HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegislative Version Ordinance - 4/24/2026
1. ORDINANCE
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Project Title: Landscaping and Buffers Amendments
Petition No.: PLNPCM2025-00461
Version: Planning Commission Draft
Date Prepared: 3/17/2026
Planning Commission Action: Not Recommended 2/25/26
This proposed ordinance makes the following amendments (for summary purposes only):
Creates Subsection 21A.48.C, which specifies that public infrastructure projects within the right-
of-way need to follow landscaping requirements, but allows for modifications based on unique
conditions, such as safety issues or creating a healthy environment for trees or other plants.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.030.A to clarify the Zoning Administrator’s ability to modify
landscaping requirements due to unique circumstances related to the property; the Engineering
Division would also be added as a group the Zoning Administrator may request to review
modification requests.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.A to align with changes to State Code related to when a
landscape plan is required and to exempt new construction of single-family and two-family
dwellings from providing a landscape plan.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.D.1 to clarify the requirements of a planting plan.
Deletes Subsection 21A.48.050.G as a Certificate of Occupancy may not be withheld due to
landscaping.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.060.D to clarify which zoning districts are affected by a landscape
buffer and when the Zoning Administrator may modify a landscape buffer. Additionally, the
landscape buffer and freeway landscape buffer standards have been relocated from
21A.48.060.D.1 to 21A.48.060.D.2 and 21A.48.060.D.3.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.070.C to eliminate parking lot landscaping requirements when
abutting buildings.
Amends Subsection 21A.48.080.B.4 to allow artificial turf in required landscape yards under
select circumstances. It would not be allowed to be installed in required landscape buffers or park
strips. In addition, 33% of required landscape yards would still need to be live vegetation. Other
standards regulate where it could be located, add protection for existing trees and plants, and
outline qualifications for artificial turf.
Underlined text is new; text with strikethrough is proposed to be deleted. Modifications made as part of
the Planning Commission recommendation are highlighted in yellow. All other text is existing with no
proposed change.
If adopted by the City Council, the Salt Lake City Council ordains the following, in substantial
compliance with the following:
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date: __March 17, 2026____________
By: ____________________________
Katherine D. Pasker, Senior City Attorney
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1. Creates a new Subsection 21A.48.020.C as follows: 1
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C . Public infrastructure projects within the right-of-way that are unable to meet required landscaping 3
standards due to the design of the project, safety issues, or the inability to provide sufficient park strip 4
width to allow for healthy conditions for vegetation or trees are exempt from the standards of this 5
chapter. Turf and artificial turf are prohibited and minimum rock or gravel size standards apply in 6
these areas. 7
8
9
2. Amends Subsection 21A.48.030.A as follows: 10
11
A. The requirements of this chapter may be modified by the zoning administrator, on a case-by-case 12
basis due to unique property conditions where innovative a landscaping design that furthers the 13
purpose and intent of this chapter is implemented, or in response to input from:. For the purpose of 14
making modifications as authorized by this section, unique property conditions shall be related to the 15
dimensions or shape of the property, topography, existing easements, or safety impacts. The need for 16
adjustment shall not be created by the actions of the applicant. Any request for a modification under 17
this section may be reviewed by the following to determine if the modification is justified: 18
1. Police Department; 19
2. Public Utilities; or 20
3. Urban Forestry; or 21
4. Engineering. 22
23
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3. Amends Subsection 21A.48.040.D.4.a as follows: 25
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a. When a Llandscaping plan is required, as described in Section 21A.48.050, street trees shall be 27
irrigated with a permanent automatic irrigation system. 28
29
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4. Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.A as follows: 31
32
A. ApplicabilityLandscape Plan Required: A landscape plan shall be submitted for all landscaped 33
areas of a property and adjacent rights-of-way unless the requirement to submit a landscape plan is 34
exempt under Utah Code 10-20 or by this title. All landscaped areas shall comply with the 35
