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1. Who must license their business?

It is required that anyone engaged in business in Kaysville City obtain a city business license, with the exception of those qualifying as Minor Home Businesses. Utah State requires that all businesses operating in Utah be registered with the Department of Commerce and licensed with a city or county in the state. 

2. When should a business license with a county office?

Counties have jurisdiction over the unincorporated areas of the county. If your business is in an unincorporated area, you should contact Davis County.

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1. Why is this necessary?

When the Kaysville City Hall was built in 1985-1986, the population of Kaysville was between 10,000 – 13,000. A new building was needed as city administration had outgrown the 7,000 square foot building that fronts Main Street (the “Old Library”). The new Kaysville City Hall was 10,000 square feet – a modest improvement, but only designed to meet the immediate needs of the city.

As the population has grown to 31,000, city services have increased. Over the years, the administration has “made due,” undergoing several small remodels to make room for necessary staff space, resulting in diminished storage and meeting space. City Council Chambers were no longer able to be rented out when a small kitchen was removed to house the Building Department. Recently, even more space was carved out for office space, decreasing ability of residents to attend important meetings. Hallways are being used for storage. The HVAC system is original to the building, and has given out on hot summer days during large meetings. 

Seeing the handwriting on the wall, in 2015, the city council authorized a spatial needs assessment which evaluated the needs for every department and every building. (See the finalized report here.) To accommodate city services through build out – up to 45,000 residents – 20,000 square feet of space for offices, storage, and meeting space is recommended. 

2. How much is this going to cost? Are my taxes going to go up?

The estimated cost for the building remodel will be between $4M and $5M, but the true cost won’t be known until the final plan is developed. 

Will taxes go up? Not specifically for this project. However, Kaysville City Council has committed to holding a Truth in Taxation hearing every year, not only for transparency, but also to capture the increase of property values WITHOUT raising the property tax rate. The overall cost of Kaysville taxes may increase slightly year over year, but it will prevent the dramatic leaps that occur when Truth in Taxation is held only sporadically. 

Because of the Truth in Taxation process held last year, there was an increase of $200,000 in property taxes, or roughly the yearly payment for a $4M bond over 20 years. The committee is working hard to keep costs down while still creating a building to meet the needs of the city for the long term. 

3. Why isn't the city using the Old Library?

Originally, the Facilities Master Plan recommended that the Old Library be repurposed to house staff. Although adding more square footage was recommended, the council decided to opt for a less expensive remodel in February 2017. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that the building was not structurally sound (see structural engineer’s report here). 

In 2018, the city council once again took up the issue. After a lengthy public process, council pivoted away from investing money in the troubled building, and looked to add needed space at the current Kaysville City Hall. 

The Old Library is currently being evaluated by the Kaysville-Fruit Heights Museum Committee 501 c (3) as a potential home. There are no plans to tear it down.

4. Why can't city employees work from home?

Although Kaysville is becoming a digital society, much of the work done by city staff is one-on-one helping residents. That is not projected to change. 

Kaysville City runs lean. Staff are cross-trained to perform other tasks that might not necessarily be “their job.” Answering phones, moving equipment, preparing for events, cleaning up after events, meeting with residents – Kaysville employees do it all! 

Having staff on site is a better value for residents. 

5. Why don't we use space over at the police station?

When the Police Station was built in 2014, it was designed to meet the needs of the department through build out. There currently is excess capacity. 

In order to have a secure facility, anyone who passes back into the "Employee- Only" are is required to be fingerprinted. This does not lend itself to working with people one-on-one the same way the Building Department, the Community Development Department, and Billing do. 

It would be a short-term solution at best, and not convenient for residents. 

6. Will Citizens get to vote on this?

The authorized representatives for the citizens – the city council – will vote on this issue. To put it on the ballot would indicate that this is an optional remodel, however, it is necessary to the proper functioning of the city. 

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1. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Call the Building Department at (801) 544-1363. Open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Closed holiday's.

