MODEL LAND USE ORDINANCE LIBRARY

Below you’ll find a collection of model ordinances and resources that can be adapted to local contexts and used as a template for local ordinances. There’s no need for local governments to “reinvent the wheel” when trying to protect and enhance their communities.

| Natural Resource & natural hazard ordinances |

  • Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance Walkthrough →
    Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative
    Intended for community members, planners, and elected representatives, this walkthrough explains the many sections of a lighting ordinance, the multiple formats it may take, and best practices. This walkthrough is tailored to ordinances best enacted by city governments and will highlight the needs, challenges, and goals of communities and how to best address them.

  • Integrating Water Efficiency Into Land Use Planning in the Interior West →
    Western Resource Advocates
    Pace University’s Land Use Law Center
    This guidebook provides land use planners with the resources necessary to fully integrate water efficiency into their land use planning efforts.

  • Model Geologic Hazard Ordinance →
    Utah Geologic Survey
    The Geologic Hazards Model Ordinance presented was made to be easily adaptable to conditions in Utah cities and counties. The UGS has not published comprehensive geologic hazard maps for all of Utah. However, Geologic Hazard Study Areas are defined in the ordinance for areas where current mapping is not available, based upon specific geologic and other conditions.

  • Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance →
    Utah Division of Emergency Management
    The Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance is a flexible floodway protection model ordinance.

  • Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance →
    Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
    This guide has the best practices for landscape design, installation, and maintenance to help city’s increase water efficiency.

| general ordinances |

  • Form-Based Code →
    Wasatch Front Regional Council
    The Form-Based Code Template is a tool to help facilitate the establishment of a form-based code ordinance. Form-based code is an emerging ordinance type that, unlike traditional zoning, emphasizes physical form to regulate and guide development and implement the vision for a place.

  • Ordinance Template: Adopting a Municipal Code →
    Utah Community Development Office
    This ordinance template can be used to adopt and enact a city municipal code in Utah.

  • Ordinance Template: Amending a Code →
    Utah Community Development Office
    This template provides a recommended structure that meets Utah State requirements to amend an existing ordinance or municipal code.

  • Sample Hearing Notice to Adopt a Land Use Ordinance →
    Utah Community Development Office
    This template recommends information to include in a notice of public hearing required for adopting land use ordinances in Utah.

  • Standard Ordinance Template →
    Utah Community Development Office
    This Standard Ordinance Template includes features required by Utah state law such as title, ordaining clause, mayor’s signature and clerk attest spaces.