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Artificial Turf Landscaping Text Amendment

At a glance

  • What: A proposed text amendment to Title 21A (the Landscaping and Buffers chapter) of the Salt Lake City Code that would allow artificial turf in some required landscaping areas, clarify the chapter adopted April 26, 2023 and align it with changes to State Code that limit when a landscape plan applies.
  • Where it stands: Briefed at the June 2, 2026 work session. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation. The agenda timeline set a hearing date of June 9, a public hearing July 14 at 7 p.m. and tentative Council action July 21, 2026. The record we have does not show a final vote.
  • Contentious: Water-conservation benefits of turf against neighbor impacts, heat and neighborhood character. Council Members said more public feedback and time were needed to refine the ordinance.

The proposal

Michaela Bell presented the changes:

  • Allow artificial turf in required front and corner side yards.
  • Require at least 33 percent of required landscaping to remain live vegetation.
  • Keep the prohibition on artificial turf in required landscape buffers and park strips.
  • Set standards for tree root and vegetation protections, aesthetics, permeability and turf quality.
  • Update landscaping rules for parking lots.

The presentation reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of artificial turf. Other sections of Title 21A may also be amended in the same petition.

June 2 discussion

Brian Fullmer introduced the item and noted the negative Planning Commission recommendation. Council Members, Tammy Hunsaker, Rachel Otto and Bell discussed:

  • Water conservation benefits associated with artificial turf.
  • Public concerns about impacts on neighboring properties.
  • Balancing water conservation goals with neighborhood character and environmental considerations.
  • Whether existing noncompliant turf installations were included in the analysis supporting the amendments.
  • Enforcement trends and the share of turf cases, most of them on the west side of the city.
  • The need for more public feedback and time to refine the ordinance.
  • Clarifying language that separates permitted natural landscape from artificial turf.

Requests: Council Member Wharton asked how other cities regulate artificial turf; Bell said the information would be provided, and Hunsaker added that staff would also provide a City-generated FAQ.

Sources

Log

2026-07-14 - City Council Formal Meeting

Two residents spoke in general comment urging that restrictions on artificial turf in residential areas be kept, citing heat and odors (hearing date on the agenda timeline).

2026-06-02 - City Council Work Session

Briefing on the proposed amendments; negative Planning Commission recommendation noted; Wharton requested comparison data from other cities and a City FAQ.