Lehi's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Lehi, Utah, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fireworks

Lehi follows Utah state fireworks windows (July 2–5, July 22–25). Fireworks are prohibited north of SR-92 (Timpanogos Hwy), along the Dry Creek corridor from 1200 East to Center St, and in all city parks except Olympic Park and Sports Park. Must be 16+ to handle fireworks.

Key details: July 4 Window: July 2–5, 11 AM–midnight. Pioneer Day Window: July 22–25, 11 AM–midnight. Prohibited North: North of SR-92 / Traverse Mountain. Dry Creek Corridor: Prohibited from 1200 E to Center St. Allowed Parks: Olympic Park and Sports Park only.

Fine up to $1,000 and Class B misdemeanor per Utah Code §53-7-225. Fire liability for resulting fires.

Wildfire Zones

Lehi has adopted the 2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code as its local wildfire construction standard under City Code section 10-2-1(E), with the Fire Marshal serving as the enforcing authority having jurisdiction. New buildings in the Dry Creek Corridor requiring Class 1 or Class 2 ignition-resistant construction must include an approved automatic sprinkler system, and violations carry a class B misdemeanor with a fine between $100 and $1,000.

Key details: Adopted code: 2018 Int'l Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Enforcing agency: Fire Marshal (AHJ). Penalty: Class B misdemeanor, $100-$1,000 fine. Sprinklers required: Dry Creek Corridor Class 1/2 builds. Amendment ordinance: Ord. 11-2017, 3-24-2017.

A violation of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code is a class B misdemeanor under section 109.4.7 of the adopted code, carrying a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00 under section 114.4, both inserted directly into the code text by City Code section 10-2-1(E). The Fire Marshal, as AHJ, administers compliance and can require a missing sprinkler system to be installed in the Dry Creek Corridor.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lehi actively enforces its wildfire zones requirements.

Brush Clearance

On large lots where cutting every weed is impractical, Lehi's weed control inspector can order a defensible strip instead: at least 25 feet of cleared vegetation around every structure and around the whole perimeter of the property, tied directly to the code's fire-hazard nuisance finding.

Key details: Minimum clearance ordered: 25 feet around structures and property perimeter. Citation: Lehi City Code § 5-2A-6(C). When used: Full-lot cutting is impractical due to size. Ordered by: Weed control inspector. Exemption: Agricultural land away from buildings (§5-2A-6.D).

Ignoring a 25-foot clearance order is a class C misdemeanor under section 5-2A-10, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense and a fine of up to $750 per section 1-4-1. The city can also send a crew to clear the strip and bill the property owner for the cost under section 5-2A-9.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Lehi allows residential recreational fire pits per Utah fire code standards: 3-foot maximum diameter, 2-foot flame height, 25-foot clearance from structures. Spark arrestor screens required. Air quality must be verified before any fire.

Key details: Max Fuel Area: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high. Clearance: 25 feet from structures. Spark Screen: Required, max ½-inch openings. Air Quality: Verify green day before burning.

Burn restriction violation: Class B misdemeanor up to $1,000. Fire causing damage: criminal charges possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lehi gives residents more flexibility on fire pits & backyard fires.

Outdoor Burning

Open burning in Lehi requires contacting the Fire Chief for permits. Burn permits are issued during April 1–May 31 and September 15–October 31 when the clearing index is 500+. Red/Yellow air action days prohibit all burning.

Key details: Permit Contact: Lehi Fire Chief. Burn Season: Apr 1–May 31, Sep 15–Oct 31. Clearing Index: Must be 500+. Red/Yellow Days: All burning prohibited.

Burning on Red/Yellow days: up to $150 DAQ fine. Burning without permit: fire code violation.

The Bottom Line

Lehi's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lehi is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Lehi's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.