Boise, ID Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Over 12 inches = fire hazard
- Who enforces
- Fire code official
- Notice method
- Certified mail or in person
- Cost recovery
- Property lien or city tax
- Slope minimum
- Trim to at least 6 inches
Summary
Boise's fire code requires owners to cut weeds, grass, and vines before they become a fire hazard, and treats any growth over 12 inches as grounds for city-ordered abatement.
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
Boise amended the International Fire Code so any weeds, grass, vines, or other flammable growth capable of igniting and endangering property must be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant. Growth over 12 inches that the fire code official deems a fire hazard triggers a certified-mail or in-person notice. If the owner doesn't clear it within the stated deadline, the fire code official can send crews to abate it, then recover the cost as a lien on the property or a city tax under Idaho Code section 50-1008. On sloped ground, vegetation should be trimmed to at least 6 inches for erosion control.
Violations & Fines
Failing to cut hazardous weeds after notice lets the fire code official abate the growth and bill the owner: unpaid costs become a property lien or land on the tax roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to vacant, undeveloped lots in Boise?
What happens if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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