requirements of this chapter, including when a landscape plan is not required. A landscape plan shall 36
be required for the following: 37
1. New construction of a principalprimary structure. Single-family and two-family dwellings are 38
exempt from this provision. 39
2. Any addition, expansion or intensification of a useproperty that increases the floor area by 40
50% or more, increases the number of parking stalls required by 50% or more, or modifies any 41
required landscaping by 50% or more shall bring the entire property into compliance with this 42
chapter. Single-family and two-family uses dwellings are exempt from this provision. 43
3. When required elsewhere in this title. 44
45
46
5. Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.D.1 as follows: 47
48
1. Planting Plan: 49
a. Property lines, easements, and street names. 50
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b. Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures including, parking lots, drive 51
aisles, sidewalks, bicycle paths,and fencing, ground signs, refuse and recycling containers, 52
freestanding electrical equipment, and all other structures. 53
c. Location of existing and proposed sidewalks, bicycle paths, ground signs, refuse disposal, 54
freestanding electrical equipment, and all other structuresSight distance triangles, as defined and 55
illustrated in Chapter 21A.62. 56
d. The location of existing buildings, structures, and trees on adjacent property within 20 feet 57
of the sitesubject property line. 58
e. The location, size, and common names of all existing trees. 59
f. Sight distance triangles at curb cuts or corners, as defined and illustrated in Chapter 60
21A.62.The location, quantity, size at maturity, and name (botanical and common) of proposed plants 61
and trees. 62
g. Root Zone zone Protection protection Plan plan required when construction work will occur 63
near a street tree or other protected tree and is subject to approval from the Urban urban Forestry 64
forestry Divisiondivision. 65
h. Minimum tree soil standards set by the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division. 66
i. The location, quantity, size at maturity, and name (botanical and common) of proposed 67
plants and trees. 68
ji. Summary table that specifies the following for each landscaping location separately: 69
(1) Area and percentage of each required landscape location. 70
(2) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in turf grasses, impervious 71
surfaces. 72
(3) Area and percentage of each landscape location covered in adapted or native plant species 73
and adapted or native trees at maturity. 74
kj. A signature by a Landscape landscape Architect architect licensed with the State of Utah, or 75
an US-EPA WaterSense certified professional verifying planting plan compliance with the standards 76
of this chapter. 77
78
79
6. Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.E as follows: 80
81
E. Specific Landscape Regulations: Various zoning districts in this title have specific landscaping 82
regulations in addition to the requirements found in this chapter. Refer to the respective zoning 83
district for specific landscaping regulations. Landscape plans for properties subject to zoning district 84
specific landscape regulations shall be in compliance with all applicable landscape and district 85
specific requirements. 86
87
88
7. Amends Subsection 21A.48.050.F as follows: 89
90
F. Compliance Certification: A letter of compliance shall be prepared and submitted to the city upon 91
completion of the landscape plan installation and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or 92
commencement of the use of the propertywithin 180 days of issuance of certificate of occupancy. 93
Compliance certification shall be signed by a landscape architect licensed with the State of Utah, or 94
an US-EPA WaterSense certified professional verifying that all landscape plan elements have been 95
installed in compliance with the approved landscape plan. 96
97
98
8. Deletes Subsection 21A.48.050.G as follows: 99
100
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G. Planting Season Installation: The landscape plan installation may be delayed until the next 101
optimal planting season. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) may be issued and 102
subsequent TCO fees waived between October 15 and the following April 1 where it is not favorable 103
to install landscaping. The landscape plan shall be installed, and a letter of compliance submitted 104
within 30 days following April 1. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy fees pursuant to 105
Section 18.32.035 of this code shall be reinstated where no letter of compliance is submitted by the 106
end of the 30-day period. 107
108
109
9. Amends Subsection 21A.48.060.B as follows: 110
111
B. Park Strip Standards: 112
113
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
Street Tree Soil Volume In the Downtown, Jordan River Fairpark, and
Gateway zoning district (Chapter 21A.30), street
trees shall be planted in areas with adequate soil
volume to promote street tree health and longevity.
