Good Afternoon –

Do any cities formally regulate water wise landscaping standards for new single-family homes?  Through my research, I have found that most cities provide guidelines, but most do not mandate a formal landscape plan submittal/review/approval process.  Our Council is discussing the idea of requiring a formal landscape plan submittal, staff review/approval, and enforcement – similar to what you’d expect for new commercial developments.  Anyone have experience with this degree of regulation for single-family lots (PUDs excluded)?  This could be related to recently updated landscaping ordinances or part of a discussion during the PC/CC review process.

The concerns with such a formal process are obvious – staff time, bonding (?), landscape plan detail, enforcement if standards are applied to the entire lot as opposed to just the front/side yards, etc.  Any thoughts, comments or feedback related to this issue will be helpful.

Thank you.

Peter Matson, AICP

Community Development Director | Clinton City

2267 N 1500 W | Clinton City, UT 84015

pmatson@PROTECTED | 801.614.0750