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1. How do I apply for a business license?

   MSD Planning & Development services has an online portal for Business License & Inspections called Cityworks. Go online to submit a new Business License application.

2. Why haven't I received a confirmation email?

If you register with Cityworks and you have not received a confirmation email within a few minutes after submission, please check your SPAM folder before contacting support.

3. What documentation do I need to apply for a business license?

• Verification that your business name has been registered with the Utah Department of Commerce.
• Sales Tax Number
• Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN)
• Property Owners/Registered Agent Form

4. How do I start an application in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Creating an Application tutorial.

5. How do I schedule an inspection in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Scheduling an Inspection tutorial.

6. How do I make a payment in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Making a Payment tutorial.

7. How do I register my businesses name?

To apply for a business license, you must register your business name with The Department of Commerce. You can register your business name through:

The Department of Commerce
801-530-4849

8. How do I obtain a sales tax number?

Every seller with an established presence in Utah must have a Utah sales Tax Submit form TC-69, Utah State Business and Tax Registration, or register online at osbr.utah.gov to apply for a license.

Utah Sales Tax Commission
801-297-2200

9. How do I schedule an inspection?

To schedule a business license inspection please call 385-468-6690 before 3 pm to schedule your inspection the following business day.

10. What should I expect during an inspection?

The building inspector must have access to be inside to perform the inspection. It is your responsibility to call our office at (385) 468- 6688 between 7:30 and 8 am the morning of the inspection to make arrangements with the inspector. Failure to do so puts your business license on hold until we get all of the inspections finalized.

11. How can I verify my inspection time?

If you need to verify, talk to your inspector, or meet with your inspector at an inspection site, please call 385-468-6688 between 7:30 to 8 am the morning of your inspection.

12. What is not allowed as a home business?

• Motor vehicle, trailer, or boat repair.
• Junkyards
• Towing operations
• Welding, iron works, foundries
• Vehicle sales or rentals
• Autobody and/or fender work
• Short-term rentals
• Mortuaries or crematoriums
• Major appliance repair (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.)
• Any use involving the storage or sale of flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials.
• Lawn mower or small engine repair.
• Home Daycare (a different application is required)
• Home Preschool (a different application is required)
• Any use involving raising, breeding, training, housing, keeping or care of animals
• Other uses as listed in the ordinance [19.85]

13. What is a home business?

“Any business activity which is conducted entirely within a dwelling or attached garage and is clearly incidental, secondary and in addition to the use of the structure for dwelling purposes.”

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1. How do I apply for a business permit?

MSD Planning & Development services has an online portal for Business Permits & Inspections called Cityworks. You can submit a new Business Permit application online.

2. When do I not require a building permit?

• Replacing defective plumbing fixtures with equivalent fixtures.
• Replace electrical lights and receptacles with equivalent devices.
• Building a deck or platform that is less than 18 inches above the adjoining ground, under 200 square feet and is not attached to the dwelling. NOTE: Location of the structure still requires approval from the Planning/ Zoning Division at 385-468-6700.
• Building a detached accessory structure that is less than 200 square feet in floor area (120 sq. foot commercial), only one story in height without any plumbing, mechanical or electrical. NOTE: Location of the structure still requires approval from the Planning/ Zoning Division at 385-468-6700.
• Erecting a fence that is no more than seven feet in height, measured from adjoining grade; includes wood, concrete, masonry, and plastic fences.
• Driveways and patios without roof coverings are exempt from permit requirements. NOTE: Altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or the driveway approach requires a permit from the Public Works Department prior to construction or demolition at 385-468-6623.

