
4. Limits on Turf: To minimize the impact on the natural landscape and promote the 526
intent of this district, the area of turf grasses shall not exceed 33% of the area to be 527
landscaped and shall not encroach into undevelopable areas. 528
5. Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be 529
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted grasses, 530
herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for slope, soil and 531
microclimate conditions. 532
533
SECTION 18. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.32.130.I. That Subsection 534
21A.32.130.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: MU Mixed Use 535
District: Landscape Buffers), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 536
I. Landscape Buffers: Where a nonresidential or mixed use lot abuts a residential or vacant 537
lot within the MU Mixed Use District or any Residential District, a ten foot (10’) 538
landscape buffer shall be provided subject to the improvement requirements of subsection 539
Chapter 21A.48.080D of this title. 540
541
SECTION 19. Amending the Text of Section 21A.34.030. That Section 21A.34.030 of 542
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: T Transitional Overlay District), shall be and 543
hereby is amended to read as follows: 544
545
21A.34.030: T TRANSITIONAL OVERLAY DISTRICT: 546
547
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of the T Transitional Overlay District is to allow for the 548
redevelopment of certain older residential areas for limited commercial and light 549
industrial uses. This district is intended to provide a higher level of control over such 550
activity to ensure that the use and enjoyment of existing residential properties is not 551
substantially diminished by future nonresidential redevelopment. The intent of this 552
district shall be achieved by designating certain nonresidential uses as conditional uses 553
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
within the overlay district and requiring future redevelopment to comply with established 554
standards for compatibility and buffering as set forth in this section. 555
B. District Locational Criteria: Residential areas covered by the T Transitional Overlay 556
District are characterized by: 557
1. A land use designation in the Ccity’s General Plan identifying reuse or redevelopment 558
for nonresidential uses; 559
2. The presence of external influences, such as proximity to expressways, railroad tracks 560
and incompatible uses, which impact the long term viability of residential use; and 561
3. Deteriorating housing stock. 562
563
C. Permitted Uses: The uses specified as permitted uses in the table of permitted and 564
conditional uses set forth in pPart III of this title for the underlying district shall be 565
permitted uses and no other. 566
D. Conditional Uses: The uses specified as conditional uses in the table of permitted and 567
conditional uses set forth in pPart III of this title for the underlying district shall be 568
conditional uses. In addition to the conditional uses permitted in the underlying district, 569
the following uses shall be allowed as conditional uses in the T tTransitional oOverlay 570
dDistrict: 571
1. Light manufacturing and industrial assembly uses; 572
2. Warehouse and wholesale uses in which goods and materials are stored in completely 573
enclosed buildings; 574
3. Offices; 575
4. Furniture and appliance repair shops; 576
5. Commercial photography studios and photofinishing laboratories; 577
6. Retail goods establishments; 578
7. Retail services establishments; 579
8. Medical and dental offices and clinics; and 580
9. Medical laboratories. 581
582
E. Minimum Lot Area: The minimum lot area for any conditional use shall be ten thousand 583
(10,000) square feet. 584
F. Minimum Lot Width: The minimum lot width for any conditional use shall be sixty feet 585
(60’). 586
G. Maximum Building Height: The maximum building height for conditional uses shall be 587
thirty five feet (35’). 588
H. Site Design Criteria: The land use compatibility of a proposed conditional use shall be 589
assessed, through the application of the following criteria in addition to the standards for 590
conditional uses set forth in cChapter 21A.54, “Conditional Uses”, of this title. 591
1. The proposed principal building shall be located not less than twenty feet (20’) from 592
any residential dwelling; 593
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2. Interior side yards for lots abutting residential uses shall not be less than twelve feet 594
(12’); 595
3. Interior side yards for lots abutting another nonresidential use shall not be less than 596
eight feet (8’); 597
4. Front and corner side yards shall be provided consistent with the underlying zoning 598
district; 599
5. Rear yards shall not be less than twenty five feet (25’); 600
6. Signs should be limited to one flat nonilluminated identification sign not more than 601
six (6) square feet per fifty feet (50’) of lot frontage. 602
603
I. Buffer Requirements: All conditional uses shall conform to the buffer requirements 604
established in subsection 21A.48.100E of this title. 605
JI. Application: The application for a conditional use in the transitional overlay district shall 606
include information in sufficient detail so that the planning commission may judge the 607
compatibility of the conditional use with the existing residential conditions and the 608
adopted mixed use development policies and for the planning commission to assess the 609
impacts to the existing neighborhood. The following specific information shall also be 610
provided in the application: 611
612
1. The amount of employee, customer or other business related traffic (i.e., delivery and 613
pick up) expected to be generated by the proposed use; 614
2. Traffic impact analysis determining the anticipated effect on contiguous streets and 615
necessary improvements to the street network required to maintain an acceptable 616
level of service for the neighborhood; 617
3. The location and design of vehicular access to the proposed use, the amount of off 618
street parking facilities, and the location, arrangement and dimensions of loading and 619
unloading facilities; 620
4. Hours of operation of the business; 621
5. The amount of noise, noxious odors, fumes or vibration anticipated from the proposed 622
use; 623
6. Schematic elevations of all building facades indicating building materials, entries, 624
loading docks, signage and building height; 625
7. Schematic landscape plan. 626
627
KJ. Standards: In evaluating the suitability of a proposed conditional use, the planning 628
commission shall consider the following standards: 629
1. In addition to all the requirements, standards and criteria established for the 630
transitional overlay district, each conditional use must satisfy the requirements of 631
cChapter 21A.54, “Conditional Uses”, of this title. 632
2. The applicant has the burden of establishing to the planning commission that the 633
proposed conditional use meets the purposes of the transitional overlay district. 634
635
SECTION 20. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.34.040.FF. That Subsection 636
21A.34.040.FF of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: AFPP Airport Flight Path 637
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Protection Overlay District: Airport Parking Lot Landscaping), shall be and hereby is amended 638
to read as follows: 639
FF. Airport Parking Lot Landscaping: All parking lots located within the airport 640
landscaping overlay district shall comply with the following guidelines: 641
642
1. General Landscaping Performance Standards: Landscaping plans for parking lots 643
shall be developed to reflect a balance between the responsibility of ensuring the 644
safety and security of persons and property with the objective of creating aesthetically 645
pleasing, environmentally sensitive landscapes. Landscaping should address city 646
goals related to reduction of urban heat islands, visual buffering of parking lots, 647
impacts of noise, water conservation, as well as minimization of dust, runoff and 648
sedimentation. Landscaping shall consist of a variety of landscape materials, which 649
may include trees, turf, ground cover, shrubs, perennials, managed water features, and 650
rock features. Drought tolerant, native, or adaptive or resistant vegetation, which 651
reflects the natural vegetation and geography of the region, should shall be used to 652
create an aesthetically appealing landscape. 653
2. Reduction Oof Urban Heat Islands: The following standards are intended to help 654
mitigate the contribution to the urban heat island effect from large parking areas. 655
Parking lot owners or operators may use a combination of any of the following 656
methods to reduce urban heat: 657
658
a. The total airport parking supply shall consist of a combination of surface and 659
structured parking lots. Structured parking shall offset the area of surface parking 660
that is otherwise required, thereby reducing the area that contributes to urban heat. 661
b. Landscaping within large land use areas may be evaluated in terms of a 662
comprehensive planned development program to consider the total landscaping 663
within the entire development area. Landscaping may be shifted from the interior 664
of parking lots to other areas within the developed area. 665
c. Landscaping, which includes trees, shrubs, ground cover and perennials, shall be 666
dispersed throughout parking lots to provide shade while ensuring trees are not 667
planted at a spacing or density that will encourage wildlife use or create an 668
aviation hazard. 669
d. Shade for pedestrians shall be provided in parking lots through the use of 670
pedestrian shelters integrated with landscaping. 671
e. Interior landscaped areas shall be provided in parking lots to reduce heat, provide 672
a visual buffer and reduce runoff. 673
f. No specific ratio of trees and shrubs to landscaped area is required. 674
675
3. Visual Buffering: Landscaped buffers, not less than ten feet (10’) in width, shall be 676
provided, where feasible, between parking lots and primary entrance and exit roads. 677
Visual screening shall be provided within landscape buffers to enhance aesthetics and 678
reduce visibility of parked vehicles. Visual screening may consist of a combination of 679
earth berms, shrubs, trees or other methods. 680
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
4. Water Conservation: To promote water conservation, landscape concepts shall 681
incorporate features that use trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, ground cover, and 682
perennials that are drought tolerant, native, or adaptive or resistant species that can 683
withstand dry conditions once established. The plant list developed by the city, titled 684
“Water Conserving Plants Ffor Salt Lake City”, shall be used as the primary reference 685
in determining drought tolerance of plants. All irrigation systems shall be designed 686
for efficient use of potable water. Traditional Tturf areas is are prohibited should be 687
minimized in favor of alternative landscape practices to reduce the use of water. 688
5. Temporary Parking Lots: Parking lots that are intended to be in use for three (3) years 689
or less are exempt from parking lot landscaping requirements. Such parking lots may 690
exist to phase the construction of other facilities and shall be removed once the 691
facilities are completed. Temporary lots that are within the area of an approved 692
comprehensive plan may remain in use for the duration approved in the plan. 693
However, temporary parking lots shall still comply with applicable development 694
standards for parking lots as outlined in cChapter 21A.44 of this title. Parking lots 695
that remain in use by the public beyond three (3) years shall be brought into 696
compliance with these standards within twelve (12) months. 697
6. Operational Aand Maintenance Lots: Parking lots that are not available to the public 698
for parking and are used to store vehicles, operational materials, or maintenance 699
equipment are exempt from landscaping requirements. The portions of permanent 700
storage lots that are adjacent to public areas shall be landscaped using acceptable 701
landscaping principles contained herein to screen the storage area from public view. 702
7. Plan Approval: All landscape plans shall be coordinated with the city’s development 703
review team (DRT) and planning division, for review and comment on compliance 704
with city ordinances and these performance standards. The planning director and 705
director of airports shall jointly approve final landscaping plans for any airport 706
parking lot. 707
708
SECTION 21. Amending the Text of Section 21A.34.140. That Section 21A.34.140 of 709
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: Northwest Quadrant Overlay District), shall 710
be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 711
21A.34.140: NORTHWEST QUADRANT OVERLAY DISTRICT: 712
A. Northwest Quadrant Overlay District: 713
1. Purpose: The purpose of the Northwest Quadrant Overlay District is to protect 714
sensitive lands and wildlife habitat; allow for the continuation of agricultural uses; 715
and allow for the development of lands in appropriate areas that contribute to the 716
future economic growth of the Ccity and will not negatively impact sensitive lands, 717
habitats, and waterways in the area north of I-80 and west of the Salt Lake 718
International Airport. Sites within this area may be subject to difficult environmental 719
and site conditions. The overlay defines three (3) subareas: the Development Area, 720
the Eco-Industrial Buffer Area, and the Natural Area. 721
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2. Public Improvements Aand Dedications: The undeveloped land in the Northwest 722
Quadrant requires public improvements to ensure the long term development 723
potential and success of the area. All development subject to a site development or 724
building permit, shall be required to provide public improvements required by Ccity 725
departments as outlined in their Mmaster Pplans. 726
3. State Aand Federal Permits Required: A site development and/or building permit 727
shall not be granted unless the applicant has first obtained any necessary State and/or 728
Federal wetlands and/or stream alteration permits. 729
4. Precedence: For areas where the LC Lowland Conservancy Overlay District is 730
mapped within the Northwest Quadrant Development Area and/or the Northwest 731
Quadrant Eco-Industrial Buffer Area, the LC Lowland Conservancy Overlay District 732
shall take precedence. 733
734
B. Northwest Quadrant Development Area: The purpose of this area of the Northwest 735
Quadrant Overlay District is to allow for new development to occur in a way that allows 736
for the growth of light industrial uses in the Ccity while minimizing impacts to wildlife 737
and the surrounding sensitive Great Salt Lake shore lands. This area is identified on the 738
zoning map. 739
740
1. General Requirements: 741
742
a. Minimum Yard Requirements: 743
744
(1) Front Yard: Twenty feet (20’). 745
(2) Corner Side Yard: Twenty feet (20’). 746
(3) Interior Side Yard: None required. 747
(4) Rear Yard: None required. 748
749
b. Lighting: All lighting on the property, including lighting on the buildings, parking 750
areas, and for signs shall be shielded to direct light down and away from the edges 751
of the property to eliminate glare or light into adjacent properties and have cutoffs 752
to prevent upward lighting. Uplighting and event searchlights are prohibited. 753
c. Roof Color: Light reflective roofing material with a minimum solar reflective 754
index (SRI) of 82 shall be used for all roofs. 755
756
2. Landscaping Requirements: The purpose of the special landscaping for the Northwest 757
Quadrant Development Area is to provide appropriate native landscaping that can 758
survive in the unique conditions of the area, prevent noxious weeds, and to provide 759
landscaping that will not negatively impact the adjacent sensitive lands and birds 760
areas. 761
762
a. All landscaping shall consist only of native plants as identified in the “Salt Lake 763
City Northwest Quadrant Plant List” on file with the Ccity’s Pplanning Ddivision. 764
b. Any areas disturbed by construction activity that will be left undeveloped shall be 765
landscaped with plantings at an appropriate density to achieve complete cover 766
within two (2) years. 767
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
c. Noxious weed species as identified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and 768
Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List (or its successor) 769
shall be removed from landscaped areas and areas disturbed by construction 770
activity. Noxious weeds shall be controlled for a period of two (2) years and 771
methods of control shall be identified on the landscape plan. 772
d. Required Ttrees, including street trees, shall be chosen from the “Northwest 773
Quadrant Plant List” are not required for any landscaping as required elsewhere in 774
this title. Noxious trees, as identified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and 775
Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List (or its successor) 776
are prohibited. 777
e. Any shrub and tree plantings required by cChapter 21A.48 of this title shall be 778
selected from the “Salt Lake City Northwest Quadrant Plan List” and substituted 779
with allowed shrubs or with allowed plants that have a mature height of at least 780
three feet (3’). as identified in the “Salt Lake City Northwest Quadrant Plant 781
List”. 782
f. All other requirements in cChapter 21A.48 of this title apply. This section shall 783
take precedence in the case of a conflict with cChapter 21A.48 of this title. 784
785
C. Northwest Quadrant Eco-Industrial Buffer Area: The purpose of this area of the 786
Northwest Quadrant Overlay District is to provide an adequate buffer between the 787
Natural Area, the adjacent Inland Sea Shore and the development of light industrial uses. 788
Requirements in this area are meant to provide an area of transition from the natural 789
environment to the built environment that will limit impacts to wildlife and sensitive 790
areas. This area is identified on the zoning map. 791
792
1. In addition to the requirements listed in sSubsection B of this section, properties 793
located within the Northwest Quadrant Eco- Industrial Buffer Area are subject to the 794
following requirements: 795
796
a. Glass Requirements: For buildings with more than ten percent (10%) glass on any 797
building elevation, a minimum of ninety percent (90%) of all glass shall be treated 798
with applied films, coatings, tints, exterior screens, netting, fritting, frosted glass 799
or other means to reduce the number of birds that may collide with the glazing. 800
Any treatment must create a grid pattern that is equal to or smaller than 2 two 801
inches wide by 4 four inches tall. 802
b. Fencing: When adjacent to the Northwest Quadrant Natural Area or the western 803
Ccity boundary, a see through fence that is at least fifty percent (50%) open with a 804
minimum height of six feet (6’) shall be erected along the property line to protect 805
the Natural Area from development impacts and trespass. 806
807
D. Northwest Quadrant Natural Area: The purpose of this area of the Northwest Quadrant 808
Overlay District is to protect sensitive lands and wildlife near the Great Salt Lake 809
shorelands, to allow for the continuation of existing uses, and to limit new uses and new 810
development in this area. This area is identified on the zoning map. 811
812
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1. Permitted Uses Aand Improvements: Within the Natural Area, permitted 813
developments and improvements to land are limited to the following: 814
815
Accessory use (associated with an allowed principal use). 816
Agricultural use. 817
Living quarters for caretaker or security guard. 818
Maintenance to existing infrastructure. 819
Natural open space. 820
Necessary infrastructure to support an allowed use. 821
Utility, building or structure (public). 822
Utility, transmission wire, line, pipe or pole (public). 823
Wildlife and game preserves. 824
825
2. Conditional Uses Aand Standards: 826
827
a. Uses Aand Improvements: The following uses and improvements are subject to 828
conditional use standards contained in cChapter 21A.54 of this title: 829
830
Hunting club, (when allowed by the underlying zoning). 831
832
Underground utility transmission infrastructure (private), subject to the following: 833
834
(1) An appropriate plan for mitigation of any construction activities shall be 835
prepared, and 836
(2) Absent any State or Federal regulations, a plan for creating no adverse impact 837
should the line be abandoned shall be prepared. 838
839
Utility, building or structure (private). 840
841
Utility, transmission wire, line, pipe or pole (private). 842
843
b. Conditional Use Standards: In addition to demonstrating conformance with the 844
conditional use standards contained in cChapter 21A.54 of this title, each 845
applicant for a conditional use within the Northwest Quadrant Natural Area must 846
demonstrate conformance with the following standards: 847
848
(1) The development will not detrimentally affect or destroy natural features such 849
as ponds, streams, wetlands, and forested areas, nor impair their natural 850
functions, but will preserve and incorporate such features into the 851
development’s site; 852
(2) The location of natural features and the site’s topography have been 853
considered in the designing and siting of all physical improvements; 854
(3) Adequate assurances have been received that the clearing of the site topsoil, 855
trees, and other natural features will not occur before the commencement of 856
building operations; only those areas approved for the placement of physical 857
improvements may be cleared; 858
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
(4) The development will not reduce the natural retention storage capacity of any 859
watercourse, nor increase the magnitude and volume of flooding at other 860
locations; and that in addition, the development will not increase stream 861
velocities; 862
(5) The soil and subsoil conditions are suitable for excavation and site 863
preparation, and the drainage is designed to prevent erosion and 864
environmentally deleterious surface runoff; 865
(6) The proposed development activity will not endanger health and safety, 866
including danger from the obstruction or diversion of flood flow; 867
(7) The proposed development activity will not destroy valuable habitat for 868
aquatic or other flora and fauna, adversely affect water quality or groundwater 869
resources, increase stormwater runoff velocity so that water levels from 870
flooding increased, or adversely impact any other natural stream, floodplain, 871
or wetland functions, and is otherwise consistent with the intent of this title; 872
(8) The proposed water supply and sanitation systems are adequate to prevent 873
disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions; and 874
(9) The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the 875
proposed use. 876
877
3. Landscaping: Landscaping is not required for uses and improvements within the 878
Natural Area, except: 879
880
a. Any areas disturbed by construction activity that will be left undeveloped shall be 881
revegetated with native plants as listed in the “Salt Lake City Northwest Quadrant 882
Plant List”. 883
b. Noxious weed species as identified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and 884
Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List (or its successor) 885
shall be removed from landscaped areas and areas disturbed by construction 886
activity. Noxious weeds shall be controlled for a period of two (2) years and 887
methods of control shall be identified on the landscape plan. 888
889
SECTION 22. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.37.050.P. That Subsection 890
21A.37.050.P of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Standards: Design Standards Defined: 891
Streetscape Standards), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 892
P. Streetscape Standards: These standards are required for landscaping that is within the 893
public right of way. This is defined as the space between the private property line and the 894
back of the curb. All properties must comply with the park strip landscaping regulations 895
in Chapter 21A.48. Where there is a conflict between the requirements in Chapter 21A.48 896
and the requirements of this Subsection, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply. 897
898
1. Tree Canopy Coverage: No tree canopy shall cover less than the specified percentage 899
according to Section 21A.37.060, Table 21A.37.060 of this chapter. The defined 900
percentage represents the canopy coverage at maturity. At installation, a minimum of 901
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
20% of all trees shall have a minimum caliper of 3”. Where tree canopy coverage 902
percentage is indicated in Table 21A.37.060, tree canopy coverage shall not count 903
towards the minimum coverage requirements for park strip vegetation. 904
905
2. Minimum Vegetation Standards: The percentage of vegetation shall be no less than 906
the specified amount according to Chapter 21A.48. The vegetation shall be planted in 907
the public right of way. 908
909
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.1 Tree Canopy Coverage
1 No tree canopy coverage shall cover less than the specified percentage according to Section
21A.37.060, Table 21A.37.060 of this chapter.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.2 Minimum Vegetation Standards (References the
measurements in Table D, Downtown Districts)
[Illustration to be deleted]
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
910
23. Street Trees: All new development must provide street trees in accordance with the 911
requirements in Street trees are required and subject to the regulations in Section 912
Chapter 21A.48.080. Where specified in Table 21A.37.060 of this chapter, In addition 913
to those standards, for every new development, there shall be one street tree planted 914
for every 30’ of street frontage. 915 34. Soil Volume: In order to promote street tree health and longevity, each tree shall have 916 an adequate volume of soil. The soil volume surrounding a tree shall be 750ft3 to 917 1,000ft3 per tree, provided that this area is exclusive of the soils volume calculation 918 for adjacent trees. The soil volume may be reduced if under ground utilities are 919 present within the soil volume and the soil volume cannot be extended horizontally 920 due to other obstructions or barriers. 921
922
923
45. Minimize Curb Cuts: As an effort to emphasize the public realm and encourage the 924 safety of pedestrians, places where cars intersect the street shall be minimized. More 925 specifically, curb cuts are encouraged to be concentrated at midblock and alley 926 locations. The sidewalk material shall continue at ground level of the curb cuts. 927
928
1 The percentage of vegetation shall be no less than the specified percentage
according to Chapter 21A.48.
2 Vegetation shall be planted in the public right of way.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.34 Soil Volume
1 The soil volume surrounding a tree shall be 750ft3 to 1,000ft3 per tree, provided that this area is exclusive of the soils volume calculation for adjacent trees.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.45 Minimize Curb Cuts
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
929
56. Overhead Cover: Overhead covers are required at building entrances to provide 930 weather protection to pedestrians and may encroach into a required yard as indicated 931 in this section or into a public right of way with an approved encroachment agreement 932 with the Ccity. These coverings are required to be between 9 and 14’ above the level 933 of the sidewalk. They shall also provide coverage with a minimum depth of 6’ and 934 project no closer to the curb than 3’. 935
936
1 Curb cuts are encouraged to be concentrated at midblock and alley locations.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.56 Overhead Cover
1 The shade structure shall occur between 9 and 14’ above the level of the sidewalk.
The shade shall provide a minimum coverage of 6’ in width.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
937
7. Streetscape Landscaping: All vegetation used along the streetscape must comply with 938 the landscape requirements set forth in Chapter 21A.48. 939
940
SECTION 23. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.37.060. That Subsection 941
21A.37.060 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Standards: Design Standards Required 942
in Each Zoning District), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 943
This section identifies each design standard and to which zoning districts the standard applies. If 944
a box is checked (X), that standard is required. If a box is blank, it is not required. If a specific 945
dimension or detail of a design standard differs among zoning districts or differs from the 946
definition, it will be indicated within the box. In cases where a dimension in this table conflicts 947
with a dimension in the definition, the dimensions listed in the table shall take precedence. 948
949
950
951
952
953
954
The cover shall project no closer than 3’ to the curb.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
TABLE 21A.37.060 955
A. Residential Districts: 956
957
Standard (Code Section)
District
RMF-30 RMF-35 RMF-45 RMF-75 RB R-MU-35 R-MU-45 R-MU RO
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 75 75
Ground floor use + visual interest (%) (21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050B.3)
80 80
Building materials: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.B.4)
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 60 60 40
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 75 75 X
Blank wall: maximum length (feet) (21A.37.050.E)
15 15 15
Street facing facade: maximum length(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.2 and
21A.37.050.G.3)
10
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H)
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X
Screening of mechanical equipment (21A.37.050.J) X X X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K.1) X X X
Ground floor residential entrances for dwellings with individual unit entries (21A.37.050.L)
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Parking garages or structures (21A.37.050.M)
Residential character in RB District (21A.37.050.N)
X
958
B. Commercial Districts: 959
960
Standard (Code Section)
District
SNB
CN
CB
CS
CC CSHBD
CG1
TSA
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 80 802 80
Ground floor use + visual interest (%) (21A.37.050.A.2) 60/25 70/20 60/25
Building materials: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.B.3) 80 70 90
Building materials: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.B.4) 60 60
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 40 40 40 40 60 60
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 25
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 0
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 40
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) X X X X X 40 40 40
Blank wall: maximum length (feet) (21A.37.050.E) 15 15 15 15 20 15
Street facing facade: maximum length (feet)(21A.37.050.F) 200 200 200
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.2 and
21A.37.050.G.3)
15 X
Façade height for required stepback (21A.37.050.G.2) 30
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H) X X X
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X X X X X X X
Screening of mechanical equipment (21A.37.050.J) X X X X X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K) X X X X X X
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Ground floor residential entrances for dwellings with individual
unit entries (21A.37.050.L)
X
Parking garages or structures (21A.37.050.M) X
Primary entrance design SNB District (21A.37.050.O) X
Tree canopy coverage (%)(21A.37.050.P.1) 40
Minimum vegetation standards (%) (21A.37.050.P.2) X
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.32) X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.43) X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.54) X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.65) X
Streetscape landscaping (21A.37.050.P.7) X
Height transitions: angular plane for adjacent buildings
(21A.37.050.Q)
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X
Notes: 961
1. These standards only apply to the portion of the CG district within the boundaries of north of 900 S, south of 200 S, west 300 W and east of I-15. 962
2. Maximum width of the entrance shall be 35’ if the additional 20% is used for an entrance to a parking structure. 963
964
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
C. Manufacturing Districts: 965
966
Standard (Code
Section)
District
M-1 M-2
Ground floor use
(%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
Ground floor use
+ visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
Building materials:
upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
Glass: ground floor
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
Glass: upper floors
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances
(feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
Blank wall:
maximum length
(feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
Street facing
facade: maximum
length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor
stepback (feet)
(21A.37.050.G)
Lighting: exterior
(21A.37.050.H)
X X
Lighting: parking
lot (21A.37.050.I)
X X
Screening of
mechanical
equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
Screening of
service areas
(21A.37.050.K)
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Ground floor
residential
entrances
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures
(21A.37.050.M)
967
D. Downtown Districts: 968
Standard (Code
Section)
District
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Ground floor use (%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
90 80 80 80
Ground floor use + visual
interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
80/10 70/20 70/20 70/20
Building materials:
ground floor
(%) (21A.37.050.B.1)
70 80 701 70
Building materials: upper
floors
(%) (21A.37.050.B.2)
50 50 701 50
Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
60 60 60 60
Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50 50 50 50
Reflective Glass:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
0 0 0 0
Reflective Glass: upper
floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50 50 50 50
Building entrances (feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
40 40 60 60
Blank wall: maximum
length
(feet) (21A.37.050.E)
20 20 20 20
Street facing facade:
maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
150 200 150 150
Upper floor stepback
(feet) (21A.37.050.G.1)
X X X X
Lighting:
exterior (21A.37.050.H)
X X
Lighting: parking lot
(21A.37.050.I)
X
Screening of mechanical
equipment (21A.37.050.J)
X X X X
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Screening of service areas
(21A.37.050.K)
X X X X
Ground floor residential
entrances for dwellings with
individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures (21A.37.050.M)
X2 X2
Tree canopy coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
40 40 40 40
Minimum vegetation
standards (21A.37.050.P.2)
X X X X
Street trees
(21A.37.050.P.32)
X X X X
Soil volume
(21A.37.050.P.43)
X X X X
Minimize curb cuts
(21A.37.050.P.54)
X X X X
Overhead cover
(21A.37.050.P.65)
X X X X
Streetscape landscaping
(21A.37.050.P.7)
X X X X
Height transitions: angular
plane for adjacent zone
districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X X X
Horizontal articulation
(21A.37.050.R)
X X X X
Notes: 969
1. In the D-3 zoning district this percentage applies to all sides of the building, not just the front or street facing facade. 970
2. Parking structures shall be located behind principal buildings. This requirement may be modified so that structures may 971
be located at least 15’ from front and corner side lot lines if a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the ground 972
floor adjacent to a sidewalk is used for retail goods/service establishments, office and/or restaurant space to encourage 973
pedestrian activity. The facades of the ground floor shall be designed to be compatible and consistent with the 974
associated retail or office portion of the building and other retail uses in the area. 975
976
E. Gateway Districts: 977
Standard (Code Section) District
G-MU
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 80
Ground floor use + visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
70/20
Building materials: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
70
Building materials: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
50
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 60
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 50
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
0
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 40
Blank wall: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15
Street facing facade: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
150
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.1) X
Lighting:
exterior (21A.37.050.H) X1
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X1
Screening of mechanical equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K) X
Ground floor residential entrances for
dwellings with individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or structures
(21A.37.050.M)
X2
Tree canopy coverage (%) (21A.37.050.P.1) 40
Minimum vegetation standards
(21A.37.050.P.2)
X
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.32) X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.43) X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.54) X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.65) X
Streetscape landscaping (21A.37.050.P.7) X
Height transitions: angular plane for
adjacent zone districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X
Notes: 978
1. Sidewalks and street lamps installed in the public right-of- way shall be of the type specified in the sidewalk/street 979
lighting policy document adopted by the city. 980
2. Parking structures shall be located behind principal buildings. This requirement may be modified so that structures may 981
be located at least 15’ from front and corner side lot lines if a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the ground 982
floor adjacent to a sidewalk is used for retail goods/service establishments, office and/or restaurant space to encourage 983
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
pedestrian activity. The facades of the ground floor shall be designed to be compatible and consistent with the 984
associated retail or office portion of the building and other retail uses in the area. 985
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
986
F. Special Purpose Districts: 987
Standard
(Code Section)
District
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 PL PL-2 I UI OS NOS MH EI MU
Ground floor use
(%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
Ground floor use
+ visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
Building materials:
upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
Glass: ground floor
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
40-70
Glass: upper floors
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances
(feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
X
Blank wall:
maximum length
(feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15
Street facing facade:
maximum length
(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor stepback
(feet)
(21A.37.050.G)
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Lighting: exterior
(21A.37.050.H)
X X X
Lighting: parking lot
(21A.37.050.I)
X X
Screening of
mechanical
equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X
Screening of service
areas
(21A.37.050.K)
X
Ground floor
residential entrances
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures
(21A.37.050.M)
Tree canopy
coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
Minimum
vegetation standards
(21A.37.050.P.2)
Street trees
(21A.37.050.P.32)
Soil Volume
(21A.37.050.P.43)
Minimize curb cuts
(21A.37.050.P.54)
Overhead cover
(21A.37.050.P.65)
Streetscape
landscaping
(21A.37.050.P.7)
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Height transitions:
angular plane for
adjacent zone
districts
(21A.37.050.Q)
Horizontal
articulation
(21A.37.050.R)
988
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
G. Form Based Districts: 989
Standard (Code Section)
District
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-MU11 FB-SC FB-SE
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 75 753 75 75
Ground floor use + visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.3)
70 70 70 70 70
Building materials: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.4)
70 70 70 70 70
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 601 601 601 601 601
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 15 15 15 15 15
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 75 75 75 75 75
Blank wall: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15 15 30 30 30
Street facing facade: maximum length
(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
200 200 200 200 200
Upper floor step back (feet)
(21A.37.050.G.4)
X X X X
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H) X X X X X
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X X
Screening of mechanical equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X X X
Screening of service areas
(21A.37.050.K.1)
X X X2
Ground floor residential entrances for
dwellings with individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
X X X
Parking garages or structures
(21A.37.050.M)
X X X X X
Tree canopy coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
40 40 40
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Minimum vegetation standards
(21A.37.050.P.2)
X X X
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.32) X X X X X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.43) X X X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.54) X X X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.65)
Streetscape landscaping (21A.37.050.P.7) X X X
Height transitions: angular plane for
adjacent zone districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X X X
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X X X
Notes: 990
1. This may be reduced to twenty percent (20%) if the ground floor is within one of the 991
following building types: urban house, two-family, cottage, and row house. 992
2. Except where specifically authorized by the zone. 993
3. For buildings with street facing building facades over 100' in length: 994
a. A minimum length of 30% of the ground floor street facing façade shall consist of 995
non-residential active uses allowed by Subsection 21A.37.050.A.1. 996
b. An additional minimum length of 45% of the ground floor street facing façade shall 997
consist of any active uses allowed by Subsection 21A.37.050.A.1. 998
c. This footnote does not apply to the rowhouse building form. 999
1000
1001
SECTION 24. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.40.120.E.1. That Subsection 1002
21A.40.120.E.1 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures: 1003
Regulation of Fences, Walls and Hedges: Height Restrictions and Gates), shall be and hereby is 1004
amended to read as follows: 1005
E. Height Restrictions and Gates: 1006
1007
1. Fences, walls, and hedges shall comply with the following regulations based on the 1008
following zoning districts: 1009
1010
a. Nonresidential Zoning Districts: 1011
1012
(1) Notwithstanding Subsection 21A.40.120.1.b.(l), in the M-2 and EI zoning 1013
districts fences, walls, or hedges may be up to six (6) feet in height if located 1014
between the front property line and the front yard setback line. 1015
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
(2) If there is no minimum front yard setback in the underlying zoning district, a 1016
fence, wall, or hedge of a maximum six (6) feet in height may be placed no 1017
closer than ten (10) feet from the property line. 1018
(3) Outdoor storage, when permitted in the zoning district, shall be located behind 1019
the primary facade of the principal structure and shall be screened with a solid 1020
wall or fence and shall comply with the requirements in Section 5.60.120. 1021
1022 (4) All refuse disposal and recycling dumpsters, except those located in the M-2, 1023
LO and EI districts shall be screened on all sides by a solid wood fence, 1024
masonry wall or an equivalent opaque material to a height of not less than 6 1025
feet but not more than 8 feet. 1026
1027
SECTION 25. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.44.060.A. That Subsection 1028
21A.44.060.A of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking, Mobility and Loading: 1029
Parking Location and Design), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows: 1030
A. Generally: 1031
1032
1. Parking Located on Same Lot as Use or Building Served: All parking spaces 1033
required to serve buildings or uses erected or established after the effective date 1034
of this ordinance shall be located on the same lot as the building or use served, 1035
unless otherwise allowed pursuant to Subsection 21A.44.060.A.4, “Off-Site 1036
Parking Permitted”. 1037
2. Biodetention and Landscape Islands in General and Neighborhood Center 1038
Contexts Parking Lot Interior and Perimeter Landscaping Areas: Retention of 1039
the 80th percentile storm is required for all impervious surface parking lots with 1040
50 or more parking spaces. Where this is not feasible, as defined in the 1041
SLCDPUs Standard Practices Manual, an approved Stormwater Best 1042
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Management Practices (Stormwater BMPs) is required. All proposed 1043
Stormwater BMPs are subject to Public Utilities Division review, approval, and 1044
inspection. For parking lots with one hundred (100) or more parking spaces in 1045
the General Context and Neighborhood Center Context areas, parking lot 1046
islands or biodetention areas shall be provided on the interior of the parking lot 1047
to help direct traffic flow and to provide landscaped areas within such lots. 1048
3. Parking Location and Setbacks: All parking shall comply with the parking restrictions 1049
within yards pursuant to Table 21A.44.060-A, “Parking Location and Setback 1050
Requirements”. Parking lots with 10 or more stalls and within 20’ of a lot line that are 1051
in a required yard area or abutting a building are subject to Section 21A.48.070 1052
Parking Lot Landscaping. 1053
TABLE 21A.44.060-A: PARKING LOCATION AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS:
N = parking prohibited between lot line and front line of the principal building
Zoning
District
Front Lot
Line
Corner Side
Lot Line
Interior Side Lot Line Rear Lot Line
TABLE 21A.44.060-A: PARKING LOCATION AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS:
N = parking prohibited between lot line and front line of the principal building
Zoning
District
Front Lot
Line
Corner Side
Lot Line
Interior Side Lot Line Rear Lot Line
GENERAL CONTEXT
Residential (FR Districts, RB, RMF, RO)
FR N
Parking in driveways that
comply with all applicable
city standards is exempt from
this restriction.
