Brush Clearance: Sandy vs West Jordan
How do brush clearance rules compare between Sandy, UT and West Jordan, UT?
West Jordan has fewer restrictions than Sandy.
Sandy, UT
Salt Lake County
Sandy residents in the east bench wildland-urban interface must maintain 30 feet of defensible space around structures, cleared of dead brush, dry grass, and flammable debris. The Fire Marshal conducts annual inspections May-September; non-compliance results in city-contracted abatement billed to the owner.
View full Sandy rules →West Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
West Jordan requires defensible space for properties adjacent to open foothills/wildland interface. Vacant lots must be cleared of combustible weeds over 10 inches annually by June 1 per fire hazard ordinance.
View full West Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sandy | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (0-30 ft) | Grass <6" dead material removed | - |
| Zone 2 (30-100 ft) | Thinned, 10 ft tree spacing | - |
| Inspection Season | May-September annually | - |
| Compliance Window | 14 days after notice | - |
| Abatement Cost | $500-$3,000 + city lien | - |
| Annual Deadline | - | June 1 |
| Weed Height Max | - | 10 inches |
| Zone 1 (0–30 ft) | - | Lean, green, clean |
| Zone 2 (30–100 ft) | - | Reduced fuels |
| Enforcement | - | WJ Fire Dept + Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sandy FAQ
Does defensible space apply to all Sandy properties?
Primarily east-bench properties in the WUI, but all residents benefit from clearing dry vegetation. Properties bordering open space, canyons, or undeveloped hillsides are inspected annually.
Who pays for firefighter access clearing?
The property owner. If Sandy contracts the abatement, costs are billed and become a lien if unpaid. Clearing yourself before inspection avoids the markup.
West Jordan FAQ
Does this apply to my regular yard?
The annual brush clearance deadline applies to vacant lots and wildland-interface parcels. Maintained residential yards are covered by the general weed ordinance (10 inches year-round).
What are defensible space requirements?
Homes within 100 ft of open foothills must clear fuels, prune trees 6+ ft from ground, and keep gutters/roofs free of pine needles per Utah WUI code.
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