Weed Ordinances: Salt Lake City vs West Valley City
How do weed ordinances rules compare between Salt Lake City, UT and West Valley City, UT?
West Valley City has fewer restrictions than Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County
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.
View full Salt Lake City rules →West Valley City, UT
Salt Lake County
West Valley City Code Title 7 (health and sanitation) requires property owners to control noxious weeds and vegetation over 8 inches; failure to abate results in city abatement billed to the owner plus a lien on the property.
View full West Valley City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Salt Lake City | West Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SLC Municipal Code 9.20 | - |
| Height Trigger | Over 12 inches | - |
| Notice Period | 10 days to abate | - |
| First Fine | $150 | - |
| State List | Utah Noxious Weed List §4-17 | - |
| Height Threshold | - | 8 inches |
| Abatement Notice | - | 10 days |
| State Law | - | Utah Code §4-17 noxious weeds |
| Admin Fee | - | Cost + 25% |
| Lien | - | Per UCA §10-11-4 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Salt Lake City FAQ
Can the city cut my weeds and bill me?
Yes. After a 10-day notice, SLC may abate and charge actual costs plus 25% admin fee as a property lien under §9.20.050.
Do native grasses count as weeds?
No. Cultivated landscape plants, native grasses in approved landscape designs, and trees are exempt. The rule targets noxious weeds and neglected overgrowth.
West Valley City FAQ
How tall can grass and weeds get before West Valley City cites me?
Vegetation over 8 inches is a public nuisance under Title 7. Neighborhood Services sends a written notice giving you 10 days to mow or remove before the city abates at your expense.
What happens if I don't pay the city's mowing bill?
Under Utah Code §10-11-4, unpaid abatement charges become a tax lien against your property and are collected with property taxes.
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