3. When do I need building permit?

(A building permit must be purchased from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District for the following construction projects: )

• Expanding a building or a structure including adding habitable space, garages, carports, decks and roof projections.
• Altering a building or structure by remodeling to include adding, altering or deleting interior walls, finishing rooms or areas previously unfinished (including basements), changing the use of a room or area, and altering the slope of the roof through a roof conversion.
• Building any detached structures such as garages, barns, tool and storage sheds, playhouses, pool or hot tub enclosures, and similar uses where the structure exceeds 200 square feet (120 sq. foot commercial). Any structure, regardless of size, if adding or modifying the plumbing, mechanical or electrical requires a permit.
• Constructing retaining walls that are taller than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
• Changing or lowering kitchen cabinets and countertops (creates plumbing and electrical concerns).
• Adding, deleting, or altering any existing plumbing fixtures to accommodate more (or less) plumbing fixtures.
• Adding, deleting, or altering any electrical circuits.
• Altering the existing electrical service equipment (the meter) or any electrical panels.
• Adding any electrical appliances that are considered a fixed installation, and are not replacing similar appliances.
• Installing or replacing a furnace, water heater, boiler, air conditioner, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or baseboard heating equipment.
• Installing or replacing any fireplace (wood or gas), or woodstove.
• Adding, deleting, or altering any ductwork for a heating or cooling system.
• Installing hot tubs, Jacuzzis, saunas, or spas.
• Window Replacement.
• Reroof or reshingle.

4. Why haven't I received a confirmation email?

If you register with Cityworks and you have not received a confirmation email within a few minutes after submission, please check your SPAM folder before contacting support.

5. How do I create a building permit application in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Creating an Application tutorial.

6. How do I schedule an inspection in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Scheduling an Inspection tutorial.

7. How do I make a payment in Cityworks?

Please refer to our Making a Payment tutorial.

8. What documentation do I need to apply for residential building permit?

• Site Plan - Orientation of site plan must match orientation of building plans
• Floor Plan
• Footing/Foundation Plan
• Floor Framing
• Roof Framing
• Elevations
• Wall Section
• Electrical Plan
• Mechanical/HVAC design with heat loss calculations according to Manuel's J and D
• Stair Section
• Truss Specifications
• ResCheck - or show prescriptive compliance with the energy code
• Gas Line Schematic
• Engineering Package and Stamped Structural Pages
• Fire Flow (water availability) report may be required prior to issuing permit based on Unified Fire Authority guidelines

(This is a comprehensive list, not everything may apply depending on scope of work)

9. What documentation do I need to apply for a commercial building permit?

• Architectural analysis including occupancy classifica­tion, building type, occupant loads, etc.
• Site Plan - Orientation of site plan must match orien­tation of building plans
• Floor Plan
• Footing/Foundation Plan
• Floor Framing
• Roof Framing
• Elevations
• Wall Section
• Electrical Plan
• Mechanical/HVAC designs with heat loss calculations
• Stair Section
• ComCheck or other approved method of Energy Code compliance
• Gas Line Schematic
• Truss Specifications
• Engineering Package and Stamped Structural Pages
• Fire Flow (water availability) report may be required prior to issuing permit based on Unified Fire Authority guidelines.
• ADA accessible route, parking, restrooms, etc. (if applicable)

(This is a comprehensive list, not everything may apply depending on scope of work)

10. What documentation do I need to apply for a demolition permit?

• Water "disconnection letter"
  •  Local Water District
• Sewer "disconnection letter"
  • Local Sewer District
• Electrical "disconnection letter" (RMP)
  • 1-888-221-7070
• Gas "disconnection letter" (if applicable)
  • 800-695-7375
• Utah Division of Air Quality "Letter of Approval"
  • 1-801-536-4000
• Salt Lake Valley Health Dept "Letter of Approval"
  • 1-385-468-4100

11. When do I require a residential building inspection?

• Footing
• Foundation
• Foundation Insulation
• Sub-Rough Plumbing
• Sub-Rough Mechanical
• Sub-Rough Electrical
• Shear-Nail
• Rough Building, Rough Plumbing, Rough Mechanical and Rough Electrical (Rough 4-Way)
• Insulation
• Weather Barrier
• Sheetrock
• Shower Pan
• Power to Panel (Meter Set)
• Final 4-Way
• Final Building, Final Plumbing, Final Mechanical and Final Electrical (Final 4-Way)
• Temporary Power (Requires a separate permit)

Schedule Inspections: 385-468-6690 or online

(This is a comprehensive list, not everything may apply depending on scope of work)

