Boise, ID Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Over 12 inches = fire hazard
- Erosion control minimum
- Trim to at least 6 inches on slopes
- Enforcement
- Fire code official abates after notice
- Cost recovery
- Lien on property or city tax
- Code basis
- IFC § 304.1.2 as locally amended
Summary
Boise requires owners to cut weeds, grass, and vines that pose a fire hazard, with a 12-inch height trigger, or the fire code official can abate the hazard and bill the cost to the property.
Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. When weeds, grass, vines or other growth are over 12 inches in height and is determined by the fire code official to be a fire hazard, the owner or owner's representative shall be notified of the hazard by certified mail or in person. Upon failure, neglect, or refusal of any owner or owner's representative to abate the hazard within the period specified, the fire code official is hereby authorized and empowered to cause abatement or cleanup. The City may recover the cost of abatement or cleanup as allowed under Idaho State Code 50-1008 as a lien upon the property or as a city tax for costs incurred in the abatement or cleanup.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Boise's Fire Code amendment to IFC Section 304.1.2, weeds, grass, vines, or other vegetation capable of igniting and endangering property must be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant. Once such growth exceeds 12 inches and the fire code official determines it's a fire hazard, the owner is notified by certified mail or in person. If the owner fails to abate within the specified period, the fire code official can order the cleanup performed and recover costs as a lien on the property or as a city tax, per Idaho Code section 50-1008. On sloped terrain, vegetation should be trimmed to at least 6 inches for erosion control.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate a cited weed or vegetation fire hazard lets the City perform the cleanup itself and place a lien on the property, or add the cost as a city tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get before Boise cites me?
Who enforces Boise's weed height rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
How Boise compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.