For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACTIVE RECREATION AREA. An area that is dedicated to active play, including where turf may provide a playing surface.
BUBBLER. An irrigation head that delivers water to the root zone by flooding the planted area, usually measured in gallons per minute. BUBBLERS exhibit a trickle, umbrella or short stream pattern.
CHECK VALVE. A device used in sprinkler heads or pipe to prevent water from draining out of the pipe through gravity flow. Used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water.
DRIP EMITTER. Drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly at the root zone of the plant, usually measured in gallons per hour.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (ET). The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time, expressed in inches per day, month or year.
GRADING PLAN. The grading plan shows all finish grades, spot elevations as necessary and existing and new contours with the developed landscape area.
GROUND COVER. Material planted in such a way as to form a continuous cover over the ground.
GROUND PLANE COVERAGE. Vegetative cover of the horizontal surfaces of a landscaped area. Canopies of deciduous trees shall not be counted toward the coverage calculation.
HARDSCAPE. Durable landscape materials, such as concrete, wood, stone or brick pavers, or compacted organic mulch.
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY. The measurement of the amount of water beneficially applied, divided by the total amount of water applied. IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system hardware characteristics and management practices.
IRRIGATION PLAN. The irrigation plan shows the components of the irrigation system with water meter size, backflow prevention (when outdoor irrigation is supplied with culinary water), precipitation rates, flow rate and operating pressure for each irrigation circuit and identification of all irrigation equipment.
LANDSCAPED AREA. Improved areas of the property that make up the landscape. The LANDSCAPED AREA does not include building or structure footprints, sidewalks and other non- irrigated natural areas intentionally left undeveloped.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. A person who holds a certificate to practice landscape architecture in the State of Utah. Only a LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT can legally create commercial landscape plans.
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER. A person who may or may not hold professional certificates for landscape design/architecture and cannot legally create commercial landscape plans. LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS generally focus on residential design and horticultural needs of home landscapes.
LANDSCAPE PLAN. The landscape plan shows the design of the landscape with natural features such as plantings, ground and water forms, circulation, walks, hardscape and other features to comply with this subchapter. Types of plantings are identified, and quantities included. A landscape and open space percentage of the site is also included to ensure conformance with the minimum requirements of the zone in which the development is located.
LANDSCAPE ZONE. A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs, areas with similar microclimate (i.e., slope, exposure, wind and the like) and soil conditions, and areas that will be similarly irrigated. A LANDSCAPE ZONE can be served by one irrigation valve, or a set of valves with the same schedule.
LANDSCAPING. Any combination of living plants, such as trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, flowers or grass; natural features such as rock, stone or bark chips; and structural features, including, but not limited to, fountains, reflecting pools, outdoor art work, screen walls, fences or benches.
LOCALSCAPES®. A locally adaptable and environmentally sustainable urban landscape style that requires less irrigation than traditional Utah landscapes (see www.Localscapes.com).
MULCH. Any material such as rock, bark, wood chips or other materials left loose and applied to the soil.
OPEN SPACE. An area which is completely free and unobstructed from any building or structure. Landscaping, walkways, covered patios, light poles and other ornamental features shall not be considered obstructions for the purposes of this definition. Areas used for storm drainage shall not be eligible for inclusion in a required OPEN SPACE area. Utility corridors shall only be counted toward the OPEN SPACE requirement if improved as an accessible amenity to the project or the community as a whole.
PARK STRIP. A typically narrow landscaped area located between the back-of-curb and sidewalk.
PLANNED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. A planned single-family development with specific open space and/or amenity standards that are required by the zone or a development agreement, and in which common open spaces will be maintained by a homeowner’s association or organization.
PLANTER BED. Any irrigated, non-turf portion of the landscaped area.
PLANTING PLAN. A planting plan shall clearly and accurately identify and locate new and existing trees, shrubs, ground covers, turf areas, driveways, sidewalks, hardscape features and fences.
POP-UP SPRAY HEAD. A sprinkler head that sprays water through a nozzle in a fixed pattern with no rotation.
PRECIPITATION RATE. The depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour.
PRESSURE COMPENSATING. A drip irrigation system that compensates for fluctuating water pressure by only allowing a fixed volume of water through drip emitters.
PUBLIC FACILITY. A government, educational or non-profit organization that provides services to the general public.
REHABILITATED LANDSCAPING. Altering, repairing or adding to a landscape to make possible a compatible use, increase curb appeal, decrease maintenance and the like.
ROTOR SPRAY HEAD. A sprinkler head that distributes water through a nozzle by the rotation of a gear or mechanical rotor.
RUNOFF. Irrigation water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape area to which it is applied, and which flows onto other areas.
SMART AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER. An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves in the operation of an irrigation system using the internet to connect to a real time weather source or soil moisture sensor. SMART AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration or soil moisture data to control when and how long sprinklers or drip systems operate and will vary based on time of year and weather/soil moisture conditions.
SPRAY SPRINKLER. An irrigation head that sprays water through a nozzle.
STREAM SPRINKLER. An irrigation head that projects water through a gear rotor in single or multiple streams.
TURF. A surface layer of earth containing grass species with full root structures that are maintained as mowed grass.
WASTE OF WATER. Includes, but is not necessarily limited to:
(1) The use of water for any purpose, including outdoor irrigation, that consumes or for which is applied substantial excess water beyond the reasonable amount required by the use, whether such excess water is lost due to evaporation, percolation, discharges into the sewer system, or is allowed to run into the gutter or street; or
(2) Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards.
WATER-CONSERVING PLANT. A plant that can generally survive with available rainfall once established although supplemental irrigation may be needed or desirable during periods of dry and warm weather.
(Ord. 13-2022, passed 7-6-2022)