6 ft. 0 ft.
R-1, R-2, SR-
1, SR-2
0 ft.
RMF-30 N 0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
RMF-35,
RMF-45,
RMF-75, RO
0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district. Limited
to 1 side yard except for
single-family attached lots.
Commercial and Manufacturing (CC, CS, CG, M-1, M-2, SNB)
CC 15 ft. 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any residential
district
CS
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
CG 10 ft. 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when abutting any residential
district M-1 15 ft.
M-2 0 ft.; or 50 ft. when abutting any residential
district
Special Purpose Districts
A 0 ft. 0 ft.
AG, AG-2,
AG-5, AG-20
N
BP 8 ft.; or 30 ft. when abutting any residential
district
EI 10 ft. 30 ft. 30 ft. 20 ft.
FP 20 ft. 6 ft. 0 ft.
I 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when abutting any residential
district
MH 0 ft.
OS 30 ft. 10 ft.
PL 0 ft.; or 10 ft. when abutting any residential
district
PL-2 20 ft.
RP 30 ft. 8 ft.; or 30 ft. when abutting any residential
district
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER CONTEXT
CB, CN,
SNB
N 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
R-MU-35, R-
MU-45
Surface Parking: N
Parking Structures: 45’ or
located behind principal
building
Limited to 1 side yard, 0
ft,; or 10 ft. when abutting
any 1-2 family residential
district
0 ft.; or 10 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district
RB, SR-3,
FB-UN1, FB-
SE
N 0 ft.
URBAN CENTER CONTEXT
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
CSHBD1 N 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any residential
district
CSHBD2 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
D-2 Surface Parking: 20 ft.
Parking Structures: N
0 ft.
MU Surface Parking: 25 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
Parking Structures: 45 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
0 ft.; limited to 1 side yard 0 ft.
TSA-T See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.2
0 ft.
TRANSIT CONTEXT
D-1 See Subsection 21A.44.060.B.1
D-3
D-4 See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.1
0 ft.
G-MU
FB-UN2, FB-
UN3, FB-SC
N
TSA-C See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.2
R-MU Surface Parking: 30 ft.
Parking Structures: 45 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
Surface parking at least 30
ft. from front lot line
0 ft.; or 10 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district
UI 0 ft; Hospitals: 30 ft. 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district;
Hospitals: 10 ft.
0 ft.; or 15 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district;
Hospitals: 10 ft.
4. Off-Site Parking Permitted: When allowed as either a permitted or conditional use 1054
per Chapter 21A.33, “Land Use Tables”, off-site parking facilities may be used to 1055
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
satisfy the requirements of this chapter and shall comply with the following 1056
standards: 1057
1058
a. Maximum Distance of Off-Site Parking: Off-site parking shall be located 1059
according to the distance established in Table 21A.44.060-B, “Maximum 1060
Distances for Off-Site Parking” (measured in a straight line from the property 1061
boundary of the principal use for which the parking serves to the closest point of 1062
the parking area). 1063
Table 21A.44.060-B: Maximum Distances for Off-Site Parking:
Context Maximum Distance to Off-Site Parking
Neighborhood Center 600 ft.
General
Legal Nonconforming Use in
Residential District
Urban Center 1,200 ft.
Transit 1,000 ft.
1064
b. Documentation Required: 1065
1066
(1) The owners of record involved in an off-site parking arrangement shall submit 1067
written documentation of the continued availability of the off-site parking 1068
arrangement to the planning director for review. 1069
(2) The planning director shall approve the off-site parking arrangement if the 1070
director determines the location meets the standards of this section. No zoning 1071
or use approval shall be issued until the director has approved the off-site 1072
parking arrangement and the documentation has been recorded in the office of 1073
the Salt Lake County Recorder. 1074
(3) If the off-site parking arrangement is later terminated or modified and the 1075
planning director determines that the termination or modification has resulted 1076
in traffic congestion, overflow parking in residential neighborhoods, or threats 1077
to pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle safety, the property owners of the uses for 1078
which the off-site parking was provided may be held in violation of this 1079
chapter. 1080
1081
5. Circulation Plan Required: Any application for a building permit shall include a site 1082
plan, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned, showing any off street parking or loading 1083
facilities to be provided in compliance with this title. A tabulation of the number of 1084
off street vehicle and bicycle parking, loading, and stacking spaces required by this 1085
chapter shall appear in a conspicuous place on the plan. 1086
6. Driveways and Access: 1087
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1088
a. Compliance with Other Adopted Regulations: 1089
(1) Parking lots shall be designed in compliance with applicable city codes, 1090
ordinances, and standards, including but not limited to Title 12 of this code: 1091
Vehicles and Traffic and the Off Street Parking Standards Manual to the 1092
maximum degree practicable, with respect to: 1093
1094
(A) Minimum distances between curb cuts; 1095
(B) Proximity of curb cuts to intersections; 1096
(C) Provisions for shared driveways; 1097
(D) Location, quantity and design of landscaped islands; and 1098
(E) Design of parking lot interior circulation system. 1099
1100
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 21A.44.060.A.6.a(1) above, 1101
relocation of a driveway for a single-family, two-family, or twin home 1102
residence in any zoning district shall only be required when the residence is 1103
replaced, and shall not be required when the residence is expanded or 1104
renovated in compliance with the city code. 1105
1106
b. Access Standards: Access to all parking facilities shall comply with the following 1107
standards: 1108
1109
(1) To the maximum extent practicable, all off street parking facilities shall be 1110
designed with vehicular access to a street or alley that will least interfere with 1111
automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic movement. 1112
(2) Parking facilities in excess of five (5) spaces that access a public street shall 1113
be designed to allow vehicles to enter and exit the lot in a forward direction. 1114
(3) Parking facilities on lots with less than one hundred feet (100’) of street 1115
frontage shall have only one (1) curb cut, and lots with one hundred feet 1116
(100’) of street frontage or more shall be limited to two (2) curb cuts, unless 1117
the transportation director determines that additional curb cuts are necessary 1118
to ensure pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety or to comply with the fire 1119
code. Public safety uses shall be exempt from limitations on curb cuts. 1120
(4) All vehicular access roads/driveways shall be surfaced as required in 1121
accordance with Subsection 21A.44.060.A.8, “Surface Materials”. 1122
1123
c. Driveway Standards: All driveways shall comply with the following standards: 1124
1125
(1) Driveway Location in Residential Zoning Districts: With the exception of 1126
legal shared driveways, driveways shall be at least twenty feet (20’) from 1127
street corner property lines and five feet (5’) from any public utility 1128
infrastructure such as power poles, fire hydrants, and water meters. Except for 1129
entrance and exit driveways leading to approved parking areas, no curb cuts or 1130
driveways are permitted. 1131
(2) Driveway Widths: All driveways serving residential uses shall be a minimum 1132
eight feet wide and shall comply with the standards for maximum driveway 1133
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
widths listed in Table 21A.44.060-C, “Minimum and Maximum Driveway 1134
Width”. 1135
TABLE 21A.44.060-C: MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
Zoning District Minimum Driveway Width
(in front and corner side
yard)
Maximum Driveway Width*
(in front and corner side
yard)
TABLE 21A.44.060-C: MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
Zoning District Minimum Driveway Width
(in front and corner side
yard)
Maximum Driveway Width*
(in front and corner side
yard)
SR-1, SR-2 and SR-3 8 ft. 22 ft.
MH 8 ft. 16 ft.
Other Residential
Zoning Districts
8 ft. 30 ft.
M-1 and M-2 12 ft. single lane and 24 ft. for
two-way
50 ft.
Other Non-Residential
Zoning Districts
12 ft. single lane and 24 ft. for
two-way
30 ft.
* Maximum width is for all driveways combined when more than one driveway is
provided
1136
(3) Shared Driveways: Shared driveways, where two (2) or more properties share 1137
one (1) driveway access, may be permitted if the transportation director 1138
determines that the design and location of the shared driveway access will not 1139
create adverse impacts on traffic congestion or public safety. 1140
(4) Driveway Surface: All driveways providing access to parking facilities shall 1141
be improved and maintained pursuant to the standards in the Off Street 1142
Parking Standards Manual. 1143
1144
7. Minimum Dimensional Standards: All parking spaces shall comply with the 1145
dimensional standards in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual. 1146
8. Surface Materials: All parking spaces shall comply with the standards for surfacing of 1147
access, driving, and parking surfacing in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual. 1148
9. Grading and Stormwater Management: All surface parking areas shall comply with 1149
city grading and stormwater management standards and shall be reviewed for best 1150
management practices by Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities. Refer to the 1151
Salt Lake City Stormwater Master Plan, Storm Drainage Manual, and Green 1152
Infrastructure Toolbox for additional information. 1153
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
10. Sight Distance Triangles: All driveways and intersections shall comply with the sight 1154
distance triangle standards as defined in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual. 1155
11. Landscaping and Screening: All parking areas and facilities shall comply with 1156
the landscaping and screening standards in Chapter 21A.48 and Section 1157
21A.40.120, “Landscaping and Buffers” of this title. 1158
12. Lighting: Where a parking area or parking lot is illuminated, the light source shall be 1159
shielded so that the light source is not directly visible from any abutting property or 1160
abutting private or public street. 1161
13. Signs: All signs in parking areas or related to parking facilities shall comply with 1162
Chapter 21A.46, “Signs”, and applicable provisions of the Manual on Uniform 1163
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). 1164
14. Pedestrian Walkways: The following standards shall apply to 1165
1166
a. Ssurface parking lots with between twenty-five (25) and one hundred (100) or 1167
more parking spaces shall provide a pedestrian walkway or sidewalk through the 1168
parking lot to the primary entrance of the principal building. Pedestrian walkways 1169
shall be identified by a change in color, material, surface texture, or grade 1170
elevation from surrounding driving surfaces. 1171
b. Parking lots with more than one hundred (100) parking spaces shall provide: 1172
1173
a.(1) One (1) or more grade-separated Ppedestrian walkway(s) shall be at least 1174
five feet (5’) in width, and located in an area that is not a driving aisle surface, 1175
leading from the farthest row of parking spaces to the primary entrance of the 1176
principal building. 1177
b.(2) Vehicles shall not overhang the pedestrian walkway(s). 1178
c.(3) Where the walkway(s) crosses a drive aisle, pedestrian walkway(s) shall be 1179
identified by a change in color, material, surface texture, or grade elevation 1180
from surrounding driving surfaces, but such identification cannot be curbing of 1181
the walkway. 1182
d.(4) One (1) pedestrian walkway meeting these standards shall be provided for 1183
every ach 50 one hundred (100) parking spaces provided on site or part 1184
thereof, after the first 20 one hundred (100) parking spaces. 1185
1186
15. Parking Garages: The following standards shall apply to all above-ground parking 1187
garages except those located in the FB zones subject to Subsection 21A.27.030.C.4, 1188
whether freestanding or incorporated into a building: 1189
1190
a. Each façade or a parking garage adjacent to a public street or public space shall 1191
have an external skin designed to conceal the view of all parked cars. Examples 1192
include heavy gauge metal screen, precast concrete panels, live green or 1193
landscaped walls, laminated or safety glass, or decorative photovoltaic panels. 1194
b. No horizontal length of the parking garage façade shall extend longer than 40 feet 1195
without the inclusion of architectural elements such as decorative grillwork, 1196
louvers, translucent screens, alternating building materials, and other external 1197
features to avoid visual monotony. Facade elements shall align with parking 1198
levels. 1199
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
c. Internal circulation shall allow parking surfaces to be level (without any slope) 1200
along each parking garage facade adjacent to a public street or public space. All 1201
ramps between levels shall be located along building facades that are not adjacent 1202
to a public street or public space, or shall be located internally so that they are not 1203
visible from adjacent public streets or public spaces. 1204
d. The location of elevators and stairs shall be highlighted through the use of 1205
architectural features or changes in façade colors, textures, or materials so that 1206
visitors can easily identify these entry points. 1207
e. Interior parking garage lighting shall not produce glaring sources toward adjacent 1208
properties while providing safe and adequate lighting levels. The use of sensor 1209
dimmable LEDs and white stained ceilings are recommended to control light 1210
levels on-site while improving energy efficiency. 1211
f. In the Urban Center Context and Transit Context areas, the street-level facades of 1212
all parking garages shall be designed to meet applicable building code standards 1213
for habitable space to allow at least one (1) permitted or conditional use, other 1214
than parking, to be located where the parking garage is located. 1215
g. Vent and fan locations shall not be located on parking garage facades facing 1216
public streets or public spaces, or adjacent to residential uses, to the greatest 1217
extent practicable. 1218
1219
16. Tandem Parking: Where more than one (1) parking space is required to be provided 1220
for a residential dwelling unit, the parking spaces may be designed as tandem parking 1221
spaces, provided that: 1222
1223
a. No more than two (2) required spaces may be included in the tandem parking 1224
layout; and 1225
b. Each set of two (2) tandem parking spaces shall be designated for a specific 1226
residential unit. 1227
1228
17. Cross-Access between Adjacent Uses: The transportation director may require that 1229
access to one or more lots be through shared access points or cross-access through 1230
adjacent parcels when the transportation director determines that individual access to 1231
abutting parcels or limited distance between access points will create traffic safety 1232
hazards due to traffic levels on adjacent streets or nearby intersections. Such a 1233
determination shall be consistent with requirements of state law regarding property 1234
access from public streets. Required cross- access agreements shall be recorded with 1235
the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office. 1236
1237
SECTION 26. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.44.070.B. That Subsection 1238
21A.44.070.B of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking, Mobility and Loading: Off 1239
Street Loading Areas: Location and Design of Loading Areas), shall be and hereby is amended to 1240
read as follows: 1241
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
B. Location and Design of Loading Areas: 1242
1243
1. All required loading berths shall be located on the same development site as the 1244
use(s) served. 1245
2. No loading berth shall be located within thirty feet (30’) of the nearest point of 1246
intersection of any two (2) streets. 1247
3. No loading berth shall be located in a required front yard. 1248
4. Each required loading berth shall be located and designed to: 1249
1250
a. Allow all required vehicle maneuvering and backing movements on-site; 1251
b. Minimize conflicts with pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic movement or 1252
encroachments into any pedestrian walkway, bicycle lane, public right-of-way, 1253
and fire lane; and 1254
c. Avoid the need to back into a public street while leaving the site to the maximum 1255
extent practicable, as determined by the planning director and the transportation 1256
director. 1257
1258
5. Landscaping and screening of all loading berths shall be provided to comply with the 1259
requirements of Chapter 21A.48 Subsection 21A.40.120, “Regulation of Fences, 1260
Walls, and Hedges Landscaping and Buffers”. 1261
6. Where a loading berth is illuminated, the light source shall be shielded so that the 1262
light source is not directly visible from any abutting property or abutting private or 1263
public street. 1264
7. All signs in loading areas shall comply with Chapter 21A.46, “Signs”, and applicable 1265
provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 1266
8. All required loading berths shall comply with the surfacing standards of the Off Street 1267
Parking Standards Manual. 1268
1269
SECTION 27. Amending the Text of Chapter 21A.48. That Chapter 21A.48 of the Salt 1270
Lake City Code (Zoning: Landscaping and Buffers), shall be and hereby is amended to read as 1271
follows: 1272
21A.48: LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERS 1273
1274
SECTION: 1275
21A.48.010: Purpose Statement and Intent 1276
21A.48.020: Enforcement Of Landscape Requirements Applicability 1277
21A.48.030: Landscape Plan Authority 1278
21A.48.040: Selection, Installation And Maintenance Of Plant Materials Responsibility 1279
& Maintenance 1280
21A.48.050: Design Standards And Guidelines Landscape Plan 1281
21A.48.055: Water Efficient Landscaping 1282
21A.48.060: Park Strip Landscaping Landscape Requirements 1283
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
21A.48.070: Parking Lot Or Vehicle Sales Or Lease Lots Landscaping Parking Lot 1284
Landscaping 1285
21A.48.080: Landscape Buffers General Standards 1286
21A.48.090: Landscape Yards Private Lands Tree Preservation 1287
21A.48.100: Special Landscape Regulations Appeal 1288
21A.48.110: Freeway Scenic Landscape Setback 1289
21A.48.120: Screening Of Refuse Disposal Dumpsters 1290
21A.48.130: Innovative Landscaping 1291
21A.48.135: Private Lands Tree Preservation 1292
21A.48.140: Changes To Approved Landscape Plans 1293
21A.48.150: Automobile Sales Establishments 1294
21A.48.160: Appeal 1295
21A.48.170: Landscaping Provided As A Condition Of Building Permit Issuance 1296
21A.48.010: PURPOSE STATEMENT: 1297
The landscaping and buffering requirements specified in this chapter are intended to foster 1298
aesthetically pleasing development which will protect and preserve the appearance, character, 1299
health, safety and welfare of the community. These regulations are intended to increase the 1300
compatibility of adjacent uses and, in doing so, minimize the harmful impacts of noise, dust 1301
and other debris, motor vehicle headlight glare or other artificial light intrusions, and other 1302
objectionable activities or impacts conducted or created by an adjoining or nearby use, 1303
thereby fostering compatibility among different land uses. These regulations are also 1304
intended to preserve, enhance and expand the urban forest and promote the prudent use of 1305
water and energy resources. 1306
21A.48.020: ENFORCEMENT OF LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS: 1307
Wherever the submission and approval of a landscape plan is required by this title, such 1308
landscape plan shall be an integral part of any application for a building permit and 1309
occupancy permit. No permit shall be issued without city approval of a landscape plan as 1310
required herein. The requirements of this chapter may be modified by the zoning 1311
administrator, on a case by case basis, in response to input from the city police department 1312
regarding the effects of required landscaping on crime prevention. 1313
21A.48.030: LANDSCAPE PLAN: 1314
A. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan shall be required whenever landscaping or 1315
alteration of landscaping is required by this title. Such landscape plan shall be drawn in 1316
conformance with the requirements specified in this chapter. Landscape plans must be 1317
approved by the zoning administrator prior to the issuance of a building permit. 1318
Landscape plans for planned developments or conditional uses, or other uses requiring 1319
site plan review approval shall be reviewed and approved by the development review 1320
team. The construction of detached single- family residences and two-family residences 1321
shall be exempt from this landscape plan requirement, except for dwellings in the FP, FR-1322
1 and FR-2 districts, which shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. 1323
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
B. Content Of Landscape Plan: All landscape plans submitted for approval shall contain the 1324
following information, unless specifically waived by the zoning administrator: 1325
1326
1. The location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, property lines, 1327
easements, parking lots and drives, roadways and rights of way, sidewalks, bicycle 1328
paths, ground signs, refuse disposal and recycling areas, bicycle parking areas, fences, 1329
freestanding electrical equipment, tot lots and other recreational facilities, and other 1330
freestanding structural features as determined necessary by the zoning administrator; 1331
2. The location, quantity, size and name, both botanical and common names, of all 1332
proposed plants; 1333
3. The location, size and common names, of all existing plants including trees and other 1334
plants in the parkway, and indicating plants to be retained and removed; 1335
4. The location of existing buildings, structures and plants on adjacent property within 1336
twenty feet (20’) of the site, as determined necessary by the zoning administrator; 1337
5. Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at two foot (2’) 1338
intervals. Proposed berming shall be indicated using one foot (1’) contour intervals; 1339
6. Elevations of all fences and retaining walls proposed for location on the site; 1340
7. Elevations, cross sections and other details as determined necessary by the zoning 1341
administrator; 1342
8. Water efficient irrigation system (separate plan required); 1343
9. Summary data indicating the area of the site in the following classifications: 1344
1345
a. Total area and percentage of the site in landscape area, 1346
b. Total area and percentage of the site in turf grasses, and 1347
c. Total area and percentage of the site in drought tolerant plant species. 1348
21A.48.040: SELECTION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT 1349
MATERIALS: 1350
A. Selection: Plants used in conformance with the provisions of this chapter shall be of good 1351
quality, and capable of withstanding the extremes of individual site microclimates. Size 1352
and density of plants both at the time of planting and at maturity, are additional criteria 1353
which shall be considered by the zoning administrator when approving plants. The use of 1354
drought tolerant plants is preferred when appropriate to site conditions. 1355
B. Installation: All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the current planting 1356
procedures established by the American Association of Nurserymen. The installation of 1357
all plants required by this chapter may be delayed until the next optimal planting season, 1358
as determined by the zoning administrator. 1359
C. Maintenance: 1360
1361
1. Responsibility: The owner of the premises shall be responsible for the maintenance, 1362
repair and replacement of all landscaping materials and barriers, including refuse 1363
disposal areas, as may be required by the provisions of this chapter. 1364
2. Landscaping Materials: All landscaping materials shall be maintained in good 1365
condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, and plants not in 1366
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
this condition shall be replaced when necessary and shall be kept free of refuse and 1367
debris. 1368
3. Fences, Walls And Hedges: Fences, walls and hedges shall be maintained in good 1369
repair. 1370
4. Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems shall be maintained in good operating condition 1371
to promote the conservation of water. 1372
21A.48.050: DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: 1373
Landscape plans shall be prepared based on the following design standards and guidelines. 1374
Design standards are numerically measurable design requirements that can be definitively 1375
evaluated for compliance. Design guidelines are not precisely measurable, but compliance 1376
can be determined through the evaluation process of landscape plan review. The evaluation 1377
and approval of landscape plans shall be based on compliance with both the design standards 1378
and guidelines. 1379
1380
A. Design Standards At Time Of Planting: 1381
1382
1. Deciduous Trees: All deciduous trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two inches 1383
(2”) in caliper, unless otherwise specified. 1384
2. Evergreen Trees: All evergreen trees shall have a minimum size of five feet (5’) in 1385
height, unless otherwise specified. 1386
3. Ornamental Trees: All ornamental trees shall have a minimum trunk size of one and 1387
one-half inches (11/2”) in caliper, unless otherwise specified. 1388
4. Shrubs: All shrubs shall have a minimum height or spread of eighteen inches (18”) 1389
depending on the plant’s natural growth habit, unless otherwise specified. Plants in 1390
five (5) gallon containers will generally comply with this standard. 1391
5. Drought Tolerant Species: Site conditions in Salt Lake City are generally arid, and the 1392
selection of plant species suited to dry conditions is appropriate. To promote water 1393
conservation, not less than eighty percent (80%) of the trees and eighty percent (80%) 1394
of the shrubs used on a site shall be drought tolerant species that can withstand dry 1395
conditions once established. The city has compiled a list titled “Water Conserving 1396
Plants For Salt Lake City”, that may be locally available. 1397
6. Existing Street Trees: The removal of trees within the street right of way is prohibited 1398
without the approval of the zoning administrator in consultation with the urban 1399
forester. 1400
1401
B. Design Guidelines: 1402
1403
1. Scale And Nature Of Landscaping Material: The scale and nature of landscaping 1404
materials shall be appropriate to the size of the structures. Large scale buildings, for 1405
example, should generally be complemented by larger scale plants. 1406
2. Selection Of Plants: Plants shall be selected for form, texture, color, pattern of growth 1407
and adaptability to local conditions. 1408
3. Evergreens: Evergreens should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, 1409
particularly in those areas where screening and buffer is required. 1410
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
4. Softening Of Walls And Fences: Plants shall be placed intermittently against long 1411
expanses of building walls, fences, and other barriers to create a softening effect. 1412
5. Planting Beds: Planting beds may be mulched with bark chips, decorative stone, or 1413
similar materials. Mulch shall not be used as a substitute for plants. 1414
6. Detention/Retention Basins And Ponds: Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be 1415
landscaped. Such landscaping may include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, 1416
shrubbery, hedges, turf, ground cover and/or other plant materials. 1417
7. Water Conservation: Landscape design pursuant to the requirements of this chapter 1418
must recognize the climatic limitations of the Salt Lake City area and the need for 1419
water conservation. While irrigation systems are required for certain landscape areas, 1420
and may be desirable for other applications, all irrigation systems shall be designed 1421
for efficient use of water. 1422
8. Turf Grasses: Turf grasses should be used in areas with less than a fifty percent (50%) 1423
slope to prevent the runoff of irrigation water. 1424
9. Energy Conservation: Plant placement shall be designed to reduce the energy 1425
consumption needs of the development. 1426
1427
a. Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to 1428
provide shade from the summer sun. 1429
b. Evergreens and other plant materials should be concentrated on the north side of 1430
buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds. 1431
1432
10. Preservation Of Existing Plants: Existing plants should be incorporated into the 1433
landscape treatment of a site as required herein or as required by the site plan review 1434
process found in chapter 21A.58 of this title. Trees in the public right of way shall not 1435
be removed without the approval of the zoning administrator and urban forester. 1436
11. Berming: Earthen berms and existing topographic features should be, whenever 1437
determined practical by the zoning administrator, incorporated into the landscape 1438
treatment of a site, particularly when combined with plant material to facilitate 1439
screening. 1440
21A.48.055: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING: 1441
A. Applicability: 1442
1443
1. New Development: All new development as specified below requiring approval by the 1444
city shall comply with the provisions of this section. 1445
1446
a. Residential: 1447
1448
(1) Large subdivisions with ten (10) or more lots which also have a common 1449
landscaped area (applies to common area only); 1450
(2) Multi-family residential, three (3) units or more; 1451
(3) Planned unit developments that include residential units; 1452
(4) Single-family and two-family homes on lots that have a landscaped area 1453
greater than one-half (1/2) acre; 1454
(5) Common areas of condominium and/or planned developments; and 1455
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
(6) Mixed use developments including residential elements. 1456
1457
b. Nonresidential: 1458
1459
(1) Industrial; 1460
(2) Commercial; 1461
(3) Institutional (including public facilities); and 1462
(4) Mixed use developments including industrial, commercial, or institutional 1463
elements. 1464
1465
2. Existing Development: The regulations in this section shall apply to all existing 1466
nonresidential, mixed use and multi-family residential development projects that 1467
increase the square footage of the footprint of the building or the parking requirement 1468
by twenty five percent (25%) or more. 1469
3. Exemptions: The following developments and uses are exempt from the provisions of 1470
this section unless otherwise specified: 1471
1472
a. New single- and two-family homes on lots one-half (1/2) acre or less of 1473
landscaped area; 1474
b. Treasured landscapes; 1475
c. Plant collections as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public; 1476
d. Community gardens and portions of private gardens dedicated to edible plants; 1477
e. Cemeteries; 1478
f. Parks, athletic fields and playgrounds; 1479
g. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; 1480
and 1481
h. Similar uses and activities as determined by the zoning administrator in 1482
consultation with the public utilities department or designee. 1483
1484
B. Submittal Requirements: In addition to the submittal requirements set forth in section 1485
21A.48.030, “Landscape Plan”, of this chapter the applicant shall complete any 1486
additional submittal requirements identified in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For 1487
Water Resource Efficiency And Protection”. The landscape submittal packet shall be 1488
prepared by a licensed landscaped architect, licensed civil engineer, licensed architect, 1489
certified irrigation professional, or other landscape professional appropriately licensed or 1490
recognized by the state of Utah or Salt Lake City. It shall contain the submittal 1491
information listed in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For Water Resource 1492
Efficiency And Protection” unless specifically waived in writing by the zoning 1493
administrator in consultation with the public utilities department director. 1494
C. Review Procedures: The following review procedures shall be followed for all 1495
landscaping plans and irrigation systems subject to this section: 1496
1. Landscaping plans shall be submitted concurrently with a development application. 1497
2. Backflow prevention plans shall be reviewed by the public utilities department. 1498
D. Standards: All developments subject to this section shall comply with the following 1499
standards: 1500
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1. Required Plants: All landscapes in developments subject to this section shall use 1501
plants identified in the “Salt Lake City Plant List And Hydrozone Schedule” or plants 1502
identified as being water wise or low water plants in other guides approved by the 1503
public utilities department as listed in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For 1504
Water Resource Efficiency And Protection”. 1505
2. Plant Substitutions: Landscaping shall be installed consistent with the approved 1506
planting plans, but plant substitutions may be made provided that the substituted 1507
plants are from the same hydrozone and of similar plant type (grass for grass, tree for 1508
tree, etc.) as the plant originally specified in the approved landscape plan. 1509
3. Hydrozones: All landscape plans shall identify and indicate each plant, and all plants 1510
shall be grouped into appropriate hydrozones as listed in the “Salt Lake City Plant 1511
List And Hydrozone Schedule” and as described in the “Salt Lake City Landscape 1512
BMPs For Water Resource Efficiency And Protection”. Mixing plants from different 1513
hydrozones and with different water demands is strongly discouraged. Landscape 1514
areas with a mix of plants from different hydrozones shall be designated on landscape 1515
submittals as being of the hydrozone of the highest water demand plant within that 1516
irrigation zone. 1517
4. Water Budget: All developments with a total landscaped area greater than one-half 1518
(1/2) acre must install an irrigation meter at the expense of the applicant and shall be 1519
assigned a tier 2 water target by the public utilities department. 1520
5. Small Landscaped Areas: To prevent overspray and water waste, landscaped areas 1521
eight feet (8’) or smaller in any perimeter dimension, including, but not limited to, 1522
park strips, parking lot islands, and landscaped areas separated by walkways from 1523
other landscaped areas, shall only be irrigated with a system designed to prevent 1524
overspray. 1525
6. Soil Amendment/Preparation: Where appropriate, the use of organic soil amendments 1526
or additives, such as aged compost, are encouraged. See the “Salt Lake City 1527
Landscape BMPs For Water Resource Efficiency And Protection” for more 1528
information. 1529
7. Mulch: Where mulch is required or allowed in a landscape plan by this section, it 1530
shall be installed and maintained at a minimum depth of three inches to four inches 1531
(3” - 4”). Fiber barriers and plastic sheeting that are not porous to air and water are 1532
prohibited. 1533
8. Preservation Of Existing Specimen Trees: All specimen trees located within a 1534
landscape plan area shall be protected as provided in section 21A.48.135, “Private 1535
Lands Tree Preservation”, of this chapter. 1536
9. Water Features: Unless it is a natural water body or stream, recirculating systems 1537
shall be used for all water features such as fountains, ponds, reflecting pools, and 1538
other similar water features. 1539
10. Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, and maintained to 1540
work efficiently, as defined in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For Water 1541
Resource Efficiency And Protection”. 1542
11. Backflow Prevention: Backflow prevention assemblies shall be designed and installed 1543
according to the standards as outlined in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For 1544
Water Resource Efficiency And Protection”. 1545
21A.48.060: PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING: 1546
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
A. Intent: The intent of these requirements is to maintain the appearance of park strips, and 1547
expand landscape design flexibility while not unreasonably inhibiting access for repair 1548
and maintenance of public utilities, encourage water conservation through the use of 1549
water conserving plants and generally to improve environmental conditions along the 1550
city’s streets. It is also the intent to protect the users of park strips by prohibiting the use 1551
of materials that may cause harm or injury to pedestrians or vehicles, and to provide for 1552
safe and convenient visual and physical access across park strips to and from vehicles 1553
that may park at the curb. 1554
B. Applicability: The requirements of this section shall apply to all “park strips”, as defined 1555
in section 21A.62.040 of this title, except as otherwise noted. 1556
1557
1. Properties With Curbs And Gutters: These standards apply to all properties in the 1558
city, including vacant lots that have street curb and/or gutter. Owners of property on 1559
streets that do not have curb and gutter are not required to maintain formal 1560
landscaping within the public right of way. 1561
2. Improvement Districts: These requirements shall not apply to official improvement 1562
districts where exceptions to park strip standards are approved pursuant to subsection 1563
E of this section. 1564
3. Discretionary Authority: The zoning administrator may modify the standards of this 1565
section to better achieve its intent and address site specific conditions such as, among 1566
other things, steep grades between the curb and sidewalk or the presence of canals or 1567
drainage channels. 1568
1569
C. General Landscape Requirements: 1570
1571
1. Property Owner Responsibility: All park strips shall be landscaped by the abutting 1572
property owner, in conformance with the provisions of this section. For permits 1573
involving new construction of a principal building, the contractor shall be responsible 1574
for landscaping the park strips as part of the building permit. In general, this 1575
landscaping will involve improving the ground surface of the park strip with plant 1576
material, or hard surface treatments where permitted. Park strip trees shall also be 1577
provided as required herein. 1578
2. Maintenance: All park strip landscaping shall be maintained in a safe and well kept 1579
condition by the abutting property owner. Trash, other debris, and noxious weeds 1580
shall not be allowed to collect or grow in these areas. 1581
3. Watering: Sufficient water shall be provided for vegetative ground cover, annuals, 1582
perennials, shrubs and trees to keep them in a healthy condition. 1583
4. Definition Of An “Operable Irrigation System”: For purposes of this section, 1584
“operable irrigation system” shall mean a fixed underground irrigation system 1585
connected to the adjacent property’s water supply, but does not include a movable 1586
hose, sprinkler or other portable watering system. 1587
1588
D. Park Strip Trees: 1589
1590
1. Spacing And Size: Park strip trees, when required, shall be provided at the equivalent 1591
of at least one tree for each thirty feet (30’) of street frontage and may be clustered or 1592
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
spaced linearly as deemed appropriate by the city forester. Tree size shall be a 1593