2. I want to build a shed or garage. What do I need to know?

Visit /207/Accessory-Buildings.

3. Can I have farm animals on my property?

Visit /208/Farm-Animals.

4. What kind of work requires a building permit?

Any addition of, removal of, or alteration to:

• Framing
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Accessibility
• Change of use/occupancy of a building

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1. Can I vote in person?

You can vote in person on Election Day as long as you have not already returned your by mail ballot. Election Day voting centers may be found by clicking HERE. Voting centers are available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. You may vote at any of the listed voting centers. Accessible voting machines are available. When you go to vote in person you will be handed a ballot to fill in that is the same as what was mailed to registered voters. If you have your vote-by-mail ballot drop it off at any voting center on election day. 

2. Can political signs be placed in the park strip?

Signs must be placed on private property only. Signs cannot be placed on State or City owned property, on freeway ramps, power poles, street signs, regulatory signs, and cannot be placed in the park strip (the public right-of-way between the curb and sidewalk or 10 ft. behind the curb if there is no sidewalk). Signs may not be erected, constructed, or maintained upon any property without the consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property.

3. How do I register to vote?

Voter Registration is available online by going here, or you may register in person at the Davis County Clerk's office located at 61 South Main Street, Room #104, Farmington, UT.

4. How long are terms of office for?

Terms for the mayor and council members are for 4 years, unless filling the place of a previous mayor or council member's unfinished term.

5. What if I did not receive my ballot?

Vote-by-mail ballots are mailed no sooner than 21 days and no later than 14 days before election day.

If you have not received your ballot you will need to call or visit the Davis County Clerk's office:

Davis County Admin Building
61 South Main Street, Room #104
Farmington, UT 84025
801-451-3508

http://www.davisvotes.com/

If it's sooner than a week before the election you will need to go to a voting center on Election Day in order to submit your vote.

6. What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

If you find that you've filled in the wrong bubble or wanted to change your vote on your ballot, just put an "x" through the wrong choice. If you have other questions or need a new ballot please contact the Davis County Clerk's office at (801) 451-3213.

7. What if the privacy tab on the envelope is accidentally removed?

If the privacy tab has been removed you can still cast your ballot.  The tab is there to keep your ballot anonymous, but it does not affect your vote. 

8. What if my mail-in-ballot has been lost or ruined?

If you need a new ballot. 

If it's over a week before an election, you may call the Davis County Clerk's office (801-451-3213) to request a new ballot be mailed to you. If it's within a week of the election you will need to wait until Election Day to vote in-person at one of the voting centers located within the county.  You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of current residency with you.

https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/clerk/election/how-wherer-to-vote/how-where-to-vote

If you have your ballot but need a new envelope, you can pick one up at the Davis County Clerk's office, or can visit a voting center on Election Day.

9. Where is Kaysville's ballot drop-off location at?

The ballot drop-off in Kaysville is located on the north side of the Davis County Library - Kaysville Branch located at 215 North Fairfield Road.

Ballots can be dropped off at any of the ballot boxes within Davis County. For a list of all ballot box locations please visit: https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/clerk/election/how-wherer-to-vote/how-where-to-vote.

Outdoor ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day, through 8:00 pm on Election Day. Remember, ballots must be returned in the provided return envelope.

10. Where can I find more information about the candidates?

Candidate profiles, websites and further contact information can be found on the Davis County Clerk website (www.DavisVotes.com) and Vote.Utah.gov. No printed pamphlets will be provided.

11. Why aren't the candidate's affiliated party listed by their name?

Municipal Elections are non-partisan, meaning that a candidate is not nominated by a party and a candidate is not required to declare their party affiliation. 

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1. Who do I contact if I have questions?

Kim Bosworth
Human Resource Specialist
kbosworth@kaysville.gov
801-497-7142

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1. What do you want to know?

On the first and third Thursday of each month one member of the City Council, as well as the City Manager, will be available to answer any public questions.  Discussion may be related to any topic that relates to our community and the business of the city.  The Council is interested in the concerns and ideas of all residents and community members.

These meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m., a half an hour prior to the regularly scheduled City Council meetings at City Hall.

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1. Has the decision regarding the library already been made?

No. While a preliminary decision was made in 2016 to rehabilitate the library, additional concerns subsequently came to light that made the rehabilitation much more expensive and involved than originally anticipated. All viable options regarding the fate of the library remain valid and possibilities at this time.

2. What will it cost?

Until the project decision is made and bids are produced, this is a hard question to answer.  Estimates for rehabilitating the existing building have come in from $1.2M to over $3M.  A new building, depending on size, would also be millions of dollars.  Once a decision on the fate of the existing building is made, one of the next steps will be to move forward on bid documents for either the existing building or a new building.  Once these documents are produced we will have a better idea what costs may look like.

3. Will this project cause an increase in taxes?

The answer to this question is it also depends on the scope of the project. While a new building or a substantial refurbishing of the existing building are both very expensive, there may be enough in existing city revenues to make a payment on a 20-year capital investment that would take care of this project and not cause a tax increase. As decisions are made this decision too will need to be reevaluated.

4. How will this project benefit downtown?

One of the challenges of this project is making a decision about the library building while also taking into consideration how that decision will affect the rest of the downtown area.  City leaders believe there is currently a unique opportunity to make a decision this year that will facilitate other decisions down the road – decisions that will make the downtown Kaysville block more pedestrian friendly, will meet the needs of the city, could be an economic driver for businesses, and could also save the city and its taxpaying citizens money in the long run.

5. What are the city’s spatial needs?

As Kaysville grows, the need for additional employees grows as well.  Current staffing levels have several staff members sharing office and other space.  This situation can be uncomfortable and distracting to those employees.  Copy rooms and break rooms have long been converted into much needed office space.  A portable classroom was recently moved from Mountain High and transported to the Kaysville City Operations Center for existing employees to use that have been mostly working from their vehicles.  As we look to the future, decisions today will have a major impact on the city’s ability to deliver services tomorrow.  A 2015 spatial needs study showed that at build out, Kaysville City would need another 10,000 square feet of office to provide for the current level of service today.  It is important to Kaysville City Officials to make a decision today that takes in to account the long term goals and needs of the city tomorrow and into the future.

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1. How do you form teams?

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1. What is the Youth Court?

• The Kaysville Youth Court is a voluntary juvenile diversionary program wherein high school-age youth act as judges, jurors, clerks, bailiffs, mentors, and teachers; enabling them to develop an understanding and respect for the legal process. 
• The Youth Court does not determine guilt, but takes youth offenders who admit their mistakes and provides them with appropriate consequences.  
• Youth who appear before the Youth Court have been identified by law enforcement personnel, school officials, the juvenile court, or any other concerned party as having committed acts which indicate a need for intervention to prevent further development toward juvenile delinquency. 
• The Youth Court provides this early intervention in the form of positive peer pressure that keeps the offending youth from having a juvenile record while holding the youth accountable to both their peers and the community.

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1. Is being a power lineman a dangerous job?

Engaging in the maintenance of power lines to uphold consistent and reliable service presents a unique set of challenges. Lineworkers exhibit exceptional skill as they navigate poles under varying weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted power day and night. However, it's important to consider certain factors that can enhance their working conditions and overall safety.

Occasionally, power poles are utilized as a platform for attaching signs and posters, which, while seemingly innocuous, can inadvertently introduce complications for lineworkers. The presence of protruding nails or heavy staples intended for signage attachment can potentially compromise lineworkers' protective gear, thereby increasing the potential for injury. Similarly, the risk of entanglement caused by boots or climbing spikes warrants attention to prevent accidental falls.

Lineworkers take immense pride in delivering high-quality, efficient, and dependable electric service. To facilitate their crucial work, we kindly request refraining from using power poles as supports for signs and posters. This collaborative effort ensures a safer environment for both the lineworkers and the community they diligently serve.

