City staff outline proposed watering‑incentive standards to expand resident rebates

Community Development Director Daniel Cárdenas presented the City Council with proposed local standards that would make Pleasant Grove homeowners eligible for larger rebates from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District if adopted. Under the proposal, the lawn‑replacement rebate would increase from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, “Switch to Drip” would rise from $0.60 to $1.00 per square foot, and the Treebate would remain $50 per tree (up to 10 trees per project). The standards would apply to new construction only and include requirements such as a minimum eight‑foot lawn width and prohibitions on installation in park strips or slopes over 25 percent.

Council members asked how starter homes and multifamily units would be affected and how the City would enforce the standards. Cardenas said standards would be verified at the time a Site Plan is submitted with a Building Permit and that the City could opt out or reduce incentives in the future if issues arise. Mayor Eric Jensen asked how the City would notify residents; City Administrator Scott Darrington said the program information is available at www.UtahWaterSavers.com and that staff could publicize the pending ordinance quickly via social media. The Council directed staff to prepare a list of frequently asked questions and draft ordinance language for review by the Planning Commission and City Council.