minimum of two inch (2”) caliper (measured at a point 6 inches above the soil line) at 1594
time of planting. 1595
2. Tree Grates: If new trees are proposed in a park strip in which the area surrounding 1596
the tree will have an impervious surface, the property owner responsible for 1597
installation shall ensure that tree wells with grates are provided which have 1598
dimensions adequate to accommodate the recommended tree species. All new 1599
installation of tree grates shall be accompanied by an operable irrigation system to 1600
ensure adequate water to the tree, and structural soil shall be installed according to 1601
Salt Lake City engineering standards. 1602
3. Permit And Planting: No tree shall be planted in a park strip without first obtaining a 1603
permit from the urban forestry division of the Salt Lake City public services 1604
department (section 2.26.210 of this code). Tree species and location shall be 1605
approved by the city forester. 1606
4. Tree Maintenance: Planting and maintenance of trees shall be done in conformance 1607
with the Salt Lake City urban forestry standards and specifications which are 1608
available and shall be administered and enforced through the urban forestry office. 1609
No work (pruning, removal, etc.) shall be performed on street trees without first 1610
obtaining a permit from the urban forestry office. 1611
1612
E. Park Strip Ground Surface Treatment: The intent of this section is to provide a palette of 1613
allowed plant, organic and/or natural materials that allow for creative landscaping, 1614
maintain a healthy street tree canopy, and create an attractive pedestrian environment 1615
while encouraging actual, not merely perceptual, water conservation. In many instances, 1616
a water wise turf grass/sod remains the most effective park strip plant material. 1617
1618
1. Plant Coverage: Live plant materials, not to exceed twenty two inches (22”) in height, 1619
are allowed. Plants with heights up to thirty six inches (36”) tall may be allowed as 1620
specimen or accent plants when not located within sight distance areas. These plants 1621
may not be planted in a manner that would create a visual barrier between the street 1622
and the sidewalk. 1623
At least thirty three percent (33%) or more of the park strip surface must be covered 1624
with turf, perennial or low growing shrub vegetation within three (3) years of planting 1625
or when planting has reached maturity, whichever comes first. For lots with two (2) 1626
or more street frontages, this standard shall be applied separately to each adjacent 1627
park strip on each street frontage. In new park strips, or when replacing landscaping 1628
in existing park strips, it is recommended that water conserving plants constitute at 1629
least eighty percent (80%) of all plants used. 1630
Plants which have thorns, spines, or other sharp, rigid parts are hazardous to 1631
pedestrians and bicyclists, and are difficult to walk across and are generally 1632
prohibited except that limited use of thorn bearing flowers, such as roses, may be 1633
acceptable subject to the approval of the zoning administrator. 1634
2. Erosion: It shall be the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that erosion does not 1635
deposit soil or other material on sidewalks or in the street. Where annual or perennial 1636
plants are planted in the park strip, an organic much is required on the park strip 1637
during the dormant season to prevent erosion. 1638
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3. Organic Mulch: Materials such as bark, shredded plant material, and compost, may be 1639
used as water conserving mulch for plants and may also be used as the only material 1640
in portions of a park strip. 1641
4. Gravel, Rocks, And Boulders: Because rock, gravel and other hard surface materials 1642
as a ground cover retain and emit heat during the summer months when water is 1643
scarce, they may not be used within a thirty six inch (36”) radius (72 inch diameter) 1644
of any street tree, unless an operable irrigation system is provided. Otherwise, gravel, 1645
rocks, and boulders, may be used on portions of the park strip. Organic mulch or 1646
gravel, as approved by the city forester, shall be used near existing street trees. Rocks 1647
are limited to twenty inches (20”) in height. Boulders as an accent material are 1648
limited to thirty six inches (36”) in height, and may not be arranged in a manner that 1649
creates a continuous visual obstruction. 1650
Any rock raised above the curb height shall be set back from the curb by at least 1651
twenty four inches (24”). 1652
Large diameter rocks (over 6 inches) or boulders shall be kept a minimum of twenty 1653
four inches (24”) away from street trees. 1654
Any material placed beneath gravel, rocks or boulders designed to block weed growth 1655
must be of a porous nature, allowing water to percolate to plant root systems. 1656
5. Paving Materials: Paving materials, limited to poured concrete, concrete pavers, brick 1657
pavers, or natural stone pavers, may be used in portions of a park strip subject to the 1658
following limitations: 1659
1660
a. Paving Materials Near Existing Street Trees: Poured concrete shall not be placed 1661
in any park strip with existing street trees unless the park strip is being improved 1662
as part of an improvement district or pedestrian traffic counts warrant (as 1663
determined by Salt Lake City transportation and engineering divisions) and tree 1664
grates and an operable irrigation system is being installed, except as otherwise 1665
noted. Organic mulch or gravel, as approved by the city forester, shall be used 1666
near existing street trees. Poured concrete or rocks/gravel may not be used in any 1667
park strip unless an operable irrigation system is provided to the street trees. 1668
b. Twenty Four Inch Wide Park Strips: Except as specified in subsection E5a of this 1669
section, any allowed paving material listed in this section may be used in a park 1670
strip that is twenty four inches (24”) or less in width. If poured concrete is used, it 1671
shall be finished with a stamped pattern resembling brick or natural stone or 1672
scored with another decorative pattern to distinguish it from the adjacent 1673
sidewalk. 1674
c. Less Than Thirty Six Inch Wide Park Strips: In park strips that are less than thirty 1675
six inches (36”) in width, brick pavers, concrete pavers, or natural stone pavers 1676
may be used. Poured concrete shall not be used except for carriageways as 1677
outlined in subsection E6 of this section. The use of plants in combination with 1678
paving materials is encouraged. 1679
d. Park Strips Thirty Six Inches Wide Or Greater: In park strips thirty six inches 1680
(36”) in width or greater, the combination of all paving materials, gravel, rocks, 1681
and boulders shall not exceed sixty seven percent (67%) of the total park strip 1682
surface area. Poured concrete shall not be used except for carriageways as 1683
outlined in subsection E6 of this section. 1684
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
6. Carriageways: In order to provide for safe and convenient access across park strips to 1685
and from vehicles that may park at the curb, carriageways (walkways between the 1686
curb and sidewalk) through planted area are encouraged. The material of 1687
carriageways may be poured concrete, concrete pavers, brick pavers, or flat, natural 1688
stone paving materials such as flagstone or a combination of these materials. If 1689
poured concrete is used, the carriageway shall be not more than four feet (4’) in width 1690
and shall be located so as to provide the most direct route from the curb to the 1691
sidewalk. The area of carriageways shall be included in calculating the percentage of 1692
inorganic material in the park strip. 1693
7. Retaining Walls, Fences And Other Similar Structural Encroachments: Retaining 1694
walls, fences, steps, raised planter boxes and other similar structural encroachments in 1695
park strips are only permitted when specifically approved by the engineering 1696
department pursuant to adopted standards and/or recognized engineering principles, 1697
and by: 1698
1699
a. The historic landmark commission if the proposed structure is located with the H 1700
historic preservation overlay district; 1701
b. The planning commission if the proposed structure is part of a development 1702
proposal that requires planning commission approval; 1703
c. The planning director or the planning director’s designee if the proposed structure 1704
is not within an H historic preservation overlay district and not part of a 1705
development proposal that requires planning commission approval; or 1706
d. The city council if the proposed structure is part of an adopted improvement 1707
district. 1708
1709
Structural encroachments in park strips are generally limited because they may block 1710
access from the street to the sidewalks and create obstructions to, and increase the 1711
cost of performing maintenance of public improvements and utilities within the park 1712
strip. Structural encroachments are not permitted unless the relevant decision making 1713
entities identified in this section find that: 1714
1715
a. The proposed structures will serve the general public and are part of general 1716
public need, or 1717
b. The proposed structures are necessary for the functional use of the adjacent 1718
property (such as a mailbox near the curb, steps or a retaining wall on a sloping 1719
site, fence behind the sidewalk, etc.), and 1720
c. There are no other practical locations for the structure on the adjacent private 1721
property. 1722
1723
Any raised structure or retaining wall shall be set back from the curb by at least 1724
twenty four inches (24”). 1725
This subsection E7 does not apply to outdoor dining that is subject to section 1726
21A.40.065 of this title or ground mounted utility boxes governed by section 1727
21A.40.160 of this title. 1728
1729
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
8. Plants And Objects Within Sight Distance Areas: Because of safety and visibility 1730
issues related to both pedestrians and automobile drivers, tall objects are not allowed 1731
in sight distance triangle areas. Except for street trees, or mailboxes, no plant, 1732
boulder, monument, structure or other object which is over twenty two inches (22”) in 1733
height shall be planted or located within sight distance areas. 1734
9. Turf And Gravel On Steep Park Strips: Turf and gravel are not permitted in park 1735
strips with a slope greater than three to one (3:1) (3 feet horizontal distance to 1 foot 1736
vertical distance). Turf is difficult to mow on steep slopes and gravel will migrate 1737
down the slope and collect in the gutter. Larger rocks (a diameter greater than 6 1738
inches) or boulders used on steep park strips shall be buried in the ground to a depth 1739
equal to at least one-third (1/3) of the rock or boulder’s average dimension in order to 1740
anchor them into the slope. 1741
10. Exceptions To Park Strip Standards: Exceptions to the park strip policies established 1742
herein shall be limited to the following: 1743
1744
a. Improvement District: Variations from these standards may be approved as part of 1745
improvement districts. Areas where alternative park strip materials could be 1746
considered include identifiable nonresidential areas. The improvement district 1747
concept is not intended to respond to one or two (2) properties but an identifiable 1748
district. The improvement district concept is not generally applicable to 1749
residential areas where a predominant design theme consisting of vegetation has 1750
been established. 1751
b. Nonconforming Provision: All vegetation located in park strips prior to November 1752
5, 1992, may be maintained subject to city transportation division approval for 1753
sight distance and public way safety requirements. 1754
c. Bus Stop Benches And Shelters, And Bike Share Stations: Concrete pads for bus 1755
stop benches and/or shelters and bike share stations are permitted with zoning 1756
administrator approval and subject to all permitting requirements. Concrete used 1757
for this purpose shall not be included in calculating the percentage of inorganic 1758
material in the park strip. 1759
d. Outdoor Dining: Park strip materials may be modified by the zoning administrator 1760
when outdoor dining is approved pursuant to section 21A.40.065 of this title. 1761
21A.48.070: PARKING LOT OR VEHICLE SALES OR LEASE LOTS LANDSCAPING: 1762
A. Applicability: All hard surfaced parking lots or hard surfaced vehicle sales or lease lots, 1763
for passenger cars and light trucks, with fifteen (15) or more parking spaces shall provide 1764
landscaping in accordance with the provisions of this section. Smaller parking lots shall 1765
not be required to provide landscaping other than yard area landscaping and landscaped 1766
buffer requirements as specified in other sections of this title. 1767
B. Interior Parking Lot And Vehicle Sales Or Lease Lots Landscaping: 1768
1769
1. Area Required: Not less than five percent (5%) of the interior of a parking lot or 1770
vehicle sales or lease lots shall be devoted to landscaping. Landscaping areas located 1771
along the perimeter of a parking lot or vehicle sales or lease lots beyond the curb or 1772
edge of pavement of the lot shall not be included toward satisfying this requirement. 1773
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2. Landscaped Areas: The landscaped areas defined in subsection B1 of this section 1774
shall be improved in conformance with the following: 1775
1776
a. Dispersion: Interior parking lot or vehicle sales or lease lots landscaping areas 1777
shall be dispersed throughout the parking lot or vehicle sales or lease lots. 1778
b. Minimum Size: Interior parking lot or vehicle sales or lease lots landscaping areas 1779
shall be a minimum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area and shall be a 1780
minimum of five feet (5’) in width, as measured from back of curb to back of 1781
curb. 1782
c. Landscape Material: The plants used to improve the landscape areas defined 1783
above shall conform to the following: 1784
1785
(1) Type: The primary plant materials used in parking lots or vehicle sales or 1786
lease lots shall be shade tree species in conformance with applicable 1787
provisions of subsections 21A.48.050A and B of this chapter. Ornamental 1788
trees, shrubbery, hedges, and other plants may be used to supplement the 1789
shade tree plantings, but shall not be the sole contribution to such landscaping; 1790
(2) Quantity: One shade tree shall be provided for every one hundred twenty 1791
(120) square feet of landscaping area; 1792
(3) Ground Cover: A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of every interior parking 1793
lot or vehicle sales or lease lots landscaping area shall be planted with an 1794
approved ground cover in the appropriate density to achieve complete cover 1795
within two (2) years, as determined by the zoning administrator. 1796
1797
3. Exceptions: In the CG, M-1, M-2 and EI districts, hard surfaced areas used as 1798
operational yard areas for trucks, trailers and other incidental vehicles, other than 1799
passenger automobiles and light trucks, and which are not parking lots for employees, 1800
clients, and customers, are exempt from the parking lot interior landscaping 1801
standards. 1802
1803
C. Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping: 1804
1805
1. Applicability: Where a parking lot is located within a required yard, or within twenty 1806
feet (20’) of a lot line, perimeter landscaping shall be required along the 1807
corresponding edge of the parking lot in conformance with the provisions in table 1808
21A.48.070G of this section. Perimeter landscaping for vehicle sales or lease lots 1809
shall include rear and interior side yard landscaping only. Front and corner side yard 1810
landscaping for vehicle sales or lease lots shall be provided as specified in each 1811
zoning district. Where both landscape buffers and parking lot landscaping is required, 1812
the more restrictive requirement shall apply. 1813
2. Landscape Area: Where perimeter landscaping is required, it shall be provided within 1814
landscape areas at least seven feet (7’) in width, as measured from the back of the 1815
parking lot curb and extending any parking space overhang area. 1816
3. Required Improvements: Within the landscape area required above, landscape 1817
improvements shall be required as established in table 21A.48.070G of this section. 1818
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
D. Parking Lot Fencing: Fences along parking lot perimeters may be required through the 1819
site plan review process pursuant to the provisions of chapter 21A.58 of this title or when 1820
required by the zoning administrator to satisfy buffer requirements outlined in section 1821
21A.48.080 of this chapter. 1822
E. Parking Lot Curb Controls: Six inch (6”) poured concrete curb controls shall be 1823
constructed around all required landscaping on the perimeter and within parking lots. 1824
F. Discretionary Authority: The zoning administrator may modify requirements of this 1825
section to better achieve the intent of this section and address site specific conditions. 1826
These modifications shall be limited to the location of required plants and shall not 1827
permit a reduction in the required total number of plants. 1828
G. Landscape Improvements Table: 1829
1830
TABLE 21A.48.070G 1831
REQUIRED PERIMETER PARKING LOT LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS 1832
General Intent: The landscape requirements identified in this table provide for the 1833
enhancement of parking lots by recognizing two (2) distinct conditions. The first is where 1834
parking lots are located within front and corner side yards, and a uniform scheme of 1835
landscaping is required to protect the aesthetics along public streets. The second condition is 1836
where parking lots are located within rear and interior side yards, and minimum requirements 1837
for beautification of both residential and nonresidential uses are the city’s goal. The intent is 1838
to require a higher level of landscaping for residential uses (principally multi-family uses) 1839
than for nonresidential uses. The improvements established in this table are required only for 1840
parking lots with fifteen (15) or more spaces and where the lot is located within a required 1841
yard or within twenty feet (20’) of a lot line. The reduction of impacts between dissimilar 1842
uses is addressed by section 21A.48.080 of this chapter. Where both parking lot landscaping 1843
and landscape buffers are required, the more restrictive shall apply. 1844
Required Landscaping Front And Corner Side Yards
Required
Landscaping
Front And Corner Side Yards
Shade trees 1 tree per 50 feet of yard length, measured to the nearest whole number (in
addition to required parkway trees)
Shrubs 1 shrub per 3 feet, on center along 100 percent of the yard length. Shrubs
with mature height not more than 3 feet unless a lower shrub height is
specifically required in this chapter for front yard areas
Ground
cover
Landscape area outside of shrub masses shall be established in turf or other
ground cover
Rear And Interior Side Yards
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Required
Landscaping
Residential Use
(Including
Institutional
Residential Uses)
Nonresidential Use
Shade trees 1 tree per 30 feet of
yard length, measured
to the nearest whole
number
1 tree per 50 feet of yard length, measured to the
nearest whole number
Shrubs 1 shrub per 3 feet, on
center along 100
percent of the yard
length. Shrubs shall
have a mature height
not less than 3 feet
1 shrub per 3 feet, on center along 50 percent of the
yard length. Shrubs shall have a mature height of
not less than 3 feet
Ground
cover
Landscape area
outside of shrub
masses shall be
established as per
section 21A.48.090 of
this chapter
Landscape area outside of shrub masses shall be
established as per section 21A.48.090 of this
chapter
H. Landscaping Performance Standards For Airport District (A): Parking lot landscaping in 1845
Airport District shall comply with the specifications set forth in subsections 1846
21A.34.040EE and FF of this title. 1847
21A.48.080: LANDSCAPE BUFFERS: 1848
A. Applicability: The regulations of this section shall establish the dimensions and 1849
improvement requirements of landscape buffers as required for transitions between 1850
dissimilar uses. 1851
B. General Restrictions: Landscape buffers shall be reserved for planting and fencing as 1852
required within this section. No parking, driveways, sidewalks, accessory buildings or 1853
other impervious surfaces shall be permitted, unless specifically authorized through the 1854
site plan review process. Landscape buffers may be located within required yards or 1855
required landscape yards as established in the applicable district regulations. Where both 1856
landscape buffers and parking lot landscaping is required the more restrictive shall apply. 1857
C. Size Of Landscape Buffers: The minimum size of landscape buffers for various situations 1858
is set forth below: 1859
1860
1. RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, RMF-75, R-MU-35, R-MU-45, R-MU, RO, MU, PL, 1861
PL-2 And OS Districts: Lots in the RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, RMF-75, R-MU-35, 1862
R-MU-45, R-MU, RO, MU, PL, PL-2 or OS Districts which abut a lot in a single-1863
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
family or two-family residential district, shall provide a ten foot (10’) wide landscape 1864
buffer. 1865
2. RB And FB-UN1 Districts: A landscape buffer is not required for lots in an RB or 1866
FB-UN1 District which abut a lot in a residential district. 1867
3. CN, CB, CC And CSHBD Districts: Lots in the CN, CB, CC or CSHBD Districts 1868
which abut a lot in a residential district shall provide a seven foot (7’) landscape 1869
buffer. 1870
4. CS And CG Districts: Lots in the CS or CG Districts which abut a lot in a residential 1871
district shall provide a fifteen foot (15’) landscape buffer. 1872
5. M-1 District: Lots in the M-1 District which abut a lot in a residential, AG-2 1873
Agriculture, or AG-5 Agriculture District shall provide a fifteen foot (15’) landscape 1874
buffer. 1875
6. M-2 District: Lots in the M-2 District which abut a lot in a residential district shall 1876
provide a fifty foot (50’) landscape buffer. 1877
7. RP And BP Districts: Lots in the RP or BP Districts which abut a lot in a residential 1878
district shall provide a thirty foot (30’) landscape buffer. 1879
8. I Institutional District: Lots in the I Institutional District which abut a lot in a 1880
residential district shall provide a landscape buffer fifteen feet (15’) in width or equal 1881
to the average height of the facade of the principal building facing the buffer, 1882
whichever is greater. 1883
9. UI Urban Institutional District: Lots in the UI Urban Institutional District which abut 1884
a lot in a single-family or two-family residential district shall provide a fifteen foot 1885
(15’) landscape buffer. 1886
10. MH Mobile Home District: A landscape buffer of twenty feet (20’) in width shall be 1887
provided around the perimeter of each mobile home park. 1888
11. EI Extractive Industries And LO Landfill Overlay Districts: A landscape buffer of 1889
thirty feet (30’) shall be provided around the perimeter of each use. 1890
12. TSA District: Lots in the TSA District which abut a lot in an OS, R-1, R-2, SR, 1891
RMF-30, RMF-35 or RMF-45 District shall provide a ten foot (10’) landscape buffer. 1892
13. All Other Non-Residential Districts: Where not otherwise specified by this 1893
subsection, lots in a non-residential district which abut a lot in an R-1, R-2, SR, RMF-1894
30, RMF-35 or RMF-45 District shall provide a seven foot (7’) landscape buffer. The 1895
provided landscape buffer shall be improved to the same standards required for lots in 1896
the CN Zone. 1897
1898
D. Improvement Of Landscape Buffers: Required planting and fencing shall be installed in 1899
conformance with the following provisions: 1900
1901
1. RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, RMF-75, R-MU-35, R-MU-45, R-MU, RO, MU, PL, 1902
PL-2 And OS Districts: In the RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, RMF-75, R-MU-35, R-1903
MU-45, R-MU, RO, MU, PL, PL-2 and OS Districts, the following improvements 1904
shall be provided: 1905
1906
a. Shade trees shall be planted at the rate of one tree for every thirty (30) linear feet 1907
of landscape buffer. 1908
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. A continuous evergreen or deciduous shrub hedge shall be planted along the 1909
entire length of landscape buffer. This shrub hedge shall have a mature height of 1910
not less than four feet (4’). 1911
c. A fence not exceeding six feet (6’) in height may be combined with the shrub 1912
hedge, subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator. 1913
d. Landscape yards shall be maintained per section 21A.48.090 of this chapter. 1914
1915
2. CN, CB, CC And CSHBD Districts: In the CN, CB, CC, and CSHBD Districts, the 1916
following improvements shall be provided: 1917
1918
a. Shade trees shall be planted at the rate of one tree for every thirty (30) linear feet 1919
of landscape buffer; 1920
b. Shrubs, having a mature height of not less than four feet (4’), shall be planted 1921
along the entire length of the landscape buffer; 1922
c. Landscape yards shall be maintained per section 21A.48.090 of this chapter; and 1923
d. A solid fence between four feet (4’) and six feet (6’) in height shall be erected 1924
along the property line unless waived by the Zoning Administrator. 1925
1926
3. CS, CG, TSA, M-1, I, UI, MH, RP And BP Districts: In the CS, CG, TSA, M-1, I, UI, 1927
MH, RP and BP Districts, the following improvements shall be provided: 1928
1929
a. Shade trees shall be planted at the rate of one tree per twenty five (25) linear feet 1930
along the entire length of the landscape yard. Shade trees may be clustered subject 1931
to the site plan review approval. Evergreen trees may be substituted for a portion 1932
of the shade trees; 1933
b. Shrub masses, at least two (2) rows deep and with shrubs alternately spaced, shall 1934
be provided along the entire length of the landscape yard. Shrubs shall reach a 1935
mature height of not less than four feet (4’); 1936
c. Landscape yards shall be maintained per section 21A.48.090 of this chapter; and 1937
d. A solid fence six feet (6’) in height shall be located on the property line along the 1938
required landscape buffer unless waived by the Zoning Administrator. 1939
1940
4. M-2 District: In the M-2 District, the following improvements shall be provided: 1941
1942
a. Shade trees shall be planted at a rate of one tree for every twenty feet (20’) of 1943
length of the landscape buffer. Shade trees may be grouped or clustered, subject 1944
to site plan review approval. Evergreen trees may be used as substitutes for some 1945
of the shade trees. 1946
b. Shrub masses, at least two (2) rows deep and with shrubs alternately spaced, shall 1947
be provided along seventy five percent (75%) of the length of the landscape yard. 1948
Shrubs shall reach a mature height of not less than four feet (4’). 1949
c. Landscape yards shall be maintained per section 21A.48.090 of this chapter. 1950
1951
5. EI And LO Districts: Each use in the EI and LO Districts must submit a landscape 1952
plan to the Zoning Administrator indicating how the proposed landscaping will 1953
mitigate noise, dust or other impacts on surrounding and nearby uses. 1954
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
21A.48.090: LANDSCAPE YARDS: 1955
Landscape yards are yards devoted exclusively to landscaping except, however, that 1956
driveways and sidewalks needed to serve the use and buildings on the lot may be located 1957
within a required landscape yard. As used in this chapter, the term “landscaping” shall be 1958
defined as set forth in section 21A.62.040, “Definitions Of Terms”, of this title. No specific 1959
improvements are required within landscape yards, except that all landscape areas shall be 1960
maintained with at least one-third (1/3) of the yard(s) area covered by vegetation, which may 1961
include trees, shrubs, grasses, annual or perennial plants and vegetable plants. Mulches such 1962
as organic mulch, gravel, rocks and boulders shall be a minimum depth of three inches to 1963
four inches (3” - 4”), dependent on the material used, to control weeds and erosion in 1964
unplanted areas and between plants, and that these aforementioned items at all times cover 1965
any installed weed block barriers that cover the ground surface. 1966
1967
A. Bond Requirement: All developers and/or contractors shall be required to post a bond 1968
with the City for the total amount of the landscaping contract for all multi-family 1969
dwellings and commercial development. 1970
21A.48.100: SPECIAL LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS: 1971
In addition to the foregoing requirements, special landscape regulations shall apply to certain 1972
zoning districts. These regulations are established below: 1973
1974
A. FP Foothills Protection District: 1975
1976
1. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan, conforming to sections 21A.48.030 and 1977
21A.48.050 of this chapter, shall be required for all uses within this district. This plan 1978
shall delineate the proposed revegetation of disturbed areas of the site, and 1979
road/driveway areas. The landscape plan shall extend one hundred feet (100’) beyond 1980
the disturbed site area and twenty five feet (25’) beyond the limits of grading for 1981
roads/driveways, but need not include any portions of the site designated as 1982
undevelopable unless these areas are disturbed. 1983
2. Maximum Disturbed Area: The maximum disturbed area shall not exceed ten percent 1984
(10%) of the total site area. 1985
3. Tree Preservation And Replacement: Existing trees over two inches (2”) in caliper 1986
that are removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced. 1987
Whenever microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of replacement 1988
tree species shall be the same as the trees removed. 1989
4. Limits On Turf: To help promote the intent of this district by minimizing the impact 1990
on the natural landscape, the area of turf grasses shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) 1991
of the area to be landscaped and shall not encroach into undevelopable areas. 1992
5. Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be 1993
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted grasses, 1994
herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for slope, soil and 1995
microclimate conditions. 1996
6. Irrigation: Irrigation shall be installed to provide needed water for at least the first two 1997
(2) years of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas. Irrigation for areas of 1998
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
turf and ornamental landscaping shall be provided at the discretion of the property 1999
owner, however, all systems shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning 2000
Administrator. 2001
7. Erosion Protection: As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion protection 2002
shall be submitted with the landscape plan. 2003
2004
B. FR-1 And FR-2 Foothills Residence Districts: 2005
2006
1. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan, conforming to sections 21A.48.030 and 2007
21A.48.050 of this chapter, shall be required for all uses within this district. This plan 2008
shall delineate the proposed revegetation of disturbed site areas. 2009
2. Tree Preservation And Replacement: Existing trees over two inches (2”) in caliper 2010
that are removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced. 2011
Whenever microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of replacement 2012
tree species shall be the same as the trees removed. 2013
3. Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be 2014
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted grasses, 2015
herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for slope and 2016
microclimate conditions. 2017
4. Irrigation: Irrigation shall be installed to provide needed water for at least the first two 2018
(2) years of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas. Irrigation for areas of 2019
turf and ornamental landscaping shall be provided at the discretion of the property 2020
owner, however, all systems shall be subject to city review and approval. 2021
5. Erosion Protection: As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion protection 2022
shall be submitted with the landscape plan. 2023
2024
C. CC Commercial District: 2025
2026
1. Special Front Yard Landscaping: Special front yard landscaping shall be required in 2027
conformance with the following: 2028
2029
a. The first fifteen feet (15’) of lot depth shall be devoted to landscaping. Driveways 2030
and sidewalks may be located within this area to serve the building and use on the 2031
lot; 2032
b. Shrubs limited to a height of not more than three feet (3’) shall be provided at the 2033
rate of one shrub for every two feet (2’) of lot width. A mix of shrub species is 2034
recommended, and at least forty percent (40%) of the shrubs must be evergreen; 2035
c. Trees shall be provided at the rate of one tree for every twenty five feet (25’) of 2036
lot width, rounded to the nearest whole number. Evergreen trees or shade trees 2037
may be substituted with ornamental trees, subject to the review and approval of 2038
the development review team; and 2039
d. Areas not planted with shrubs or trees shall be maintained in turf or as vegetative 2040
ground cover. A drought tolerant ground cover is recommended. 2041
2042
2. Irrigation: Permanent irrigation shall be installed and used as needed to maintain plant 2043
material in a healthy state. 2044
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3. Maintenance: Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in substantial 2045
conformance with the approved landscape plan. Landscaping shall be kept free of 2046
weeds and litter. 2047
2048
D. D-1 Central Business District And D-4 Downtown Secondary Central Business District: 2049
2050
1. Right Of Way Landscaping: The principal area of focus for landscaping in the D-1 2051
and D-4 districts shall be along sidewalks and parkways. Landscaping on private 2052
property shall be subject to the regulations below and in the D-1 and D-4 districts. 2053
2054
a. Location: Landscape areas shall be located a minimum of two feet (2’) from back 2055
of the street curb and shall be located in conformance with the adopted 2056
beautification plan for an approved beautification district. If the beautification 2057
plan does not address the site in question, the location of landscape areas shall be 2058
determined through the site plan review process. 2059
b. Trees: Shade trees shall be planted as specified through the site plan review 2060
process. 2061
c. Shrubs/Ground Cover: The ground surface of the landscape area may be suitable 2062
for the planting of shrubs, ground cover or flowers depending on use and 2063
pedestrian patterns. Tree grates or other improvements may be required to 2064
facilitate pedestrian circulation along the street. The ground surface shall be 2065
determined by the beautification plan, or in the absence of specific direction from 2066
the plan, the site plan review process. 2067
2068
2. Landscaping For Vacant Lots: Special landscaping shall be required on those lots 2069
becoming vacant, where no replacement use is proposed, in conformance with the 2070
following: 2071
2072
a. Landscape Yard Requirement: A landscape yard of fifteen feet (15’) shall be 2073
required as measured from any point along all property lines. Fencing, pursuant to 2074
section 21A.40.120 of this title, can be used as an element of the overall 2075
landscaping plan, however, shall not be used in lieu of the landscaping 2076
requirements of this section. The purpose of any fencing on downtown lots is for 2077
aesthetic value only, and shall consist of wrought iron or other similar material 2078
(no chainlink). Fencing shall be open so as not to create a visual barrier, and shall 2079
be limited to a maximum of four feet (4’) in height, with the exception of a fence 2080
located on any corner lot as noted in subsection 21A.40.120E of this title. The 2081
approval of a final landscape plan, that includes a fencing element, shall be 2082
delegated to the building official with the input of the planning director, to 2083
determine if the fencing materials, location, and height are compatible with 2084
adjacent properties in a given setting. 2085
b. Trees: Shade trees shall be provided at the rate of one tree per thirty feet (30’) of 2086
yard length, rounded up to the nearest whole number. 2087
c. Shrubs: Shrubs shall be provided at the rate of one plant for every three feet (3’) 2088
of yard length, evenly spaced, limited to a height of not more than three feet (3’). 2089
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
All plants shall be drought tolerant; consult the Salt Lake City water wise plant 2090
list for suggestions. At least forty percent (40%) of the plants must be evergreen. 2091
d. Ground Cover: Areas not planted with shrubs and trees shall be maintained in 2092
drought tolerant vegetative ground cover. 2093
e. Irrigation: Permanent irrigation shall be installed and used as needed to maintain 2094
plant materials in a healthy state. 2095
f. Maintenance: Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in conformance with 2096
the approved landscape plan. Landscaping shall be kept free of weeds and litter. 2097
E. Transitional Overlay District: All conditional uses in the transitional overlay district shall 2098
conform to the following landscape/buffer requirements. Permitted uses shall be exempt 2099
from these requirements. 2100
2101
1. Landscaped Front And Corner Side Yard: All front and corner side yards shall be 2102
maintained as landscape yards. The improvement of such landscape yards shall be 2103
consistent with the character of the residential neighborhood. 2104
2. Landscaped Interior Side Yard: Where the interior side yard abuts a residential use, a 2105
landscape yard eight feet (8’) in width shall be provided. This landscape yard shall be 2106
improved as set forth below: 2107
2108
a. A six foot (6’) high solid fence or wall shall be constructed from the front yard 2109
setback line to the rear lot line. The outside edge of this fence or wall shall be 2110
located no less than seven feet (7’) from the side lot line. The requirement for a 2111
fence or wall may be waived by the zoning administrator if the building elevation 2112
facing the residential property is of a design not requiring screening by a fence or 2113
wall; 2114
b. Deciduous shade trees shall be planted within the landscape yard. One tree per 2115
thirty (30) linear feet of landscape yard shall be required, although the spacing of 2116
trees may be arranged in an informal manner; 2117
c. A continuous row of shrubs (deciduous or evergreen) shall be planted along the 2118
entire length of the landscape yard. The size of the shrubs shall not be less than 2119
four feet (4’) in height at the time of maturity. The spacing of shrubs shall not be 2120
greater than five feet (5’) on center. Shrubs must be set back from the side lot line 2121
at least four feet (4’) on center; and 2122
d. Landscape yards shall be maintained per section 21A.48.090 of this chapter. 2123
2124
3. Landscaped Rear Yard: Where the rear yard abuts a residential use, a solid fence or 2125
wall shall be constructed along the entire length of the rear lot line. The requirement 2126
for a fence or wall may be waived if conditions on the lot, including landscape 2127
screening within the rear yard, eliminate the need for a fence or wall. 2128
21A.48.110: FREEWAY SCENIC LANDSCAPE SETBACK: 2129
A. Purpose Statement: Freeway scenic landscape setbacks shall be established along all 2130
federal interstate highways to enhance the visual appearance of Salt Lake City, reduce 2131
visual distractions to motorists and promote the general health, safety and welfare of Salt 2132
Lake City. 2133
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
B. Applicability: Freeway scenic landscape setbacks shall be required for all lots abutting an 2134
interstate highway that are subdivided after April 12, 1995, for construction of a principal 2135
