Landscaping and buffers artificial turf amendment
Amendments to Title 21A would allow artificial turf in required front and corner side yards (with at least 33 percent live vegetation) while still banning it in buffers and park strips. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation; briefed June 2, 2026.
Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City Planning Division
- City Council work session: Landscaping and Buffers chapter text amendment
- City Council: Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment
- City Council work session: Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment
In brief
Landscaping and buffers artificial turf amendment appears on 3 recorded agendas, from the City Council work session meeting of December 5, 2023 to the City Council work session meeting of June 2, 2026.
On record, it was approved once.
The most recent decision was approved (6-0) at the City Council meeting of March 5, 2024.
Follow the money and project delivery
Landscaping and buffers artificial turf amendment
- Council action
Approved: Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment · Approved minutes Record → · March 5, 2024
- Money in the record
No itemized amount linked in the records collected.
- Signed agreement and payments
Execution and project-level disbursements are not verified by this tracker. They require separate records; meeting approval alone does not establish either.
- Work and operating costs
Check the linked records for completion and recurring operating costs; this tracker does not verify them. Record →
Every hearing and vote
June 2, 2026 · City Council work session
Landscaping and Buffers chapter text amendment
Discussed
Deputy Planning Director Michaela Bell presented changes to Title 21A that would allow artificial turf in required front and corner side yards, require at least 33 percent of required landscaping to remain live vegetation, keep the ban on artificial turf in required buffers and park strips, and set standards for tree root protection, aesthetics, permeability and turf quality. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation. Members discussed water conservation, effects on neighbors, neighborhood character, enforcement trends (most artificial turf cases are on the west side), and clearer language. Council Member Wharton asked how other cities regulate artificial turf; staff will also provide an FAQ.
- Hearing tentatively July 14; council action July 21
March 5, 2024 · City Council
Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 12 of 2024, revising the landscaping and buffers chapter of the zoning code to reduce water use, strengthen the urban forest, improve air quality and green infrastructure, and simplify the chapter. The motion delays enforcement of provisions on artificial turf installed before the effective date by 18 months so residents can comply, and directs the Administration and Council staff to tell affected residents. Council Member Wharton said he was glad to finalize a project that could help water conservation.
- Ordinance 12 of 2024
- Enforcement delay: 18 months for artificial turf installed before the effective date
December 5, 2023 · City Council work session
Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment
Discussed
Planner Nannette Larsen presented a rewrite of Title 21A's landscaping and buffers chapter to cut water use, expand the tree canopy, reduce heat island effects and stormwater runoff, improve air quality, limit rock mulch and simplify standards. Further discussion was set for the Dec. 12 work session, with a hearing Jan. 9, 2024.
- Hearing set for Jan. 9, 2024