The soil volume surrounding a tree shall be a
minimum of 750 cubic feet3 per tree, provided that
this area is exclusive of the soils volume calculation
for adjacent trees. The soil volume may be reduced if
underground utilities are present within the soil
volume and the soil volume cannot be extended
horizontally due to other obstructions or barriers. The
urban forester may also approve a reduced soil
volume below 750 cubic feet3 if that volume is not
necessary for the proposed tree health.
Vegetation Minimum 33% coverage.
Turf and Artificial 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
urban Forestry forestry Divisiondivision.
2. Park strips with a width of 36" inches or less are exempt from this provision.
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10. Amends Subsection 21A.48.060.D as follows: 115
116
D. Landscape Buffer Standards: 117
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1. Landscape Buffer Widths 118
District When Abutting1 Required
Landscape/ Freeway
Buffer Widths
All districts (except Single-
and Two-FamilyR-1, R-2,
Foothill, Special
Development Pattern, FB-
UN1, and those districts
listed below that require a
greater buffer width)
Single- and Two-FamilyR-1, R-2, FB-UN1,
Foothill, & Special Development
10'
All districts Freeway2 20'
All other non-residential
districts (except MU-2, MU-
3, FB-UN1, and those
districts listed below that
require a greater buffer
width)
RMF-30, RMF-35, RMF-45, & RMF-75 10'
M-1 & M-1A 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
significant grade/elevation difference that mitigate visual or auditory impacts, 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.
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2. Landscape Buffer Standards 121
Tree 1 tree for every 30 linear feet of landscape buffer
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Shrub 1 shrub every 3 feet, with a mature height of no less than 4 feet,
along the entire length of the buffer.
Turf Limited to active recreation areas.
Fence 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.
122
3. Freeway Landscape Buffer Standards (for those properties abutting a freeway) 123
Freeway Buffer
Tree 1 tree for every 15 linear feet of required freeway landscape
buffer. Trees shall be staggered along the length of the buffer.
Vegetation 100% coverage required, may include adapted or native
grasses, wildflower, and shrubs.
Turf prohibited.
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11. Amends Subsection 21A.48.070.B.4 only as to delete and replace the “Landscape for Parking 126
Lots” illustration as follows: 127
128
129
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130
131
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12. Amends Subsection 21A.48.070.C as follows: 133
C. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping: 134
1. Applicability: Landscaping along the perimeter of the parking lot shall be provided when the 135
parking lot is located: 136
a. Within a required yard (where permitted in Sections 21A.44.060 or 21A.36.020); or 137
b. Within 20 feet of a lot line.; or 138
c. Abutting a principal building. 139
2. Where both landscape buffers and perimeter parking lot landscaping are required, the more 140
restrictive shall apply. 141
3. Where a surface parking lot is adjacent to another surface parking lot, on the same or separate 142
parcels or lots, the perimeter parking lot landscaping provision may be waived by the zoning 143
administrator if the required number trees are located elsewhere within the development. 144
4. Size: 145
a. In a required yard or within 20 feet of a property line: 8 feet in width, as measured from the back 146
of the parking lot curb and extending into any parking space overhang area. 147
b. Abutting a building on the same property: A minimum 5-foot-wide required landscaping and 3-148
foot walkway shall be required to buffer buildings from parking spaces. 149
5. Planting Requirements: 150
151
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
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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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153
13. Amends Section 21A.48.080.B.4 as follows: 154
155
4. Artificial turf is prohibited in any location where landscaping is regulated by this chapter.allowed 156
subject to the provisions of this section: 157
a. All minimum vegetation requirements as required by this chapter are complied with. 158
b. Artificial turf shall have a minimum permeability of 30 inches per hour per square yard. 159
c. Artificial turf is not permitted in any park strip, required landscape buffer or freeway buffer, 160
permanent drainage features (e.g., ponds, swales, and retention and detention basins) or elsewhere 161
in a public right of way. 162
d. A minimum four-foot separation between artificial turf and tree trunks and two-foot 163
separation between artificial turf and shrubs shall be maintained to ensure roots are not damaged 164
with the installation of artificial turf and that the overall health of the living plant material is not 165
compromised; 166
e. The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a substitute or replacement for 167
artificial turf or natural turf is prohibited; 168
f. Artificial turf shall consist of green lifelike individual blades of grass that: 169
(1) Emulate natural turf in look and color; 170
(2) Have a minimum pile height of 1.5 inches; 171
g. Artificial turf shall be cleaned regularly and maintained in an appropriate and neat manner. It 172
shall be replaced if it is worn, uneven, discolored, or damaged. 173
h. Uses such as public parks, schools, athletic fields, playgrounds and similar uses are exempt 174
from these standards. 175
176
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Effective Date: This ordinance, if passed, shall become effective on the date of its first publication and 178
shall be recorded with the Salt Lake City Recorder. 179
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[end] 181
2. PROJECT
CHRONOLOGY
ERIN MENDENHALL DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY
Mayor and NEIGHBORHOODS
Tammy Hunsaker
Director
Project Chronology
Petition: PLNPCM2025-00461
April 29, 2025 Petition initiated by Mayor Mendenhall.