12. What are some common terms I should know when applying for permits?

• Approval: Before a building permit can be issued it must be approved by zoning staff and the plans examiner.
• Approved Lot: A building site that has already gone through the development process, including the dedication of roads, installation of improvements such as curb, gutter, and sidewalk and utilities, payment of impact fees, recording of plats, etc. Such a lot can usually obtain zoning approval over the counter.
• Building Codes: A voluminous code regulating the construction of buildings to assure their safety for the intended purpose. These codes include the International Building Code (IBC), the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code with amendments, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and the Model Energy Code. These codes are adopted by the state and apply in all jurisdictions.
• Building Permit: A document that gives you permission to construct whatever is shown on your approved plans. A permit expires if you don't start work within 6 months of issuance, or if you don't call for inspections for a period of over 6 months to verify that you are working on it.
• Clearview: Refers to prohibiting visual barriers on corner lots that would restrict the vision for motorists on the intersecting streets.
• Code Conformance: The plans examiner reviews plans for conformance to the building code. This will include smoke detectors, egress windows, location on the property, stairs structural adequacy both for vertical loads (such as wind or earthquake), and much more. If code deficiencies are found on the plan, our plans examiner will be happy to help you understand the requirement and how it can be met.
• Inspections: Once you begin work, you are required to call for inspections so that the inspector can verify that the work you are doing complies with the approved plans and code requirements. Rule 1: Don't cover any work before you have the approval of the inspector; Rule 2: Don't deviate from the approved plan. Usually, you will call for inspections of the following: Footings, before you pour concrete; foundations, before you pour concrete; underground plumbing; rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical; rough framing; insulation; and a final inspection. Not all apply to every permit, and some construction may require other inspections; ask to be sure.
• Permit Fees: There are several fees related to building permits that are intended generally to cover the cost of plan review and inspection services. They are; Plan review fee, which is 40% for residential and 65% for commercial of the building permit fee; permit fee, which is usually about one-half of one % (1/2 of 1%) of the total value of the work being done; and a state surcharge, 1% of the permit fee.
• Plan Check: The process of reviewing plans for compliance with all codes. For complicated plans, such as a new home, or adding a second story, etc, the process can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the backlog.
• Plans: Each building permit requires the submittal of two identical sets of plans-one to be kept at the job site for use by the builder and the field inspector, the other to be kept in the MSD office. While these plans don't always need to be professionally prepared, they should be "drawn to scale, on substantial paper and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the proposed work." The plans should be clear enough that any builder could build what you desire without further information from you.
• Plans Examiner: A MSD employee trained to review plans for, and answer questions regarding, compliance with the building codes.
• Sideyards and Setbacks: The land use ordinance requires that buildings be placed a certain minimum distance from the street, or from the side or rear property lines. These vary from zone to zone, and it even depends on the building. You will need to inquire about your particular case. In some rare instances, the building code may have a more restrictive requirement than the zoning ordinance. The plans examiners can make that determination.
• Site Plan: A drawing that depicts an aerial view of a piece of property, showing property lines, existing buildings, topography, and proposed buildings. On steep lots, a certified topography prepared by a licensed land surveyor may be required. A site plan is required anytime you are constructing something that will change the amount of land that is covered by structures.
• Unimproved Land: This is land that has never gone through the development process, and requires planning commission approval, payment of impact and other fees, installation of required improvements, engineering and recording of plats, etc. This process involves anywhere from 2 months to a year in order to obtain approval to issue a building permit.
• Zoning Ordinance: The county ordinances regulating land use, including the location on the property, height, use of building, etc.

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1. How do I Pay for the Parking Ticket that I Received?

There are four options available for payment. Remember, you must send payment in the EXACT amount indicated within 20 calendar days or appeal the Notice. Do not mail cash. Record the Notice number on the check or money order and include a copy of the Notice with your payment. 

• Payment by Internet:   https://www.xpressbillpay.com
• Payment by Phone: 385-468-6694 (M-F, 8:00 am- 3:30 pm)
• Payment by Mail: Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, #N3600, 2001 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84190
• Payment In Person: Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, #N3600, 2001 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84190 (M-F, 8:00 am- 3:30 pm)

2. How do I Contest a Parking Ticket?

To contest the parking notice, please email acgonzalez@msd.utah.gov and include the following information in your email. Should you fail to include one or more of the items below, the request will be considered incomplete. 