building, or for a twenty five percent (25%) floor area increase of a principal building, or 2136
for any new use of a previously undeveloped site or twenty five percent (25%) expansion 2137
of an existing use on a developed site, in all zones except single- family, R-2 single- and 2138
two-family residential districts. 2139
C. Scenic Landscape Location: Freeway scenic landscape setbacks shall be located directly 2140
adjacent to an interstate highway right of way line. For applicable properties adjacent to 2141
an interstate highway, a scenic landscape setback shall be provided along the full length 2142
of its frontage along such interstate highway. 2143
D. Size Of Scenic Landscape Setback: For lots platted after April 12, 1995, scenic landscape 2144
setbacks shall be twenty feet (20’) in width. For lots existing as of April 12, 1995, the 2145
width of the scenic setback may be reduced, upon approval of the zoning administrator, if 2146
such reduction is necessary to achieve the required off street parking. The width of the 2147
scenic landscape setback shall not be less than ten feet (10’). 2148
E. Planting Of Scenic Landscape Setback: All scenic landscape setbacks shall be planted to 2149
achieve a significant vegetative screen. To accomplish this, the following planting shall 2150
be required within a scenic landscape setback. 2151
2152
1. Shade Trees: One shade tree shall be planted for each three hundred (300) square feet 2153
of setback area. 2154
2. Evergreen Trees: Evergreen trees may be substituted for one hundred percent (100%) 2155
of the shade trees required in subsection E1 of this section, where microclimate 2156
conditions support the use of evergreen trees, subject to the approval of the zoning 2157
administrator. 2158
3. Ornamental Trees: Ornamental trees, having a mature canopy size less than thirty feet 2159
(30’), may be substituted for up to thirty percent (30%) of the shade trees required in 2160
subsection E1 of this section. 2161
4. Large Shrubs: Large shrubs may be substituted for up to ten percent (10%) of the 2162
shade trees required in subsection E1 of this section. Three (3) large shrubs shall be 2163
planted for each shade tree substitution. 2164
5. Ground Cover: To promote water conservation and the visual character of the native 2165
landscape, scenic landscape setbacks shall use native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs 2166
for the establishment of ground cover. In areas with greater exposure to sun and 2167
drought conditions, herbaceous perennials and shrubs will be used to create a native 2168
ground cover. 2169
2170
F. Drought Tolerant Material: All of the plant material used shall be drought tolerant species 2171
conforming to the current list maintained by the zoning administrator, or as otherwise 2172
approved. 2173
G. Irrigation: A permanent water efficient irrigation system shall be installed within each 2174
scenic landscape setback. 2175
H. Waiver Of Requirements: Some or all of the requirements of this section may be waived 2176
by the zoning administrator if conformance with such will not benefit the visual 2177
appearance of the city or the general public welfare. Specifically, the zoning 2178
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
administrator may waive the requirement where property abuts interstate highway bridges 2179
and underpasses and where the change of grade/elevation would not allow for views of 2180
the scenic landscape setback. 2181
21A.48.120: SCREENING OF REFUSE DISPOSAL DUMPSTERS: 2182
All refuse disposal dumpsters, except those located in the CG, M-2, LO and EI districts shall 2183
be screened on all sides by a solid wood fence, masonry wall or an equivalent opaque 2184
material to a height of not less than six feet (6’) but not more than eight feet (8’). This 2185
requirement shall not apply to recycling containers and devices. 2186
21A.48.130: INNOVATIVE LANDSCAPING: 2187
Innovative landscaping design is encouraged and shall be considered as a positive attribute in 2188
connection with any request for a variation from the requirements of this chapter. 2189
21A.48.135: PRIVATE LANDS TREE PRESERVATION: 2190
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of these tree preservation provisions is to recognize and 2191
protect the valuable asset embodied in the trees that exist on private lands within the city 2192
and ensure that the existing trees of Salt Lake City continue to provide benefit to its 2193
citizens. Essential to effective tree preservation is the understanding of tree growth 2194
requirements having to do with space, water, and soil quality needs, among other 2195
qualities. Good, early planning, site design, and construction management practices are 2196
key to allowing trees to prosper. Preconstruction planning and mitigation of potential 2197
impacts that development may have on trees is necessary and one of the purposes of this 2198
section. Numerous community and personal benefits arise from the presence of trees in 2199
urbanized areas - both on residential and nonresidential lands - and it is the intent of this 2200
section through the preservation of the trees to: 2201
2202
1. Enhance the quality of life in the city and protect public health and safety; 2203
2. Preserve and enhance the visual and aesthetic qualities of the city; 2204
3. Enhance public and private property for greater enjoyment and usability due to the 2205
shade, cooling, and the aesthetic beauty afforded by trees; 2206
4. Protect and improve the real estate values of the city; 2207
5. Preserve and enhance air and water quality; 2208
6. Reduce noise, glare, dust, and heat, and moderate climate, including urban heat island 2209
effect; 2210
7. Increase slope stability, and control erosion and sediment runoff into streams and 2211
waterways; 2212
8. Protect the natural habitat and ecosystems of the city; 2213
9. Conserve energy by reducing heating and cooling costs; and 2214
10. Preserve the function of mature trees to absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon 2215
dioxide. 2216
2217
B. Applicability: 2218
2219
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
1. General: The standards in this section shall apply to new development in the city 2220
unless exempted in accordance with subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this section. The 2221
standards in this section shall apply at the time of a development application for 2222
“development” as defined in the zoning ordinance. 2223
2. Other Regulations: Title 2, chapter 2.26 of this code, the Salt Lake City urban forestry 2224
ordinance, addressing the protection of trees located on public property owned by the 2225
city and in rights of way, shall remain in effect. 2226
3. Specimen Trees: The city forester shall maintain a list of trees or tree types that are 2227
deemed to be specimen trees subject to subsection E, “Standards”, of this section. 2228
2229
C. Exemptions: The following specimen tree removal activities may be exempt from the 2230
standards of this section upon confirmation and approval by the city forester: 2231
2232
1. The removal of dead, damaged, or naturally fallen trees, or in cases of community 2233
emergency; 2234
2. When in conjunction with the construction of a single- or two- family residence not 2235
part of a proposed new subdivision; 2236
3. The removal of trees on an existing legal lot when not associated with new 2237
development; 2238
4. The removal of trees in such a condition that they pose a threat to structures or natural 2239
features on the site, on adjoining properties, or in the public right of way; 2240
5. The removal of diseased trees posing a threat to adjacent trees; 2241
6. The selective and limited removal of trees necessary to obtain clear visibility at 2242
driveways or intersections; 2243
7. The removal of trees associated with development at the Salt Lake City International 2244
Airport only as necessary to provide safe operations; 2245
8. The removal of trees when requested by the city forester for the purposes of conflict 2246
with utilities or streets; and 2247
9. The removal of trees deemed appropriate by the city forester, based on tree species, 2248
site conditions, or other variables. 2249
D. Definitions: For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following 2250
meanings: 2251
CALIPER: The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk measured at a distance of 2252
six inches (6”) from the soil line. 2253
dbh: Diameter at breast height. 2254
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT: The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk 2255
measured at a distance of four feet six inches (4’6”) from the ground. 2256
MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE: No feasible or practical alternative exists, 2257
as determined by the city forester, and all possible efforts to comply with the 2258
standards or regulations and minimize potential harmful or adverse impacts have been 2259
undertaken by the applicant. Economic considerations may be taken into account but 2260
shall not be the overriding factor in determining “maximum extent practicable”. 2261
SPECIMEN TREE: A structurally sound and healthy tree or grouping of trees, having 2262
an individual or combined dbh measuring greater than ten inches (10”); whose future 2263
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
vitality can be reasonably expected and maintained with proper protection and 2264
regularly scheduled care; and whose absence from the landscape would significantly 2265
alter the site’s appearance, environmental benefit, character or history. 2266
TREE PROTECTION FENCING: The fencing required to be installed, and 2267
maintained during construction activities, to delineate required tree protection zones. 2268
TREE PROTECTION ZONE: The area of a development site that includes the area 2269
located within the drip line of specimen trees and also includes the area that supports 2270
tree health requirements and interactions as determined by the city forester. 2271
E. Standards: 2272
1. Preservation Of Specimen Trees: Specimen trees shall be preserved to the maximum 2273
extent practicable as determined by the city forester, in consultation with the zoning 2274
administrator, unless exempted pursuant to subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this 2275
section. 2276
2277
a. In determining if preservation is impracticable, the city shall consider the 2278
following criteria, including, but not limited to: 2279
2280
(1) Whether an alternative location or configuration of the development including 2281
elements such as parking or structures on the site would be feasible to 2282
accomplish tree preservation, without negatively impacting adjacent 2283
properties, 2284
(2) Whether preservation of the specimen tree would render all permitted 2285
development on the property infeasible, or 2286
(3) If development of the property will provide significant community benefits 2287
that outweigh tree preservation. 2288
2289
b. The zoning administrator may modify any dimensional standard, such as setbacks 2290
and height limits, by up to twenty percent (20%) if such modification will result 2291
in preservation of a specimen tree. 2292
2293
2. Cutting, Removal, Or Damage Prohibited: Specimen trees, required to be preserved, 2294
shall not be cut, removed, pushed over, killed, or otherwise damaged. 2295
3. Paving, Fill, Excavation, Or Soil Compaction Prohibited: The tree protection zone of 2296
any protected specimen tree shall not be subjected to paving, filling, excavation, or 2297
soil compaction. 2298
4. Mitigation: Where the city determines it is not practicable to preserve a specimen tree 2299
on the development site, the following mitigation provisions shall apply. 2300
2301
a. Replacement Tree Required: Two (2) caliper inches of replacement trees shall be 2302
provided for each dbh of specimen tree removed (for example, if a 24 inch dbh 2303
specimen tree is removed, it must be replaced with at least 24 trees of a minimum 2304
2 inch caliper or 8 trees with a 6 inch caliper). Each replacement tree shall be a 2305
minimum of two inches (2”) in caliper, and shall either be replanted prior to 2306
certificate of occupancy or within a conditional time frame as approved by the 2307
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
city forester. Consult the “Salt Lake City Plant List And Hydrozone Schedule” for 2308
recommendations on tree selection. 2309
Replacement trees shall be planted on the lot or site where the specimen tree was 2310
removed except where the city forester, in consultation with the zoning 2311
administrator, finds the following: 2312
2313
(1) The site does not provide for adequate landscape surface area to 2314
accommodate the total number of replacement trees; or 2315
(2) That due to unique soil types, topography, or unusual characteristics of the 2316
site, the likelihood of successful tree growth is diminished. 2317
In such cases, the applicant shall mitigate for the loss of the specimen tree in 2318
the form of payment to the city’s tree fund as provided below. 2319
2320
b. Cash In Lieu Payment/Tree Fund Contribution: Applicants who are permitted to 2321
remove a specimen tree but not plant a replacement tree on site shall make a cash 2322
in lieu payment, in the amount of the cost to purchase and plant the required 2323
number of replacement trees, into the city’s tree fund. 2324
F. Specimen Tree Protection During Construction: 2325
1. Owner’s Responsibility: During construction, the owner of the property shall be 2326
responsible for the ongoing health of specimen trees located on the site. This includes 2327
basic tree maintenance and watering throughout the term of construction. The owner 2328
shall also ensure the erection of barriers necessary to protect any specimen tree from 2329
damage during and after construction. 2330
2. Tree Protection Zone Fencing: Tree protection fencing shall be erected to protect all 2331
preserved trees from excavation, fill, compaction, or other impacts that would 2332
threaten tree health. Specimen trees shall be fenced in accordance with this subsection 2333
before any grading, excavating, or other land disturbing activity begins on a 2334
construction site. No construction, grading, equipment or material storage, or any 2335
other activity shall be allowed within the tree protection zone, as delineated by the 2336
required tree protection fencing, except in accordance with the standards in 2337
subsection F3, “Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones And Root Zones”, of this 2338
section. Fencing shall be maintained until the land disturbance activities are complete, 2339
and shall not be removed or altered without first obtaining written consent from the 2340
city forester. 2341
The tree protection fencing shall be clearly shown on the required development 2342
applications such as a site plan, building permit, or grading permit application. 2343
a. Location: Fencing shall extend at least one foot (1’) in distance from the edge of 2344
the drip line of a specimen tree or group of specimen trees or as directed by the 2345
city forester to best protect a specimen tree’s critical root zone and still allow 2346
construction access. 2347
b. Type Of Fencing: The developer shall erect a chainlink fence, a minimum of four 2348
feet (4’) in height, secured to metal posts driven into the ground. Such fencing 2349
shall be secured to withstand construction activity and weather on the site and 2350
shall be maintained in a functional condition for the duration of work on the 2351
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
property. This is not considered permanent fencing subject to section 21A.40.120, 2352
“Regulation Of Fences, Walls And Hedges”, of this title. 2353
c. Timing: All required tree protection measures shall be installed, inspected and 2354
approved by the city forester prior to the commencement of any land disturbing 2355
activities. 2356
2357
3. Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones And Root Zones: Encroachments into a 2358
tree protection zone or within the critical root zones of trees protected in accordance 2359
with this subsection shall occur only in rare instances, and only upon obtaining 2360
written authorization from the city forester. If such encroachment is anticipated, tree 2361
preservation measures including, but not limited to, the following may be required: 2362
2363
a. Tree Crown And/Or Root Pruning: The pruning, or cutting, of specimen tree 2364
branches or roots shall only be done under the supervision of an ISA certified 2365
arborist, and only upon approval of the city forester. 2366
b. Soil Compaction Impact Mitigation: Where compaction might occur due to 2367
planned, temporary traffic through or materials placed within the protection zone, 2368
the area shall first be mulched with a minimum four inch (4”) layer of woodchips 2369
or a six inch (6”) layer of pine straw. Plywood sheet or metal plate coverage of 2370
the impacted area may be accepted by the city forester when high moisture 2371
conditions warrant. Equipment or materials storage shall not be allowed within 2372
the tree protection zone. 2373
c. Grade Change Impact Mitigation: In the event proposed site development requires 2374
soil elevation changes tree protection measures designed to mitigate harm to the 2375
tree(s) shall be coordinated with the city forester and the zoning administrator. 2376
d. Construction Debris/Effluent Strictly Prohibited: In no instance shall any debris or 2377
effluent, associated with the construction process, including equipment or vehicle 2378
washing, concrete mixing, pouring, or rinsing processes, be permitted to drain 2379
onto lands within tree protection zones, as delineated by the chainlink tree 2380
protection fencing. 2381
2382
G. Enforcement: These tree preservation provisions shall be subject to the zoning and 2383
development enforcement codes as adopted by the city. 2384
21A.48.140: CHANGES TO APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLANS: 2385
Any change or deviation to an approved landscape plan shall require the approval of the 2386
zoning administrator. Changes which do not conform to this chapter shall be subject to the 2387
procedures for a variance as established in chapter 21A.18 of this title. Landscape 2388
improvements made to a lot that are not in conformance with an approved landscape plan 2389
shall be a violation of this title, and subject to the fines and penalties established herein. 2390
21A.48.150: AUTOMOBILE SALES ESTABLISHMENTS: 2391
In the absence of more restrictive regulations of the applicable zoning district, automobile 2392
sales and lease establishments shall be required to provide a five foot (5’) landscape front and 2393
corner side yard. 2394
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
21A.48.160: APPEAL: 2395
Any person adversely affected by a final decision of the zoning administrator on a 2396
landscaping or buffer requirement may appeal to the appeals hearing officer in accordance 2397
with the provisions of chapter 21A.16 of this title. 2398
21A.48.170: LANDSCAPING PROVIDED AS A CONDITION OF BUILDING 2399
PERMIT ISSUANCE: 2400
The landscaping required by this chapter shall be provided as a condition of building permit 2401
issuance for any addition, expansion or intensification of a property that increases the floor 2402
area and/or parking requirement by fifty percent (50%) or more. The zoning administrator 2403
may waive the landscaping requirement if an existing building is located in an area of the lot 2404
that is required to be landscaped and compliance with the landscaping requirements of this 2405
chapter necessitates removing all or a portion of an existing building. 2406
2407
21A.48.010: PURPOSE & INTENT: 2408
The purpose of this chapter is to promote water conservation, preserve and expand Salt Lake 2409
City’s urban tree canopy, improve air quality, and reduce urban heat islands and stormwater 2410
runoff. 2411
These regulations are intended to encourage low impact development principals into overall 2412
landscape design in a way that is attractive, and to mitigate impacts through buffering 2413
between dissimilar zoning districts. 2414
21A.48.020: APPLICABILITY: 2415
A. The provisions of this chapter apply to all properties within the city. 2416
B. Any modification of required landscaping shall come into greater compliance with this 2417
chapter. 2418
21A.48.030: AUTHORITY: 2419
A. The requirements of this chapter may be modified by the zoning administrator, on a case-2420
by-case basis where innovative landscaping design that furthers the purpose and intent of 2421
this chapter is implemented, or in response to input from: 2422
2423
1. Police Department; 2424
2. Public Utilities; or 2425
3. Urban Forestry. 2426
2427
21A.48.040: RESPONSIBILITY & MAINTENANCE: 2428
A. All landscaping shall: 2429
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2430
1. Maintain a clearance from grade level to 7 feet above the sidewalk, or 10 feet above a 2431
street; 2432
2. Be limited to a maximum height of 22 inches in the park strip and 30 inches in all 2433
other landscaped areas within a sight distance triangle, as defined and illustrated in 2434
Chapter 21A.62 of this title; 2435
3. Be maintained in live condition to present a reasonably healthy appearance; and 2436
4. Be kept free of refuse, debris, and noxious weeds. 2437
2438
B. Landscape Yards. 2439
2440
The owner of the property shall be responsible for the correct installation, maintenance, 2441
repair, or replacement of all landscaping, and obtain permits as required by the provisions 2442
of this chapter. 2443
2444
C. Park Strips. 2445
2446
1. The owner of the property abutting the park strip shall be responsible for the correct 2447
installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of all landscaping and obtain permits 2448
as required by the provisions of this chapter. 2449
2. Exclusions: Any street tree planting or maintenance pursuant to Subsections 2450
21A.48.040.D.1 and 21A.48.040.D.2. 2451
2452
D. Street Trees. 2453
2454
1. Salt Lake City’s expectation is to preserve street trees. Planting, cutting, removing, 2455
pruning, and any other maintenance of street trees is subject to approval by the Salt 2456
Lake City Urban Forestry Division as described in Section 2.26.210 of this code. 2457
2. It is the abutting property owner’s responsibility to: 2458
2459
a. Contact the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division to request maintenance on a 2460
street tree and obtain required approval for any changes made to a street tree. 2461
b. Provide sufficient irrigation to a street tree located in the abutting park strip. 2462
2463
3. Root Zone Protection: The root zone of all street trees shall be protected when 2464
impacted by any construction work on the abutting property or within the right-of-2465
way when a street tree is present. 2466
4. Irrigation. 2467
2468
a. When a Landscaping Plan is required, as described in Section 21A.48.050, street 2469
trees shall be irrigated with a permanent automatic irrigation system. 2470
b. Street tree irrigation systems are the responsibility of the abutting property owner 2471
to install and maintain. It shall provide water adequately and efficiently to each 2472
street tree, as determined by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division. 2473
2474
E. Irrigation Systems: 2475
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2476
1. Shall be maintained in good operating condition to eliminate water waste or run-off 2477
into the public right-of-way. 2478
2. Shall be appropriate for the designated plant material and achieves the highest water 2479
efficiency. 2480
3. All irrigation systems, including drip irrigation shall be equipped with a pressure 2481
regulator, filter, flush-end assembly, and backflow preventer. 2482
4. Each valve shall irrigate landscaping with similar site, slope, soil conditions, and 2483
similar watering needs. 2484
5. Turf and planting beds shall be irrigated on separate irrigation valves; and, 2485
6. Drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate irrigation valves. 2486
7. Irrigation systems are required to use an irrigation controller that can automatically 2487
adjust the frequency and duration of irrigation in response to changing weather 2488
conditions and have a US-EPA WaterSense label. 2489
8. Any fountain, pond, and other similar water feature supplied through the culinary 2490
water system shall have a recirculating system. 2491
9. Backflow preventer assemblies shall be designed and installed and maintained 2492
according to the standards as outlined in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For 2493
Water Resource Efficiency and Protection” or the documents’ successor. 2494
21A.48.050: LANDSCAPE PLAN: 2495
A. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan shall be required for the following: 2496
2497
1. New construction of a primary structure. 2498
2. Any addition, expansion or intensification of a property that increases the floor area 2499
by 50% or more, increases the number of parking stalls required by 50% or more, or 2500
modifies any required landscaping by 50% or more. Single- and two- family uses are 2501
exempt from this provision. 2502
3. When required elsewhere in this title. 2503
2504
B. Modifications to an Approved Landscape Plan: Any change to an approved landscape 2505
plan requires the approval of the zoning administrator, except for changes from one plant 2506
species to another plant species that have similar watering needs and meet all other 2507
standards within this chapter. 2508
C. Unauthorized Modifications: Landscape improvements made to a lot that are not 2509
authorized and not in conformance with a required and approved landscape plan shall be 2510
a violation of this title, and subject to the fines and penalties established in Chapter 2511
21A.20. 2512
D. Contents of a Complete Landscape Plan: A complete landscape plan shall include at least 2513
the following information unless specifically waived by the zoning administrator. All 2514
plans shall be drawn at the same scale: 2515
2516
1. Planting Plan: 2517
2518
a. Property lines, easements, and street names. 2519
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures, parking lots, drive 2520
aisles, and fencing. 2521
c. Location of existing and proposed sidewalks, bicycle paths, ground signs, refuse 2522
disposal, freestanding electrical equipment, and all other structures. 2523
d. The location of existing buildings, structures, and trees on adjacent property 2524
within 20 feet of the site. 2525
e. The location, size, and common names of all existing trees. 2526
f. Sight distance triangles at curb cuts or corners, as defined and illustrated in 2527
Chapter 21A.62. 2528
g. Root Zone Protection Plan required when construction work will occur near a 2529
street tree or other protected tree and is subject to approval from the Urban 2530
Forestry Division. 2531
h. Minimum tree soil standards set by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division. 2532
i. The location, quantity, size at maturity, and name (botanical and common) of 2533
proposed plants and trees. 2534
j. Summary table that specifies the following for each landscaping location 2535
separately: 2536
(1) Area and percentage of each required landscape location. 2537
(2) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in turf grasses, 2538
impervious surfaces. 2539
(3) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in adaptive or native 2540
plant species and adaptive or native trees at maturity. 2541
2542
k. A signature by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-2543
EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional verifying planting plan 2544
compliance with the standards of this chapter. 2545
2546
2. Grading Plan: 2547
2548
a. Property lines, street names, existing and proposed structures, turf areas, and 2549
paved areas. 2550
b. Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at 2-foot intervals. 2551
c. Any proposed berming shall be indicated using 1-foot contour intervals. 2552
d. Delineate and label areas with a grade greater than 25% (4 feet Horizonal: 1 foot 2553
Vertical). 2554
2555
3. Irrigation Plan: 2556
2557
a. Layout of the irrigation system and a legend summarizing the type and size of all 2558
components of the system. 2559
b. Delineate and label each hydrozone in accordance with the Salt Lake City Plant 2560
List and Hydrozone Schedule. 2561
c. Location and coverage of individual sprinkler heads. 2562
d. Use of a water efficient irrigation system. 2563
e. Type of US-EPA WaterSense automatic controller. 2564
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
f. A signature by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-2565
EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional verifying irrigation plan 2566
compliance with the standards of this chapter. 2567
g. Separate plans from the irrigation plan are required for: 2568
2569
(1) Backflow Prevention Plan. 2570
(2) Water Feature Recirculating Plan, if applicable. 2571
2572
E. Specific Landscape Regulations: Various zoning districts in this title have specific 2573
landscaping regulations in addition to the requirements found in this chapter. Refer to the 2574
respective zoning district for specific landscaping regulations. Landscape plans for 2575
properties subject to zoning district specific landscape regulations shall be in compliance 2576
with all applicable landscape and district specific requirements. 2577
F. Compliance Certification: A letter of compliance shall be prepared and submitted to the 2578
city upon completion of the landscape plan installation and prior to the issuance of a 2579
certificate of occupancy, commencement of the use of the property, or release of a bond 2580
posted with the city. Compliance certification shall be signed by a landscape architect 2581
licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional 2582
verifying that all landscape plan elements have been installed in compliance with the 2583
approved landscape plan. 2584
G. Bond Requirement: If an approved landscape plan cannot be installed prior to the 2585
issuance of a certificate of occupancy or commencement of the use of the property, all 2586
developers or contractors shall be required to post a bond with the city for the total 2587
amount of the landscaping contract for all multi-family dwellings and commercial 2588
development. 2589
21A.48.060: LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS: 2590
A. Landscape Locations: 2591
2592
1. Applicability: The following graphics illustrate required landscape locations that are 2593
regulated by the standards identified in this chapter. 2594
2. Landscape Yards: All required front and corner side yards shall be maintained as 2595
landscaped yards, unless otherwise exempted in this title. 2596
3. Landscape Buffers: Landscape buffers and freeway buffers may be located within a 2597
required side or rear yard. 2598
4. Coverage and Quantity calculations: 2599
2600
a. Vegetation coverage is measured at plant maturity. 2601
b. Tree canopy may be included in the vegetation coverage calculations of the 2602
required landscaping location the tree is within. 2603
c. Fractional landscaping quantities shall be measured to the nearest whole number. 2604
d. Streets, drives and sidewalks necessary for reasonable access may be excluded 2605
from impervious surface calculations. 2606
2607
5. Conflicting Standards: 2608
2609
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
a. Where there are conflicting standards in this chapter, the more restrictive 2610
requirements shall apply. 2611
b. Where the standards in this chapter conflict with specific district regulations, the 2612
specific district regulations shall prevail. 2613
2614
2615
B. Park Strip Standards: 2616
Park Strips
Street Trees Minimum of 1 street tree planted on center between back of street
curb and the sidewalk.
Additional street trees shall be provided at the following rate per
each frontage length: 1 small tree per 20 feet, or 1 medium tree per
30 feet, or 1 large tree per 40 feet. The largest tree that is
appropriate to the park strip size shall be used. 1, 2
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Prohibited
Impervious
Surfaces
The combination of all paving materials shall not exceed 20% of
the total park strip area.
1. Street trees shall be an appropriate species chosen from the Urban Forestry Street Tree List based on
park strip size, shall have sufficient separation from public utilities, and shall be approved by the Urban
Forestry Division.
2. Park strips with a width of 36” or less are exempt from this provision.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
C. Landscape Yard Standards 2617
1. Residential Districts (all districts included in Chapter 21A.24): 2618
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Maximum 33% 1
(Landscape yard areas less than 250 sq. ft. are exempt)
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20%
1. Turf limitations established in 21A.48.080.B shall apply.
2. Manufacturing Districts (all districts included in Chapter 21A.28): 2619
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Prohibited.
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20% up to a maximum of 1,200 sq. ft.
3. All Other Districts Not Included in Chapters 21A.24 and 21A.28: 2620
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage (may be decreased if specified
within specific district regulations).
Turf Only permitted in active recreation areas. 1
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20% (may be increased if specified within
specific district regulations).
1. Turf limitations established in Subsection 21A.48.080.B shall apply.
2621
D. Landscape Buffer Standards: 2622
District When Abutting 1
Required
Landscape
/ Freeway
Buffer
Widths
All districts (except Single-
and Two- Family, Foothill,
Special Development
Pattern, SNB, FB-UN1, and
those districts listed below
that require a greater buffer
width)
Single- and Two- Family, Foothill, &
Special Development
10’
All districts Freeway 2 20’
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
All other non-residential
districts (except SNB, FB-
UN1, and those districts
listed below that require a
greater buffer width)
RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, & RMF-
75 10’
M-1 Any district that allows residential uses,
AG districts, & OS 15’
M-2 Any district that allows residential uses 50’
AG districts & OS 30’
BP & RP All residential districts (in Chapter
21A.24) 30’
EI All districts 30’
MH All districts 20’
1. Or when required elsewhere by this title.
2. The zoning administrator may approve a reduced freeway buffer if there’s an existing sound wall or
required off-street parking cannot be met. If such a reduction is necessary, the buffer may not be less
than 10’ in width.
Landscape Buffer Standards
1 tree for every 30 linear feet of landscape buffer.
1 shrub every 3 feet, with a mature height of no less than 4’, along the entire length
of the buffer.
A 6-foot solid fence along the length of the required landscape buffer unless
modified by the zoning administrator to better meet the fence height provisions in
Section 21A.40.120.
Turf is limited to active recreation areas.
Freeway Landscape Buffer Standards (buffer standards for those properties
abutting a freeway)
1 tree for every 15 linear feet of required freeway landscape buffer. Trees shall be
staggered along the length of the buffer.
100% coverage required, may include adaptive or native grasses, wildflower, and
shrubs. Turf is prohibited.
21A.48.070: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING: 2623
A. Applicability: 2624
2625
1. Hard surfaced parking lots with 10 or more parking spaces shall provide landscaping 2626
in accordance with the provisions of this section. The following graphic depicts 2627
landscape location required and corresponding standards identified in this chapter. 2628
2. Parking lots with less than 10 parking spaces are exempt from parking lot landscaping 2629
but shall provide the required landscape yards and landscape buffers. 2630
2631
B. Interior Parking Lot Landscaping: 2632
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2633
1. Minimum Area: A minimum of 5% of the parking lot shall be interior parking lot 2634
landscaping in the locations identified below and dispersed throughout the parking 2635
lot. Landscaping areas located along the perimeter of a parking lot shall not be 2636
included toward satisfying this requirement. 2637
2. Location: Interior landscape areas shall be provided in the following locations: 2638
2639
a. At each end of a parking row containing 6 stalls or more, where not abutting 2640
required perimeter landscaping; 2641
b. Parallel to parking lot stalls, at a rate of 1 interior landscape area for every 6 2642
parking spaces; 2643
c. Along the interior length of a double-loading parking row; 2644
2645
3. Size: Interior landscape areas shall have a minimum width of 10 feet, as measured 2646
from the inside of the curbing, and shall have a minimum length equal to the length of 2647
the abutting parking spaces. Where interior landscape areas do not abut parking 2648
spaces, a minimum length of 10’ is required. 2649
4. Planting Requirements: 2650
2651
Interior Landscape Areas
Shade trees A minimum of 1 tree is required per interior landscape area.
Additional trees are required at a rate of 1 tree for every
additional 140 square feet in each required interior landscape
area.
Shrubs A minimum of 2 shrubs are required per interior landscape area.
Additional shrubs are required at a rate of 2 shrubs for every
additional 140 square feet in each landscape area. Adaptive or
native ornamental grasses or wildflowers with a minimum height
of 3’ may be used as an alternative.
Ground cover /
Mulch
Landscape area outside of shrub masses shall be established in
ground cover or mulched consistent with the standards of this
chapter. Turf is prohibited.
2652
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2653 2654
2655 2656
5. Modifications to Interior Parking Lot Landscaping: The zoning administrator may 2657
waive interior landscape area requirements if a solar energy system is integrated into 2658
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
the roof structure of a carport, or if the parking lot perimeter landscaping width is 2659
increased to 15’ and with an equal number of trees, as required in the interior, and 2660
perimeter parking lot landscaping, are provided. 2661
C. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping: 2662
2663
1. Applicability: Landscaping along the perimeter of the parking lot shall be provided 2664
when the parking lot is located: 2665
2666
a. Within a required yard (where permitted in Sections 21A.44.060 or 21A.36.020) 2667
b. Within 20 feet of a lot line; or 2668
c. Abutting a principal building. 2669
2670
2. Where both landscape buffers and perimeter parking lot landscaping are required, the 2671
more restrictive shall apply. 2672
3. Where a surface parking lot is adjacent to another surface parking lot, on the same or 2673
separate parcels or lots, the perimeter parking lot landscaping provision may be 2674
waived by the zoning administrator if the required number trees are located elsewhere 2675
within the development. 2676
4. Size: 2677
2678
a. In a required yard or within 20 feet of a property line: 10 feet in width, as 2679
measured from the back of the parking lot curb and extending into any parking 2680
space overhang area. 2681
b. Abutting a building on the same property: A minimum 5-foot-wide required 2682
landscaping and 3-foot walkway shall be required to buffer buildings from 2683
parking spaces. 2684
2685
5. Planting Requirements: 2686
Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping:
Shade Tress 1 tree per 300 square feet of perimeter parking lot area. Trees
may be clustered or spaced throughout the landscaping areas.
Perimeter landscaping abutting a building does not need to be
included in the square footage calculation.1
Shrubs 1 shrub per 3 feet, on center, along 100 percent of the yard
length. Shrubs with mature height not more than 3 feet
Ground cover /
Mulch
Required landscaping outside of shrub masses shall be
established in ground cover or mulched consistent with the
standards of this chapter. Turf is prohibited.
Parking Lot
Fences/Walls:
Fences or walls along parking lot perimeters may be required
to satisfy landscape buffer requirements outlined in
Section 21A.48.060 of this chapter.
1. Required perimeter trees species shall be chosen from the Urban Forestry Street
Tree List and shall be approved by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division.
