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.
SLC Code Chapter 21A.48 (Landscaping and Buffers) requires water-wise landscape design for new commercial, institutional, and multifamily projects. The ordinance restricts non-functional turf in new park strips and requires drought-tolerant species from the SLC-approved plant list. The city's Flip Your Strip rebate program (partnership with Utah Division of Water Resources) pays $1.25/sq ft to replace grass park strips with native/water-wise plants (up to $3,000 per property). Utah Code §10-9a-530 preempts any municipal ban on xeriscape, drought-tolerant, or native landscaping. HB 410 (2023) phases out nonfunctional turf in new developments beginning 2027.
No fines for planting natives — actively incentivized. Failure to meet 21A.48 landscape standards on new construction can block certificate of occupancy until corrected.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City does not regulate lawn ornaments (statuary, fountains, decorative figurines) as a distinct use. SLC Code Chapter 21A.48 expressly defines land...
Salt Lake City, UT
Commercial inflatable signs (e.g., advertising balloons) are prohibited as 'balloon signs' under SLC Code Chapter 21A.46. Residential seasonal inflatables (s...
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City does not impose a specific calendar limit on residential holiday lights. Holiday decorations are not regulated as 'signs' under Chapter 21A.46...
Salt Lake City, UT
Outdoor kitchens in Salt Lake City are treated as accessory structures under SLC Code 21A.40 with associated trade permits (building, electrical, plumbing, g...
Salt Lake City, UT
Wood- and charcoal-fueled smokers fall under IFC 308.1.4 (open-flame cooking devices): not permitted on combustible balconies or within 10 ft of combustible ...
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308.1.4: charcoal grills, smokers, and open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated on combu...
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