Idaho Falls, ID Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Allows
- Native and xeriscape plantings
- Citation
- City Code § 5-8-11(B)(3)
- Condition
- Height not from neglect
- Excludes
- Any noxious weed species
Summary
Idaho Falls exempts intentional xeriscape and native-plant landscaping from its ten-inch weed limit, so long as the extra height comes from deliberate design rather than neglect.
B. Permitted Plantings. Where otherwise allowed by this Code (including this Chapter and the Zoning Code), and where it is not determined by the Fire Marshall to be a fire hazard or fire nuisance or determined by the Director of Community Development Services or Code Enforcement to be a public nuisance, the following plantings that are not noxious weeds are permitted:
1. Ornamental flowers and ornamental plants;
2. Plants grown for agricultural purpose or food production; and
3. Intentional landscape or xeriscape plantings, including native or drought tolerant plants, where the height of the plants in excess of ten inches (10') is not due to neglect.
(Ord. 3054, 01-26-16; Ord. 3279, 10-24-19; Ord. 3504, 02-23-23; Ord. 3572; 05-23-24)
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-8-11(B)(3) permits intentional landscape or xeriscape plantings, including native or drought-tolerant species, to exceed the standard ten-inch weed height so long as the height is not due to neglect. The exception applies only where the Fire Marshal has not deemed the planting a fire hazard and Code Enforcement or Community Development has not deemed it a public nuisance, and it does not cover any plant classified as a noxious weed.
Violations & Fines
Loses the exception, and reverts to a weed-ordinance violation, if the Fire Marshal or Code Enforcement finds the planting a hazard or nuisance, or if it includes a noxious weed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant native or xeriscape landscaping over ten inches tall in Idaho Falls?
Can the City still cite a native-plant yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho landscaping rules overview
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