Resident and staff urge council to revisit water‑wise landscaping ordinance, citing rebate program from Weber Basin

A representative who introduced a Weber Basin water‑efficiency rebate urged Perry City on May 14 to reconsider a previously rejected water‑wise landscaping ordinance so residents can qualify for a $2‑per‑square‑foot rebate to replace turf with low‑water landscapes. Ben Ashcroft told council the program limits lawn on parking strips, areas narrower than 8 feet, and caps front/side yard lawn at 50%; the rebate covers existing landscapes that can be documented, while an ordinance would apply to new developments.

Council members recalled that the ordinance was rejected earlier because of perceived restrictions on property owners. Staff and members discussed Pine View water‑allocation changes that reduce culinary water availability for outdoor irrigation and noted enforcement and timing concerns. Shanna Johnson said the city would place the item on a future agenda to review program changes and potential ordinance language.

Council members asked whether reimbursements would apply retroactively; staff responded that reimbursements apply only to existing landscapes if the owner documents pre‑existing turf and follows the program’s approval process, while the ordinance standards would apply only to new landscapes. Council member Blake said he was open to considering the ordinance again but wanted to understand reimbursement details and funding sources. Staff said the statewide program is coordinated through water conservancy districts and that funding sources may include taxes or water‑district rates; further coordination will be required.