2. What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Avoid approaching any power lines that have fallen, even if you believe they are no longer conducting electricity.

If you come across a downed power line, dial 911 without delay. It's important to treat all fallen power lines as live and hazardous. These lines have the potential to electrify the surrounding ground and objects. Maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from any downed or partially suspended power line, as well as from any other item that could be energized. (Please remember to contact 911 solely if you visually confirm the presence of a fallen wire; refrain from assuming a wire is down solely based on a power outage.)

If you see a black coating on wires, it is not insulation. This coating is to protect the wire from elements like snow, ice, wind and rain. You cannot rely on this for personal protection. It doesn’t matter if the wire is touching the ground or not, and it doesn’t matter if it’s not arcing either—it can still be energized. Anyone touching the downed wire, or items or debris that wire is touching, can be seriously injured or killed.

Also, the ground around a downed wire can be energized. For distribution wires, stay AT LEAST 30 feet away (in all directions) from downed wires or else you can be electrocuted from the ground being energized. For transmission wires, stay AT LEAST 100 feet away. For reference, 30 feet is about the length of a normal school bus.

3. What causes power outages?

Kaysville Power is committed to providing reliable electric service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, events outside of our control can cause disruptions to your service.

The most common cause of a power outage is a storm. Thunderstorms, windstorms and snowstorms can all cause damage to power lines and electrical equipment. Heavy rain can also saturate the ground and cause trees to fall on power lines.

Other common power outage causes include:

• Vehicle accidents that involve utility poles
• Animals chewing on or contacting electrical equipment
• Foil balloons contacting power lines
• Trenching, digging and other construction projects that damage underground cables

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1. What is the cost to have an area marked?

Member utility companies will mark their lines at no cost. If you need the lines remarked as you continue excavating, they will be marked again at no charge. However, if you request the same area to be marked multiple times and do not excavate, the utility companies may bill you for their costs to mark the area.

2. What should I do if I damage a line?

Utah Law specifies that if a utility line is damaged during excavation, the excavator should immediately inform the appropriate utility owner so the line can be repaired and immediately call 911 if the damage may result in an immediate risk to human life. Refer to your local phone book or the online Utility Contact Information Lookup Page to contact a utility owner directly.

If the line was marked, refer to the American Public Works Association (APWA) standard markings (see FAQ #3) to determine what kind of line it was. If the line was not marked, please do not call Blue Stakes to determine what kind of line it is. Their phone operators are not trained to identify them. If you do have the locate request assignment number (LRA), Blue Stakes can tell you which utilities were notified, but that does not necessarily mean the line belongs to one of them.

3. What do the colored markings mean?

• RED - Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
• YELLOW - Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
• ORANGE - Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
• BLUE - Potable Water
• PURPLE - Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
• GREEN - Sewers and Drain Lines
• WHITE - Proposed Excavation
• PINK - Temporary Survey Markings

Ticket Field Explanation (PDF)

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1. Does increased demand as result of population growth result in higher power rates to the city for consuming incrementally more power?

Although population growth results in an increase in total power demand and associated costs, those incremental costs are offset by incremental revenue from new customers and the net impact should be neutral in power rates.

2. Are impact fees assessed to developers to cover the cost of distribution lines to previously undeveloped areas of the city or are these expenses borne by all electrical users?

Impact fees are included in the rate calculations as a reduction to the revenue requirement to be borne by all electrical users. As such, these costs are not collected from all customers.

3. Is there a point at which it becomes economically more feasible to turn the distribution of power over to Rocky Mountain Power to achieve greater efficiency on a larger scale?

Kaysville City can currently provide safe and reliable service at lower rates (approximately 15%) than those offered to Rocky Mountain Power customers. As a municipal utility, Kaysville City does not collect a return on capital for investors and is not subject to income taxes. These two items alone provide a significant cost benefit when compared to an investor owned utility. In addition, Kaysville City is a participant in UAMPS projects with other municipal utilities, an arrangement that provides leverage to maximize efficiency and scale in the electric generation and transmission markets.

