Moving to Lehi, UT?
Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.
Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Lehi across 12 categories and 41 specific rules we track.
🔊 Noise Ordinances
Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsLehi City Code Title 5, Chapter 3 governs noise control with decibel-based limits. Quiet hours are generally 10 PM–7 AM. The city enforces noise limits by land use zone. Utah Code §76-9-102 provides fallback enforcement.
Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsLehi's noise ordinance (Title 5, Chapter 3) restricts construction noise outside daytime hours. Standard quiet hours of 10 PM–7 AM apply. Construction equipment exemptions exist for permitted projects with city approval.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsLehi City Code §6.04.060 declares any animal that barks, whines, howls, or makes disturbing noises in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion a nuisance animal. Owners are strictly liable for animals at large.
🏠 Short-Term Rentals
If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.
Insurance Requirements
Few RestrictionsLehi's published Application for Short Term Rentals does not list a codified liability-insurance minimum or certificate-of-insurance filing as part of the city's STR licensing checklist. Required submittals are an aerial image, site plan, parking plan, building permit or county record of completion, applicant's tax returns showing the property as primary residence, and government-issued ID - insurance is not enumerated. Utah Code Section 10-8-85.4 leaves any STR insurance mandate to local choice.
Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsLehi caps short-term rental (STR) occupancy at no more than 10 individuals total, and further limits guests by available off-street parking. The Application for Short Term Rentals (lehi-ut.gov) sets the 10-person ceiling, requires the home to be owner-occupied as a primary residence for the majority of the year, requires off-street parking at a suggested rate of one stall per bedroom, and ties STR conduct to Lehi's noise quiet hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSTR guests in Lehi must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM. Nuisance complaints from STR properties can trigger license review.
Parking Rules
Few RestrictionsSTR properties in Lehi must provide adequate off-street parking. RVs and trailers are prohibited on public streets in residential zones except for loading/unloading (12-hour limit). HOAs in Lehi's many planned communities often impose stricter rules.
Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsSTR operators in Lehi must collect Utah state sales tax (4.85%) and Utah County Transient Room Tax (6%). Total STR tax burden is approximately 10–12%. Platforms may auto-collect, but hosts remain responsible.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsLehi requires a separate short-term rental license from ADU permits. STRs (stays under 30 days) require city approval. ADUs may not be rented short-term. Utah state law (HB 217) restricts outright STR bans in residential zones.
🔥 Fire Regulations
Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.
Fireworks
Some RestrictionsLehi follows Utah state fireworks windows (July 2–5, July 22–25). Fireworks are prohibited north of SR-92 (Timpanogos Hwy), along the Dry Creek corridor from 1200 East to Center St, and in all city parks except Olympic Park and Sports Park. Must be 16+ to handle fireworks.
Fire Pit Rules
Few RestrictionsLehi allows residential recreational fire pits per Utah fire code standards: 3-foot maximum diameter, 2-foot flame height, 25-foot clearance from structures. Spark arrestor screens required. Air quality must be verified before any fire.
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsOpen burning in Lehi requires contacting the Fire Chief for permits. Burn permits are issued during April 1–May 31 and September 15–October 31 when the clearing index is 500+. Red/Yellow air action days prohibit all burning.
🚗 Parking Rules
Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.
RV & Boat Parking
Heavy RestrictionsLehi City Code §7-1-2 prohibits parking motor homes, trailers, campers, boats, or RVs on public streets or rights-of-way in residential zones at any time, except for loading/unloading not exceeding 12 hours.
Driveway Rules
Few RestrictionsLehi Development Code Chapter 12 governs off-street parking requirements. Driveways must not obstruct traffic sight lines. ADU properties require at least one dedicated off-street parking space (9x20 ft minimum).
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Few RestrictionsCommercial vehicles in Lehi residential zones must comply with general parking restrictions. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials may not be parked in residential zones at any time under §7-1-2.
Street Parking Limits
Some RestrictionsLehi City Code Chapter 7 governs street parking. Vehicles may not be parked in violation of city parking regulations. Standard prohibitions near fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections apply.
🧱 Fence Regulations
Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLehi City Development Code limits front yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet. Double frontage lot fences along arterials must be 6 feet (8 feet along principal arterials/state roads). Clear vision area: 36 inches max.
Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsLehi requires a zoning compliance permit for fences to verify setback compliance. Specific fence height or type changes beyond standard allowances may require a variance. Contact Lehi Building at (385) 201-1035.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsLehi follows Utah general property law for boundary fences. Utah Code §17-15-3 provides fence viewers. No Lehi-specific cost-sharing ordinance. Parallel fences within 12 inches are prohibited (except retaining wall terracing).
🐔 Animal Ordinances
Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.
Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsLehi City Code §6.04.040 requires all domesticated animals to be contained. Owners are strictly liable for animals at large. Maximum of 2 dogs and 3 cats per household (4 months or older). Rabies vaccination and Utah County license required.
Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsUtah state law prohibits breed-specific legislation. Lehi cannot ban or restrict specific dog breeds. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under Title 6.
Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsLehi City Code does not ban beekeeping. Utah Code §4-2-103 requires registration with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Setback requirements and hive management standards apply in residential zones.
Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsLehi's animal control provisions restrict keeping wild or exotic animals. Utah Admin Code R657-3 governs exotic species. Permits may be required by species from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Chickens & Livestock
Some RestrictionsLehi may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
🌿 Landscaping Rules
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsLehi City Chapter 35 (Community Forestry) governs tree trimming and care on public property. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval before trimming. Private property tree trimming is generally unrestricted.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Few RestrictionsTree removal on private property in Lehi generally does not require a city permit. Heritage trees under the Utah Heritage Tree Act require a permit. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval under Chapter 35.
Grass Height Limits
Few RestrictionsLehi's water-efficient landscaping code limits grass to usable areas at least 8 feet wide. Grass may not be installed in park strips, on slopes over 25%, or in parking lot islands. Overgrown vegetation is a code enforcement violation.
Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLehi uses a phased water shortage management plan. Phase 3 limits watering to twice weekly. Secondary irrigation season is April 15–October 15. Smart controllers and drip irrigation required for new landscaping. New sod/seed may be exempted during establishment.
Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsLehi enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code §4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.
💼 Home Business
Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsHome-based businesses in Lehi must comply with zoning district use requirements. A business license is required. Home occupations that do not alter residential character are generally permitted by right; higher-intensity uses may require a Conditional Use Permit.
Signage Rules
Few RestrictionsHome businesses in Lehi residential zones are limited to minimal or no exterior signage. Commercial signage is not permitted in residential zones. A sign permit may be required for any exterior sign.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsHome occupations in Lehi must not generate customer traffic, parking demand, or on-site activity that alters the residential character. Higher-traffic businesses require a CUP or must operate in a commercial zone.
🏊 Swimming Pools & Spas
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Fencing Requirements
Some RestrictionsLehi requires a building permit for all swimming pools. Pool barriers must meet IRC standards with a minimum 48-inch (4-foot) fence. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Openings may not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass.
Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsAll pools in Lehi require a building permit and must comply with IRC barrier standards and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act for drain safety. Commercial pools require Utah County Health Department approval.
Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsAbove-ground pools in Lehi require a building permit and must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pool walls meeting minimum height may serve as the barrier. Associated decking requires a separate permit.
🏗️ Accessory Structures
Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.
Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsLehi regulates carports as accessory buildings/structures under Chapter 26 of the Lehi City Development Code. Accessory buildings less than 16 feet in height may be located within 18 inches of the property line; buildings 16 to 24 feet have a 5-foot side yard setback; structures taller than 24 feet require an 8-foot side yard setback. No accessory building may sit closer than 12 feet to a house on a neighboring lot, and no accessory building may exceed the height of the primary residence.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsLehi permits ADUs in single-family homes on lots 6,000+ sq ft (22,000+ for detached). Owner occupancy is required via recorded declaration. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. One dedicated off-street parking space required.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsGarage conversions to living space in Lehi require a building permit and must meet residential building code requirements. Converting to an ADU requires compliance with ADU standards including owner occupancy, lot size, and parking requirements.
Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsSheds under 200 sq ft in Lehi require only a zoning compliance permit (to verify setbacks). Sheds 200+ sq ft require a building permit. Structures with utilities always require a building permit. Contact Building at (385) 201-1035.
🌍 Environmental Rules
🌙 Curfew Laws
Overall: What to Expect in Lehi
Lehi has 41 ordinances on file across 12 categories. Of these, 14 are rated permissive, 26 moderate, and 1 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Lehi compared to other cities.
Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.