Tree Trimming: South Jordan vs West Jordan
How do tree trimming rules compare between South Jordan, UT and West Jordan, UT?
South Jordan and West Jordan have similar restriction levels.
South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County itself does not maintain a stand-alone tree-trimming ordinance for private property. In incorporated cities, street-tree pruning requires a permit: Salt Lake City Code Sec. 2.26.190 makes adjoining private property owners responsible for street-tree maintenance and requires a permit from the Department of Public Lands before pruning or removing any public tree. In the Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone (Title 19 Chapter 19.72), no vegetation may be removed outside the approved limits of disturbance.
View full South Jordan rules →West Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
West Jordan Municipal Code Title 10 (Streets and Sidewalks) requires property owners to trim trees so branches maintain 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. The Public Works Department may abate overhanging limbs after 10-day notice.
View full West Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Jordan | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| FCOZ Trees | SLCo Code Chapter 19.72 | - |
| Public Trees | Permit required (SLC 2.26) | - |
| Street-Tree Care | Adjacent owner (SLC 2.26.190) | - |
| Pruning Standard | ANSI A300 (SLC Urban Forestry) | - |
| Topping | Prohibited / discouraged | - |
| Permit Authority | SLC Dept of Public Lands - Urban Forester | - |
| FCOZ Coverage | Unincorp foothills + canyons | - |
| Sidewalk Clearance | - | 8 feet minimum |
| Street Clearance | - | 14 feet minimum |
| Park Strip Trees | - | Owner responsibility |
| Sight Triangle | - | 10 ft clear at corners |
| Cure Period | - | 10 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
South Jordan FAQ
Do I need a permit to trim a tree on my own private lot in unincorporated Salt Lake County?
For routine pruning on a flatland residential lot, no. But if your property lies inside the Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone (Chapter 19.72), vegetation removal outside the approved limits of disturbance requires site-plan approval from the county.
Who is responsible for the tree in the park strip in front of my house?
In Salt Lake City, Code Sec. 2.26.190 places maintenance on the abutting private property owner but a permit from the Department of Public Lands is required before any pruning or removal. Suburban cities like West Valley, West Jordan, and Sandy have similar park-strip rules.
Can I trim a neighbor's branches that hang over my yard?
Utah follows the common-law rule that you may prune branches and roots back to the property line at your own expense, provided you do not enter your neighbor's property and do not damage the health of the tree. If the tree is a public street tree, a city permit is still required.
West Jordan FAQ
Who owns the tree in the park strip?
The city owns the park strip, but the adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance, pruning, and replacement under West Jordan ordinance.
Do I need permission to trim a neighbor's branches?
Utah common law allows you to trim branches that cross your property line, but you cannot trespass onto the neighbor's yard to do so.
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