4. Wouldn’t it be better to rely on the resources of a major power company like Rocky Mountain than to rely on the city’s limited resources?

Through mutual aid agreements with the UAMPS (Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems) organization and the IPSA (Intermountain Power Superintendents Association) organization Kaysville City has access to the resources, material, equipment, and man power from a multistate area. They also can request assistance from local contract companies.

5. How does the city power department evaluate the efficiency and expense levels of its fixed cost structure?

The power department's mission is to safely provide reliable electricity with superior customer service at a competitive price to the residents and businesses in Kaysville City. All of its decisions are measured against those objectives. Certain metrics are useful in measuring this objective, such as the billing impact of investment decisions, the price of power in Kaysville compared to others in the State, and quality, service, and safety benefits derived from any particular investment decision.

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1. Truth & Taxation- What does that mean?

Truth & Taxation- What does that mean?

Utah’s “Truth in Taxation” laws were passed in 1985.  Utah’s “Truth in Taxation” laws are revenue-driven.  That means the requirement to hold a “Truth in Taxation” hearing is based upon the collections of a taxing entity, not the rate charged.  Utah law requires “Truth in Taxation” hearings to be held when a taxing entity elects to collect more revenue than was collected the previous year, although the entities are permitted to keep revenues generated by “new growth”—such as value added from a new subdivision or a new business. 

The determination that a property tax increase is being proposed is made by the Tax Commission’s Property Tax Division.  The certified tax rate—established by the Property Tax Division, is that rate which will yield the taxing entity the SAME property tax revenue that it collected in the previous year (and includes an allowance for revenue generated from real new growth in its tax base).  That determination is based on a comparison of an entity’s proposed tax rate with its certified tax rate.  (http://propertytax.utah.gov/about/truth.html)

Example

City A collects $1.2 million in taxes during Year 1.  A new subdivision is constructed during the year.  In Year 2, a certified rate will be set to permit City A to collect $1.2 million, plus additional revenues from the new growth.  Revenues collected in Year 2 are $1.5 million.  In Year 3, City A will be given a certified rate permitting it to collect $1.5 million.  But in Year 3, it only collects $1.1 million because of an economic downturn and some individuals & property owners didn’t pay their property taxes.  In Year 4, City A is given a certified rate that permits it to collect only $1.1 million, plus any growth.

Since the process is “revenue driven” and not “rate driven,” it only allows for an increase in taxes to provide for inflationary growth through the “truth in taxation” and public hearing process.

2. What would I Pay in City Property Tax in other Davis County Cities?

What would I Pay in City Property Tax in other Davis County Cities?

Residential: Residential property taxes are calculated allowing the owner a 45% exemption of their home value.  The remaining 55% of the home value is taxed at the approved property tax rate.

If you were to live in a home valued at $250,000 in Davis County, you would pay the following City property taxes:

             

Clearfield	$359	Syracuse	$219
West Point	$287	Kaysville	$218
Fruit Heights	$268	Farmington	$205
West Bountiful	$261	South Weber	$193
North Salt Lake	$243	Woods Cross	$193
Centerville	$233	Bountiful	$182
Layton	$226	Sunset	$135
Clinton	$221

 

Commercial: Commercial property is not allowed the 45% exemption as residential property.  So, if you owned a commercial property valued at $250,000 in Davis County, you would pay the following City property taxes:            

  

Clearfield	$653	Syracuse	$398
West Point	$521	Kaysville	$397
Fruit Heights	$488	Farmington	$373
West Bountiful	$475	S Weber	$351
North Salt Lake	$442	Woods Cross	$351
Centerville	$423	Bountiful	$331
Layton	$411	Sunset	$245
Farmington	$402

Rates for Clearfield & W Point adjusted for N. Davis Fire District Rates for Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, West Bountiful, & Woods Cross adjusted for So. Davis Recreation District and South Davis Metro Fire District.

