The rules were updated to make the guidelines easier to understand. Salt Lake City’s standards are designed to save water, clean the air, protect trees, keep urban areas cooler, and reduce water runoff after storms. Each rule helps reach these goals while also considering the environment and what the community wants.

The rules apply to all properties in Salt Lake City. In most cases, they focus on the park strip and the front or corner yard. Some areas may have extra rules based on their zoning.

Even though some people think artificial turf is easier to maintain, the City Council banned it in required landscaping areas. This is because it makes the area hotter, increases water runoff, uses more water over time, and pollutes our water with microplastics and harmful chemicals.

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Any changes to landscaping in required areas must follow the updated standards. For example, when a traditional lawn (commonly a Kentucky Bluegrass mix) is replaced, it must be with a drought-tolerant alternative. New construction of a residential building in Single- and Two- Family Zoning Districts must meet all landscaping rules. Multi-family, commercial, and manufacturing properties also have to follow the updated rules when changing required landscaping areas.

Park Strip: Requires at least one street tree in park strips wider than 36 inches, 33% vegetation coverage (including tree canopies), a clearance of 7 feet above the sidewalk and 10 feet above the street, and prohibits traditiona turf. Paving materials and rock mulches are limited to 20% of the park strip area.

Front/Corner Yard Areas: Requires at least 33% vegetation coverage (including tree canopies), limits turf to 33% of the yard area, and prohibits turf in areas less than 8 feet in dimension or on slopes greater than 25%.  Hard surfaces and rock mulch are limited to 20% of the yard area.

A landscape plan is needed for any new building or primary structure. You also need a plan if you add to, expand, or change the property in a way that makes the building 50% bigger, adds 50% more parking spaces, or changes the landscaping by 50% or more. Single-family and two-family homes do not need to follow this rule.

A complete landscape plan must include a planting plan, a summary table specifying landscaping area coverage, a grading plan, and an irrigation plan. The planting and irrigation plans must be signed by a Landscape Architect licensed with the State of Utah or an USEPA WaterSense certified professional. Specific details for each plan are listed in the original source.

Before you can get a Certificate of Occupancy, you must submit a letter to the City. This letter needs to be signed by a licensed Landscape Architect in Utah or a US-EPA WaterSense certified professional. The letter must confirm that the landscape was installed as it was approved in the building permit.