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Commission flags landscape rules for M1 zones as Weber Basin water limits shift
Summary
Planners recommended reviewing M1 (light industrial) landscaping and irrigation requirements after staff reported changes to Weber Basin supply and local secondary-water availability, especially for areas north of 2700 North.
The Far West City Planning Commission discussed possible updates to landscape rules for M1 (light industrial) zones after staff reported increasing water supply constraints tied to Weber Basin allocations.
Chair Geneva said Weber Basin and local secondary-water restrictions have changed frequently and commissioners should consider whether current landscape minimums remain appropriate in areas that lack secondary (irrigation) water. Staff identified pockets of city land that do not have secondary water service — including a triangular commercial parcel near Pheasant Run and areas north of 2700 North behind Maverick — and warned that requiring large turf areas or water-intensive plantings could shift demand to neighboring water providers such as Buena Vista.
Commissioners discussed practical alternatives: lowering landscape percentage requirements in M1 zones that cannot access secondary water, permitting xeriscape (zero/low‑water landscaping) alternatives, or adding clarifying text for when secondary water is unavailable. They agreed staff should coordinate with the city engineer and water providers to draft proposed revisions that balance appearance, water conservation and operational feasibility for industrial parcels.
No formal motion was made; commissioners asked staff to prepare options for the general‑plan and ordinance review cycle.
