SALT LAKE CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION

The Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) reviews all applications for landmark sites, demolition and new construction within locally-designated historic districts. They do not review interior work or exterior paint color, only exterior alterations. The majority of the projects presented to the HLC are either approved as submitted or with modifications.

Paving & Landscaping

Download design standards for site features which contain information about paving and landscaping (as Adobe Acrobat PDF file). This file is approximately 815 KB.

Download general design standards which contain information about paving and landscaping (as Adobe Acrobat PDF file). This file is approximately 84 KB.

Policy: Historic landscape features that survive should be preserved when feasible. In addition, new landscape features should be compatible with the historic context. Native and acclimated plant materials significantly contribute to the sense of a "natural setting" that is part of the heritage in many of the historic districts. Where buildings are set back from the sidewalk, they typically have yards, walks, fences and plant materials that all contribute to the sense of open space in the community. This character should be maintained as it plays an important role in establishing a context for the historic buildings.

Consider using two concrete stripes with a landscaped strip in the middle for a new driveway. This design is more historically appropriate and softens the look of hardscaping in the front yard. Parking is not allowed in the front yards of residentially zoned buildings throughout the city. Many native and drought tolerant plants were used in historic landscapes, or can be substituted for less drought tolerant plants of similar size and shape. Contact the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities or the Utah Native Plant Society for help in choosing native and drought tolerant species. Utah has a Heritage Tree List, administered by the Forestry, Fire and State Lands Division of the Utah State Department of Natural Resources. Owners interested in finding out if a historic tree is located on their property or who are interested in listing a tree, should contact this agency. Most landscaping does not require Historic Landmark Commission approval or a building permit, except for construction of a wall, fence or driveway, or changing the grade of a property. Consult the Design Guidelines and Section 21A.34.020.G of the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance for the standards the Historic Landmark Commission uses in evaluating projects, or contact the Planning staff for further information.