Ogden, UT Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Title 9, chapter 8 of Ogden City Code requires the director of public services and the water utility manager to prepare a water shortage management plan, approved by city council resolution, that sets mandatory irrigation and water-use restrictions for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional customers under section 9-8-3. 51, as defined in section 9-8-2. Section 9-8-3(D) provides that, apart from time-of-day irrigation restrictions, the city cannot impose mandatory water-use restrictions on residential or commercial customers until either a severe shortage is declared or the director determines the city cannot otherwise meet essential water needs.

Severe and extreme shortages may be declared by the mayor under the plan's guidelines, while exceptional shortage restrictions require the mayor's declaration on the public services director's recommendation. Violations of the plan's mandatory restrictions are enforced through civil fines under section 9-8-5, with notice served in person or by posting and mailing. Section 9-8-4 additionally declares water-use violations during extreme or exceptional shortages a public nuisance subject to abatement. Customers with an approved independent water use plan meeting the reduction targets, per section 9-8-3(B), are exempt from civil fines so long as they follow that plan's terms.