May 1, 2025 Petition was deemed complete.
May 2025 – February
2026
Staff drafted language to support goals of the petition.
January 5, 2026 Petition assigned to Noah Elmore, Principal Planner.
January 8, 2026 Notice of petition sent to all City-recognized community
organizations.
January 13, 2026 Petition posted to the Planning Division’s Online Open House
webpage. Public comment period ended February 23, 2026.
February 20, 2026 Planning Commission agenda posted to the website and emailed to the
listserv.
February 20, 2026
February 25, 2026
Staff Report posted to Planning’s webpage.
Planning Commission meeting and public hearing held. A negative
recommendation was forwarded to the City Council.
February 26, 2026 Ordinance requested from City Attorney’s Office.
March 18, 2026 Ordinance received from City Attorney’s Office.
3. NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC
HEARING
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
The Salt Lake City Council is considering Petition PLNPCM2025-000461. Mayor Erin Mendenhall has
proposed modifications to update the Landscaping and Buffers Chapter (21A.48) of the Zoning Ordinance.
The new chapter was adopted by the City Council on April 26, 2023. As the new regulations have been
implemented, some sections were found to need further clarification and modifications to better understand
and utilize the standards. Additionally, changes to the State Code were adopted that limit the applicability
of a landscape plan. The proposed text amendment will update the chapter to align with State Code. The
proposal would also allow for artificial turf in some required landscaping areas where it was not previously
permitted.
As part of their study, the City Council is holding an advertised public hearing to receive comments
regarding the petition. During the hearing, anyone desiring to address the City Council concerning this issue
will be given an opportunity to speak. The Council may consider adopting the ordinance the same night of
the public hearing. The hearing will be held:
DATE:
TIME: 7:00 pm
PLACE: Electronic and in-person options.
451 South State Street, Room 326, Salt Lake City, Utah
** This meeting will be held via electronic means, while also providing for an in -person that
opportunity to attend or participate in the hearing at the City and County Building, located at 451
South State Street, Room 326, Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, including WebEx
connection information, please visit www.slc.gov/council/virtual-meetings. Comments may also be
provided by calling the 24-Hour comment line at (801) 535-7654 or sending an email to
council.comments@slcgov.com. All comments received through any source are shared with the
Council and added to the public record.
If you have any questions relating to this proposal or would like to review the file, please call Noah Elmore
at (801) 535-7971 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or via e-mail at
noah.elmore@slc.gov. The application details can be accessed at https://citizenportal.slcgov.com/, by
selecting the “Planning” tab and entering the petition number PLNPCM2025-00461.
People with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodation, which may include alternate
formats, interpreters, and other auxiliary aids and services. Please make requests at least two business days
in advance. To make a request, please contact the City Council Office at council.comments@slcgov.com,
(801) 535-7600, or relay service 711.
4. ORIGINAL
PETITION