3. What is our property tax rate and how does it compare with other Davis County cities?

What is our Property Tax Rate & How dose it Compare with other Davis County Cities?

Kaysville City’s 2020 Property Tax Rate is 0.001589.  This is in the lower portion of the property tax rates in Davis County.

Rates for Clearfield & W Point adjusted by .001175 due to N. Davis Fire District.  Rates for Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, West Bountiful, & Woods Cross adjusted by .000317 due to So. Davis Recreation District and .000218 for the South Davis Metro Fire District.

4. How much Property Tax is Collected Per-Capita?

How much Property Tax is Collected Per-Capita?

Based on the State Tax Commission’s 2020 Certified Tax Rate Revenue, Kaysville City’s Property Tax Per-Capita is at $112.  W Bountiful at $231 leads the County and Sunset is the lowest in Davis County at $41.

Population used to compute per capita based on 2019 Projection of Census Based on the State Tax Commissions’ Certified Tax Rate Revenue. Certified Tax Rate Revenue not adjusted for N. Davis Fire District or So. Davis Recreation District and So.Davis Metro Fire.

5. Where do my Property Taxes Go?

Where do my Property Taxes Go?

As a resident of Kaysville City, your property taxes go to: 

• Davis School District 63%
• Davis County 17%
• Kaysville City 13%
• Weber Basin Water District 1% 
• Mosquito Abatement 1%
• Davis County Library 3%
• Central Davis Sewer District 2%  

Approximately 13% of your total property taxes go to Kaysville City.

6. How much property taxes are paid on a home with a value of $250,000?

How much property taxes are paid on a home with a value of $250,000?

A home valued at $250,000 pays about $1,669 in property taxes.  Of this only $219 goes to the City.  The remaining is distributed to Davis School District ($1,059), Davis County ($280), and various Special Districts ($111).

7. Residential and Commercial- How much do they Pay in Property Taxes?

Residential and Commercial- How much do they Pay in Property Taxes?

As a result of Kaysville being a bedroom community, 93% of the property values are residential.  Consequently, the majority of the property taxes are collected from residential properties (85%).  Commercial property taxes are 7% of the taxes collected.

8. How do I, as a resident, benefit from the property taxes Kaysville City receives?

How do I, as a Resident, Benefit from the Property Taxes Kaysville City Receives?

In FY 2019, Kaysville City collected $3,401,988.  

Your property taxes are used in the general fund for such services as:  

• Administration 19%
• Parks, Recreation, and Community Events 18%
• Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement 6%
• Police and Fire 41%
• Public Works 7%
• Utility Fees 2%
• MDA 3%
• Debt Service 2%
• Capital Projects 2%

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1. Where do I pay my City utility bill?

You can pay your bill at the City Hall location 23 E Center Street. Or you can pay online. Click here to pay online

2. What is the water hardness in Kaysville City?

Kaysville City currently has a water hardness of 13-14 grains per gallon

3. What should I do if I hear or see water running in the street or on my property?

Call the Public Works Department during business hours (7am to 3:30pm) or the Answering Service at 801-299-7733 after hours, on weekends or holidays. The answering service will contact the on-call supervisor/crew..

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1. Is Kaysville City participating in Weber Basin Water Conservancy District's "Landscape Lawn Exchange" program?

Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) has strict requirements in order for a municipality's residents to be eligible for their "Landscape Lawn Exchange" program (previously known as "Flip the Strip" program). 

On May 4, 2023, the Kaysville City Council approved an ordinance which allows Kaysville residents to be able to participate in the "Landscape Lawn Exchange" program with Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD). Under this lawn replacement program, lawn areas anywhere in your yard can be removed and replaced with low-water landscaping to qualify for an incentive. This is not a rebate program, but rather an incentive to assist you in the cost of re-landscaping to be more water efficient. 

Program participants will apply for the program using the Utah Water Savers Website (www.utahsavers.com). The application must be completed in full. WBWCD staff will review applications as they come in to approve participation in the program. Application must be approved before removing the lawn and starting the program.

