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Planning Commission backs water-wise landscaping rules, sets 25% hardscape cap
Summary
The commission recommended landscaping code changes adopting a 'water-wise landscaping' standard, aligned with Central Utah rebate programs, limited front/side yard lawn percentages, and a 25% cap on hardscape in landscaped areas; nonbinding irrigation recommendations were left out of the enforceable code.
City staff presented proposed landscaping amendments designed to conserve water by replacing the term 'xeriscape' with 'water-wise landscaping,' limiting lawn in new residential front and side yards to 50% and commercial to 20%, and requiring living vegetation to cover half the nonliving material at maturity. "To be eligible for the program completely, these are the regulations," staff said, noting that Central Utah's program could raise the rebate from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot if the city adopts consistent standards.
Commissioners debated enforceable irrigation details and overspray concerns and debated whether some items should remain educational instead of code requirements. Commissioners agreed to remove nonbinding irrigation and fixture recommendations from the code and to set a 25% hardscape limit within landscaped areas. The commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to the council to adopt the landscaping amendments with the 25% hardscape cap.