• Name
• Contact Information: Email and Phone Number
• Parking Notice Number or License Plate Number
• The reason why you feel the fee should be waived/ lowered

3. How do I Appeal a Parking Ticket?

In accordance with the municipal code, you may appeal this notice by requesting a hearing with the Municipality's Administrative Law Judge. To file an appeal, you must file a written appeal within 20 calendar days of the date of this notice. Your appeal must:

1. Describe the reason for your appeal and include any supporting documentation;

2. Contain the above Parking Notice number;

3. Include the name and address of the vehicle owner or operator appealing the Notice;

4. Be signed by: (i) the owner of the vehicle; (ii) an authorized agent of the owner; or (iii) the authorized operator of the vehicle; and

5. Be mailed or delivered to the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, #N3600, 2001 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84190. Failure to timely request a hearing will forfeit your right to appeal this administrative citation and may result in a default order being entered against you. The order may include an award of civil penalties, fees, and other costs.

4. What’s the difference between an appeal and a dispute?

• Dispute/Contest: A dispute is when you admit to the fact that you violated the ordinance but are requesting that we review your case and lower the fee based on special circumstances.
• Appeal: An appeal is when you feel that our interpretation of the code was not correct in that you did NOT violate the ordinance. Appeals MUST follow all the instructions on the parking notice in order to be considered complete. After an appeal is filed, we will review the case, reach out for further information, and schedule a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. Should you lose the case, it is also possible for us to assess the costs of said hearing on the vehicle owner.

5. What if I Lost My Parking Notice?

• If you lost your parking notice, please give us a call at 385-468-6694 or 385-468-6672. We can search for your parking notice by using your license plate number. Then, if you would like, we can email you a copy of the notice. 

6. How can I report a code violation?

You can report a violation by calling us at (385) 468-6725 or go online to Citizen Problem Reporting Tool.  

7. What are some common code issues?

• Weed height:  Weeds should not exceed 6” in height.  If not kept in compliance, the ordinance allows for the MSD to have Public Works remedy the violation at a cost to the owner, which can be substantial.
• Unregistered vehicle ON property: The ordinance allows for one (1) unregistered/inoperable vehicle on a residential property.  A vehicle is considered inoperable if it is not registered with the state.  Unregistered vehicles on public streets are subject to tow and impound by the Police Department.
• Junk:  "Junk" means any salvaged or scrap copper, brass, iron, steel, metal, rope, rags, batteries, paper, wood, trash, plastic, rubber, tires, waste, or other articles or materials commonly designated as junk."  Value to the owner does not necessarily mean it’s not junk.  If it is valuable to the owner/tenant, items must be in an enclosed structure (not just covered with a tarp.)  Hint: If the exact item can’t be found for sale on an auction website, it’s probably junk.
• Yard Parking:  Park on approved surfaces, i.e. cement, asphalt, or gravel.  Parking on grass or dirt is not compliant. 
• Obstructing sidewalks & overhanging tree limbs:  Tree limbs should be cut 8’ above sidewalks and 13.5’ above the street (for public service vehicles, etc.). Owners are responsible for trees on parking strips fronting the property.  Sidewalks should never be obstructed, for safety reasons.

 

8. What is a Notice of Violation?

A Notice of Violation is sent to the property owner and resident when a violation of the township code is discovered. The purpose of this notice is to initiate corrective action. Our ultimate goal is to bring the property to compliance for a safer community.

Compliance should take on a priority to the owner/tenant.  Generally, the owner/tenant has three weeks to comply (giving a total of 4 weeks since the courtesy notice was issued).

9. What is a Courtesy Notice?

This notice is to inform people about a current violation on their property. Many people are unaware of the township ordinances, so this is our way of informing them that there is something for them to fix. Should they fail to resolve the issue, we will move forward with a Notice of Violation. If you need more than one week to resolve the issue, please reach out to our officers so that we can work with you.

