Native Plants: Salt Lake City vs South Jordan
How do native plants rules compare between Salt Lake City, UT and South Jordan, UT?
Salt Lake City and South Jordan have similar restriction levels.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City actively encourages native and water-wise plantings through the Flip Your Strip program and Chapter 21A.48 landscaping standards. Utah Code §10-9a-530 prohibits cities from banning xeriscape.
View full Salt Lake City rules →South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
Waterwise (xeriscape) landscaping is protected by Utah law; HOAs cannot prohibit it. Turf rebates up to $3/sq ft available.
View full South Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Salt Lake City | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SLC 21A.48 Landscaping | - |
| Rebate | Flip Your Strip: $1.25/sq ft | Up to $3/sq ft (Utah Water Savers) |
| State Preemption | Utah Code §10-9a-530 | - |
| Turf Phase-Out | HB 410 — new builds 2027 | - |
| Plant List | SLC-approved water-wise species | - |
| State law | - | SB 109/110 protect xeriscape |
| HOA restrictions | - | Cannot prohibit waterwise |
| Front yard | - | Xeriscape allowed |
| Design standard | - | Plant density + coverage required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Salt Lake City FAQ
Can my HOA force me to remove native plants?
No. Utah Code §10-9a-530 preempts bans on xeriscape. HOAs also cannot prohibit water-wise landscaping per state law.
Is there money available to convert my lawn?
Yes. SLC's Flip Your Strip program pays $1.25/sq ft for grass-to-waterwise conversions in park strips, up to $3,000.
South Jordan FAQ
Is my HOA allowed to reject my gravel landscape?
Not if the design meets state waterwise standards. SB 109/110 bar prohibitions on waterwise landscaping.
How much can I get in rebates?
Up to $3/sq ft of removed turf through Utah Water Savers, subject to plan approval and caps.
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