Updated Ordinance - 3/5/20241
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. _____ of 2024
(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;
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the city council has determined that
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests; and
WHEREAS, enforcement of the prohibition against artificial turf, which turf was
installed prior to the effective date of this ordinance, will be delayed for 18 months to give
residents an opportunity to come into compliance and Administration and Council staff will
make efforts to communicate pending enforcement to any constituent that has installed artificial
turf.
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:
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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.
(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:
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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:
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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’
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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.
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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:
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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 Chapter 21A.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.
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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.
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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;
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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
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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:
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(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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
18
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.
19
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
20
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
21
rock features. Drought tolerant, native, or adapted 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 adapted 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.
22
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.
23
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.
24
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:
25
(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:
26
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
27
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 750ft 3 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.
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.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
28
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.
29
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.
30
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)
31
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
32
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.
33
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)
34
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
35
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
36
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.
37
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)
38
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)
39
Horizontal
articulation
(21A.37.050.R)
40
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
41
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.
42
(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 Subsections 21A.44.060.A.2 and 3. That
Subsections 21A.44.060.A.2 and 3 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking,
Mobility and Loading: Parking Location and Design: Generally), shall be and hereby is amended
to read as follows:
2. Biodetention in 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 15 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.
43
[Codifier: No changes to Table 21A.44.060-A to be made.]
SECTION 26. Amending the Text of Subsections 21A.44.060.A.11 through 14. That
Subsections 21A.44.060.A.11 through 14 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Off Street Parking,
Mobility and Loading: Parking Location and Design: Generally), shall be and hereby is amended
to read as follows:
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.
SECTION 27. 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:
44
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 28. 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
45
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. Not create a hedge or visual barrier between the sidewalk and street;
3. Not create obstructions within a sight distance triangle, as defined and illustrated in
Chapter 21A.62 of this title;
4. Be maintained in live condition to present a reasonably healthy appearance; and
5. 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.
46
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.
47
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:
48
(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 adapted or native
plant species and adapted or native trees at maturity.
k. A signature by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an US-
EPA WaterSense 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 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, or commencement of the use of the property. Compliance
certification shall be signed by a landscape architect licensed with the State of Utah, or an
49
US-EPA WaterSense certified professional verifying that all landscape plan elements
have been installed in compliance with the approved landscape plan.
G. Planting Season Installation: The landscape plan installation may be delayed until the
next optimal planting season. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) may be
issued and subsequent TCO fees waived between October 15 and the following April 1
where it is not favorable to install landscaping. The landscape plan shall be installed, and
a letter of compliance submitted within 30 days following April 1. Temporary Certificate
of Occupancy fees pursuant to Section 18.32.035 of this code shall be reinstated where no
letter of compliance is submitted by the end of the 30-day period.
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. The total area of an existing tree canopy, or a tree canopy at the time of planting,
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.
e. Park strip standards shall be applied cumulatively along the adjacent street
frontage. Lots with park strips on 2 or more street frontages shall be calculated
separately for each street frontage.
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.
50
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):
51
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’
52
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 adapted or native grasses, wildflower, and
shrubs. Turf is prohibited.
21A.48.070: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:
A. Applicability:
1. Hard surfaced parking lots with 15 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 15 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
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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, or along the interior length of double-loaded parking rows.
3. Size: Interior landscape areas shall have a minimum width equal to the width of
average parking stall within the parking lot, 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. Adapted 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.
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5. Modifications to Interior Parking Lot Landscaping: The zoning administrator may
waive interior landscape area requirements if a solar energy system is integrated into
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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: 8 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.
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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. Biodetention in 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.
F. 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
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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, adapted 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,
adapted 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, or other impervious barriers are
prohibited as an underlayment.
e. Crushed rubber is prohibited.
f. Rock used as a mulch material is limited to 20% of an area where landscaping is
required by this chapter.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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:
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(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.
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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 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:
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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.
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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 grasses that are listed in the Salt Lake City Plant
List & Hydrozone Schedule. Inorganic substitutes commonly referred to as artificial turf are
prohibited in required landscaping areas.
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.
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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:
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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
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OVERSPRAY
PERENNIAL
TIER 2 WATER TARGET
TREASURED LANDSCAPE
WATER BUDGET
SECTION 30. Repealing the Text of Subsection 21A.62.050.D. That Subsection
21A.62.050.D of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Definitions: Illustrations of Selected
Definitions: Landscape Area), shall be repealed in its entirety as follows:
D. Reserved.
SECTION 31. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ______ day of ______________,
2024.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
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______________________________
MAYOR
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. ________ of 2024.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance Amending Landscaping Regulations (legislative)v2
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date:___________________________
By: ____________________________
Katherine D. Pasker, Senior City Attorney
March 5, 2024