5 Landscape Codes You Should Be Aware Of

Most people know that there are building codes that construction workers must abide by, but what about landscaping codes?

When it comes to landscaping, there are certain city and state ordinances that you might have to abide by when it comes to your property. Nonetheless, it may be fun to consider what the best Utah landscapers or construction workers could do with or without restrictions.

Can You Build a Skyscraper in Your Backyard?

You often think about your property as being under your jurisdiction, but there are rules that states have to enforce when it comes to the construction of any outdoor living space additions. For example, what would happen if you tried to build a skyscraper in your backyard? First off, you’d need a lot of room; however, the state of Utah has set regulations for homes regarding the size of such additions.

In homes located on lots of 15,000 square feet or less, the maximum height that a structure can be is 12 feet, while the maximum area size is 576 square feet.

Unfortunately for homeowners, this means that you can’t build a skyscraper in your backyard, not even anything near it, actually.

Can I Dig Down as Far as I Want?

You might know that you have to get permission to dig by calling 811, but do you know how far down you can dig after you gain the necessary permission? Well, the laws here aren’t as strict as the skyscraper scenario, and while you do need to have your yard inspected for pipelines before you dig, there is no specific depth limit.

There are, however a few guidelines that you have to follow: the hole that you dig must be properly supported to prevent it from collapsing and causing damage to neighbors’ yard, and you must make sure that the hole doesn’t prove to be a physical threat to anyone. So, while you can dig down as far as you can, you need to be sure that you’re digging responsibly.

Laws Regarding Sidewalk Repairs

Many people tend to take repairs into their own hands when things such as curbs, gutters and sidewalks begin to pose a threat on the well-being of the public. While providing such a service as a resident may seem like no big deal, you have to make sure that you follow a few specific guidelines.

First off, residents who are looking to take repairs into their own hands must obtain a street improvement permit from the city. In Utah, the fee for this permit is $25.00. After the permit has been obtained, the engineering department will contact and meet with the individual to review the damage and explain any applicable specifications for the restoration. The resident who is looking to perform the repairs must also hire licensed Utah landscapers for the placement of new concrete at the resident’s expense, and the resident is also responsible for landscape restoration.

Swimming Pool Construction Laws

Like in most other states, you need to acquire a building permit before you give your local Utah landscapers a call to help you build a pool; additionally, you have to have your yard inspected to make sure that it is suitable for a pool. Swimming pools in the state of Utah must be set back at least five feet from all property lines and should be provided with access gates and a fence at least six feet tall.

Detailed drawings of the pool are also required by the Utah landscapers, which include a cross section of the in-ground pool, wiring, plumbing, fencing and gates.

Residential Driveway Construction Codes

A lot of times, residents might have to take the construction or expansion of driveways into their own hands. The laws in Utah regarding the construction of residential driveways are as follows:

Driveways should have a drive approach of at least 12 feet and cannot exceed the maximum width of 30 feet; a secondary drive approach may be required upon review and the approval of the city’s engineer.

Down sloping driveways are not permitted unless they are approved by the City Engineer due to topographic constraints. The driveway must also maintain a positive slope away from the home as required by the International Building Code. The slopes minimum grade is two percent, while the maximum grade allowable is 12 percent.

These are just a few of the landscape codes that you should be aware of, but if you’re still a bit confused about anything mentioned above, give our Utah landscapers here at Mellco a call.