West Valley City, UT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in West Valley City, UT, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Banned near ROW
- 18+ named species
- Includes
- all birch, cottonwood, willow
- Also banned
- fruit/nut trees, upright conifers
- Removal
- City may remove without notice
Summary
West Valley City bans planting sidewalk-damaging trees and lists specific species, including birch, cottonwood, mulberry, poplar, willow, and fruit trees, that may not be planted within five feet of a City right-of-way.
(1) It shall be unlawful to plant, maintain, or allow to remain on private property or in an abutting Parkstrip or other landscaped area any tree, tree stump, shrub, vine, or other plant that is causing or is capable of damaging public Sidewalks or streets... (2) It shall be unlawful for any person...to plant or maintain on or within five feet of a City Right-of-Way, any of the following: All species of Birch; Cottonwood; Mulberry; Poplar; Willow; all varieties of bearing fruit or nut trees; Black Locust; Russian Olive; Siberian Elm; or Silver Maple.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-30, passed June 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 19-4-102 makes it unlawful to plant, maintain, or allow to remain any tree, tree stump, shrub, vine, or plant on private property or in the abutting parkstrip that damages or is capable of damaging a public sidewalk or street; the Department may remove an offending plant without prior notice. The Section separately bans planting or maintaining named species within five feet of any right-of-way, including all birches, cottonwoods, mulberries, poplars, and willows, every bearing fruit or nut tree, all upright-growing conifers, and specific species such as Black Locust, Russian Olive, Siberian Elm, and Silver Maple.
Violations & Fines
Planting or maintaining a sidewalk-damaging plant, or any listed prohibited species, within five feet of a right-of-way violates § 19-4-102; the Department may remove the plant without prior notice to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a fruit tree near the sidewalk in West Valley City?
What if my tree is damaging the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Valley City
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle tree removal & heritage trees.