Planning Commission recommends denying landscape ordinance amendment tied to Weber Basin incentive

Community Development Manager Lance Evans presented a proposed amendment to South Weber's Landscape Ordinance intended to make the city eligible for Weber Basin Water Conservancy District's "Landscape Lawn Exchange" incentive program. Evans said, "The incentive for this program will be $2.50 per square foot for any area in the yard that is currently grass (lawn) that is removed and replaced with a more water-efficient alternative." He explained the amendment would change city code so residents who remove lawn could qualify for the incentive.

Commissioners discussed the proposal's requirement that lawn not exceed 35% of the total landscaped area on a lot. Commissioner Chris Roberts said he was "concerned about 35% being minimal grass." After discussion, Commissioner Roberts moved "to recommend denying to the City Council the Landscape Ordinance, Legislative Action: Code Amendment Title 10, Chapter 15, Water efficient Landscape Requirements." Commissioner Julie Losee seconded the motion. Commissioners Gary Boatright, Julie Losee, and Chris Roberts voted aye and the motion carried. Evans also noted that "this item required a public hearing to receive public comment and it was not noticed on the agenda as per Section 52-4-202," and Commissioner Losee suggested staff obtain more information from Weber Basin about the 35% limit for City Council consideration.

The commission's action was a recommendation to the City Council, not a final adoption; the matter will move to the council for further review, with staff asked to gather additional information about the program requirements and the 35% lawn cap.