A. The intent of this chapter is to consolidate and clarify the various sections in this title which previous to adoption of this chapter addressed landscaping regulations for all zones within the City.
B. The regulations of this chapter are intended to set landscaping standards in the City of Holladay that will improve community livability, preserve the quality of life, and enhance the aesthetic quality, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of the City by promoting:
1. More efficient use of water resources;
2. Preservation and enhancement of the City’s environmental and aesthetic character;
3. Promotion of design continuity between adjacent land uses;
4. Preservation, enhancement, and expansion of the city’s tree canopy;
5. Improved management of stormwater runoff;
6. Reduction in the absorption and re-generation of heat from paved vehicular parking areas and other impervious surfaces;
7. Promotion of screening and buffering between land uses by way of providing adequate vegetation;
8. Reduction of landscape maintenance costs.
C. Landscaping can be a significant expense to businesses and residents. At the same time, landscaping improves the livability of residential neighborhoods, enhances the appearance and customer attraction of commercial areas, increases property values, improves the compatibility of adjacent uses, screens undesirable views, and can reduce heat and air and noise pollution.
D. The intent of these regulations is to achieve a balance between the right of individuals to develop and maintain their property in a manner they prefer and the rights of City residents to live, work, shop, and recreate in pleasant, healthy, and attractive surroundings.
E. These regulations are intended in part to accommodate Localscapes®, design aspects encouraging the use of water conserving landscape designs and low water use plant materials irrigated by drip type water systems and to discourage landscaping that requires high water use for maintenance while preserving Holladay’s unique tree canopy, character and inventory.
F. The City’s street tree/community tree program and its recognition as a tree city sets the standard for public and private property management of the valuable, historic tree coverage that gives Holladay a unique environment not generally found in other areas of the region. (Ord. 2013-22, 9-5-2013; amd. Ord. 2018-18, 11-8-2018; Ord. 2022-14, 6-16-2022; Ord. 2023-09, 9-7-2023)