1. (1) For purposes of Sections R653-11-7 and R653-11-8, water use efficiency standards for counties and municipalities within a county consist of the following outdoor lawn limitations on new residential development.

   1. (a) Statewide requirements are as follows:

      1. (i) No lawn on parking strips or areas less than eight feet in width in new development.

      2. (ii)(A) Except as provided in Subsection (ii)(B), no lawn exceeding 20% of total landscaped area in new commercial, industrial, and institutional development.

         1. (B) The 20% limitation does not apply to lawn areas developed and used for outdoor recreation activities that require lawn in an outdoor environment.

   2. (b) Regional requirements are as follows:

      1. (i) Washington County - no more than 15% of the lot size in new residential development is lawn;
      2. (ii) Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, and Davis counties - no more than 35% of the front and side yard landscaped area in new residential development is lawn; and
      3. (iii) All other counties in Utah - no more than 50% of the front and side yard landscaped area in new residential development is lawn.
   3. (c) The lawn limitations in Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to small lots with less than 250 square feet in landscaped area.

2. (2)(a) A municipality or county may adopt more aggressive water use efficiency standards, provided the new standards increase water conservation and efficiency over the standards in Subsection (1).

   1. (b) A municipality or county that adopts more aggressive water use efficiency standards in compliance with Subsection (2)(a) shall be deemed compliant with the requirements of Subsection (1).

KEY: water conservation measures

Date of Last Change: May 26, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 63A-5b-1108; 73-10-37