 The notice is usually left as a door hanger.  This document advises the property owner/tenant that a violation(s) has been noticed, and a case has been opened.  Generally, the owner/tenant has seven days to comply so the case can be closed.  It is NOT a citation.

10. How to I bring my property into compliance?

If you as a tenant or owner receives a NOTICE, remember the “four C’s”:

1. Communicate:  Email/call the Code Enforcement Officer on your notice if you have questions/concerns .
2. Coordinate:  Get any help from friends or family that you can count on.
3. Commit: Make sure to stick to the date and time by which your property needs to be ready for compliance inspection.
4. Contact: Reach out to the Code Enforcement Officer to schedule a compliance inspection.

11. What is a FINAL notice?

A Final Notice is issued if a property owner has not fixed the code enforcement problem within four weeks since the Notice of Violation was issued. At this time, local enforcement is ready to begin legal and/or abatement proceedings.  Compliance is expected within 7 days.  

12. What if I Do Not Understand the Notice that I Receive?

If you need clarification, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer who issued the notice. Their contact information will be at the bottom of said notice.

13. What if I need more time?

You may request more time by sending an email to the enforcement officer who issued the notice. Their email will be at the bottom of the notice.

14. What is a home-based business?

A Home Business is any business activity, other than those listed below, which is conducted entirely within a dwelling or attached garage and is clearly incidental, secondary and in addition to the use of the structure for dwelling purposes.

15. What type of home-based business is allowed on my property?

The following uses are not allowed as a Home Business:

• Motor vehicle, trailer, or boat repair.

• Junkyards

• Towing operations

• Welding, iron works, foundries

• Vehicle sales or rentals

• Auto body and/or fender work

• Short-term Rentals

• Mortuaries or crematoriums

• Major appliance repair (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.)

• Any use involving the storage or sale of flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials.

• Lawnmower or small engine repair

• Home Daycare (a different application is required)

• Home Preschool (a different application is required)

• Any use involving the raising, breeding, training, housing, keeping or care of animals.

• Other uses as listed in the ordinance [19.85]

The following activities are exempted from regulation under this chapter:

• Garage or yard sales provided the sale is held for not more than three consecutive days, and no more than two times per year at the same location, and no consignment goods are offered for sale.

• Temporary social gathering sales that do not exceed one day, such as candle parties, book parties, etc. not to exceed four occurrences per year.

Remember! Federal and State fees may be applied.

See ordinance 19.85 for details.

16. What If I Have a Building Code Question?

Please visit the MSD Building Department website for information.

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1. How can I find my property's zoning?

You can find zoning on the Municipal Service District’s interactive map. Just enter your address and you’ll be given more information on your parcel. Note that this will only return information for Unincorporated Salt Lake County, and the Metro Townships within the county. For information within other cities you’ll need to contact that municipality for zoning information

2. What uses are allowed on my property?

Once you know what zone your property is classified as, you can check your county or township’s ordinance to find out what is allowed. Zoning will be title 19 in each code and you can look up your zone’s uses in its specific chapter.

3. How can I find my required setbacks? (How do I find requirements for my zone?)

Those will be listed in Title 19 of each of the County and Township Ordinances under each specific zone.  There are many factors that can impact your setback however, so you may want to call our office with your parcel number/address and zone information so we can further assist you.

4. How are setbacks measured?

In most cases, setbacks are measured from the property line to the edge of the structure.

5. Where can I find information regarding lot dimensions or survey information on my property?

Any records regarding your recorded plats would be on file with the Salt Lake County Recorder. If the lot has been surveyed since recording you can contact the Salt Lake County Surveyor’s Office for any of those records. 

6. Where can I build a shed on my property?

Accessory buildings need to be entirely in the rear yard and 6' away from the home. Accessory buildings do have a minimum setback of 1' from the rear and side yards and a 14' height restriction. For each additional foot you move away from the property lines the height restriction may be increased by 1' up to a maximum of 20' in height.

7. Can I build/add a garage (carport) on the side of my home?

Yes you can, but you will still need to meet minimum setback requirements. These vary by zone and jurisdiction. Please contact us to ensure you have the correct setbacks before submitting for a building permit.