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2687
2688
2689
2690
2691 D. Curbing: Concrete curbing shall be installed at the perimeter of internal landscape areas 2692
and perimeter parking where parking lots vehicular access aisles or stalls directly abuts 2693
required landscaping. Biodetention areas are exempt from curbing requirements, however 2694
a vehicle stop is required when biodetention areas directly abut parking stalls. 2695
E. Stormwater BMP Approval Required: A SLC Approved Stormwater Best Management 2696
Practice (Stormwater BMP) for all hard surfaced parking lots is required prior to 2697
discharge to the public storm drain and gutter, as required in Subsection 21A.44.060.A.2: 2698
2699
1. All Stormwater BMPs are subject to Public Utilities Division review, approval, and 2700
inspection. 2701
2. Plantings within BMPs are to be drought tolerant, salt tolerant, winter hardy, and able 2702
to be submerged. 2703
21A.48.080. GENERAL STANDARDS 2704
All required landscape plans shall be prepared based on the following standards. All 2705
landscape improvements in the required landscape locations, as described in Sections 2706
21A.48.060 and 21A.48.070 shall meet the regulations described in this section. 2707
2708
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
A. Installation: All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the current planting 2709
procedures established by the American Association of Nurserymen. The installation of 2710
all plants required by this chapter may be delayed until the next optimal planting season, 2711
as determined by the zoning administrator. 2712
2713
1. At the time of planting: 2714
2715
a. Deciduous Trees: All deciduous trees shall have a minimum trunk size of 1.5 2716
inches in caliper. 2717
b. Evergreen Trees: All evergreen trees shall have a minimum size of 5 feet in 2718
height. 2719
c. Shrubs: All shrubs shall have a minimum height or spread of 10 inches depending 2720
on the plant’s natural growth habit, unless otherwise specified. Plants in 2-gallon 2721
containers will generally comply with this standard. 2722
2723
B. General Landscaping Standards: 2724
2725
1. Drought Tolerant or Native Species: 100% of required shrubs, perennial plants, and 2726
groundcover used on a site shall be drought tolerant, adaptive or native species. The 2727
city has compiled a list titled “Salt Lake City Plant List & Hydrozone Schedule”, 2728
established and maintained by Public Utilities, shall be used to satisfy this 2729
requirement. Other plants that are not on the list but are considered drought tolerant, 2730
adaptive or native and require similar watering needs may also be used. 2731
2. Turf: Turf is not permitted: 2732
2733
a. In the park strip. 2734
b. In parking lot perimeter and interior landscaping areas. 2735
c. In areas that are less than 8 feet in any dimension at the narrowest point. 2736
d. In areas with a slope greater than 25% (4 feet horizontal: 1 foot vertical). 2737
e. In required landscape buffer areas. 2738
2739
3. Mulch: Mulch shall be: 2740
2741
a. At least 3 inches in depth, 2742
b. Used in areas that are not covered with landscaping. 2743
c. Permeable to air and water. 2744
d. Permanent fiber barriers, plastic sheeting, crushed rubber, or other impervious 2745
barriers are prohibited. 2746
e. Rock used as a mulch material is limited to 50% of the overall mulch used, the 2747
other 50% shall be an organic mulch material. 2748
2749
4. Artificial turf is prohibited in any location where landscaping is regulated by this 2750
chapter. 2751
5. Berming is prohibited in parking lot and park strip landscaping unless required in 2752
specific district regulations. 2753
2754
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
C. Specific Park Strip Standards: In addition to General Landscape Standards these 2755
provisions shall apply to park strips. 2756
2757
1. Street Trees: 2758
2759
a. Substitutions. The Urban Forester may approve a substitute of the required street 2760
tree provision for a cash in lieu payment if the number of required trees cannot be 2761
met due to conflicts related to public utilities or right-of-way regulations. A cash 2762
in lieu payment, in the amount of cost to purchase and plant the required number 2763
of street trees, shall be contributed to the city’s Tree Fund; 2764
2765
b. Tree Grates: If new street trees are proposed in a location where the area 2766
surrounding the tree will have an impervious surface, tree wells with grates shall 2767
be provided with adequate dimensions and sufficient soil volume to accommodate 2768
the proposed tree species, subject to review by the Urban Forestry Division. 2769
2770
c. Tree Root Protection: Rock or gravel shall maintain a 2-foot separation from the 2771
trunk of a street tree. 2772
2773
2. Vegetation with Thorned, Spined, or Other Sharp Rigid Parts: Vegetation with thorns, 2774
spines, or other sharp, rigid parts hazardous to pedestrians and bicyclists, and difficult 2775
to walk across are prohibited within 3 feet of a curb, sidewalk, walkway, or driveway. 2776
2777
3. Storm Drain Protection: 2778
2779
a. Rock or gravel shall be set at or below top back of curb or abutting sidewalk 2780
grade. 2781
b. Rock or gravel shall have 1 inch or greater diameter. Grades abutting public 2782
streets exceeding 4%, as indicated by Public Utilities Division’s “4% Grade 2783
Streets Map”, shall have rock or gravel 3 inch or greater diameter. 2784
2785
4. Pathways: Impervious surface pathways provided between the curb and sidewalk, are 2786
permitted subject to the following: 2787
2788
a. Shall not be more than 5 feet in width and shall be located to provide the most 2789
direct route from curb to sidewalk. 2790
b. A maximum of 1 pathway per 20 linear feet of park strip is permitted. 2791
c. The pathway area shall be included in impervious surface percentage calculation. 2792
2793
5. Stormwater Curb Controls: Integration of LID (Low Impact Development) practices 2794
are encouraged in park strip areas. Stormwater curb cuts are permitted to allow 2795
stormwater to enter the landscaped area subject to the following provisions: 2796
2797
a. The design and construction of the stormwater curb cut shall comply with the 2798
SLCDPU Standards Practices Manual. 2799
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. All stormwater curb controls are subject to Public Utilities Division review and 2800
approval. 2801
2802
6. Encroachments in the Right-of-Way: Structural encroachments are only permitted 2803
when specifically approved by city divisions and applicable decision-making bodies 2804
(or their designee) and may require an encroachment permit. 2805
2806
a. All encroachments are subject to the following standards, unless specifically 2807
allowed elsewhere in this title: 2808
2809
(1) Any raised structure shall be setback from the curb a minimum of 24 inches, 2810
(2) There are no other practical locations for the structure on the private property, 2811
and 2812
(3) The proposed structures will serve the general public and are part of general 2813
public need, or the proposed structures are necessary for the functional use of 2814
the property. 2815
2816
b. Bus Stops and Bike Share Stations: Concrete pads for bus stop benches and/or 2817
shelters and bike share stations may be permitted with zoning administrator 2818
approval. Impervious surface limitations may be modified upon review. 2819
c. Outdoor Dining: Park strip materials and structural standards may be modified by 2820
the Zoning Administrator when outdoor dining is approved pursuant to 2821
Section 21A.40.065 of this title. 2822
d. Bike Paths: Bike paths that are separated from the travel lanes with cars are 2823
permitted in any existing park strip. Any space between the bike path and the 2824
sidewalk and/or curb of the travel lanes are subject to the requirements of this 2825
section. 2826
21A.48.090: PRIVATE LANDS TREE PRESERVATION: 2827
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of these tree preservation provisions is to recognize and 2828
protect the valuable asset embodied in the trees that exist on private lands within the city 2829
and ensure that the existing trees of Salt Lake City continue to provide benefit to its 2830
citizens. Essential to effective tree preservation is the understanding of tree growth 2831
requirements having to do with space, water, and soil quality needs, among other 2832
qualities. Good, early planning, site design, and construction management practices are 2833
key to allowing trees to prosper. Preconstruction planning and mitigation of potential 2834
impacts that development may have on trees is necessary and one of the purposes of this 2835
section. Numerous community and personal benefits arise from the presence of trees in 2836
urbanized areas - both on residential and nonresidential lands - and it is the intent of this 2837
section through the preservation of the trees to: 2838
2839
1. Enhance the quality of life in the city and protect public health and safety; 2840
2. Preserve and enhance the visual and aesthetic qualities of the city; 2841
3. Enhance public and private property for greater enjoyment and usability due to the 2842
shade, cooling, and the aesthetic beauty afforded by trees; 2843
4. Protect and improve the real estate values of the city; 2844
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
5. Preserve and enhance air and water quality; 2845
6. Reduce noise, glare, dust, and heat, and moderate climate, including urban heat island 2846
effect; 2847
7. Increase slope stability, and control erosion and sediment runoff into streams and 2848
waterways; 2849
8. Protect the natural habitat and ecosystems of the city; 2850
9. Conserve energy by reducing heating and cooling costs; and 2851
10. Preserve the function of mature trees to absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon 2852
dioxide. 2853
2854
B. Applicability: 2855
2856
1. General: The standards in this section shall apply to new development in the city 2857
unless exempted in accordance with Subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this section. The 2858
standards in this section shall apply at the time of a development application for 2859
“development” as defined in the zoning ordinance. 2860
2. Other Regulations: Title 2, Chapter 2.26 of this code, the Salt Lake City urban 2861
forestry ordinance, addressing the protection of trees located on public property 2862
owned by the city and in rights of way, shall remain in effect. 2863
3. Specimen Trees: The city forester shall maintain a list of trees or tree types that are 2864
deemed to be specimen trees subject to Subsection E, “Standards”, of this section. 2865
2866
C. Exemptions: The following specimen tree removal activities may be exempt from the 2867
standards of this section upon confirmation and approval by the city forester: 2868
2869
1. The removal of dead, damaged, or naturally fallen trees, or in cases of community 2870
emergency; 2871
2. When in conjunction with the construction of a single- or two- family residence not 2872
part of a proposed new subdivision; 2873
3. The removal of trees on an existing legal lot when not associated with new 2874
development; 2875
4. The removal of trees in such a condition that they pose a threat to structures or natural 2876
features on the site, on adjoining properties, or in the public right of way; 2877
5. The removal of diseased trees posing a threat to adjacent trees; 2878
6. The selective and limited removal of trees necessary to obtain clear visibility at 2879
driveways or intersections; 2880
7. The removal of trees associated with development at the Salt Lake City International 2881
Airport only as necessary to provide safe operations; 2882
8. The removal of trees when requested by the city forester for the purposes of conflict 2883
with utilities or streets; and 2884
9. The removal of trees deemed appropriate by the city forester, based on tree species, 2885
site conditions, or other variables. 2886
2887
D. Standards: 2888
1. Preservation of Specimen Trees: Specimen trees shall be preserved to the maximum 2889
extent practicable as determined by the city forester, in consultation with the zoning 2890
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
administrator, unless exempted pursuant to Subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this 2891
section. 2892
2893
a. In determining if preservation is impracticable, the city shall consider the 2894
following criteria, including, but not limited to: 2895
2896
(1) Whether an alternative location or configuration of the development including 2897
elements such as parking or structures on the site would be feasible to 2898
accomplish tree preservation, without negatively impacting adjacent 2899
properties, 2900
(2) Whether preservation of the specimen tree would render all permitted 2901
development on the property infeasible, or 2902
(3) If development of the property will provide significant community benefits 2903
that outweigh tree preservation. 2904
2905
b. The zoning administrator may modify any dimensional standard, such as setbacks 2906
and height limits, by up to 20% if such modification will result in preservation of 2907
a specimen tree. 2908
2909
2. Cutting, Removal, or Damage Prohibited: Specimen trees, required to be preserved, 2910
shall not be cut, removed, pushed over, killed, or otherwise damaged. 2911
3. Paving, Fill, Excavation, or Soil Compaction Prohibited: The tree protection zone of 2912
any protected specimen tree shall not be subjected to paving, filling, excavation, or 2913
soil compaction. 2914
4. Mitigation: Where the city determines it is not practicable to preserve a specimen tree 2915
on the development site, the following mitigation provisions shall apply. 2916
2917
a. Replacement Tree Required: 2 caliper inches of replacement trees shall be 2918
provided for each dbh of specimen tree removed (for example, if a 24 inch dbh 2919
specimen tree is removed, it must be replaced with at least 24 trees of a minimum 2920
2 inch caliper or 8 trees with a 6 inch caliper). Each replacement tree shall be a 2921
minimum of 2 inches in caliper, and shall either be replanted prior to certificate of 2922
occupancy or within a conditional time frame as approved by the city forester. 2923
Consult the “Salt Lake City Plant List and Hydrozone Schedule” for 2924
recommendations on tree selection. 2925
Replacement trees shall be planted on the lot or site where the specimen tree was 2926
removed except where the city forester, in consultation with the zoning 2927
administrator, finds the following: 2928
2929
(1) The site does not provide for adequate landscape surface area to accommodate 2930
the total number of replacement trees; or 2931
(2) That due to unique soil types, topography, or unusual characteristics of the 2932
site, the likelihood of successful tree growth is diminished. 2933
In such cases, the applicant shall mitigate for the loss of the specimen tree in 2934
the form of payment to the city’s tree fund as provided below. 2935
2936
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. Cash in Lieu Payment/Tree Fund Contribution: Applicants who are permitted to 2937
remove a specimen tree but not plant a replacement tree on site shall make a cash 2938
in lieu payment, in the amount of the cost to purchase and plant the required 2939
number of replacement trees, into the city’s tree fund. 2940
E. Specimen Tree Protection During Construction: 2941
2942
1. Owner’s Responsibility: During construction, the owner of the property shall be 2943
responsible for the ongoing health of specimen trees located on the site. This includes 2944
basic tree maintenance and watering throughout the term of construction. The owner 2945
shall also ensure the erection of barriers necessary to protect any specimen tree from 2946
damage during and after construction. 2947
2. Tree Protection Zone Fencing: Tree protection fencing shall be erected to protect all 2948
preserved trees from excavation, fill, compaction, or other impacts that would 2949
threaten tree health. Specimen trees shall be fenced in accordance with this subsection 2950
before any grading, excavating, or other land disturbing activity begins on a 2951
construction site. No construction, grading, equipment or material storage, or any 2952
other activity shall be allowed within the tree protection zone, as delineated by the 2953
required tree protection fencing, except in accordance with the standards in 2954
Subsection F.3, “Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones and Root Zones”, of this 2955
section. Fencing shall be maintained until the land disturbance activities are complete, 2956
and shall not be removed or altered without first obtaining written consent from the 2957
city forester. 2958
The tree protection fencing shall be clearly shown on the required development 2959
applications such as a site plan, building permit, or grading permit application. 2960
a. Location: Fencing shall extend at least 1 foot in distance from the edge of the drip 2961
line of a specimen tree or group of specimen trees or as directed by the city 2962
forester to best protect a specimen tree’s critical root zone and still allow 2963
construction access. 2964
b. Type of Fencing: The developer shall erect a chainlink fence, a minimum of 4 feet 2965
in height, secured to metal posts driven into the ground. Such fencing shall be 2966
secured to withstand construction activity and weather on the site and shall be 2967
maintained in a functional condition for the duration of work on the property. This 2968
is not considered permanent fencing subject to Section 21A.40.120, “Regulation 2969
of Fences, Walls and Hedges”, of this title. 2970
c. Timing: All required tree protection measures shall be installed, inspected and 2971
approved by the city forester prior to the commencement of any land disturbing 2972
activities. 2973
2974
4. Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones and Root Zones: Encroachments into a 2975
tree protection zone or within the critical root zones of trees protected in accordance 2976
with this subsection shall occur only in rare instances, and only upon obtaining 2977
written authorization from the city forester. If such encroachment is anticipated, tree 2978
preservation measures including, but not limited to, the following may be required: 2979
2980
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
a. Tree Crown and/or Root Pruning: The pruning, or cutting, of specimen tree 2981
branches or roots shall only be done under the supervision of an ISA certified 2982
arborist, and only upon approval of the city forester. 2983
b. Soil Compaction Impact Mitigation: Where compaction might occur due to 2984
planned, temporary traffic through or materials placed within the protection zone, 2985
the area shall first be mulched with a minimum 4 inch layer of woodchips or a 6 2986
inch layer of pine straw. Plywood sheet or metal plate coverage of the impacted 2987
area may be accepted by the city forester when high moisture conditions warrant. 2988
Equipment or materials storage shall not be allowed within the tree protection 2989
zone. 2990
c. Grade Change Impact Mitigation: In the event proposed site development requires 2991
soil elevation changes tree protection measures designed to mitigate harm to the 2992
tree(s) shall be coordinated with the city forester and the zoning administrator. 2993
d. Construction Debris/Effluent Strictly Prohibited: In no instance shall any debris or 2994
effluent, associated with the construction process, including equipment or vehicle 2995
washing, concrete mixing, pouring, or rinsing processes, be permitted to drain 2996
onto lands within tree protection zones, as delineated by the chainlink tree 2997
protection fencing. 2998
2999
F. Enforcement: These tree preservation provisions shall be subject to the zoning and 3000
development enforcement codes as adopted by the city. 3001
3002
21A.48.100: APPEAL: 3003
Any person adversely affected by a final decision of the zoning administrator on a 3004
landscaping or buffer requirement may appeal to the appeals hearing officer in accordance 3005
with the provisions of Chapter 21A.16 of this title. 3006
3007
SECTION 28. Amending the Text of Section 21A.60.020. That Section 21A.60.020 of 3008
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms), shall be and hereby is 3009
amended to as follows: 3010
a. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to add the following terms in the list of 3011
defined terms to be inserted into that list in alphabetical order and shall read as follows: 3012
Artificial turf. 3013
3014
Impervious surface. 3015
3016
Low impact development (LID). 3017
3018
Shade tree. 3019
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3020
Stormwater curb cut. 3021
3022
3023
b. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to amend the following terms in the list of 3024
defined terms, which shall remain in that list in alphabetical order and shall read as follows: 3025
Caliper. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3026
3027
dbh. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3028
3029
Diameter at breast height. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3030
3031
Specimen tree. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3032
3033
Tree protection fencing. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3034
3035
Tree protection zone. See subsection Chapter 21A.48.135D of this title. 3036
3037
3038
c. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to delete the following terms in the list 3039
of defined terms: 3040
BMP 3041
3042
Best Management Practice (BMP) 3043
3044
ET or ETo. 3045
3046
ETAF. 3047
3048
Ecological restoration project 3049
3050
Evapotranspiration (ET) rate. 3051
3052
Evergreen. 3053
3054
Landscape BMPs manual. 3055
3056
Maximum extent practicable. See subsection 21A.48.135D of this title. 3057
3058
Overspray. 3059
3060
Perennial. 3061
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3062
Tier 2 water target. 3063
3064
Treasured landscape. 3065
3066
Water budget. 3067
3068
3069
SECTION 29. Amending the Text of Section 21A.62.040. That Section 21A.62.040 of 3070
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Definitions: Definitions of Terms), shall be and hereby is 3071
amended as follows: 3072
a. Amending the definition of “GROUND COVER.” That the definition of “GROUND 3073
COVER” shall be amended to read as follows: 3074
GROUND COVER: Any perennial evergreen plant material species that generally does not 3075
exceed twelve inches (12 inches”) in height, stabilizes soils and protects against erosion, and 3076
covers one hundred percent (100%) of the ground all year. 3077
3078
3079
b. Amending the definition of “LANDSCAPE AREA.” That the definition of “LANDSCAPE 3080
AREA” shall be amended to read as follows: 3081
LANDSCAPE AREA: That portion of a lot devoted exclusively to required landscaping, 3082
except that streets, drives and sidewalks may be located within such an area to provide 3083
reasonable access. 3084
3085
3086
c. Amending the definition of “LANDSCAPING.” That the definition of “LANDSCAPING” 3087
shall be amended to read as follows: 3088
LANDSCAPING: The improvement of a lot, parcel or tract of land with vegetation such as 3089
ornamental grass, shrubs and trees. Landscaping may include pedestrian walks, flowerbeds, 3090
ornamental objects such as fountains, statuary, and other similar natural and artificial objects 3091
designed and arranged to produce an aesthetically pleasing effect. 3092
3093
3094
d. Amending the definition of “MULCH.” That the definition of “MULCH” shall be amended 3095
to read as follows: 3096
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
MULCH: Any material such as rock, bark, compost, wood chips or other materials left loose 3097
and applied to the soil, for the purposes of suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, 3098
and preventing soil erosion. 3099
3100
3101
e. Amending the definition of “PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING.” That the definition of “PARK 3102
STRIP LANDSCAPING” shall be amended to read as follows: 3103
PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING: The improvement of property within the street right-of-way 3104
situated between the back of curb and the sidewalk or, if there is no sidewalk, the back of 3105
curb and the right-of-way line, through the addition of plants and other organic and inorganic 3106
materials harmoniously combined to produce an effect appropriate for adjacent uses and 3107
compatible with the neighborhood. Park strip landscaping includes trees and may also 3108
include a combination of lawn, other perennial ground cover, flowering annuals and 3109
perennials, specimen shrubs, and inorganic material. 3110
3111
3112
f. Amending the definition of “PARKING LOT.” That the definition of “PARKING LOT” 3113
shall be amended to read as follows: 3114
PARKING LOT: An area on the surface of the land used for the parking and circulation of 3115
more than four (4) automobiles. Areas designated for the display of new and used 3116
vehicles for sale are not included in this definition. 3117
3118
3119
g. Amending the definition of “TURF.” That the definition of “TURF” shall be amended to 3120
read as follows: 3121
TURF: Grasses planted as a ground cover that may be mowed and maintained to be used as a 3122
lawn area of landscaping. Does not include decorative grasses, grasses that are adaptive or 3123
native to the local environment or grasses that do not generally require supplemental water, 3124
or inorganic substitutes commonly referred to as artificial turf. 3125
3126
3127
h. Adding the definition of “ARTIFICIAL TURF.” That the definition of “ARTIFICIAL 3128
TURF” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as 3129
follows: 3130
ARTIFICIAL TURF: A synthetically derived, grass substitute that simulates the appearance of 3131
natural live grass. 3132
3133
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3134
i. Adding the definition of “CALIPER.” That the definition of “CALIPER” be added and 3135
inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows: 3136
CALIPER: The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk measured at a distance of 6 inches 3137
from the soil line. 3138
3139
3140
j. Adding the definition of “DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh).” That the definition of 3141
“DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh)” be added and inserted into the list of definitions 3142
in alphabetical order to read as follows: 3143
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh): The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk 3144
measured at a distance of 4 feet 6 inches from the ground. 3145
3146
3147
k. Adding the definition of “IMPERVIOUS SURFACE.” That the definition of 3148
“IMPERVIOUS SURFACE” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical 3149
order to read as follows: 3150
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: Any material that substantially reduces or prevents the 3151
infiltration of stormwater directly into the ground, including: asphalt, concrete, pavers, and 3152
brick. 3153
3154
3155
l. Adding the definition of “LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID).” That the definition of 3156
“LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)” be added and inserted into the list of definitions 3157
in alphabetical order to read as follows: 3158
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID): Systems or practices that use or mimic natural 3159
processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration, and/or use of stormwater to 3160
protect water quality and aquatic habitat. 3161
3162
3163
m. Adding the definition of “SHADE TREE.” That the definition of “SHADE TREE” be added 3164
and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows: 3165
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SHADE TREE: Any tree that has a mature minimum tree canopy of 30 feet and a mature 3166
height that is 40 feet or greater. 3167
3168
3169
n. Adding the definition of “SPECIMEN TREE.” That the definition of “SPECIMEN TREE” 3170
be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows: 3171
SPECIMEN TREE: A structurally sound and healthy tree or grouping of trees, having an 3172
individual or combined dbh measuring greater than 10 inches; whose future vitality can be 3173
reasonably expected and maintained with proper protection and regularly scheduled care; and 3174
whose absence from the landscape would significantly alter the site’s appearance, 3175
environmental benefit, character or history. 3176
3177
3178
o. Adding the definition of “STORMWATER CURB CUT.” That the definition of 3179
“STORMWATER CURB CUT” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in 3180
alphabetical order to read as follows: 3181
STORMWATER CURB CUT: Openings created in the curb to allow storm water from an 3182
adjacent impervious surface to flow into a depressed planting area. 3183
3184
3185
p. Adding the definition of “TREE PROTECTION FENCING.” That the definition of “TREE 3186
PROTECTION FENCING” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical 3187
order to read as follows: 3188
TREE PROTECTION FENCING: The fencing required to be installed, and maintained 3189
during construction activities, to delineate required tree protection zones. 3190
3191
3192
q. Adding the definition of “TREE PROTECTION ZONE.” That the definition of “TREE 3193
PROTECTION ZONE” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order 3194
to read as follows: 3195
TREE PROTECTION ZONE: The area of a development site that includes the area located 3196
within the drip line of specimen trees and also includes the area that supports tree health 3197
requirements and interactions as determined by the city forester. 3198
3199
3200
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
r. Deleting definitions. That the following definitions are hereby deleted from the definitions 3201
of terms: 3202
BMP 3203
3204
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) (Applies Only To Chapter 21A.48 Of This 3205
Title) 3206
3207
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT 3208
3209
ET OR ETo 3210
3211
ETAF 3212
3213
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (ET) RATE 3214
3215
EVERGREEN 3216
3217
LANDSCAPE BMPs MANUAL 3218
3219
OVERSPRAY 3220
3221
PERENNIAL 3222
3223
TIER 2 WATER TARGET 3224
3225
TREASURED LANDSCAPE 3226
3227
WATER BUDGET 3228
3229
3230
3231
SECTION 30. Amending the Text of Section 21A.62.050. That Section 21A.62.050 of 3232
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Definitions: Illustrations of Selected Definitions), shall be and 3233
hereby is deleted: 3234
21A.62.050: ILLUSTRATIONS OF SELECTED DEFINITIONS: 3235
The definitions listed below are illustrated on the following pages: 3236
A. Building Height Iin Foothills Districts, R-1 Districts, R-2 District Aand SR Districts. 3237
B. Building Height (Outside Foothills Districts, R-1 Districts, R-2 District Aand SR 3238
Districts). 3239
C. Flag Lot. 3240
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
D. Landscape Area. (RESERVED). 3241
E. Lattice Tower. 3242
F. Monopole With Antennas Aand Antenna Support Structures Greater Than Two Feet Iin 3243
Width. 3244
G. Monopole With Antennas Aand Antenna Support Structures Less Than Two Feet Iin 3245
Width. 3246
H. Roof Mounted Antennas. 3247
I. Sight Distance Triangle. 3248
J. Wall Mounted Antennas. 3249
K. Dormer. 3250
3251
3252
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION A 3253
BUILDING HEIGHT IN FOOTHILLS DISTRICTS, R-1 3254
DISTRICTS, R-2 DISTRICT AND SR DISTRICTS 3255
Finished Grade: 3256
The final grade of a site after reconfiguring grades according to an approved site plan related 3257
to the most recent building permit activity on a site. 3258
Established Grade: 3259
The grade of a property prior to the most recent proposed development or construction 3260
activity. On developed lots, the zoning administrator shall estimate established grade if not 3261
readily apparent, by referencing elevations at points where the developed area appears to 3262
meet the undeveloped portions of the land. The estimated grade shall tie into the elevation 3263
and slopes of adjoining properties without creating a need for new retaining wall, abrupt 3264
differences in the visual slope and elevation of the land, or redirecting the flow of runoff 3265
water. 3266
3267
3268
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION B 3269
BUILDING HEIGHT (OUTSIDE FOOTHILLS DISTRICTS, R-1 3270
DISTRICTS, R-2 DISTRICT AND SR DISTRICTS) 3271
3272
3273
3274
3275
3276
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION C 3277
FLAG LOT 3278
3279
3280
3281
3282
3283
3284
3285
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION D 3286
LANDSCAPE AREA 3287
(RESERVED) 3288
3289
3290
3291
3292
3293
3294
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION E 3295
LATTICE TOWER 3296
3297
3298
3299
3300
3301
3302
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION F 3303
MONOPOLE WITH ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA SUPPORT 3304
STRUCTURES GREATER THAN TWO FEET IN WIDTH 3305
3306
3307
3308
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION G 3309
MONOPOLE WITH ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA SUPPORT 3310
STRUCTURES LESS THAN TWO FEET IN WIDTH 3311
3312
3313
3314
3315
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION H 3316
ROOF MOUNTED ANTENNAS 3317
3318
3319
3320
3321
3322
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION I 3323
SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE 3324
3325
3326
3327
3328
3329
3330
3331
3332
3333
3334
3335
3336
3337
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION J 3338
WALL MOUNTED ANTENNAS 3339
3340
3341
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
ILLUSTRATION K 3342
DORMER 3343
3344
3345
SECTION 31. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective four months from 3346
the date of its adoption; however, a land use applicant wishing to have the provisions of this 3347
Ordinance apply to a land use application sooner may elect to have the provisions herein apply 3348
following its first publication. 3349
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ______ day of ______________, 3350
202_. 3351
______________________________ 3352
CHAIRPERSON 3353
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN: 3354
3355
______________________________ 3356
CITY RECORDER 3357
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
3358
3359
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________. 3360
3361
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed. 3362
3363
______________________________ 3364
MAYOR 3365
______________________________ 3366
CITY RECORDER 3367
(SEAL) 3368
3369
Bill No. ________ of 202_. 3370
Published: ______________. 3371
HC Ordinance Amending Landscaping Regulations (legislative) 9-12-23 3372
3373
3374
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. _____ of 202_
(Amending the zoning text of various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code
pertaining to Landscaping and Buffers chapter amendments)
An ordinance amending the text of various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City
Code pertaining to Landscaping and Buffers Chapter amendments pursuant to Petition No.
PLNPCM2023-00098.
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2023, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning
Commission”) held a public hearing on a petition submitted by Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin
Mendenhall--at the request of the Salt Lake City Council--to amend the zoning code pertaining
to the Landscaping and Buffer Chapter (Petition No. PLNPCM2023-00098); and
WHEREAS, at its April 26, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of
forwarding a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake 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 Subsection 21A.24.010.P.12. That Subsection
21A.24.010.P.12 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: General Provisions:
Special Foothills Regulations), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
12. Landscaping and Revegetation:
a. Installation of all required landscaping shall begin no later than one month after a
certificate of occupancy; except that if the certificate of occupancy is issued
between October 15 and the following April 1, installation of the landscaping
shall begin no later than April 30. Landscaping shall be substantially completed
within nine (9) months after a certificate of occupancy is issued. Landscaping
shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 21A.48 of this title, and shall also
conform to the following requirements:
(1) Front Yards and Side Yards: Front yards, corner side yards and interior side
yards shall be completely landscaped except for driveways, walkways and
patios/decks.
(2) Disturbed Areas: All other areas disturbed during construction shall be either
landscaped or revegetated to a natural state.
(3) Undevelopable Areas: Lawns or gardens are prohibited in the undevelopable
areas. Native and drought tolerant plant species established in undevelopable
areas may be enhanced by irrigation and supplemental planting as approved
by the zoning administrator, provided the zoning administrator finds that such
supplemental planting is in keeping with the natural conditions.
b. Special Landscape Regulations in the FR-1/43,560 and FR-2/21,780 Districts: In
addition to the regulations in Chapter 21A.48 “Landscaping and Buffers” the
following special landscape regulations apply:
(1) Landscape Plan: In addition to the landscape plan submittal requirements
listed in Section 21A.48.050, landscape plans shall also include:
(a) Delineation between the proposed revegetation of disturbed site areas.
(b) As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion protection.
(c) An irrigation plan designed to provide sufficient water for at least the first
two years of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas.
(2) Tree Preservation and Replacement: Existing trees over 2 inches in caliper
that are removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced.
Whenever microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of
replacement tree species shall be the same as the trees removed.
(3) Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted
grasses, herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for
slope and microclimate conditions.
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.020.I. That Subsection
21A.24.020.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: FR-1/43,560 Foothills
Estate Residential District: Landscape Plan), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
I. Landscape Plan: A landscape plan conforming to the requirements of Section 21A.48.050
and Subsection 21A.24.010.P of this title shall be required.
SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.030. That Subsection
21A.24.030.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: FR-1/21,780 Foothills
Residential District: Landscape Plan), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
I. Landscape Plan: A landscape plan conforming to the requirements of Section 21A.48.050
and Subsection 21A.24.010.P of this title shall be required.
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.24.120.G. That Subsection
21A.24.120.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: RMF-30 Low Density
Multi-Family Residential District: RMF-30 Building Type Zoning Standards), shall be and
hereby is amended to read as follows:
Building Regulation Building Type
Single-
Family
Dwelling
Two-
Family
Dwelling
Multi-
Family
Residential
Row
House1
Sideways
Row
House1
Cottage
Development1
Tiny
House1
Non
Residential
Building
Building Regulation Building Type
Single-
Family
Dwelling
Two-
Family
Dwelling
Multi-
Family
Residential
Row
House1
Sideways
Row
House1
Cottage
Development1
Tiny
House1
Non
Residential
Building
H Height 30’ Pitched Roof-
23’
Flat Roof-16’
16’ 30’
F Front yard setback 20’ or the average of the block face
C Corner side yard setback 10’
S Interior side yard setback 4’ on one side
10’ on the other
10’ 4’ 6’ on one
side
10’ on
the other
4’ 10’
R Rear yard Minimum of 20% lot depth, need not exceed 25’ 10’ Minimum
of 20% lot
depth, need
not exceed
25’
L Minimum lot size2 2,000 sq. ft. per dwelling unit 1,500 sq. ft. per
dwelling unit
5,000 sq. ft.
per
building
DU Maximum Dwelling Units per
Form
1 2 8 6 8 per
development
1 n/a
BC Maximum Building Coverage 50%
LY Required Landscaped Yards The front and corner side yards shall be maintained as landscape yards.
LB Landscape Buffers per
Chapter 21A.48.
X X X
G Attached Garages Garage doors accessed from the front or corner side yard shall be no wider than 50% of the front
facade of the structure and set back at least 5’ from the street facing building facade and at least
20’ from the property line. Interior side loaded garages are permitted.
DS Design Standards All new buildings are subject to applicable design standards in Chapter 21A.37 of this title.
0
SECTION 5. Amending the Text of Section 21A.26.010. That Section 21A.26.010 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: General Provisions), shall be and hereby
is amended as follows:
a. That Subsection 21A.26.010.C.1 shall be amended to read as follows:
C. Impact Controls and General Restrictions in the Commercial Districts:
1. Refuse Control: Temporary storage of refuse materials shall be limited to that
produced on the premises. Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored
within completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the
requirements of Section 21A.40.120 of this title. For buildings existing as of April 12,
1995, this screening provision shall be required if the floor area or parking
requirements are increased by twenty five percent (25%) or more by an expansion to
the building or change in the type of land use.
b. That Subsection 21A.26.010.H shall be amended to read as follows:
H. Landscaping and Buffering: The landscaping and buffering requirements for the
commercial districts shall be as specified in Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
SECTION 6. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.020.G. That Subsection
21A.26.020.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CN Neighborhood
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
G. Landscape Yard Requirements: Front and corner side yards shall be maintained as
landscape yards, conforming to the requirements of Chapter 21A.48. Subject to site plan
review approval, part or all of the landscape yard may be a patio or plaza.
