Landscaping Rules in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Salt Lake City, Utah, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Salt Lake City enforces a 12-inch maximum grass/weed height under Municipal Code §9.20. Violations start at $150. Exemptions exist for approved water-wise and natural landscapes.
landscaping/grass-height
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Public street trees managed by Urban Forestry; private pruning of park-strip trees requires a permit (SLC Code 2.26).
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing public/park-strip trees requires Urban Forestry permit and replacement; private tree removal generally unregulated (SLC 2.26).
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Salt Lake City Code Chapter 9.20 requires property owners to remove noxious weeds and vegetation over 12 inches. Violations carry $150 first-offense fines and city abatement costs are billed back.
landscaping/weed-ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Watering restricted by season; no watering 10 AM-6 PM May-October per Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Salt Lake City under Utah Code §73-3-1.5, but users must register with the Utah Division of Water Rights. Limited to 2,500 gallons with registration; 200 gallons without.
landscaping/rainwater-harvesting
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Salt Lake City actively encourages native and water-wise plantings through the Flip Your Strip program and Chapter 21A.48 landscaping standards. Utah Code §10-9a-530 prohibits cities from banning xeriscape.
landscaping/native-plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf allowed in rear/side yards; restricted in front yards and park strips per SLC zoning (21A.48).
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Salt Lake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Salt Lake City city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Salt Lake County →