Fence and hedge height code amendment
Allows six-foot front-yard fences in M-1 and M-1A districts, replaces 'hedges' with 'landscaping' in fence rules and raises side and rear yard fences to seven feet. Adopted March 24 as Ordinance 10 of 2026.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City Planning Division
Every hearing and vote
February 10, 2026 · City Council work session
Fence and hedge height text amendment
Discussed
Two related proposals were presented. One would raise the maximum front-yard fence height in M-1 and M-1A districts from four to six feet. The other would replace the word 'hedges' with 'landscaping' in the fence and utility box rules, clarify clear-view standards, and raise side and rear yard fence height to a maximum of seven feet. Members and staff discussed privacy concerns and effects of the new standards. Members indicated full support for seven-foot side and rear yard fences.
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24
February 17, 2026 · City Council
Consent agenda
Approved · 7-0
The council approved the consent agenda: setting Mar. 10 hearings on the Rio Grande rezone, the fence and hedge text amendment, the 527-539 South 400 East rezone and the recurring nuisance properties ordinance; Grant Holding Account Items (Batch No. 2); appointing Anna Sullivan to the Planning Commission; and reappointing Matthew Coles to the Arts Council.
March 10, 2026 · City Council
Fence and hedge height text amendment
Continued · 7-0
Speakers gave history of fence rules in historic districts, asked for six-foot security fencing for cultural and historic buildings in mixed-use areas (citing the Art Castle restoration at 915 West 100 South), and supported regulating hedges through the landscaping ordinance. Council Member Sarah Young thanked residents; Council Member Puy supported the update; Council Member Chris Wharton said he would work on details affecting the Art Castle's safety. Action was deferred.
- Petitions: PLNPCM2025-00045, PLNPCM2025-00138
March 24, 2026 · City Council
Fence and hedge height text amendment
Approved · 7-0
The council adopted Ordinance 10 of 2026: front-yard fences in M-1 and M-1A districts may be up to six feet, 'hedges' are replaced by 'landscaping' in the fence and utility box rules, and side and rear yard fences may be up to seven feet. Council Member Sarah Young thanked Council Member Alejandro Puy for his work on the ordinance.
- Petitions: PLNPCM2025-00045, PLNPCM2025-00138