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January 2025 Millcreek Together Code Update I 18.65 Landscaping Standards Summary Sheet Chapter 18.65 Landscape Standards Summary A. Purpose. The purpose of the updated Millcreek landscaping standards is to facilitate water conservation and promote better screening and landscaping standards for all new developments. The updated landscaping standards allow for residents to access water preservation programs funded by the state and water conservancy districts. Updated standards encourage native species usage and more canopy coverage to reduce urban heat island effects. B. What Changed. o Added required language for residents to access state grant money to replace turf grass with waterwise landscaping installations. o Created buffer standards to help separate uses that are incompatible with each other i.e. residential abutting commercial development. o Reduces the use of non-functional turfgrass when new developments are built. o Adds better landscaping standards for parking lots. o Creates a better framework for preserving and replacing large existing trees found on property. o Standards for different uses reflect the needs of each use. o Includes language for Low Impact Development (LID) to be used more frequently. o Standards for landscaping along waterways. o Creates a plant species list of native, non-invasive trees and plantings to be used for project within Millcreek. C. Rationale for Changes. Updating the landscape standards in Millcreek allows residents to access grants and money allocated by the State of Utah. As water scarcity has increased over the years, the need for more thoughtful landscape practices is warranted. The new standards are easier to read and understand, include better graphics, and adds language that will help reduce runoff and water waste. Landscape standards that were previously in the code were adopted by the County in 2000 with few updates since then. The new code includes best practices for the climate in the area and improves on many of the standards put in place by the County. This updated code section has been adopted and enforced since April 2023.