Layton, UT Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC Section 19.16.070(1)
- On-center spacing
- Every 30 feet
- Maximum spacing
- 40 feet
- Distance from streetlights
- At least 20 feet
- Distance from water lines
- At least 5 feet
- Species source
- Table 16-2, Section 19.16.075
Summary
Layton requires street trees in the park strip along both sides of every street, spaced every 30 feet on center up to a maximum of 40 feet, kept at least 20 feet from streetlights and five feet from water lines, and selected from the city's approved species list under Layton Municipal Code Section 19.16.070.
The planted landscape strip (park strip) between any public or private street and fronting property is the area between the sidewalk and the street-side back of curb or street edge. 1. Street Tree Requirements. Street trees shall be planted within the park strip, or if no park strip exists, on the property next to the public right-of-way or public/private street edge (landscape frontage), in accordance with the following: a. street trees shall be planted within park strips or on the adjacent property within ten feet of the public right-of-way. Street trees shall not be planted within a park strip that is less than four and a half feet in width; b. street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets every 30' on center; spacing of the trees may vary; the maximum spacing is 40'; c. street trees shall be selected in accordance with the Permitted Trees within Park Strips and along Frontages, section 19.16.075; e. street trees shall be planted no closer than five feet from any culinary or secondary water lines, and no closer than 20' of street lights.
Full Breakdown
070, Landscaped Park Strip, defines the park strip as the planted area between the sidewalk and the street-side back of curb, and makes the abutting property owner responsible for its perpetual maintenance. Subsection 1's Street Tree Requirements direct that street trees go in the park strip, or on the adjacent property within ten feet of the right-of-way if no park strip exists, but never in a park strip narrower than four and a half feet. 075's Table 16-2, sized to the park strip's width. Trees cannot sit closer than five feet to culinary or secondary water lines or closer than 20 feet to a streetlight, and species must vary along each block face to build a distinct streetscape and support urban forest health.
Dead or poorly growing trees must be promptly replaced to keep the approved landscape plan in compliance. 075 layers on planting mechanics: trees must be centered between the curb and sidewalk, must not violate the code's clear-view requirements, and before planting the adjacent property owner must contact Blue Stakes or a utility locator to mark underground utilities in the strip. 28.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who lets a park strip tree damage public improvements remains liable for that damage under Section 19.16.075(2), and correction is handled through the process in Chapter 12.28. Because street tree standards sit within Title 19, general zoning enforcement also applies: the Zoning Administrator administers Title 19 under Section 19.19.020, and Section 19.19.040 lets the City pursue nuisance abatement for landscaping maintained contrary to Title 19's provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart do street trees have to be planted in Layton?
Can I plant any tree species in my park strip?
Am I responsible if my park strip tree damages the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Layton
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