SECTION 7. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.025.G. That Subsection
21A.26.025.G of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: SNB Small
Neighborhood Business District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is
amended to read as follows:
G. Landscape Yard Requirements: Front and corner side yards shall be maintained as
landscape yards. Subject to site plan review approval, part or the entire landscape yard
may be a patio or plaza.
SECTION 8. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.040.F. That Subsection
21A.26.040.F of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CS Community
Shopping District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
F. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of fifteen feet (15’) shall be required on
all front and corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Chapter21A.48.
SECTION 9. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.050.E. That Subsection
21A.26.050.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CC Corridor
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
F. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of fifteen feet (15’) shall be required on
all front and corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Chapter 21A.48.
SECTION 10. Amending the Text of Section 21A.26.060. That Section 21A.26.060 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CSHBD Sugar House Business District
(CSHBD1 and CSHBD2)), shall be and hereby is amended as follows:
a. That Subsection 21A.26.060.J shall be amended to read as follows:
J. Park Strip Materials: Properties within this zoning district may utilize alternative park
strip landscaping materials. Alternative materials are subject to planning director
approval based on its compliance with the adopted “Circulation and Streetscape
Amenities Plan” or its successor.
b. That Subsection 21A.26.060.K shall be amended to read as follows:
K. Street Trees: Street trees are required and subject to the regulations in Chapter 21A.48. If
a park strip does not exist, street trees are required when the sidewalk width of at least
10’ can be maintained, to which required street trees shall be planted in tree wells with
tree grates with sufficient soil volume as determined by the Urban Forestry Division.
SECTION 11. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.26.070.E. That Subsection
21A.26.070.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Commercial Districts: CG General
Commercial District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
E. Landscape Yard Requirements: A landscape yard of five feet shall be required on all
front or corner side yards, conforming to the requirements of Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
SECTION 12. Amending the Text of Section 21A.28.010. That Section 21A.28.010 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Manufacturing Districts: General Provisions), shall be and
hereby is amended as follows:
a. That Subsection 21A.28.010.B.1 shall be amended to read as follows:
B. Impact Controls and General Restrictions in the Manufacturing Districts:
1. Refuse Control: Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored within
completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the requirements of
Section 21A.40.120 of this title.
b. That Subsection 21A.28.010.G shall be amended to read as follows:
G. Landscaping and Buffering: All uses in the manufacturing districts shall comply with the
provisions governing landscaping and buffering in Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
SECTION 13. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.28.030.E. That Subsection
21A.28.030.E of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Manufacturing Districts: M-2 Heavy
Manufacturing District: Landscape Yard Requirements), shall be and hereby is amended to read
as follows:
E. Landscape Yard Requirements: The first twenty five feet (25’) of all required front yards
and the first fifteen feet (15’) of all required corner side yards shall be maintained as
landscape yards in conformance with the requirements of Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
SECTION 14. Amending the Text of Section 21A.30.010. That Section 21A.30.010 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Downtown Districts: General Provisions), shall be and hereby
is amended to read as follows:
21A.30.010: GENERAL PROVISIONS:
A. Statement of Intent: The downtown districts are intended to provide use, bulk, urban
design and other controls and regulations appropriate to the commercial core of the city
and adjacent areas in order to enhance employment opportunities; to encourage the
efficient use of land; to enhance property values; to improve the design quality of
downtown areas; to create a unique downtown center which fosters the arts,
entertainment, financial, office, retail and governmental activities; to provide safety and
security; encourage permitted residential uses within the downtown area; and to help
implement adopted plans.
B. Permitted Uses: The uses specified as permitted uses in Section 21A.33.050, “Table of
Permitted and Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts”, of this title are permitted;
provided, that they comply with all requirements of this chapter, the general standards set
forth in Part IV of this title, and all other applicable requirements of this title.
1. Conditional Uses: The uses specified as conditional uses in Section 21A.33.050,
“Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts”, of this title, may
be allowed in the downtown districts provided they are approved pursuant to the
standards and procedures for conditional uses set forth in Chapter 21A.54 of this title,
and comply with all other applicable requirements.
C. Impact Controls and General Restrictions in the Downtown Districts:
1. Refuse Control: Refuse containers must be covered and shall be stored within
completely enclosed buildings or screened in conformance with the requirements of
Section 21A.40.120 of this title. For buildings existing as of April 12, 1995, this
screening provision shall be required if the floor area or parking requirements are
increased by twenty five percent (25%) or more by an expansion to the building or
change in the type of land use.
2. Lighting: On site lighting, including parking lot lighting and illuminated signs, shall
be located, directed or designed in such a manner so as not to create glare on adjacent
properties.
3. Fencing for Vacant Lots in the D-1 Central Business District and D-4 Downtown
Secondary Central Business District: Fencing shall be required on those lots
becoming vacant, where no replacement use is proposed, in conformance with the
following:
a. Fencing, pursuant to Section 21A.40.120 of this title, is required to secure vacant
lots in the downtown area;
b. Fencing shall consist of wrought iron or other similar material (chainlink is
prohibited); and
c. Fencing shall be open so as not to create a visual barrier, and shall be limited to a
maximum of 4 feet in height, with the exception of a fence located within a sight
distance on any corner lot as noted in Section 21A.40.120 of this title.
The approval of a building permit shall be delegated to the building official with the
input of the planning director, to determine if the fencing materials, location, and
height are compatible with adjacent properties in a given setting.
D. Outdoor Sales, Display and Storage: “Sales and display (outdoor)” and “storage and
display (outdoor)”, as defined in Chapter 21A.62 of this title, are allowed where
specifically authorized in Section 21A.33.050, “Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses
for Downtown Districts”, of this title. These uses shall conform to the following:
1. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not encroach into areas of required
parking for periods longer than 30 days;
2. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not be located in any required yard
area within the lot when the required yard abuts a residential zoning district;
3. The outdoor sales or display of merchandise shall not include the use of banners,
pennants or strings of pennants;
4. Outdoor storage shall be allowed only where specifically authorized in the applicable
district regulation and shall be required to be fully screened with opaque fencing not
to exceed eight feet in height; and
5. Outdoor sales and display and outdoor storage shall also be permitted when part of an
authorized temporary use as established in Chapter 21A.42 of this title.
E. Restrictions on Parking Lots and Structures: An excessive amount of at or above ground
parking lots and structures can negatively impact the urban design objectives of the
Downtown zoning districts. To control such impacts, the following regulations apply to
surface parking and above grade structures:
1. Parking shall be located behind principal buildings or incorporated into the principal
building provided the parking is wrapped on street facing facades with a use allowed
in the zone other than parking.
2. A parking lot shall not consist of more than two double-loaded parking aisles (bays)
adjacent to each other. The length of a parking lot shall not exceed 10 stalls. Parking
for government facilities necessary for public health and safety are exempt from this
provision.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.010.E.2 Surface Parking Lots
3. Parking lots, garages or parking structures, proposed as the only principal use on a
property that has frontage on a public street and that would result in a building
demolition are prohibited in the Downtown zoning districts.
4. No special restrictions shall apply to belowground parking facilities.
F. Midblock Walkways: As part of the city’s plan for the downtown area, it is intended that
midblock walkways be provided to increase pedestrian connectivity and overall livability
downtown through the creation of an intricate pedestrian network. The city has adopted
the Downtown Plan that includes a midblock walkway map and establishes a need for
such walkways as the Downtown grows. Because the districts within the downtown area
allow building heights that exceed those of other districts in the city, the requirement for
a midblock walkway is considered to be necessary to alleviate pedestrian impacts on the
public sidewalks by dispersing future use of the public sidewalks. All buildings
constructed after the effective date hereof within the Downtown zoning districts shall
conform to this officially adopted plan for midblock walkways, in addition to the
following standards:
1. Any new development shall provide a midblock walkway if a midblock walkway on
the subject property has been identified in a master plan that has been adopted by the
city.
2. The following standards apply to the midblock walkway:
a. The midblock walkway must be a minimum of 15’ wide and include a minimum
6’ wide unobstructed path.
b. The midblock walkway may be incorporated into the building provided it is open
to the public. A sign shall be posted indicating that the public may use the
walkway.
c. Building encroachments into the midblock walkway are permitted if they include
one or more of the following elements:
(1) Colonnades;
(2) Staircases;
(3) Balconies: All balconies must be located at the third story or above.
(4) Building overhangs and associated cantilever: These coverings may be
between 9 and 14’ above the level of the sidewalk. They shall provide a
minimum depth of coverage of six feet and project no closer to the curb than
three feet.
(5) Skybridge: A single skybridge is permitted. All skybridges must be located at
the third, fourth, or fifth stories.
(6) Other architectural element(s) not listed above that offers refuge from weather
and/or provide publicly accessible usable space.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.30.010.F Midblock Walkways
1 The midblock walkway must be a minimum of 15’ wide and include a minimum 6’ wide
unobstructed path.
G. Sidewalks: For all downtown districts, sidewalks must be a clear walking path that is a
minimum of 10’ wide. Outdoor dining shall be permitted within the sidewalk if it
complies with the minimum width of a clear path as defined in the outdoor dining design
guidelines.
H. Landscaping and Buffers: All uses in the downtown districts shall comply with the
provisions governing landscaping and buffers in Chapter 21A.48 of this title. Where a
park strip does not exist, street trees are only required when the sidewalk width of at least
10’ can be maintained, in which required street trees shall be planted in tree wells with
tree grates.
I. Additional Standards: All uses in the downtown districts shall comply with the standards
set in Part IV, Regulations of General Applicability, of this title, including the applicable
standards in the following chapters:
1. 21A.36 General Provisions
2. 21A.37 Design Standards
3. 21A.38 Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying Structures
4. 21A.40 Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures
5. 21A.42 Temporary Uses
6. 21A.44 Off Street Parking, Mobility, and Loading
7. 21A.46 Signs
8. 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers
9. Any other applicable chapter of this title that may include applicable provisions.
SECTION 15. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.30.020.C. That Subsection
21A.30.020.C of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Downtown Districts: D-1 Central Business
District), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
C. D-1 District General Regulations: The regulations established in this section apply to the
D-1 District as a whole.
1. Yard Requirements: No minimum yards are required. A maximum yard of eight feet
is allowed.
a. If provided, the yard must include one of the following elements:
i. Seating at a ratio of at least one bench for every 500 square feet of yard space;
or
ii. Landscaping that includes an increase of at least 25% in the total number of
trees required to be planted on the site; or
iii. Awning or a similar form of weather protection that covers at least five feet in
width and length from all street-facing building entrances.
b. Exceptions to this requirement may be authorized through the design review
process, subject to the requirements of Chapter 21A.59 of this title.
c. The planning director, in consultation with the transportation director, may
modify this requirement to accommodate a wider sidewalk if the adjacent public
sidewalk is less than 15’ wide and the resulting modification to the setback results
in a more efficient public sidewalk. The planning director may waive this
requirement for any addition, expansions, or intensification, which increases the
floor area or parking requirement by less than 50% if the planning director finds
the following:
i. The architecture of the addition is compatible with the architecture of the
original structure or the surrounding architecture, or
ii. The addition reduces the extent of the noncompliance of the existing building.
d. Regardless of the setback provided, doors shall be setback a minimum distance to
allow the door to operate without swinging into a right of way or midblock
walkway.
e. Interior Side Yards: No minimum interior side yard is required.
f. Rear Yard: No minimum rear yard is required.
SECTION 16. Amending the Text of Section 21A.32.030. That Section 21A.32.030 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: BP Business Park District), shall be
and hereby is amended as follows:
a. That Subsection 21A.32.030.E shall be amended to read as follows:
E. Minimum Open Space Area: The minimum open space area for any use shall not be less
than fifteen percent (15%) of the lot area.
1. At least thirty three percent (33%) of the required open space area shall be covered
with vegetation.
2. All landscaped open space areas shall conform with the water efficient landscaping
standards found in Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
b. That Subsection 21A.32.030.I shall be amended to read as follows:
I. Other District Regulations: In addition to the foregoing regulations, all uses shall comply
with the following requirements:
1. Enclosed Operations: All principal uses shall take place within entirely enclosed
buildings.
2. Outdoor Storage: Accessory outdoor storage shall be screened with a solid fence and
approved through the site plan review process.
3. Nuisance Impacts: Uses and processes shall be limited to those that do not create a
nuisance to the use and enjoyment of adjacent property due to odor, dust, smoke,
gases, vapors, noise, light, vibration, refuse matter or water carried waste. The use of
explosive or radioactive materials, or any other hazardous materials, shall conform to
all applicable State or Federal regulations.
4. Property Zoned Business Park: When a property zoned Business Park abuts, or is
across the street from, an AG-2 or AG-5 Zoning District the following standards shall
apply:
a. Buildings shall be prohibited within one hundred feet (100’) of the adjacent
property line;
b. Parking lots shall be prohibited within fifty feet (50’) of the adjacent property
line; and
c. The portion of the lot located between the adjacent property line and the parking
lot or building shall be improved in the form of a landscaped buffer with a
minimum 5 foot berm and shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 21A.48 of
this title.
SECTION 17. Amending the Text of Section 21A.32.040. That Section 21A.32.040 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: FP Foothills Protection District),
shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.32.040: FP FOOTHILLS PROTECTION DISTRICT:
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of the FP Foothills Protection District is to protect the
foothill areas from intensive development in order to protect the scenic value of these
areas, wildlife habitats and to minimize flooding and erosion. This district is appropriate
in areas where supported by applicable master plans.
B. Uses: Uses in the FP Foothills Protection District as specified in Section 21A.33.070,
“Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Special Purpose Districts”, of this title, are
permitted subject to the general provisions set forth in Section 21A.32.010 of this chapter
and this section.
C. Special Foothills Regulations: The regulations contained in Subsection 21A.24.010.P of
this title, shall apply to the FP Foothills Protection District.
D. Minimum Lot Area and Lot Width: Any use, except trailheads, in the FP Foothills
Protection District shall comply with the following lot area and width requirements:
1. Minimum lot area: Sixteen (16) acres.
2. Minimum lot width: One hundred forty feet (140’).
E. Maximum Building Height: See Subsection 21A.24.010.P of this title for special foothills
regulations governing building height.
F. Minimum Yard Requirements: No principal or accessory building shall be located within
twenty feet (20’) of the front or corner side lot line nor shall any principal or accessory
building be located within 75’ of any side or rear lot line. Accessory structures (other
than accessory buildings) shall conform to Section 21A.36.020, Table 21A.36.020.B of
this title.
G. Maximum Disturbed Area: The disturbed site area shall not exceed two acres. For the
purposes of this district, “disturbed areas” shall be defined as areas of grading and
removal of existing vegetation for principal and accessory buildings and areas to be hard
surfaced.
H. Slope Restrictions: To protect the visual and environmental quality of foothill areas, no
building shall be constructed on any portion of the site that exceeds a thirty percent
(30%) slope for lots in subdivisions granted preliminary approval by the planning
commission after November 4, 1994.
I. Fence Restrictions: Fences and walls shall only be constructed after first obtaining a
building permit subject to the standards of this subsection.
1. Site Plan Submittal: As a part of the site plan review process, a fencing plan shall be
submitted which shall show:
a. Any specific subdivision approval conditions regarding fencing;
b. Material specifications and illustrations necessary to determine compliance with
specific subdivision approval limitations and the standards of this section.
2. Field Fencing of Designated Undevelopable Areas: Fencing on areas identified as
undevelopable areas or transitional areas on any subdivision granted preliminary
approval by the planning commission after November 4, 1994, or any lot previously
platted which identifies undevelopable areas or transitional areas shall be limited to
the following standards unless subdivision approval granted prior to November 4,
1994, included specific fencing requirements which are more restrictive. The more
restrictive requirement shall apply.
a. A low visibility see through fence shall consist of flat black colored steel “T”
posts and not more than four strands of nonbarbed steel wire, strung at even
vertical spacing on the “T” post, and erected to a height of not more than 42”
above the natural ground surface.
b. When fencing lot boundary lines, vegetation or native brush shall not be cleared
so as to create a visible demarcation from off site.
c. The existing surface of the ground shall not be changed by grading activities
when erecting boundary fences.
d. Fence materials and designs must not create a hazard for big game wildlife
species.
e. No field fencing shall be erected in conflict with pedestrian easements dedicated
to Salt Lake City.
3. Buildable Area Fencing: Fencing on any portions of a lot identified as buildable area
or required side yard on any subdivision granted preliminary approval by the planning
commission after November 4, 1994, or any lot previously platted which identifies
undevelopable areas or transitional areas shall be limited to the following standards
unless subdivision approval granted prior to November 4, 1994, includes specific
fencing requirements which are more restrictive. The more restrictive requirement
shall apply.
a. An open, see through fence shall be constructed of tubular steel, wrought iron or
similar materials, finished with a flat black, nonreflective finish constructed to a
height of six feet or less; or
b. A sight obscuring or privacy type fence shall be of earth tone colors, or similar
materials to the primary dwelling, and located in a way to screen private outdoor
living spaces from off site view.
4. Front or Corner Side Yard Fencing: Walls and fences located within the front or
corner side yards or along dedicated roads shall not exceed a maximum of 42” in
height.
J. Special Landscape Regulations: In addition to the regulations in Chapter 21A.48
“Landscaping and Buffers” the following special landscape regulations apply:
1. Landscape Plan: In addition to the landscape plan submittal requirements listed in
Section 21A.48.050, landscape plans shall also include:
a. Delineation between proposed revegetation of disturbed areas of the site, and
road/driveway areas. The landscape plan shall extend 100 feet beyond the
disturbed site area and 25 feet beyond the limits of grading for roads/driveways,
but need not include any portions of the site designated as undevelopable unless
these areas are disturbed.
b. As a condition of site plan approval, a plan for erosion protection.
c. An irrigation plan designed to provide sufficient water for at least the first 2 years
of growth to establish revegetation of natural areas.
2. Maximum Disturbed Area: The maximum disturbed area shall not exceed 10% of the
total site area.
3. Tree Preservation and Replacement: Existing trees over 2 inches in caliper that are
removed from the site to accommodate development shall be replaced. Whenever
microclimate conditions make it practical, the proportion of replacement tree species
shall be the same as the trees removed.
4. Limits on Turf: To minimize the impact on the natural landscape and promote the
intent of this district, the area of turf grasses shall not exceed 33% of the area to be
landscaped and shall not encroach into undevelopable areas.
5. Slope Revegetation: All slopes graded or otherwise disturbed shall be
restored/replanted. Restored vegetation shall consist of native or adapted grasses,
herbaceous perennials, or woody trees and shrubs as appropriate for slope, soil and
microclimate conditions.
SECTION 18. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.32.130.I. That Subsection
21A.32.130.I of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Special Purpose Districts: MU Mixed Use
District: Landscape Buffers), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
I. Landscape Buffers: Where a nonresidential or mixed use lot abuts a residential or vacant
lot within the MU Mixed Use District or any Residential District, a 10’ landscape buffer
shall be provided subject to the improvement requirements of Chapter 21A.48 of this
title.
SECTION 19. Amending the Text of Section 21A.34.030. That Section 21A.34.030 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: T Transitional Overlay District), shall be and
hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.34.030: T TRANSITIONAL OVERLAY DISTRICT:
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of the T Transitional Overlay District is to allow for the
redevelopment of certain older residential areas for limited commercial and light
industrial uses. This district is intended to provide a higher level of control over such
activity to ensure that the use and enjoyment of existing residential properties is not
substantially diminished by future nonresidential redevelopment. The intent of this
district shall be achieved by designating certain nonresidential uses as conditional uses
within the overlay district and requiring future redevelopment to comply with established
standards for compatibility and buffering as set forth in this section.
B. District Locational Criteria: Residential areas covered by the T Transitional Overlay
District are characterized by:
1. A land use designation in the city’s General Plan identifying reuse or redevelopment
for nonresidential uses;
2. The presence of external influences, such as proximity to expressways, railroad tracks
and incompatible uses, which impact the long term viability of residential use; and
3. Deteriorating housing stock.
C. Permitted Uses: The uses specified as permitted uses in the table of permitted and
conditional uses set forth in Part III of this title for the underlying district shall be
permitted uses and no other.
D. Conditional Uses: The uses specified as conditional uses in the table of permitted and
conditional uses set forth in Part III of this title for the underlying district shall be
conditional uses. In addition to the conditional uses permitted in the underlying district,
the following uses shall be allowed as conditional uses in the T Transitional Overlay
District:
1. Light manufacturing and industrial assembly uses;
2. Warehouse and wholesale uses in which goods and materials are stored in completely
enclosed buildings;
3. Offices;
4. Furniture and appliance repair shops;
5. Commercial photography studios and photofinishing laboratories;
6. Retail goods establishments;
7. Retail services establishments;
8. Medical and dental offices and clinics; and
9. Medical laboratories.
E. Minimum Lot Area: The minimum lot area for any conditional use shall be 10,000 square
feet.
F. Minimum Lot Width: The minimum lot width for any conditional use shall be 60’.
G. Maximum Building Height: The maximum building height for conditional uses shall be
35’.
H. Site Design Criteria: The land use compatibility of a proposed conditional use shall be
assessed, through the application of the following criteria in addition to the standards for
conditional uses set forth in Chapter 21A.54, “Conditional Uses”, of this title.
1. The proposed principal building shall be located not less than 20’ from any residential
dwelling;
2. Interior side yards for lots abutting residential uses shall not be less than 12’;
3. Interior side yards for lots abutting another nonresidential use shall not be less than
eight feet;
4. Front and corner side yards shall be provided consistent with the underlying zoning
district;
5. Rear yards shall not be less than 25’;
6. Signs should be limited to one flat nonilluminated identification sign not more than
six square feet per 50’ of lot frontage.
I. Application: The application for a conditional use in the transitional overlay district shall
include information in sufficient detail so that the planning commission may judge the
compatibility of the conditional use with the existing residential conditions and the
adopted mixed use development policies and for the planning commission to assess the
impacts to the existing neighborhood. The following specific information shall also be
provided in the application:
1. The amount of employee, customer or other business related traffic (i.e., delivery and
pick up) expected to be generated by the proposed use;
2. Traffic impact analysis determining the anticipated effect on contiguous streets and
necessary improvements to the street network required to maintain an acceptable
level of service for the neighborhood;
3. The location and design of vehicular access to the proposed use, the amount of off
street parking facilities, and the location, arrangement and dimensions of loading and
unloading facilities;
4. Hours of operation of the business;
5. The amount of noise, noxious odors, fumes or vibration anticipated from the proposed
use;
6. Schematic elevations of all building facades indicating building materials, entries,
loading docks, signage and building height;
7. Schematic landscape plan.
J. Standards: In evaluating the suitability of a proposed conditional use, the planning
commission shall consider the following standards:
1. In addition to all the requirements, standards and criteria established for the
transitional overlay district, each conditional use must satisfy the requirements of
Chapter 21A.54, “Conditional Uses”, of this title.
2. The applicant has the burden of establishing to the planning commission that the
proposed conditional use meets the purposes of the transitional overlay district.
SECTION 20. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.34.040.FF. That Subsection
21A.34.040.FF of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: AFPP Airport Flight Path
Protection Overlay District: Airport Parking Lot Landscaping), shall be and hereby is amended
to read as follows:
FF. Airport Parking Lot Landscaping: All parking lots located within the airport
landscaping overlay district shall comply with the following guidelines:
1. General Landscaping Performance Standards: Landscaping plans for parking lots
shall be developed to reflect a balance between the responsibility of ensuring the
safety and security of persons and property with the objective of creating aesthetically
pleasing, environmentally sensitive landscapes. Landscaping should address city
goals related to reduction of urban heat islands, visual buffering of parking lots,
impacts of noise, water conservation, as well as minimization of dust, runoff and
sedimentation. Landscaping shall consist of a variety of landscape materials, which
may include trees ground cover, shrubs, perennials, managed water features, and rock
features. Drought tolerant, native, or adaptive or resistant vegetation, which reflects
the natural vegetation and geography of the region, shall be used to create an
aesthetically appealing landscape.
2. Reduction of Urban Heat Islands: The following standards are intended to help
mitigate the contribution to the urban heat island effect from large parking areas.
Parking lot owners or operators may use a combination of any of the following
methods to reduce urban heat:
a. The total airport parking supply shall consist of a combination of surface and
structured parking lots. Structured parking shall offset the area of surface parking
that is otherwise required, thereby reducing the area that contributes to urban heat.
b. Landscaping within large land use areas may be evaluated in terms of a
comprehensive planned development program to consider the total landscaping
within the entire development area. Landscaping may be shifted from the interior
of parking lots to other areas within the developed area.
c. Landscaping, which includes trees, shrubs, ground cover and perennials, shall be
dispersed throughout parking lots to provide shade while ensuring trees are not
planted at a spacing or density that will encourage wildlife use or create an
aviation hazard.
d. Shade for pedestrians shall be provided in parking lots through the use of
pedestrian shelters integrated with landscaping.
e. Interior landscaped areas shall be provided in parking lots to reduce heat, provide
a visual buffer and reduce runoff.
f. No specific ratio of trees and shrubs to landscaped area is required.
3. Visual Buffering: Landscaped buffers, not less than 10’ in width, shall be provided,
where feasible, between parking lots and primary entrance and exit roads. Visual
screening shall be provided within landscape buffers to enhance aesthetics and reduce
visibility of parked vehicles. Visual screening may consist of a combination of
shrubs, trees or other methods.
4. Water Conservation: To promote water conservation, landscape concepts shall
incorporate features that use trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, ground cover, and
perennials that are drought tolerant, native, or adaptive species that can withstand dry
conditions once established. The plant list developed by the city, titled “Water
Conserving Plants for Salt Lake City”, shall be used as the primary reference in
determining drought tolerance of plants. All irrigation systems shall be designed for
efficient use of potable water. Traditional turf areas are prohibited.
5. Temporary Parking Lots: Parking lots that are intended to be in use for three years or
less are exempt from parking lot landscaping requirements. Such parking lots may
exist to phase the construction of other facilities and shall be removed once the
facilities are completed. Temporary lots that are within the area of an approved
comprehensive plan may remain in use for the duration approved in the plan.
However, temporary parking lots shall still comply with applicable development
standards for parking lots as outlined in Chapter 21A.44 of this title. Parking lots that
remain in use by the public beyond three years shall be brought into compliance with
these standards within 12 months.
6. Operational and Maintenance Lots: Parking lots that are not available to the public for
parking and are used to store vehicles, operational materials, or maintenance
equipment are exempt from landscaping requirements. The portions of permanent
storage lots that are adjacent to public areas shall be landscaped using acceptable
landscaping principles contained herein to screen the storage area from public view.
7. Plan Approval: All landscape plans shall be coordinated with the city’s development
review team (DRT) and planning division, for review and comment on compliance
with city ordinances and these performance standards. The planning director and
director of airports shall jointly approve final landscaping plans for any airport
parking lot.
SECTION 21. Amending the Text of Section 21A.34.140. That Section 21A.34.140 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Overlay Districts: Northwest Quadrant Overlay District), shall
be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.34.140: NORTHWEST QUADRANT OVERLAY DISTRICT:
A. Northwest Quadrant Overlay District:
1. Purpose: The purpose of the Northwest Quadrant Overlay District is to protect
sensitive lands and wildlife habitat; allow for the continuation of agricultural uses;
and allow for the development of lands in appropriate areas that contribute to the
future economic growth of the city and will not negatively impact sensitive lands,
habitats, and waterways in the area north of I-80 and west of the Salt Lake
International Airport. Sites within this area may be subject to difficult environmental
and site conditions. The overlay defines three subareas: the Development Area, the
Eco-Industrial Buffer Area, and the Natural Area.
2. Public Improvements and Dedications: The undeveloped land in the Northwest
Quadrant requires public improvements to ensure the long term development
potential and success of the area. All development subject to a site development or
building permit, shall be required to provide public improvements required by city
departments as outlined in their master plans.
3. State and Federal Permits Required: A site development and/or building permit shall
not be granted unless the applicant has first obtained any necessary State and/or
Federal wetlands and/or stream alteration permits.
4. Precedence: For areas where the LC Lowland Conservancy Overlay District is
mapped within the Northwest Quadrant Development Area and/or the Northwest
Quadrant Eco-Industrial Buffer Area, the LC Lowland Conservancy Overlay District
shall take precedence.
B. Northwest Quadrant Development Area: The purpose of this area of the Northwest
Quadrant Overlay District is to allow for new development to occur in a way that allows
for the growth of light industrial uses in the city while minimizing impacts to wildlife and
the surrounding sensitive Great Salt Lake shore lands. This area is identified on the
zoning map.
1. General Requirements:
a. Minimum Yard Requirements:
(1) Front Yard: 20’.
(2) Corner Side Yard: 20’.
(3) Interior Side Yard: None required.
(4) Rear Yard: None required.
b. Lighting: All lighting on the property, including lighting on the buildings, parking
areas, and for signs shall be shielded to direct light down and away from the edges
of the property to eliminate glare or light into adjacent properties and have cutoffs
to prevent upward lighting. Uplighting and event searchlights are prohibited.
c. Roof Color: Light reflective roofing material with a minimum solar reflective
index (SRI) of 82 shall be used for all roofs.
2. Landscaping Requirements: The purpose of the special landscaping for the Northwest
Quadrant Development Area is to provide appropriate native landscaping that can
survive in the unique conditions of the area, prevent noxious weeds, and to provide
landscaping that will not negatively impact the adjacent sensitive lands and birds
areas.
a. All landscaping shall consist only of native plants as identified in the “Salt Lake
City Northwest Quadrant Plant List” on file with the city’s planning division.
b. Any areas disturbed by construction activity that will be left undeveloped shall be
landscaped with plantings at an appropriate density to achieve complete cover
within two years.
c. Noxious weed species as identified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and
Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List (or its successor)
shall be removed from landscaped areas and areas disturbed by construction
activity. Noxious weeds shall be controlled for a period of two years and methods
of control shall be identified on the landscape plan.
d. Required trees, including street trees, shall be chosen from the “Northwest
Quadrant Plant List”. Noxious trees, as identified by the Utah Department of
Agriculture and Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List
(or its successor) are prohibited.
e. Any shrub required by Chapter 21A.48 of this title shall be selected from the “Salt
Lake City Northwest Quadrant Plan List” have a mature height of at least three
feet (3’).
f. All other requirements in Chapter 21A.48 of this title apply. This section shall
take precedence in the case of a conflict with Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
C. Northwest Quadrant Eco-Industrial Buffer Area: The purpose of this area of the
Northwest Quadrant Overlay District is to provide an adequate buffer between the
Natural Area, the adjacent Inland Sea Shore and the development of light industrial uses.
Requirements in this area are meant to provide an area of transition from the natural
environment to the built environment that will limit impacts to wildlife and sensitive
areas. This area is identified on the zoning map.
1. In addition to the requirements listed in Subsection B of this section, properties
located within the Northwest Quadrant Eco- Industrial Buffer Area are subject to the
following requirements:
a. Glass Requirements: For buildings with more than 10% glass on any building
elevation, a minimum of 90% of all glass shall be treated with applied films,
coatings, tints, exterior screens, netting, fritting, frosted glass or other means to
reduce the number of birds that may collide with the glazing. Any treatment must
create a grid pattern that is equal to or smaller than two inches wide by four
inches tall.
b. Fencing: When adjacent to the Northwest Quadrant Natural Area or the western
city boundary, a see through fence that is at least 50% open with a minimum
height of six feet shall be erected along the property line to protect the Natural
Area from development impacts and trespass.
D. Northwest Quadrant Natural Area: The purpose of this area of the Northwest Quadrant
Overlay District is to protect sensitive lands and wildlife near the Great Salt Lake
shorelands, to allow for the continuation of existing uses, and to limit new uses and new
development in this area. This area is identified on the zoning map.
1. Permitted Uses and Improvements: Within the Natural Area, permitted developments
and improvements to land are limited to the following:
Accessory use (associated with an allowed principal use).
Agricultural use.
Living quarters for caretaker or security guard.
Maintenance to existing infrastructure.
Natural open space.
Necessary infrastructure to support an allowed use.
Utility, building or structure (public).
Utility, transmission wire, line, pipe or pole (public).
Wildlife and game preserves.
2. Conditional Uses and Standards:
a. Uses and Improvements: The following uses and improvements are subject to
conditional use standards contained in Chapter 21A.54 of this title:
Hunting club, (when allowed by the underlying zoning).
Underground utility transmission infrastructure (private), subject to the following:
(1) An appropriate plan for mitigation of any construction activities shall be
prepared, and
(2) Absent any State or Federal regulations, a plan for creating no adverse impact
should the line be abandoned shall be prepared.
Utility, building or structure (private).
Utility, transmission wire, line, pipe or pole (private).
b. Conditional Use Standards: In addition to demonstrating conformance with the
conditional use standards contained in Chapter 21A.54 of this title, each applicant
for a conditional use within the Northwest Quadrant Natural Area must
demonstrate conformance with the following standards:
(1) The development will not detrimentally affect or destroy natural features such
as ponds, streams, wetlands, and forested areas, nor impair their natural
functions, but will preserve and incorporate such features into the
development’s site;
(2) The location of natural features and the site’s topography have been
considered in the designing and siting of all physical improvements;
(3) Adequate assurances have been received that the clearing of the site topsoil,
trees, and other natural features will not occur before the commencement of
building operations; only those areas approved for the placement of physical
improvements may be cleared;
(4) The development will not reduce the natural retention storage capacity of any
watercourse, nor increase the magnitude and volume of flooding at other
locations; and that in addition, the development will not increase stream
velocities;
(5) The soil and subsoil conditions are suitable for excavation and site
preparation, and the drainage is designed to prevent erosion and
environmentally deleterious surface runoff;
(6) The proposed development activity will not endanger health and safety,
including danger from the obstruction or diversion of flood flow;
(7) The proposed development activity will not destroy valuable habitat for
aquatic or other flora and fauna, adversely affect water quality or groundwater
resources, increase stormwater runoff velocity so that water levels from
flooding increased, or adversely impact any other natural stream, floodplain,
or wetland functions, and is otherwise consistent with the intent of this title;
(8) The proposed water supply and sanitation systems are adequate to prevent
disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions; and
(9) The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the
proposed use.
3. Landscaping: Landscaping is not required for uses and improvements within the
Natural Area, except:
a. Any areas disturbed by construction activity that will be left undeveloped shall be
revegetated with native plants as listed in the “Salt Lake City Northwest Quadrant
Plant List”.
b. Noxious weed species as identified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and
Food (or its successor) in the State of Utah Noxious Weed List (or its successor)
shall be removed from landscaped areas and areas disturbed by construction
activity. Noxious weeds shall be controlled for a period of two years and methods
of control shall be identified on the landscape plan.
