Lehi's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules 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.

Tree Trimming

Lehi City Chapter 35 (Community Forestry) governs tree trimming and care on public property. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval before trimming. Private property tree trimming is generally unrestricted.

Key details: Code: Lehi City Code Ch. 35 (Community Forestry). Right-of-Way Trees: City approval required. Private Property: Generally unrestricted. Contact: Lehi Public Works.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $500 to $5,000+ per tree. Replacement planting may be required.

The rules around tree trimming in Lehi lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tree removal on private property in Lehi generally does not require a city permit. Heritage trees under the Utah Heritage Tree Act require a permit. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval under Chapter 35.

Key details: Private Property: No permit required (most trees). Heritage Trees: Permit required. Right-of-Way Trees: City approval required. Topic: Tree Removal.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Lehi is more permissive than most cities when it comes to tree removal & heritage trees. That said, there are still limits.

Grass Height Limits

Lehi's water-efficient landscaping code limits grass to usable areas at least 8 feet wide. Grass may not be installed in park strips, on slopes over 25%, or in parking lot islands. Overgrown vegetation is a code enforcement violation.

Key details: Minimum Lawn Width: 8 feet. Park Strips: No grass permitted. Slope Limit: No grass on slopes 25%+ (4:1). Smart Irrigation: Required for new landscaping.

Overgrown vegetation: code enforcement citation.

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

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.

Weed Ordinances

Lehi enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code §4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.

Key details: Authority: City + county weed board. State Law: Utah Code §4-17-101. Vacant Lots: Annual notices. Cost: Owner pays abatement.

Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $500+). Administrative fee + property lien.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Lehi gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.