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Landscaping Rules in Sandy, UT (2026)

8 verified landscaping rules for Sandy, Utah, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Grass Height Limits

Sandy requires residential grass and weeds to be kept under 8 inches under the city's nuisance code. Non-compliant lawns receive a written notice with 10-14 days to abate before the city contracts mowing and bills the owner.

landscaping/grass-height

Some Restrictions

Tree Trimming

Sandy requires trees overhanging public sidewalks to maintain 8 feet vertical clearance and 14 feet over streets. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property and in the park strip adjacent to their lot.

landscaping/tree-trimming

Some Restrictions

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Private trees on residential property in Sandy can generally be removed without a permit, but street trees, park-strip trees, and trees in HOA-governed areas require approval. Removal in designated sensitive lands (hillside/foothill overlays) requires a land-disturbance permit.

landscaping/tree-removal

Some Restrictions

Weed Ordinances

Sandy declares noxious weeds and vegetation over 8 inches a public nuisance under city code. Owners must abate after a 10-14 day notice; non-compliance triggers city-contracted abatement billed to the property with lien authority.

landscaping/weed-ordinances

Some Restrictions

Water Restrictions

Sandy follows Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's stage-based watering schedule — typically 3 days/week by odd/even address during normal years, reduced to 2 days during Stage 2 drought. No watering between 10 AM and 6 PM year-round; winter watering prohibited Nov-Mar.

landscaping/water-restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Rainwater Harvesting

Utah legalized residential rainwater harvesting in 2010 under §73-3-1.5. Sandy residents may collect up to 2,500 gallons in registered covered storage or up to 200 gallons in two 100-gallon containers without registration.

landscaping/rainwater-harvesting

Some Restrictions

Native Plants

Sandy encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings under Utah Code §10-9a-530, which preempts cities from banning xeriscape. Localscapes and Utah native plants qualify for turf-removal rebates through Jordan Valley Water's 'Flip Your Strip' program.

landscaping/native-plants

Few Restrictions

Artificial Turf

Sandy permits artificial turf as a waterwise landscaping option under Utah Code §10-9a-530. Utah's 2023 HB 410 bans nonfunctional turf in new developments after 2027, making synthetic grass an accepted alternative for park strips and yards.

landscaping/artificial-turf

Few Restrictions

Looking for Salt Lake County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sandy city rules.

Landscaping Rules in Salt Lake County