SECTION 22. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.37.050.P. That Subsection
21A.37.050.P of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Standards: Design Standards Defined:
Streetscape Standards), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
P. Streetscape Standards: These standards are required for landscaping that is within the
public right of way. This is defined as the space between the private property line and the
back of the curb. All properties must comply with the park strip landscaping regulations
in Chapter 21A.48. Where there is a conflict between the requirements in Chapter 21A.48
and the requirements of this Subsection, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply.
1. Tree Canopy Coverage: No tree canopy shall cover less than the specified percentage
according to Section 21A.37.060, Table 21A.37.060 of this chapter. The defined
percentage represents the canopy coverage at maturity. At installation, a minimum of
20% of all trees shall have a minimum caliper of 3”. Where tree canopy coverage
percentage is indicated in Table 21A.37.060, tree canopy coverage shall not count
towards the minimum coverage requirements for park strip vegetation.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.1 Tree Canopy Coverage
1 No tree canopy coverage shall cover less than the specified percentage according to Section
21A.37.060, Table 21A.37.060 of this chapter.
2. Street Trees: All new development must provide street trees in accordance with the
requirements in Chapter 21A.48. Where specified in Table 21A.37.060 of this
chapter, for every new development, there shall be one street tree planted for every
30’ of street frontage. 3. Soil Volume: In order to promote street tree health and longevity, each tree shall have an adequate volume of soil. The soil volume surrounding a tree shall be 750ft3 to 1,000ft3 per tree, provided that this area is exclusive of the soils volume calculation for adjacent trees. The soil volume may be reduced if under ground utilities are present within the soil volume and the soil volume cannot be extended horizontally due to other obstructions or barriers.
4. Minimize Curb Cuts: As an effort to emphasize the public realm and encourage the safety of pedestrians, places where cars intersect the street shall be minimized. More specifically, curb cuts are encouraged to be concentrated at midblock and alley locations. The sidewalk material shall continue at ground level of the curb cuts.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.3 Soil Volume
1 The soil volume surrounding a tree shall be 750ft3 to 1,000ft3 per tree, provided that this area is exclusive of the soils volume calculation for adjacent trees.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.4 Minimize Curb Cuts
5. Overhead Cover: Overhead covers are required at building entrances to provide weather protection to pedestrians and may encroach into a required yard as indicated in this section or into a public right of way with an approved encroachment agreement with the city. These coverings are required to be between 9 and 14’ above the level of the sidewalk. They shall also provide coverage with a minimum depth of 6’ and project no closer to the curb than 3’.
1 Curb cuts are encouraged to be concentrated at midblock and alley locations.
Illustration of Regulation 21A.37.050.P.5 Overhead Cover
1 The shade structure shall occur between 9 and 14’ above the level of the sidewalk.
The shade shall provide a minimum coverage of 6’ in width.
SECTION 23. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.37.060. That Subsection
21A.37.060 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Standards: Design Standards Required
in Each Zoning District), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
This section identifies each design standard and to which zoning districts the standard applies. If
a box is checked (X), that standard is required. If a box is blank, it is not required. If a specific
dimension or detail of a design standard differs among zoning districts or differs from the
definition, it will be indicated within the box. In cases where a dimension in this table conflicts
with a dimension in the definition, the dimensions listed in the table shall take precedence.
The cover shall project no closer than 3’ to the curb.
TABLE 21A.37.060
A. Residential Districts:
Standard (Code Section)
District
RMF-30 RMF-35 RMF-45 RMF-75 RB R-MU-35 R-MU-45 R-MU RO
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 75 75
Ground floor use + visual interest (%) (21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050B.3)
80 80
Building materials: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.B.4)
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 60 60 40
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 75 75 X
Blank wall: maximum length (feet) (21A.37.050.E)
15 15 15
Street facing facade: maximum length(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.2 and
21A.37.050.G.3)
10
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H)
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X
Screening of mechanical equipment (21A.37.050.J) X X X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K.1) X X X
Ground floor residential entrances for dwellings with individual unit entries (21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or structures (21A.37.050.M)
Residential character in RB District (21A.37.050.N)
X
B. Commercial Districts:
Standard (Code Section)
District
SNB
CN
CB
CS
CC CSHBD
CG1
TSA
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 80 802 80
Ground floor use + visual interest (%) (21A.37.050.A.2) 60/25 70/20 60/25
Building materials: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.B.3) 80 70 90
Building materials: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.B.4) 60 60
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 40 40 40 40 60 60
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 25
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 0
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 40
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) X X X X X 40 40 40
Blank wall: maximum length (feet) (21A.37.050.E) 15 15 15 15 20 15
Street facing facade: maximum length (feet)(21A.37.050.F) 200 200 200
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.2 and
21A.37.050.G.3)
15 X
Façade height for required stepback (21A.37.050.G.2) 30
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H) X X X
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X X X X X X X
Screening of mechanical equipment (21A.37.050.J) X X X X X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K) X X X X X X
Ground floor residential entrances for dwellings with individual
unit entries (21A.37.050.L)
X
Parking garages or structures (21A.37.050.M) X
Primary entrance design SNB District (21A.37.050.O) X
Tree canopy coverage (%)(21A.37.050.P.1) 40
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.2) X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.3) X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.4) X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.5) X
Height transitions: angular plane for adjacent buildings
(21A.37.050.Q)
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X
Notes:
1. These standards only apply to the portion of the CG district within the boundaries of north of 900 S, south of 200 S, west 300 W and east of I-15.
2. Maximum width of the entrance shall be 35’ if the additional 20% is used for an entrance to a parking structure.
C. Manufacturing Districts:
Standard (Code
Section)
District
M-1 M-2
Ground floor use
(%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
Ground floor use
+ visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
Building materials:
upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
Glass: ground floor
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
Glass: upper floors
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances
(feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
Blank wall:
maximum length
(feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
Street facing
facade: maximum
length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor
stepback (feet)
(21A.37.050.G)
Lighting: exterior
(21A.37.050.H)
X X
Lighting: parking
lot (21A.37.050.I)
X X
Screening of
mechanical
equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
Screening of
service areas
(21A.37.050.K)
Ground floor
residential
entrances
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures
(21A.37.050.M)
D. Downtown Districts:
Standard (Code
Section)
District
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Ground floor use (%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
90 80 80 80
Ground floor use + visual
interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
80/10 70/20 70/20 70/20
Building materials:
ground floor
(%) (21A.37.050.B.1)
70 80 701 70
Building materials: upper
floors
(%) (21A.37.050.B.2)
50 50 701 50
Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
60 60 60 60
Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50 50 50 50
Reflective Glass:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
0 0 0 0
Reflective Glass: upper
floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50 50 50 50
Building entrances (feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
40 40 60 60
Blank wall: maximum
length
(feet) (21A.37.050.E)
20 20 20 20
Street facing facade:
maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
150 200 150 150
Upper floor stepback
(feet) (21A.37.050.G.1)
X X X X
Lighting:
exterior (21A.37.050.H)
X X
Lighting: parking lot
(21A.37.050.I)
X
Screening of mechanical
equipment (21A.37.050.J)
X X X X
Screening of service areas
(21A.37.050.K)
X X X X
Ground floor residential
entrances for dwellings with
individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures (21A.37.050.M)
X2 X2
Tree canopy coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
40 40 40 40
Street trees
(21A.37.050.P.2)
X X X X
Soil volume
(21A.37.050.P.3)
X X X X
Minimize curb cuts
(21A.37.050.P.4)
X X X X
Overhead cover
(21A.37.050.P.5)
X X X X
Height transitions: angular
plane for adjacent zone
districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X X X
Horizontal articulation
(21A.37.050.R)
X X X X
Notes:
1. In the D-3 zoning district this percentage applies to all sides of the building, not just the front or street facing facade.
2. Parking structures shall be located behind principal buildings. This requirement may be modified so that structures may
be located at least 15’ from front and corner side lot lines if a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the ground
floor adjacent to a sidewalk is used for retail goods/service establishments, office and/or restaurant space to encourage
pedestrian activity. The facades of the ground floor shall be designed to be compatible and consistent with the
associated retail or office portion of the building and other retail uses in the area.
E. Gateway Districts:
Standard (Code Section) District
G-MU
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 80
Ground floor use + visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
70/20
Building materials: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
70
Building materials: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
50
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 60
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 50
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
0
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
50
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 40
Blank wall: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15
Street facing facade: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.F)
150
Upper floor stepback (feet) (21A.37.050.G.1) X
Lighting:
exterior (21A.37.050.H) X1
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X1
Screening of mechanical equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X
Screening of service areas (21A.37.050.K) X
Ground floor residential entrances for
dwellings with individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or structures
(21A.37.050.M)
X2
Tree canopy coverage (%) (21A.37.050.P.1) 40
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.2) X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.3) X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.4) X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.5) X
Height transitions: angular plane for
adjacent zone districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X
Notes:
1. Sidewalks and street lamps installed in the public right-of- way shall be of the type specified in the sidewalk/street
lighting policy document adopted by the city.
2. Parking structures shall be located behind principal buildings. This requirement may be modified so that structures may
be located at least 15’ from front and corner side lot lines if a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the ground
floor adjacent to a sidewalk is used for retail goods/service establishments, office and/or restaurant space to encourage
pedestrian activity. The facades of the ground floor shall be designed to be compatible and consistent with the
associated retail or office portion of the building and other retail uses in the area.
F. Special Purpose Districts:
Standard
(Code Section)
District
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 PL PL-2 I UI OS NOS MH EI MU
Ground floor use
(%)
(21A.37.050.A.1)
Ground floor use
+ visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials:
ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.1)
Building materials:
upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.2)
Glass: ground floor
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
40-70
Glass: upper floors
(%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances
(feet)
(21A.37.050.D)
X
Blank wall:
maximum length
(feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15
Street facing facade:
maximum length
(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
Upper floor stepback
(feet)
(21A.37.050.G)
Lighting: exterior
(21A.37.050.H)
X X X
Lighting: parking lot
(21A.37.050.I)
X X
Screening of
mechanical
equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X
Screening of service
areas
(21A.37.050.K)
X
Ground floor
residential entrances
(21A.37.050.L)
Parking garages or
structures
(21A.37.050.M)
Tree canopy
coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
Street trees
(21A.37.050.P.2)
Soil Volume
(21A.37.050.P.3)
Minimize curb cuts
(21A.37.050.P.4)
Overhead cover
(21A.37.050.P.5)
Height transitions:
angular plane for
adjacent zone
districts
(21A.37.050.Q)
Horizontal
articulation
(21A.37.050.R)
G. Form Based Districts:
Standard (Code Section)
District
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-MU11 FB-SC FB-SE
Ground floor use (%) (21A.37.050.A.1) 75 753 75 75
Ground floor use + visual interest (%)
(21A.37.050.A.2)
Building materials: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.B.3)
70 70 70 70 70
Building materials: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.B.4)
70 70 70 70 70
Glass: ground floor (%) (21A.37.050.C.1) 601 601 601 601 601
Glass: upper floors (%) (21A.37.050.C.2) 15 15 15 15 15
Reflective Glass: ground floor (%)
(21A.37.050.C.1)
Reflective Glass: upper floors (%)
(21A.37.050.C.2)
Building entrances (feet) (21A.37.050.D) 75 75 75 75 75
Blank wall: maximum length (feet)
(21A.37.050.E)
15 15 30 30 30
Street facing facade: maximum length
(feet) (21A.37.050.F)
200 200 200 200 200
Upper floor step back (feet)
(21A.37.050.G.4)
X X X X
Lighting: exterior (21A.37.050.H) X X X X X
Lighting: parking lot (21A.37.050.I) X X X
Screening of mechanical equipment
(21A.37.050.J)
X X X
Screening of service areas
(21A.37.050.K.1)
X X X2
Ground floor residential entrances for
dwellings with individual unit entries
(21A.37.050.L)
X X X
Parking garages or structures
(21A.37.050.M)
X X X X X
Tree canopy coverage (%)
(21A.37.050.P.1)
40 40 40
Street trees (21A.37.050.P.2) X X X X X
Soil volume (21A.37.050.P.3) X X X
Minimize curb cuts (21A.37.050.P.4) X X X
Overhead cover (21A.37.050.P.5)
Height transitions: angular plane for
adjacent zone districts (21A.37.050.Q)
X X X
Horizontal articulation (21A.37.050.R) X X X
Notes:
1. This may be reduced to twenty percent (20%) if the ground floor is within one of the
following building types: urban house, two-family, cottage, and row house.
2. Except where specifically authorized by the zone.
3. For buildings with street facing building facades over 100’ in length:
a. A minimum length of 30% of the ground floor street facing façade shall consist of
non-residential active uses allowed by Subsection 21A.37.050.A.1.
b. An additional minimum length of 45% of the ground floor street facing façade shall
consist of any active uses allowed by Subsection 21A.37.050.A.1.
c. This footnote does not apply to the rowhouse building form.
SECTION 24. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.40.120.E.1. That Subsection
21A.40.120.E.1 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
Regulation of Fences, Walls and Hedges: Height Restrictions and Gates), shall be and hereby is
amended to read as follows:
E. Height Restrictions and Gates:
1. Fences, walls, and hedges shall comply with the following regulations based on the
following zoning districts:
a. Nonresidential Zoning Districts:
(1) Notwithstanding Subsection 21A.40.120.1.b.(l), in the M-2 and EI zoning
districts fences, walls, or hedges may be up to six (6) feet in height if located
between the front property line and the front yard setback line.
(2) If there is no minimum front yard setback in the underlying zoning district, a
fence, wall, or hedge of a maximum six (6) feet in height may be placed no
closer than ten (10) feet from the property line.
(3) Outdoor storage, when permitted in the zoning district, shall be located behind
the primary facade of the principal structure and shall be screened with a solid
wall or fence and shall comply with the requirements in Section 5.60.120.
(4) All refuse disposal and recycling dumpsters, except those located in the M-2,
LO and EI districts shall be screened on all sides by a solid wood fence,
masonry wall or an equivalent opaque material to a height of not less than 6
feet but not more than 8 feet.
SECTION 25. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.44.060.A. That Subsection
21A.44.060.A of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking, Mobility and Loading:
Parking Location and Design), shall be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
A. Generally:
1. Parking Located on Same Lot as Use or Building Served: All parking spaces
required to serve buildings or uses erected or established after the effective date
of this ordinance shall be located on the same lot as the building or use served,
unless otherwise allowed pursuant to Subsection 21A.44.060.A.4, “Off-Site
Parking Permitted”.
2. Biodetention Parking Lot Interior and Perimeter Landscaping Areas: Retention
of the 80th percentile storm is required for all impervious surface parking lots
with 50 or more parking spaces. Where this is not feasible, as defined in the
SLCDPUs Standard Practices Manual, an approved Stormwater Best
Management Practices (Stormwater BMPs) is required. All proposed
Stormwater BMPs are subject to Public Utilities Division review, approval, and
inspection.
3. Parking Location and Setbacks: All parking shall comply with the parking restrictions
within yards pursuant to Table 21A.44.060-A, “Parking Location and Setback
Requirements”. Parking lots with 10 or more stalls and within 20’ of a lot line that are
in a required yard area or abutting a building are subject to Section 21A.48.070
Parking Lot Landscaping.
TABLE 21A.44.060-A: PARKING LOCATION AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS:
N = parking prohibited between lot line and front line of the principal building
Zoning
District
Front Lot
Line
Corner Side
Lot Line
Interior Side Lot Line Rear Lot Line
TABLE 21A.44.060-A: PARKING LOCATION AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS:
N = parking prohibited between lot line and front line of the principal building
Zoning
District
Front Lot
Line
Corner Side
Lot Line
Interior Side Lot Line Rear Lot Line
GENERAL CONTEXT
Residential (FR Districts, RB, RMF, RO)
FR N
Parking in driveways that
comply with all applicable
city standards is exempt from
this restriction.
6 ft. 0 ft.
R-1, R-2, SR-
1, SR-2
0 ft.
RMF-30 N 0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
RMF-35,
RMF-45,
RMF-75, RO
0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district. Limited
to 1 side yard except for
single-family attached lots.
Commercial and Manufacturing (CC, CS, CG, M-1, M-2, SNB)
CC 15 ft. 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any residential
district
CS 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when abutting any residential
district
CG 10 ft.
M-1 15 ft.
M-2 0 ft.; or 50 ft. when abutting any residential
district
Special Purpose Districts
A 0 ft. 0 ft.
AG, AG-2,
AG-5, AG-20
N
BP 8 ft.; or 30 ft. when abutting any residential
district
EI 10 ft. 30 ft. 30 ft. 20 ft.
FP 20 ft. 6 ft. 0 ft.
I 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when abutting any residential
district
MH 0 ft.
OS 30 ft. 10 ft.
PL 0 ft.; or 10 ft. when abutting any residential
district
PL-2 20 ft.
RP 30 ft. 8 ft.; or 30 ft. when abutting any residential
district
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER CONTEXT
CB, CN,
SNB
N 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
R-MU-35, R-
MU-45
Surface Parking: N
Parking Structures: 45’ or
located behind principal
building
Limited to 1 side yard, 0
ft,; or 10 ft. when abutting
any 1-2 family residential
district
0 ft.; or 10 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district
RB, SR-3,
FB-UN1, FB-
SE
N 0 ft.
URBAN CENTER CONTEXT
CSHBD1 N 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any residential
district
CSHBD2 0 ft.; or 7 ft. when abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
D-2 Surface Parking: 20 ft.
Parking Structures: N
0 ft.
MU Surface Parking: 25 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
0 ft.; limited to 1 side yard 0 ft.
Parking Structures: 45 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
TSA-T See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.2
0 ft.
TRANSIT CONTEXT
D-1 See Subsection 21A.44.060.B.1
D-3
D-4 See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.1
0 ft.
G-MU
FB-UN2, FB-
UN3, FB-SC
N
TSA-C See
Subsection 21A.44.060.B.2
R-MU Surface Parking: 30 ft.
Parking Structures: 45 ft. or
located behind principal
structure
0 ft.; or 10 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district
Surface parking at least 30
ft. from front lot line
0 ft.; or 10 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district
UI 0 ft; Hospitals: 30 ft. 0 ft.; or 15 ft. when
abutting any 1-2 family
residential district;
Hospitals: 10 ft.
0 ft.; or 15 ft.
when abutting
any 1-2 family
residential
district;
Hospitals: 10 ft.
4. Off-Site Parking Permitted: When allowed as either a permitted or conditional use
per Chapter 21A.33, “Land Use Tables”, off-site parking facilities may be used to
satisfy the requirements of this chapter and shall comply with the following
standards:
a. Maximum Distance of Off-Site Parking: Off-site parking shall be located
according to the distance established in Table 21A.44.060-B, “Maximum
Distances for Off-Site Parking” (measured in a straight line from the property
boundary of the principal use for which the parking serves to the closest point of
the parking area).
Table 21A.44.060-B: Maximum Distances for Off-Site Parking:
Context Maximum Distance to Off-Site Parking
Neighborhood Center 600 ft.
General
Legal Nonconforming Use in
Residential District
Urban Center 1,200 ft.
Transit 1,000 ft.
b. Documentation Required:
(1) The owners of record involved in an off-site parking arrangement shall submit
written documentation of the continued availability of the off-site parking
arrangement to the planning director for review.
(2) The planning director shall approve the off-site parking arrangement if the
director determines the location meets the standards of this section. No zoning
or use approval shall be issued until the director has approved the off-site
parking arrangement and the documentation has been recorded in the office of
the Salt Lake County Recorder.
(3) If the off-site parking arrangement is later terminated or modified and the
planning director determines that the termination or modification has resulted
in traffic congestion, overflow parking in residential neighborhoods, or threats
to pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle safety, the property owners of the uses for
which the off-site parking was provided may be held in violation of this
chapter.
5. Circulation Plan Required: Any application for a building permit shall include a site
plan, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned, showing any off street parking or loading
facilities to be provided in compliance with this title. A tabulation of the number of
off street vehicle and bicycle parking, loading, and stacking spaces required by this
chapter shall appear in a conspicuous place on the plan.
6. Driveways and Access:
a. Compliance with Other Adopted Regulations:
(1) Parking lots shall be designed in compliance with applicable city codes,
ordinances, and standards, including but not limited to Title 12 of this code:
Vehicles and Traffic and the Off Street Parking Standards Manual to the
maximum degree practicable, with respect to:
(A) Minimum distances between curb cuts;
(B) Proximity of curb cuts to intersections;
(C) Provisions for shared driveways;
(D) Location, quantity and design of landscaped islands; and
(E) Design of parking lot interior circulation system.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 21A.44.060.A.6.a(1) above,
relocation of a driveway for a single-family, two-family, or twin home
residence in any zoning district shall only be required when the residence is
replaced, and shall not be required when the residence is expanded or
renovated in compliance with the city code.
b. Access Standards: Access to all parking facilities shall comply with the following
standards:
(1) To the maximum extent practicable, all off street parking facilities shall be
designed with vehicular access to a street or alley that will least interfere with
automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic movement.
(2) Parking facilities in excess of five (5) spaces that access a public street shall
be designed to allow vehicles to enter and exit the lot in a forward direction.
(3) Parking facilities on lots with less than one hundred feet (100’) of street
frontage shall have only one (1) curb cut, and lots with one hundred feet
(100’) of street frontage or more shall be limited to two (2) curb cuts, unless
the transportation director determines that additional curb cuts are necessary
to ensure pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety or to comply with the fire
code. Public safety uses shall be exempt from limitations on curb cuts.
(4) All vehicular access roads/driveways shall be surfaced as required in
accordance with Subsection 21A.44.060.A.8, “Surface Materials”.
c. Driveway Standards: All driveways shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Driveway Location in Residential Zoning Districts: With the exception of
legal shared driveways, driveways shall be at least twenty feet (20’) from
street corner property lines and five feet (5’) from any public utility
infrastructure such as power poles, fire hydrants, and water meters. Except for
entrance and exit driveways leading to approved parking areas, no curb cuts or
driveways are permitted.
(2) Driveway Widths: All driveways serving residential uses shall be a minimum
eight feet wide and shall comply with the standards for maximum driveway
widths listed in Table 21A.44.060-C, “Minimum and Maximum Driveway
Width”.
TABLE 21A.44.060-C: MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
Zoning District Minimum Driveway Width
(in front and corner side
yard)
Maximum Driveway Width*
(in front and corner side
yard)
TABLE 21A.44.060-C: MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
Zoning District Minimum Driveway Width
(in front and corner side
yard)
Maximum Driveway Width*
(in front and corner side
yard)
SR-1, SR-2 and SR-3 8 ft. 22 ft.
MH 8 ft. 16 ft.
Other Residential
Zoning Districts
8 ft. 30 ft.
M-1 and M-2 12 ft. single lane and 24 ft. for
two-way
50 ft.
Other Non-Residential
Zoning Districts
12 ft. single lane and 24 ft. for
two-way
30 ft.
* Maximum width is for all driveways combined when more than one driveway is
provided
(3) Shared Driveways: Shared driveways, where two (2) or more properties share
one (1) driveway access, may be permitted if the transportation director
determines that the design and location of the shared driveway access will not
create adverse impacts on traffic congestion or public safety.
(4) Driveway Surface: All driveways providing access to parking facilities shall
be improved and maintained pursuant to the standards in the Off Street
Parking Standards Manual.
7. Minimum Dimensional Standards: All parking spaces shall comply with the
dimensional standards in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual.
8. Surface Materials: All parking spaces shall comply with the standards for surfacing of
access, driving, and parking surfacing in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual.
9. Grading and Stormwater Management: All surface parking areas shall comply with
city grading and stormwater management standards and shall be reviewed for best
management practices by Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities. Refer to the
Salt Lake City Stormwater Master Plan, Storm Drainage Manual, and Green
Infrastructure Toolbox for additional information.
10. Sight Distance Triangles: All driveways and intersections shall comply with the sight
distance triangle standards as defined in the Off Street Parking Standards Manual.
11. Landscaping and Screening: All parking areas and facilities shall comply with
the landscaping and screening standards in Chapter 21A.48 and Section
21A.40.120 of this title.
12. Lighting: Where a parking area or parking lot is illuminated, the light source shall be
shielded so that the light source is not directly visible from any abutting property or
abutting private or public street.
13. Signs: All signs in parking areas or related to parking facilities shall comply with
Chapter 21A.46, “Signs”, and applicable provisions of the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
14. Pedestrian Walkways: The following standards shall apply to surface parking lots
with 25 or more parking spaces:
a. Pedestrian walkway(s) shall be at least five feet (5’) in width, and located in
an area that is not a driving aisle leading from the farthest row of parking
spaces to the primary entrance of the principal building.
b. Vehicles shall not overhang the pedestrian walkway(s).
c. Where the walkway(s) crosses a drive aisle, pedestrian walkway(s) shall be
identified by a change in color, material, surface texture, from surrounding
driving surfaces, but such identification cannot be curbing of the walkway.
d. One (1) pedestrian walkway meeting these standards shall be provided for
every 50 parking spaces provided on site or part thereof, after the first 20
parking spaces.
15. Parking Garages: The following standards shall apply to all above-ground parking
garages except those located in the FB zones subject to Subsection 21A.27.030.C.4,
whether freestanding or incorporated into a building:
a. Each façade or a parking garage adjacent to a public street or public space shall
have an external skin designed to conceal the view of all parked cars. Examples
include heavy gauge metal screen, precast concrete panels, live green or
landscaped walls, laminated or safety glass, or decorative photovoltaic panels.
b. No horizontal length of the parking garage façade shall extend longer than 40 feet
without the inclusion of architectural elements such as decorative grillwork,
louvers, translucent screens, alternating building materials, and other external
features to avoid visual monotony. Facade elements shall align with parking
levels.
c. Internal circulation shall allow parking surfaces to be level (without any slope)
along each parking garage facade adjacent to a public street or public space. All
ramps between levels shall be located along building facades that are not adjacent
to a public street or public space, or shall be located internally so that they are not
visible from adjacent public streets or public spaces.
d. The location of elevators and stairs shall be highlighted through the use of
architectural features or changes in façade colors, textures, or materials so that
visitors can easily identify these entry points.
e. Interior parking garage lighting shall not produce glaring sources toward adjacent
properties while providing safe and adequate lighting levels. The use of sensor
dimmable LEDs and white stained ceilings are recommended to control light
levels on-site while improving energy efficiency.
f. In the Urban Center Context and Transit Context areas, the street-level facades of
all parking garages shall be designed to meet applicable building code standards
for habitable space to allow at least one (1) permitted or conditional use, other
than parking, to be located where the parking garage is located.
g. Vent and fan locations shall not be located on parking garage facades facing
public streets or public spaces, or adjacent to residential uses, to the greatest
extent practicable.
16. Tandem Parking: Where more than one (1) parking space is required to be provided
for a residential dwelling unit, the parking spaces may be designed as tandem parking
spaces, provided that:
a. No more than two (2) required spaces may be included in the tandem parking
layout; and
b. Each set of two (2) tandem parking spaces shall be designated for a specific
residential unit.
17. Cross-Access between Adjacent Uses: The transportation director may require that
access to one or more lots be through shared access points or cross-access through
adjacent parcels when the transportation director determines that individual access to
abutting parcels or limited distance between access points will create traffic safety
hazards due to traffic levels on adjacent streets or nearby intersections. Such a
determination shall be consistent with requirements of state law regarding property
access from public streets. Required cross- access agreements shall be recorded with
the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office.
SECTION 26. Amending the Text of Subsection 21A.44.070.B. That Subsection
21A.44.070.B of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking, Mobility and Loading: Off
Street Loading Areas: Location and Design of Loading Areas), shall be and hereby is amended to
read as follows:
B. Location and Design of Loading Areas:
1. All required loading berths shall be located on the same development site as the
use(s) served.
2. No loading berth shall be located within thirty feet (30’) of the nearest point of
intersection of any two (2) streets.
3. No loading berth shall be located in a required front yard.
4. Each required loading berth shall be located and designed to:
a. Allow all required vehicle maneuvering and backing movements on-site;
b. Minimize conflicts with pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic movement or
encroachments into any pedestrian walkway, bicycle lane, public right-of-way,
and fire lane; and
c. Avoid the need to back into a public street while leaving the site to the maximum
extent practicable, as determined by the planning director and the transportation
director.
5. Landscaping and screening of all loading berths shall be provided to comply with the
requirements of Subsection 21A.40.120, “Regulation of Fences, Walls, and Hedges”.
6. Where a loading berth is illuminated, the light source shall be shielded so that the
light source is not directly visible from any abutting property or abutting private or
public street.
7. All signs in loading areas shall comply with Chapter 21A.46, “Signs”, and applicable
provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
8. All required loading berths shall comply with the surfacing standards of the Off Street
Parking Standards Manual.
SECTION 27. Amending the Text of Chapter 21A.48. That Chapter 21A.48 of the Salt
Lake City Code (Zoning: Landscaping and Buffers), shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
21A.48: LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERS
SECTION:
21A.48.010: Purpose and Intent
21A.48.020: Applicability
21A.48.030: Authority
21A.48.040: Responsibility & Maintenance
21A.48.050: Landscape Plan
21A.48.060: Landscape Requirements
21A.48.070: Parking Lot Landscaping
21A.48.080: General Standards
21A.48.090: Private Lands Tree Preservation
21A.48.100: Appeal
21A.48.010: PURPOSE & INTENT:
The purpose of this chapter is to promote water conservation, preserve and expand Salt Lake
City’s urban tree canopy, improve air quality, and reduce urban heat islands and stormwater
runoff.
These regulations are intended to encourage low impact development principals into overall
landscape design in a way that is attractive, and to mitigate impacts through buffering
between dissimilar zoning districts.
21A.48.020: APPLICABILITY:
A. The provisions of this chapter apply to all properties within the city.
B. Any modification of required landscaping shall come into greater compliance with this
chapter.
21A.48.030: AUTHORITY:
A. The requirements of this chapter may be modified by the zoning administrator, on a case-
by-case basis where innovative landscaping design that furthers the purpose and intent of
this chapter is implemented, or in response to input from:
1. Police Department;
2. Public Utilities; or
3. Urban Forestry.
21A.48.040: RESPONSIBILITY & MAINTENANCE:
A. All landscaping shall:
1. Maintain a clearance from grade level to 7 feet above the sidewalk, or 10 feet above a
street;
2. Be limited to a maximum height of 22 inches in the park strip and 30 inches in all
other landscaped areas within a sight distance triangle, as defined and illustrated in
Chapter 21A.62 of this title;
3. Be maintained in live condition to present a reasonably healthy appearance; and
4. Be kept free of refuse, debris, and noxious weeds.
B. Landscape Yards.
The owner of the property shall be responsible for the correct installation, maintenance,
repair, or replacement of all landscaping, and obtain permits as required by the provisions
of this chapter.
C. Park Strips.
1. The owner of the property abutting the park strip shall be responsible for the correct
installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of all landscaping and obtain permits
as required by the provisions of this chapter.
2. Exclusions: Any street tree planting or maintenance pursuant to Subsections
21A.48.040.D.1 and 21A.48.040.D.2.
D. Street Trees.
1. Salt Lake City’s expectation is to preserve street trees. Planting, cutting, removing,
pruning, and any other maintenance of street trees is subject to approval by the Salt
Lake City Urban Forestry Division as described in Section 2.26.210 of this code.
2. It is the abutting property owner’s responsibility to:
a. Contact the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division to request maintenance on a
street tree and obtain required approval for any changes made to a street tree.
b. Provide sufficient irrigation to a street tree located in the abutting park strip.
3. Root Zone Protection: The root zone of all street trees shall be protected when
impacted by any construction work on the abutting property or within the right-of-
way when a street tree is present.
4. Irrigation.
a. When a Landscaping Plan is required, as described in Section 21A.48.050, street
trees shall be irrigated with a permanent automatic irrigation system.
b. Street tree irrigation systems are the responsibility of the abutting property owner
to install and maintain. It shall provide water adequately and efficiently to each
street tree, as determined by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division.
E. Irrigation Systems:
1. Shall be maintained in good operating condition to eliminate water waste or run-off
into the public right-of-way.
2. Shall be appropriate for the designated plant material and achieves the highest water
efficiency.
3. All irrigation systems, including drip irrigation shall be equipped with a pressure
regulator, filter, flush-end assembly, and backflow preventer.
4. Each valve shall irrigate landscaping with similar site, slope, soil conditions, and
similar watering needs.
5. Turf and planting beds shall be irrigated on separate irrigation valves; and,
6. Drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate irrigation valves.
7. Irrigation systems are required to use an irrigation controller that can automatically
adjust the frequency and duration of irrigation in response to changing weather
conditions and have a US-EPA WaterSense label.
8. Any fountain, pond, and other similar water feature supplied through the culinary
water system shall have a recirculating system.
9. Backflow preventer assemblies shall be designed and installed and maintained
according to the standards as outlined in the “Salt Lake City Landscape BMPs For
Water Resource Efficiency and Protection” or the documents’ successor.
21A.48.050: LANDSCAPE PLAN:
A. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan shall be required for the following:
1. New construction of a primary structure.
2. Any addition, expansion or intensification of a property that increases the floor area
by 50% or more, increases the number of parking stalls required by 50% or more, or
modifies any required landscaping by 50% or more. Single- and two- family uses are
exempt from this provision.
3. When required elsewhere in this title.
B. Modifications to an Approved Landscape Plan: Any change to an approved landscape
plan requires the approval of the zoning administrator, except for changes from one plant
species to another plant species that have similar watering needs and meet all other
standards within this chapter.
C. Unauthorized Modifications: Landscape improvements made to a lot that are not
authorized and not in conformance with a required and approved landscape plan shall be
a violation of this title, and subject to the fines and penalties established in Chapter
21A.20.
