Idaho Falls, ID Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height limit
- over 10 inches tall
- Applies to
- any real property, incl. vacant lots
- Abatement notice
- 10 days to comply
- Appeal body
- Board of Adjustment panel
- Noxious weeds
- IDAPA-listed species barred outright
Summary
Idaho Falls bars letting weeds or noxious weeds over ten inches grow, exist, or pile up on any real property in the city, including vacant lots, under the litter and weed control chapter.
5-8-11: REMOVAL OF PLANT NUISANCES.
A. It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any owner(s) or occupant(s) or for controller(s) of any real property within the City to allow weeds or noxious weeds to grow, exist or accumulate upon such real property.
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
Under the Litter and Weed Control chapter, it's unlawful and a public nuisance for any owner, occupant, or controller of real property in the City to allow weeds or noxious weeds to grow, exist, or accumulate. A weed is any non-tree, non-shrub plant over 10 inches tall measured from the ground; state-listed noxious weeds (IDAPA 02.06.22) are barred outright. Ornamental plantings, food crops, and intentional landscaping under 10 inches are exempt. The rule applies City-wide, including vacant and unimproved lots, not just occupied buildings.
Violations & Fines
The City serves a written notice to abate on the owner (per Bonneville County tax rolls) and any known occupant, giving 10 calendar days to clear the nuisance. Owners can appeal to a 3-member Board of Adjustment panel within 10 days by paying an appeal fee; failure to abate can lead to City abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a weed under Idaho Falls code?
What happens if I don't clear weeds on a vacant lot I own?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
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