Lehi's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Lehi, Utah, there are 4 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.

Tree Trimming

Lehi property owners must keep trees and shrubs pruned clear of sidewalks and sight lines: 15 feet of clearance above streets, 8 feet above sidewalks, and dead or hazardous limbs removed within five days of notice.

Key details: Street clearance: 15 feet minimum above street. Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet minimum above sidewalk. Deadline after notice: 5 days to remove hazard limbs. Sign setback: No tree within 35 feet of a warning sign. Penalty: Class C misdemeanor.

Violating Section 35.110's clearance and pruning duties, including missing the five-day deadline to remove a hazardous limb after notice, may be prosecuted as a Class C Misdemeanor under Section 35.110.H, and the City can bill the property owner directly for the cost of remedying an unaddressed obstruction under Section 35.110.G.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Felling an entire public or private tree so it falls onto or across a Lehi street, sidewalk, or alley requires written permission from Public Works first, and the Public Works Director can require a bond before work starts.

Key details: Permit issuer: Lehi Public Works Director. Covers: Any tree felled onto/across a public street. Bond: May be required before work starts. Replacement duty: Equivalent dollar value or pay difference. Penalty: Class C misdemeanor, up to $1,000/180 days.

Felling a tree over a public street or sidewalk without Public Works' written permission, or removing a Public Tree without Urban Forester approval, violates Chapter 35 and is punishable under Section 35.210 as a Class C Misdemeanor, up to a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail, plus compensatory payment to the City for the tree's appraised value under Sections 35.130 and 35.140.

Native Plants

Lehi caps rock mulch at 60% of required landscaping for multi-family, institutional, commercial and industrial sites and recommends drought-tolerant, native plants for the rest, while voiding any HOA rule that would block water-conserving plants.

Key details: Rock mulch cap: 60% of required landscaping. Mulch tree clearance: 3 feet from any tree. Native plant clause: Recommended, not mandated. HOA grass covenants: Void if they block water-conserving plants. Applies to: Multi-family, institutional, commercial, industrial.

Exceeding the 60% rock mulch cap in required landscaping for multi-family, institutional, commercial, or industrial sites violates Section 35.220.D.7 and is enforceable as a Class C Misdemeanor under Section 35.210; an HOA that enforces a covenant barring water-conserving or native plantings in violation of Section 35.220.E has no legal effect and cannot be enforced against a homeowner.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lehi gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Water Restrictions

Lehi uses a phased water shortage management plan. Phase 3 limits watering to twice weekly. Secondary irrigation season is April 15–October 15. Smart controllers and drip irrigation required for new landscaping. New sod/seed may be exempted during establishment.

Key details: Irrigation Season: April 15–October 15. Phase 3: Twice weekly maximum. Smart Irrigation: Required for new work. State Rebates: Lehi qualifies.

Phase restriction violations carry fines for repeat offenders.

The Bottom Line

Lehi's landscaping rules 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.

Keep in mind that Lehi can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.