D. Contents of a Complete Landscape Plan: A complete landscape plan shall include at least
the following information unless specifically waived by the zoning administrator. All
plans shall be drawn at the same scale:
1. Planting Plan:
a. Property lines, easements, and street names.
b. Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures, parking lots, drive
aisles, and fencing.
c. Location of existing and proposed sidewalks, bicycle paths, ground signs, refuse
disposal, freestanding electrical equipment, and all other structures.
d. The location of existing buildings, structures, and trees on adjacent property
within 20 feet of the site.
e. The location, size, and common names of all existing trees.
f. Sight distance triangles at curb cuts or corners, as defined and illustrated in
Chapter 21A.62.
g. Root Zone Protection Plan required when construction work will occur near a
street tree or other protected tree and is subject to approval from the Urban
Forestry Division.
h. Minimum tree soil standards set by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division.
i. The location, quantity, size at maturity, and name (botanical and common) of
proposed plants and trees.
j. Summary table that specifies the following for each landscaping location
separately:
(1) Area and percentage of each required landscape location.
(2) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in turf grasses,
impervious surfaces.
(3) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in adaptive or native
plant species and adaptive or native trees at maturity.
k. A signature by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-
EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional verifying planting plan
compliance with the standards of this chapter.
2. Grading Plan:
a. Property lines, street names, existing and proposed structures, turf areas, and
paved areas.
b. Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at 2-foot intervals.
c. Any proposed berming shall be indicated using 1-foot contour intervals.
d. Delineate and label areas with a grade greater than 25% (4 feet Horizonal: 1 foot
Vertical).
3. Irrigation Plan:
a. Layout of the irrigation system and a legend summarizing the type and size of all
components of the system.
b. Delineate and label each hydrozone in accordance with the Salt Lake City Plant
List and Hydrozone Schedule.
c. Location and coverage of individual sprinkler heads.
d. Use of a water efficient irrigation system.
e. Type of US-EPA WaterSense automatic controller.
f. A signature by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-
EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional verifying irrigation plan
compliance with the standards of this chapter.
g. Separate plans from the irrigation plan are required for:
(1) Backflow Prevention Plan.
(2) Water Feature Recirculating Plan, if applicable.
E. Specific Landscape Regulations: Various zoning districts in this title have specific
landscaping regulations in addition to the requirements found in this chapter. Refer to the
respective zoning district for specific landscaping regulations. Landscape plans for
properties subject to zoning district specific landscape regulations shall be in compliance
with all applicable landscape and district specific requirements.
F. Compliance Certification: A letter of compliance shall be prepared and submitted to the
city upon completion of the landscape plan installation and prior to the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy, commencement of the use of the property, or release of a bond
posted with the city. Compliance certification shall be signed by a landscape architect
licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-EPA WaterSense labeled certified professional
verifying that all landscape plan elements have been installed in compliance with the
approved landscape plan.
G. Bond Requirement: If an approved landscape plan cannot be installed prior to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy or commencement of the use of the property, all
developers or contractors shall be required to post a bond with the city for the total
amount of the landscaping contract for all multi-family dwellings and commercial
development.
21A.48.060: LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Landscape Locations:
1. Applicability: The following graphics illustrate required landscape locations that are
regulated by the standards identified in this chapter.
2. Landscape Yards: All required front and corner side yards shall be maintained as
landscaped yards, unless otherwise exempted in this title.
3. Landscape Buffers: Landscape buffers and freeway buffers may be located within a
required side or rear yard.
4. Coverage and Quantity calculations:
a. Vegetation coverage is measured at plant maturity.
b. Tree canopy may be included in the vegetation coverage calculations of the
required landscaping location the tree is within.
c. Fractional landscaping quantities shall be measured to the nearest whole number.
d. Streets, drives and sidewalks necessary for reasonable access may be excluded
from impervious surface calculations.
5. Conflicting Standards:
a. Where there are conflicting standards in this chapter, the more restrictive
requirements shall apply.
b. Where the standards in this chapter conflict with specific district regulations, the
specific district regulations shall prevail.
B. Park Strip Standards:
Park Strips
Street Trees Minimum of 1 street tree planted on center between back of street
curb and the sidewalk.
Additional street trees shall be provided at the following rate per
each frontage length: 1 small tree per 20 feet, or 1 medium tree per
30 feet, or 1 large tree per 40 feet. The largest tree that is
appropriate to the park strip size shall be used. 1, 2
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Prohibited
Impervious
Surfaces
The combination of all paving materials shall not exceed 20% of
the total park strip area.
1. Street trees shall be an appropriate species chosen from the Urban Forestry Street Tree List
based on park strip size, shall have sufficient separation from public utilities, and shall be
approved by the Urban Forestry Division.
2. Park strips with a width of 36” or less are exempt from this provision.
C. Landscape Yard Standards
1. Residential Districts (all districts included in Chapter 21A.24):
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Maximum 33% 1
(Landscape yard areas less than 250 sq. ft. are exempt)
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20%
1. Turf limitations established in 21A.48.080.B shall apply.
2. Manufacturing Districts (all districts included in Chapter 21A.28):
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf Prohibited.
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20% up to a maximum of 1,200 sq. ft.
3. All Other Districts Not Included in Chapters 21A.24 and 21A.28:
Landscape Yards
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage (may be decreased if specified within
specific district regulations).
Turf Only permitted in active recreation areas. 1
Impervious Surfaces Maximum 20% (may be increased if specified within specific
district regulations).
1. Turf limitations established in Subsection 21A.48.080.B shall apply.
D. Landscape Buffer Standards:
District When Abutting 1
Required
Landscape
/ Freeway
Buffer
Widths
All districts (except Single-
and Two- Family, Foothill,
Special Development Pattern,
SNB, FB-UN1, and those
districts listed below that
require a greater buffer width)
Single- and Two- Family, Foothill, &
Special Development
10’
All districts Freeway 2 20’
All other non-residential
districts (except SNB, FB-
UN1, and those districts listed
below that require a greater
buffer width)
RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, & RMF-75 10’
M-1 Any district that allows residential uses, AG
districts, & OS 15’
M-2 Any district that allows residential uses 50’
AG districts & OS 30’
BP & RP All residential districts (in Chapter 21A.24) 30’
EI All districts 30’
MH All districts 20’
1. Or when required elsewhere by this title.
2. The zoning administrator may approve a reduced freeway buffer if there’s an existing sound wall or
required off-street parking cannot be met. If such a reduction is necessary, the buffer may not be less
than 10’ in width.
Landscape Buffer Standards
1 tree for every 30 linear feet of landscape buffer.
1 shrub every 3 feet, with a mature height of no less than 4’, along the entire length of the
buffer.
A 6-foot solid fence along the length of the required landscape buffer unless modified by
the zoning administrator to better meet the fence height provisions in Section 21A.40.120.
Turf is limited to active recreation areas.
Freeway Landscape Buffer Standards (buffer standards for those properties abutting a
freeway)
1 tree for every 15 linear feet of required freeway landscape buffer. Trees shall be staggered
along the length of the buffer.
100% coverage required, may include adaptive or native grasses, wildflower, and shrubs.
Turf is prohibited.
21A.48.070: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:
A. Applicability:
1. Hard surfaced parking lots with 10 or more parking spaces shall provide landscaping
in accordance with the provisions of this section. The following graphic depicts
landscape location required and corresponding standards identified in this chapter.
2. Parking lots with less than 10 parking spaces are exempt from parking lot landscaping
but shall provide the required landscape yards and landscape buffers.
B. Interior Parking Lot Landscaping:
1. Minimum Area: A minimum of 5% of the parking lot shall be interior parking lot
landscaping in the locations identified below and dispersed throughout the parking
lot. Landscaping areas located along the perimeter of a parking lot shall not be
included toward satisfying this requirement.
2. Location: Interior landscape areas shall be provided in the following locations:
a. At each end of a parking row containing 6 stalls or more, where not abutting
required perimeter landscaping;
b. Parallel to parking lot stalls, at a rate of 1 interior landscape area for every 6
parking spaces;
c. Along the interior length of a double-loading parking row;
3. Size: Interior landscape areas shall have a minimum width of 10 feet, as measured
from the inside of the curbing, and shall have a minimum length equal to the length of
the abutting parking spaces. Where interior landscape areas do not abut parking
spaces, a minimum length of 10’ is required.
4. Planting Requirements:
Interior Landscape Areas
Shade trees A minimum of 1 tree is required per interior landscape area.
Additional trees are required at a rate of 1 tree for every
additional 140 square feet in each required interior landscape
area.
Shrubs A minimum of 2 shrubs are required per interior landscape area.
Additional shrubs are required at a rate of 2 shrubs for every
additional 140 square feet in each landscape area. Adaptive or
native ornamental grasses or wildflowers with a minimum height
of 3’ may be used as an alternative.
Ground cover /
Mulch
Landscape area outside of shrub masses shall be established in
ground cover or mulched consistent with the standards of this
chapter. Turf is prohibited.
5. Modifications to Interior Parking Lot Landscaping: The zoning administrator may
waive interior landscape area requirements if a solar energy system is integrated into
the roof structure of a carport, or if the parking lot perimeter landscaping width is
increased to 15’ and with an equal number of trees, as required in the interior, and
perimeter parking lot landscaping, are provided.
C. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping:
1. Applicability: Landscaping along the perimeter of the parking lot shall be provided
when the parking lot is located:
a. Within a required yard (where permitted in Sections 21A.44.060 or 21A.36.020)
b. Within 20 feet of a lot line; or
c. Abutting a principal building.
2. Where both landscape buffers and perimeter parking lot landscaping are required, the
more restrictive shall apply.
3. Where a surface parking lot is adjacent to another surface parking lot, on the same or
separate parcels or lots, the perimeter parking lot landscaping provision may be
waived by the zoning administrator if the required number trees are located elsewhere
within the development.
4. Size:
a. In a required yard or within 20 feet of a property line: 10 feet in width, as
measured from the back of the parking lot curb and extending into any parking
space overhang area.
b. Abutting a building on the same property: A minimum 5-foot-wide required
landscaping and 3-foot walkway shall be required to buffer buildings from
parking spaces.
5. Planting Requirements:
Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping:
Shade Tress 1 tree per 300 square feet of perimeter parking lot area. Trees
may be clustered or spaced throughout the landscaping areas.
Perimeter landscaping abutting a building does not need to be
included in the square footage calculation.1
Shrubs 1 shrub per 3 feet, on center, along 100 percent of the yard
length. Shrubs with mature height not more than 3 feet
Ground cover /
Mulch
Required landscaping outside of shrub masses shall be
established in ground cover or mulched consistent with the
standards of this chapter. Turf is prohibited.
Parking Lot
Fences/Walls:
Fences or walls along parking lot perimeters may be required
to satisfy landscape buffer requirements outlined in
Section 21A.48.060 of this chapter.
1. Required perimeter trees species shall be chosen from the Urban Forestry Street
Tree List and shall be approved by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division.
D. Curbing: Concrete curbing shall be installed at the perimeter of internal landscape areas
and perimeter parking where parking lots vehicular access aisles or stalls directly abuts
required landscaping. Biodetention areas are exempt from curbing requirements, however
a vehicle stop is required when biodetention areas directly abut parking stalls.
E. Stormwater BMP Approval Required: A SLC Approved Stormwater Best Management
Practice (Stormwater BMP) for all hard surfaced parking lots is required prior to
discharge to the public storm drain and gutter, as required in Subsection 21A.44.060.A.2:
1. All Stormwater BMPs are subject to Public Utilities Division review, approval, and
inspection.
2. Plantings within BMPs are to be drought tolerant, salt tolerant, winter hardy, and able
to be submerged.
21A.48.080. GENERAL STANDARDS
All required landscape plans shall be prepared based on the following standards. All
landscape improvements in the required landscape locations, as described in Sections
21A.48.060 and 21A.48.070 shall meet the regulations described in this section.
A. Installation: All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the current planting
procedures established by the American Association of Nurserymen. The installation of
all plants required by this chapter may be delayed until the next optimal planting season,
as determined by the zoning administrator.
1. At the time of planting:
a. Deciduous Trees: All deciduous trees shall have a minimum trunk size of 1.5
inches in caliper.
b. Evergreen Trees: All evergreen trees shall have a minimum size of 5 feet in
height.
c. Shrubs: All shrubs shall have a minimum height or spread of 10 inches depending
on the plant’s natural growth habit, unless otherwise specified. Plants in 2-gallon
containers will generally comply with this standard.
B. General Landscaping Standards:
1. Drought Tolerant or Native Species: 100% of required shrubs, perennial plants, and
groundcover used on a site shall be drought tolerant, adaptive or native species. The
city has compiled a list titled “Salt Lake City Plant List & Hydrozone Schedule”,
established and maintained by Public Utilities, shall be used to satisfy this
requirement. Other plants that are not on the list but are considered drought tolerant,
adaptive or native and require similar watering needs may also be used.
2. Turf: Turf is not permitted:
a. In the park strip.
b. In parking lot perimeter and interior landscaping areas.
c. In areas that are less than 8 feet in any dimension at the narrowest point.
d. In areas with a slope greater than 25% (4 feet horizontal: 1 foot vertical).
e. In required landscape buffer areas.
3. Mulch: Mulch shall be:
a. At least 3 inches in depth,
b. Used in areas that are not covered with landscaping.
c. Permeable to air and water.
d. Permanent fiber barriers, plastic sheeting, crushed rubber, or other impervious
barriers are prohibited.
e. Rock used as a mulch material is limited to 50% of the overall mulch used, the
other 50% shall be an organic mulch material.
4. Artificial turf is prohibited in any location where landscaping is regulated by this
chapter.
5. Berming is prohibited in parking lot and park strip landscaping unless required in
specific district regulations.
C. Specific Park Strip Standards: In addition to General Landscape Standards these
provisions shall apply to park strips.
1. Street Trees:
a. Substitutions. The Urban Forester may approve a substitute of the required street
tree provision for a cash in lieu payment if the number of required trees cannot be
met due to conflicts related to public utilities or right-of-way regulations. A cash
in lieu payment, in the amount of cost to purchase and plant the required number
of street trees, shall be contributed to the city’s Tree Fund;
b. Tree Grates: If new street trees are proposed in a location where the area
surrounding the tree will have an impervious surface, tree wells with grates shall
be provided with adequate dimensions and sufficient soil volume to accommodate
the proposed tree species, subject to review by the Urban Forestry Division.
c. Tree Root Protection: Rock or gravel shall maintain a 2-foot separation from the
trunk of a street tree.
2. Vegetation with Thorned, Spined, or Other Sharp Rigid Parts: Vegetation with thorns,
spines, or other sharp, rigid parts hazardous to pedestrians and bicyclists, and difficult
to walk across are prohibited within 3 feet of a curb, sidewalk, walkway, or driveway.
3. Storm Drain Protection:
a. Rock or gravel shall be set at or below top back of curb or abutting sidewalk
grade.
b. Rock or gravel shall have 1 inch or greater diameter. Grades abutting public
streets exceeding 4%, as indicated by Public Utilities Division’s “4% Grade
Streets Map”, shall have rock or gravel 3 inch or greater diameter.
4. Pathways: Impervious surface pathways provided between the curb and sidewalk, are
permitted subject to the following:
a. Shall not be more than 5 feet in width and shall be located to provide the most
direct route from curb to sidewalk.
b. A maximum of 1 pathway per 20 linear feet of park strip is permitted.
c. The pathway area shall be included in impervious surface percentage calculation.
5. Stormwater Curb Controls: Integration of LID (Low Impact Development) practices
are encouraged in park strip areas. Stormwater curb cuts are permitted to allow
stormwater to enter the landscaped area subject to the following provisions:
a. The design and construction of the stormwater curb cut shall comply with the
SLCDPU Standards Practices Manual.
b. All stormwater curb controls are subject to Public Utilities Division review and
approval.
6. Encroachments in the Right-of-Way: Structural encroachments are only permitted
when specifically approved by city divisions and applicable decision-making bodies
(or their designee) and may require an encroachment permit.
a. All encroachments are subject to the following standards, unless specifically
allowed elsewhere in this title:
(1) Any raised structure shall be setback from the curb a minimum of 24 inches,
(2) There are no other practical locations for the structure on the private property,
and
(3) The proposed structures will serve the general public and are part of general
public need, or the proposed structures are necessary for the functional use of
the property.
b. Bus Stops and Bike Share Stations: Concrete pads for bus stop benches and/or
shelters and bike share stations may be permitted with zoning administrator
approval. Impervious surface limitations may be modified upon review.
c. Outdoor Dining: Park strip materials and structural standards may be modified by
the Zoning Administrator when outdoor dining is approved pursuant to
Section 21A.40.065 of this title.
d. Bike Paths: Bike paths that are separated from the travel lanes with cars are
permitted in any existing park strip. Any space between the bike path and the
sidewalk and/or curb of the travel lanes are subject to the requirements of this
section.
21A.48.090: PRIVATE LANDS TREE PRESERVATION:
A. Purpose Statement: The purpose of these tree preservation provisions is to recognize and
protect the valuable asset embodied in the trees that exist on private lands within the city
and ensure that the existing trees of Salt Lake City continue to provide benefit to its
citizens. Essential to effective tree preservation is the understanding of tree growth
requirements having to do with space, water, and soil quality needs, among other
qualities. Good, early planning, site design, and construction management practices are
key to allowing trees to prosper. Preconstruction planning and mitigation of potential
impacts that development may have on trees is necessary and one of the purposes of this
section. Numerous community and personal benefits arise from the presence of trees in
urbanized areas - both on residential and nonresidential lands - and it is the intent of this
section through the preservation of the trees to:
1. Enhance the quality of life in the city and protect public health and safety;
2. Preserve and enhance the visual and aesthetic qualities of the city;
3. Enhance public and private property for greater enjoyment and usability due to the
shade, cooling, and the aesthetic beauty afforded by trees;
4. Protect and improve the real estate values of the city;
5. Preserve and enhance air and water quality;
6. Reduce noise, glare, dust, and heat, and moderate climate, including urban heat island
effect;
7. Increase slope stability, and control erosion and sediment runoff into streams and
waterways;
8. Protect the natural habitat and ecosystems of the city;
9. Conserve energy by reducing heating and cooling costs; and
10. Preserve the function of mature trees to absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide.
B. Applicability:
1. General: The standards in this section shall apply to new development in the city
unless exempted in accordance with Subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this section. The
standards in this section shall apply at the time of a development application for
“development” as defined in the zoning ordinance.
2. Other Regulations: Title 2, Chapter 2.26 of this code, the Salt Lake City urban
forestry ordinance, addressing the protection of trees located on public property
owned by the city and in rights of way, shall remain in effect.
3. Specimen Trees: The city forester shall maintain a list of trees or tree types that are
deemed to be specimen trees subject to Subsection E, “Standards”, of this section.
C. Exemptions: The following specimen tree removal activities may be exempt from the
standards of this section upon confirmation and approval by the city forester:
1. The removal of dead, damaged, or naturally fallen trees, or in cases of community
emergency;
2. When in conjunction with the construction of a single- or two- family residence not
part of a proposed new subdivision;
3. The removal of trees on an existing legal lot when not associated with new
development;
4. The removal of trees in such a condition that they pose a threat to structures or natural
features on the site, on adjoining properties, or in the public right of way;
5. The removal of diseased trees posing a threat to adjacent trees;
6. The selective and limited removal of trees necessary to obtain clear visibility at
driveways or intersections;
7. The removal of trees associated with development at the Salt Lake City International
Airport only as necessary to provide safe operations;
8. The removal of trees when requested by the city forester for the purposes of conflict
with utilities or streets; and
9. The removal of trees deemed appropriate by the city forester, based on tree species,
site conditions, or other variables.
D. Standards:
1. Preservation of Specimen Trees: Specimen trees shall be preserved to the maximum
extent practicable as determined by the city forester, in consultation with the zoning
administrator, unless exempted pursuant to Subsection C, “Exemptions”, of this
section.
a. In determining if preservation is impracticable, the city shall consider the
following criteria, including, but not limited to:
(1) Whether an alternative location or configuration of the development including
elements such as parking or structures on the site would be feasible to
accomplish tree preservation, without negatively impacting adjacent
properties,
(2) Whether preservation of the specimen tree would render all permitted
development on the property infeasible, or
(3) If development of the property will provide significant community benefits
that outweigh tree preservation.
b. The zoning administrator may modify any dimensional standard, such as setbacks
and height limits, by up to 20% if such modification will result in preservation of
a specimen tree.
2. Cutting, Removal, or Damage Prohibited: Specimen trees, required to be preserved,
shall not be cut, removed, pushed over, killed, or otherwise damaged.
3. Paving, Fill, Excavation, or Soil Compaction Prohibited: The tree protection zone of
any protected specimen tree shall not be subjected to paving, filling, excavation, or
soil compaction.
4. Mitigation: Where the city determines it is not practicable to preserve a specimen tree
on the development site, the following mitigation provisions shall apply.
a. Replacement Tree Required: 2 caliper inches of replacement trees shall be
provided for each dbh of specimen tree removed (for example, if a 24 inch dbh
specimen tree is removed, it must be replaced with at least 24 trees of a minimum
2 inch caliper or 8 trees with a 6 inch caliper). Each replacement tree shall be a
minimum of 2 inches in caliper, and shall either be replanted prior to certificate of
occupancy or within a conditional time frame as approved by the city forester.
Consult the “Salt Lake City Plant List and Hydrozone Schedule” for
recommendations on tree selection.
Replacement trees shall be planted on the lot or site where the specimen tree was
removed except where the city forester, in consultation with the zoning
administrator, finds the following:
(1) The site does not provide for adequate landscape surface area to accommodate
the total number of replacement trees; or
(2) That due to unique soil types, topography, or unusual characteristics of the
site, the likelihood of successful tree growth is diminished.
In such cases, the applicant shall mitigate for the loss of the specimen tree in
the form of payment to the city’s tree fund as provided below.
b. Cash in Lieu Payment/Tree Fund Contribution: Applicants who are permitted to
remove a specimen tree but not plant a replacement tree on site shall make a cash
in lieu payment, in the amount of the cost to purchase and plant the required
number of replacement trees, into the city’s tree fund.
E. Specimen Tree Protection During Construction:
1. Owner’s Responsibility: During construction, the owner of the property shall be
responsible for the ongoing health of specimen trees located on the site. This includes
basic tree maintenance and watering throughout the term of construction. The owner
shall also ensure the erection of barriers necessary to protect any specimen tree from
damage during and after construction.
2. Tree Protection Zone Fencing: Tree protection fencing shall be erected to protect all
preserved trees from excavation, fill, compaction, or other impacts that would
threaten tree health. Specimen trees shall be fenced in accordance with this subsection
before any grading, excavating, or other land disturbing activity begins on a
construction site. No construction, grading, equipment or material storage, or any
other activity shall be allowed within the tree protection zone, as delineated by the
required tree protection fencing, except in accordance with the standards in
Subsection F.3, “Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones and Root Zones”, of this
section. Fencing shall be maintained until the land disturbance activities are complete,
and shall not be removed or altered without first obtaining written consent from the
city forester.
The tree protection fencing shall be clearly shown on the required development
applications such as a site plan, building permit, or grading permit application.
a. Location: Fencing shall extend at least 1 foot in distance from the edge of the drip
line of a specimen tree or group of specimen trees or as directed by the city
forester to best protect a specimen tree’s critical root zone and still allow
construction access.
b. Type of Fencing: The developer shall erect a chainlink fence, a minimum of 4 feet
in height, secured to metal posts driven into the ground. Such fencing shall be
secured to withstand construction activity and weather on the site and shall be
maintained in a functional condition for the duration of work on the property. This
is not considered permanent fencing subject to Section 21A.40.120, “Regulation
of Fences, Walls and Hedges”, of this title.
c. Timing: All required tree protection measures shall be installed, inspected and
approved by the city forester prior to the commencement of any land disturbing
activities.
4. Encroachments Into Tree Protection Zones and Root Zones: Encroachments into a
tree protection zone or within the critical root zones of trees protected in accordance
with this subsection shall occur only in rare instances, and only upon obtaining
written authorization from the city forester. If such encroachment is anticipated, tree
preservation measures including, but not limited to, the following may be required:
a. Tree Crown and/or Root Pruning: The pruning, or cutting, of specimen tree
branches or roots shall only be done under the supervision of an ISA certified
arborist, and only upon approval of the city forester.
b. Soil Compaction Impact Mitigation: Where compaction might occur due to
planned, temporary traffic through or materials placed within the protection zone,
the area shall first be mulched with a minimum 4 inch layer of woodchips or a 6
inch layer of pine straw. Plywood sheet or metal plate coverage of the impacted
area may be accepted by the city forester when high moisture conditions warrant.
Equipment or materials storage shall not be allowed within the tree protection
zone.
c. Grade Change Impact Mitigation: In the event proposed site development requires
soil elevation changes tree protection measures designed to mitigate harm to the
tree(s) shall be coordinated with the city forester and the zoning administrator.
d. Construction Debris/Effluent Strictly Prohibited: In no instance shall any debris or
effluent, associated with the construction process, including equipment or vehicle
washing, concrete mixing, pouring, or rinsing processes, be permitted to drain
onto lands within tree protection zones, as delineated by the chainlink tree
protection fencing.
F. Enforcement: These tree preservation provisions shall be subject to the zoning and
development enforcement codes as adopted by the city.
21A.48.100: APPEAL:
Any person adversely affected by a final decision of the zoning administrator on a
landscaping or buffer requirement may appeal to the appeals hearing officer in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 21A.16 of this title.
SECTION 28. Amending the Text of Section 21A.60.020. That Section 21A.60.020 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms), shall be and hereby is
amended to as follows:
a. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to add the following terms in the list of
defined terms to be inserted into that list in alphabetical order and shall read as follows:
Artificial turf.
Impervious surface.
Low impact development (LID).
Shade tree.
Stormwater curb cut.
b. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to amend the following terms in the list of
defined terms, which shall remain in that list in alphabetical order and shall read as follows:
Caliper. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
dbh. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
Diameter at breast height. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
Specimen tree. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
Tree protection fencing. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
Tree protection zone. See Chapter 21A.48 of this title.
c. Section 21A.60.020 shall be and hereby is amended to delete the following terms in the list
of defined terms:
BMP
Best Management Practice (BMP)
ET or ETo.
ETAF.
Ecological restoration project
Evapotranspiration (ET) rate.
Evergreen.
Landscape BMPs manual.
Maximum extent practicable. See subsection 21A.48.135D of this title.
Overspray.
Perennial.
Tier 2 water target.
Treasured landscape.
Water budget.
SECTION 29. Amending the Text of Section 21A.62.040. That Section 21A.62.040 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Definitions: Definitions of Terms), shall be and hereby is
amended as follows:
a. Amending the definition of “GROUND COVER.” That the definition of “GROUND
COVER” shall be amended to read as follows:
GROUND COVER: Any perennial plant material species that generally does not exceed 12
inches in height, stabilizes soils and protects against erosion, and covers 100% of the ground
all year.
b. Amending the definition of “LANDSCAPE AREA.” That the definition of “LANDSCAPE
AREA” shall be amended to read as follows:
LANDSCAPE AREA: That portion of a lot devoted exclusively to landscaping, except
streets, drives and sidewalks may be located within such an area to provide reasonable
access.
c. Amending the definition of “LANDSCAPING.” That the definition of “LANDSCAPING”
shall be amended to read as follows:
LANDSCAPING: The improvement of a lot, parcel or tract of land with vegetation such as
ornamental grass, shrubs and trees. Landscaping may include pedestrian walks, flowerbeds,
ornamental objects such as fountains, statuary, and other similar natural and artificial objects
designed and arranged to produce an aesthetically pleasing effect.
d. Amending the definition of “MULCH.” That the definition of “MULCH” shall be amended
to read as follows:
MULCH: Any material such as rock, bark, compost, wood chips or other materials left loose
and applied to the soil, for the purposes of suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature,
and preventing soil erosion.
e. Amending the definition of “PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING.” That the definition of “PARK
STRIP LANDSCAPING” shall be amended to read as follows:
PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING: The improvement of property within the street right-of-way
situated between the back of curb and the sidewalk or, if there is no sidewalk, the back of
curb and the right-of-way line, through the addition of plants and other organic and inorganic
materials harmoniously combined to produce an effect appropriate for adjacent uses and
compatible with the neighborhood.
f. Amending the definition of “PARKING LOT.” That the definition of “PARKING LOT”
shall be amended to read as follows:
PARKING LOT: An area on the surface of the land used for the parking and circulation of
more than four (4) automobiles.
g. Amending the definition of “TURF.” That the definition of “TURF” shall be amended to
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 adaptive or
native to the local environment or grasses that do not generally require supplemental water,
or inorganic substitutes commonly referred to as artificial turf.
h. Adding the definition of “ARTIFICIAL TURF.” That the definition of “ARTIFICIAL
TURF” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as
follows:
ARTIFICIAL TURF: A synthetically derived, grass substitute that simulates the appearance
of natural live grass.
i. Adding the definition of “CALIPER.” That the definition of “CALIPER” be added and
inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows:
CALIPER: The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk measured at a distance of 6 inches
from the soil line.
j. Adding the definition of “DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh).” That the definition of
“DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh)” be added and inserted into the list of definitions
in alphabetical order to read as follows:
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh): The dimension of the diameter of a tree trunk
measured at a distance of 4 feet 6 inches from the ground.
k. Adding the definition of “IMPERVIOUS SURFACE.” That the definition of
“IMPERVIOUS SURFACE” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical
order to read as follows:
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: Any material that substantially reduces or prevents the
infiltration of stormwater directly into the ground, including: asphalt, concrete, pavers, and
brick.
l. Adding the definition of “LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID).” That the definition of
“LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)” be added and inserted into the list of definitions
in alphabetical order to read as follows:
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID): Systems or practices that use or mimic natural
processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration, and/or use of stormwater to
protect water quality and aquatic habitat.
m. Adding the definition of “SHADE TREE.” That the definition of “SHADE TREE” be added
and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows:
SHADE TREE: Any tree that has a mature minimum tree canopy of 30 feet and a mature
height that is 40 feet or greater.
n. Adding the definition of “SPECIMEN TREE.” That the definition of “SPECIMEN TREE”
be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows:
SPECIMEN TREE: A structurally sound and healthy tree or grouping of trees, having an
individual or combined dbh measuring greater than 10 inches; whose future vitality can be
reasonably expected and maintained with proper protection and regularly scheduled care; and
whose absence from the landscape would significantly alter the site’s appearance,
environmental benefit, character or history.
o. Adding the definition of “STORMWATER CURB CUT.” That the definition of
“STORMWATER CURB CUT” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in
alphabetical order to read as follows:
STORMWATER CURB CUT: Openings created in the curb to allow storm water from an
adjacent impervious surface to flow into a depressed planting area.
p. Adding the definition of “TREE PROTECTION FENCING.” That the definition of “TREE
PROTECTION FENCING” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical
order to read as follows:
TREE PROTECTION FENCING: The fencing required to be installed, and maintained
during construction activities, to delineate required tree protection zones.
q. Adding the definition of “TREE PROTECTION ZONE.” That the definition of “TREE
PROTECTION ZONE” be added and inserted into the list of definitions in alphabetical order
to read as follows:
TREE PROTECTION ZONE: The area of a development site that includes the area located
within the drip line of specimen trees and also includes the area that supports tree health
requirements and interactions as determined by the city forester.
r. Deleting definitions. That the following definitions are hereby deleted from the definitions
of terms:
BMP
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) (Applies Only To Chapter 21A.48 Of This
Title)
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT
ET OR ETo
ETAF
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (ET) RATE
EVERGREEN
LANDSCAPE BMPs MANUAL
OVERSPRAY
PERENNIAL
TIER 2 WATER TARGET
TREASURED LANDSCAPE
WATER BUDGET
SECTION 30. Amending the Text of Section 21A.62.050. That Section 21A.62.050 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Definitions: Illustrations of Selected Definitions), shall be and
hereby is deleted:
21A.62.050: ILLUSTRATIONS OF SELECTED DEFINITIONS:
The definitions listed below are illustrated on the following pages:
A. Building Height in Foothills Districts, R-1 Districts, R-2 District and SR Districts.
B. Building Height (Outside Foothills Districts, R-1 Districts, R-2 District and SR Districts).
C. Flag Lot.
D. (RESERVED).
E. Lattice Tower.
F. Monopole With Antennas and Antenna Support Structures Greater Than Two Feet in
Width.
G. Monopole With Antennas and Antenna Support Structures Less Than Two Feet in Width.
H. Roof Mounted Antennas.
I. Sight Distance Triangle.
J. Wall Mounted Antennas.
K. Dormer.
ILLUSTRATION A
BUILDING HEIGHT IN FOOTHILLS DISTRICTS, R-1
DISTRICTS, R-2 DISTRICT AND SR DISTRICTS
Finished Grade:
The final grade of a site after reconfiguring grades according to an approved site plan related
to the most recent building permit activity on a site.
Established Grade:
The grade of a property prior to the most recent proposed development or construction
activity. On developed lots, the zoning administrator shall estimate established grade if not
readily apparent, by referencing elevations at points where the developed area appears to
meet the undeveloped portions of the land. The estimated grade shall tie into the elevation
and slopes of adjoining properties without creating a need for new retaining wall, abrupt
differences in the visual slope and elevation of the land, or redirecting the flow of runoff
water.
ILLUSTRATION B
BUILDING HEIGHT (OUTSIDE FOOTHILLS DISTRICTS, R-1
DISTRICTS, R-2 DISTRICT AND SR DISTRICTS)
ILLUSTRATION C
FLAG LOT
ILLUSTRATION D
(RESERVED)
ILLUSTRATION E
LATTICE TOWER
ILLUSTRATION F
MONOPOLE WITH ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA SUPPORT
STRUCTURES GREATER THAN TWO FEET IN WIDTH
ILLUSTRATION G
MONOPOLE WITH ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA SUPPORT
STRUCTURES LESS THAN TWO FEET IN WIDTH
ILLUSTRATION H
ROOF MOUNTED ANTENNAS
ILLUSTRATION I
SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE
ILLUSTRATION J
WALL MOUNTED ANTENNAS
ILLUSTRATION K
DORMER
SECTION 31. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective four months from
the date of its adoption; however, a land use applicant wishing to have the provisions of this
Ordinance apply to a land use application sooner may elect to have the provisions herein apply
following its first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ______ day of ______________,
202_.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
______________________________
MAYOR
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. ________ of 202_.
Published: ______________.
HC Ordinance Amending Landscaping Regulations (legislative) 9-12-23
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date:__________________________________
By: ___________________________________
Paul C. Nielson, Senior City Attorney
September 26, 2023