Salt Lake County, UT Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Salt Lake County Code of Ordinances chapter 9.04 classifies overgrown vegetation on developed property as a public nuisance when weeds and grass exceed 12 inches. The Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code 4-17-101) is enforced locally by the Salt Lake County Weed Board, which targets state- and county-listed noxious species including dyers woad, Russian knapweed, puncturevine, and myrtle spurge. Code enforcement responds to complaints, issues a written notice of violation, and gives the owner typically 10 days to abate. If the owner fails to comply, the county may contract mowing or weed removal and assess the full cost plus an administrative fee as a lien against the property. Vacant lots in unincorporated areas near developed neighborhoods face the same standards. Along the WUI and foothills, vegetation management is tied to defensible space requirements and enforced jointly by UFA. Water-wise landscapes with native grasses and low-growing groundcovers are encouraged and specifically protected under Utah SB 109 (2022) and HB 282 (2022), which bar HOAs from requiring turf grass and promote xeriscape alternatives. Mowing hours are typically restricted to 7 AM to 10 PM under county noise provisions to limit disturbance.