Brush Clearance: Boulder vs Longmont
How do brush clearance rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder may require defensible space around structures. WUI communities have stricter standards. Marshall Fire (2021) increased Front Range enforcement.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Longmont Municipal Code Chapter 9.32 (Weed Control) requires property owners to keep weeds and grasses cut to no more than 12 inches in height. Tall dry vegetation is the most commonly cited violation in Longmont. Longmont sits on the eastern plains and is not mapped as a state-defined Wildland-Urban Interface zone, so the city does not impose a foothills-style defensible-space requirement, but Chapter 9.32 functions as the operative grass and brush clearance rule.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| WUI | Stricter standards | - |
| Clearance | Per city fire code | - |
| Vacant Lots | Must be maintained | - |
| State Law | No statewide mandate | - |
| Height Limit | - | 12 inches maximum |
| Citation | - | LMC Chapter 9.32 - Weed Control |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement (303-776-6050) |
| WUI Status | - | Plains city - not mapped in WUI |
| Remedy | - | Notice, abatement, lien |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
How much clearance do I need?
Check Boulder fire code and WUI status. Requirements vary but typically 15 to 100 feet depending on zone.
What about vacant lots?
Vacant lots must be maintained free of excessive brush and weeds under city code.
Longmont FAQ
How tall can my grass be in Longmont?
Weeds and grasses cannot exceed 12 inches in height under LMC Chapter 9.32 (Weed Control). This is the most commonly cited violation handled by Longmont Code Enforcement.
Does Longmont have a defensible-space rule like foothills towns?
No. Longmont sits on the Front Range plains and is not mapped within a state-designated Wildland-Urban Interface zone. The City has not adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code; instead it enforces vegetation clearance through general weed-control rules in LMC Chapter 9.32.
What happens if I ignore a weed violation notice?
Code Enforcement may have the city abate (cut) the vegetation at the owner's expense and place a lien on the property for the costs under LMC Chapter 9.32 procedures.
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