For more information about the program, and to review the process and requirements, visit: https://weberbasin.com/Conservation/Rebates.

2. How do I know when to water?

Kaysville's secondary water is provided by 3 different water companies.  Each are operated independently from the city and has their own rules, rates, schedules, and enforcement. 

Use the map below to locate your service provider and then contact them for watering schedules.

View the Interactive Irrigation Boundaries Map

View the Irrigation Boundaries Map (PDF)

Benchland Water District
485 E Shepard Lane
Kaysville, Utah 84037
Main Office: 801-451-2105

Benchland Water District's on-call: 801-726-3709

Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company
138 W 1300 North
Clearfield, Utah 84015
Main Office: 801-774-6373

Davis and Weber Canal Company on-call: 801-774-6373

Haights Creek Irrigation
820 E 200 North
Kaysville, Utah 84037
Main Office: 801-546-4242

Haights Creek Irrigation on-call: 801-888-4361

Also, consider checking the Utah Division of Water Resources Weekly Lawn Water Guide 

3. What is Kaysville City doing to conserve water?

 

2022 Kaysville Parks and Public Properties Water Conservation 

• Water conservation efforts in 2021 saved 70 acre feet of water, equivalent to 23,000,000 gallons of water.
• Delay the planting of approximately 40 replacement trees until the fall of 2022 or spring of 2023.
• Place visible signage at each property for water conservation.
• No plantings of annual flowers on any properties in 2022.
• Provide park irrigation schedules as requested by the secondary irrigation providers (Davis Weber Canal, Haight’s Creek Irrigation, and Benchland Water). Parks staff are in communication regularly with the irrigation suppliers and make adjustments as necessary.
• Irrigating of all Park properties according to the guidelines of the secondary irrigation supplier. 
• Utilizing central control irrigation software, Weather Trak.  These advanced smart controller systems use weather data for setting irrigation times according to the restrictions in place.  These controllers also utilize flow monitoring to alert of potential breaks in the system.
• Eliminate turf in the park strip, see Pioneer Park (2019), Angel Street Soccer Complex (2004) and Kaysville Municipal Block (2014 & 2021) as examples.  Plans are being developed for other properties.
• Plans being developed to eliminate turf in certain areas around public buildings. Fire Station and Operations Center are the first being reviewed.
• Aggressive fertilization practices to maintain healthy turf with reduced water use.  Use of wetting agents to help soil retain more moisture and capture more water for use by the plant.
• New planter beds utilize drip irrigation.  More planter beds will be retro-fitted for drip irrigation.
• Dedicated irrigation crews that monitor system for efficiency and performance issues.  Irrigation crews will test systems in the early morning hours to avoid any water after 10am.  Irrigation systems will audited as frequently as possible.
• Aeration as often as possible.  Aerating opens the soils and relieves compaction to allow irrigation water to penetrate the soils deeper.
• Utilize all best management practices to sustain parks and open space in extreme drought conditions.
• Future plans include drip irrigation in all flower beds, drought tolerant vegetation and reduction in turf areas.

 

4. What is allowed in my park strip?

Any type of landscaping is allowed in a park strip. We encourage the use of water wise plants, drought tolerant vegetation, xeriscaping, and removal of grass. We also encourage removal of grass in areas that are not highly utilized, such as a front yard or side yard. 

5. What if my HOA doesn't allow me to change my landscaping?

Beginning May 5, 2022, an HOA “may not enact or enforce a governing document that prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, a lot owner of a detached dwelling from incorporating water wise landscaping on the property owner's property.”

Water wise landscaping is defined as:

• Installation of plant materials suited to the microclimate and soil conditions that can:
  1. Remain healthy with minimal irrigation once established or
  2. be maintained without the use of overhead spray irrigation
• Use of water for outdoor irrigation through proper and efficient irrigation design and water application
• Use of other landscape design features that
  1. Minimize the need of the landscape for supplemental water from irrigation
  2. Reduce the landscape area dedicated to lawn or turf

6. If I'm located in the Kaysville Business Park, can I remove any grass from my property?

Yes, removing grass is allowed as long as it is replaced with water wise landscaping.

