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Council adopts tighter landscape rules to limit turf and encourage water conservation
Summary
Murray City adopted new landscaping rules that limit turf and align planting requirements with city practice and the water master plan.
MURRAY, Utah —1 Aug. 26 —1 The Murray City Council adopted an ordinance updating landscaping requirements to support water conservation and align city code with administrative practice. The amendments change several code definitions, clarify submittal requirements and place new limits on turf lawn installation in new projects.
Planning staff said the ordinance clarifies definitions for "active recreation," "activity zones" and "lawn" and removes an outdated requirement to submit three paper landscape plan copies. The code now measures front-yard planting coverage at maturity (not at planting) to match current city practice. The ordinance also restricts turf grass in certain locations: turf shall not be installed in planting strips under 8 feet wide, on slopes greater than a 25% grade, nor shall turf exceed 20% of the total landscaped area on commercial sites outside active recreation areas. For new residential construction, turf is limited to 35% of the total landscaped area in front and side yards. Small residential lots (total landscaped area under 250 square feet) that cannot accommodate an 8-foot-wide lawn are exempt.
Staff said the changes support recommendations in the city's water master plan and water conservation plan. The planning commission held a public hearing on June 5 and recommended approval. The council voted to adopt the ordinance. A resident spoke during the public hearing in favor of water-conservation measures.
The ordinance takes effect as adopted; staff will implement the changes in plan-review procedures and permit workflows.