7. What is Kaysville City's watering ordinance?

9-4-17 Water Use Time Restrictions

No outside use of culinary or secondary water shall be allowed between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM unless otherwise directed in writing by the public works director or specific water provider.  This restriction shall not include supervised hand watering.  This shall not have any effect on any entity covered by agricultural zoning designations.

9-4-18(4) Illegal Hookup

It shall be a Class C Misdemeanor for an owner or occupant to make an unauthorized connection by bypassing a meter box from which the water meter has been removed by the division, in addition to all other fees and charges shall be assessed, which charge shall be collected prior to reinstatement of water services.

9-4-18(5) Penalty for Illegal Watering

a)    In the event of water usage in violation of the time restrictions imposed under Subsection 9-4-17 or 9-4-18 of this chapter or administrative order adopted pursuant to Subsection 9-4-19 of this chapter:

i)    For the first offense, a written warning will be issued to the customer either personally or by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address listed on the application for service applicable to the location of the violation.

ii)    For the second offense in the same year, a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be imposed, in addition to all other fees and charges assessed herein, which penalty shall be collected in the same manner as other fees and charges assessed under this chapter.

iii)    For subsequent offenses, an additional civil penalty shall be imposed in the same manner, but each subsequent civil penalty shall be double the amount of the penalty previously imposed on the same customer; provided that no penalty shall exceed an amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00).

b)    No more than one civil penalty may be imposed on any one day.

c)    If such penalties are not paid when due, water will be shut off and not reinstated again as provided herein, until all such penalties are paid in full.

9-4-19 Drought Conditions

The Public Works Superintendent shall be given authority to implement additional restrictions on water usage within the City during any local or statewide need for water conservation. All further restrictions will be well defined with a limited duration reflecting the purpose for the restriction.

8. How to plant a garden in a drought

• Water plants deeply. On average, plants prefer one to one-and-a-half inches of moisture per week. In a drought, this may be hard to come by. To prepare your plants, watering deeply once a week is a better practice than watering more often with less amounts of water. Deep watering establishes a stronger and deeper root system, which will help sustain plants during hot, dry times. Watering deeply keeps more moisture in the soil. This means there is less evaporation.
• Stop fertilizing! Fertilizer promotes fast growth. Fast growth means there is a need for more water. The plants will grow just fine, but at a slower rate. In addition, fertilizer salts can build up in the soil. Since there is less moisture to assist in the uptake of fertilizer or help it leech out in the soil, the buildup of salt can have a tendency to burn the plants roots.
• Be vigilant at weeding. Weeding will provide more of an impact during dry conditions. Weeds compete for valuable resources, like sunlight, nutrients and water. By keeping weeds under control, you are providing a better environment for the plants. Less competition will help the plants have less stress, so they can grow better.
• Water with a soaker hose or set up a drip system. These two delivery systems will provide water directly to the soil and the plant root system. They greatly reduce water runoff and evaporation. An added benefit is that it also keeps the foliage dry, which in turn helps to prevent fungal diseases.
• Mulching is necessary. Applying two to three inches of mulch to your garden and flowerbeds will shield the ground from direct sun. This keeps the soil cooler, keeps moisture in the ground longer and keeps weeds at a minimum.
• Dead head flowering plants early. Do not allow spent blooms to form into seeds. Plants going to seed expend large amounts of energy and water, which is best used to sustain a healthier plant.
• Reduce or stop applying herbicide. First, applying herbicide when it is too hot turns the liquid to gas and can cause drift. Second, weeds do not take up the herbicide as well during dry conditions. Lastly, during dry spells, some weeds can become tolerant to herbicides.
• Avoid using pesticides. Most pesticides are applied directly to the leaves of plants. Because of the hot, dry conditions brought on by a drought, the chemicals can damage the leaves and harm the plants.