8. How is building in the canyons (FCOZ) different from building in the valley?

Due to the geographical and geological constraints in the Canyon areas (FCOZ), each individual parcel in the area is unique. This being the case all development requests are looked at as singular projects. Prior to purchasing and/or attempting to build on these properties you should contact our office for information on your specific property.

9. Where can I go to get copies of government records?

If you would like copies of your property deeds, any subdivision plats with dimensions, or previous documents related to your property you'll want to contact the Salt Lake County Recorder.

10. How do I file an application?

Prior to submitting your full application, we would like to talk with you to ensure you’re following the correct process and provide everything you need for a successful approval. Please see www.bit.ly/cw-portal to start the application after doing so.

11. Why haven't I received a confirmation email yet?

If you registered with Cityworks and you have not received a confirmation email within a few minutes after submission, please check your SPAM folder before contacting support.

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1. What is the difference between current planning and long range planning?

At the MSD, current and long range planning are two separate teams that work closely together. Long range planners work with the community to establish a broad vision for the community's future. They do this through the general plan process, community engagement events, and data collection and analysis. Current planners help implement the established vision by reviewing and processing land use applications. For example, when a property owner requests a re-zone of their property in order to introduce a new land use, current planning reviews the applicable general plan and makes a recommendation as to whether the re-zone supports community goals. In this way, current and long range planning reinforce one another to help communities thrive.

Long Range Planning:

• General Plans
• Small Area Plans
• Grant Writing
• Community Engagement
• Data Collection and Analysis; Population Estimates and Forecasts
• Plan Implementation
• Ordinance Writing

Current Planning:

• Permitted and Conditional Use Applications
• Subdivisions
• Re-Zone Applications
• FCOZ
• Ordinance Writing

2. What is the role of MSD Long Range Planners in the General Plan Process?

The MSD provides planning services for its members. Long Range Planning staff are responsible for organizing, facilitating, and linking the different elements of the general planning process, and helping build consensus with the many different parties involved.

1. At General Plan Steering Committee meetings, planning staff present information, facilitate discussion, and gather input regarding the needs and vision of the community from the General Plan Steering Committee members.
2. Planning staff also conduct research, develop surveys, analyze data, request and coordinate input from various stakeholders, planning events for broad public engagement, and write draft elements of the general plan.
3. The General Plan Steering Committee, Planning Commission, and Council will review and comment on the General Plan at various stages; planning staff will make the requested changes. this process may happen in several iterations.

3. How is a General Plan created and adopted?

1. The Council directs the Planning Commission to update or draft the General Plan.
2.  The Planning Commission notifies the public of its intent to draft or amend the General Plan. 
3. After a hearing with the public, the Plan Preparers (for example, a Steering Committee working in collaboration with a Long Range Planner) begin to draft the document. County, regional, or state government can support the process with data and information. The General Public may provide input at various points in the process.
4. The Plan Preparers pass their draft to the Planning Commission.
5. The Planning Commission consults with the public in a public hearing before recommending the General Plan to the Council.
6. The Council makes final revisions and adopts the revised/new General Plan in a public meeting.

Following adoption, the General Plan is used as a vision and guide for planning and decision-making. The Council may task different bodies with implementing all or part of the General Plan, including updating ordinances, applying for grants, or launching projects and programs.

4. Who can serve on a Metro Township Council, a Planning Commission, and a General Plan Steering Committee?

1. The public votes for Councilors on the Metro Township Council (they are elected officials).
2. The Metro Township Council appoints residents to serve on the Planning Commission (they are appointed positions).
3. The Metro Township Council decides who can be on the General Plan Steering Committee (they may be a mix of appointed positions and applicants who fit certain criteria).
4. Sometimes, the Metro Township Council will request that the entire Planning Commission becomes the General Plan Steering Committee. Other times, one or more members of the Planning Commission will apply and be selected to serve on the General Plan Steering Committee with other members of the public.
5. Generally, members of the public can apply to be on the General Plan Steering Committee. The Metro Township Council then approves or denies each application.
6. Generally, the General Plan Steering Committee is made up of 7 to 15 residents of the particular Metro Township, and/or stakeholders who represent important interests in the area. The General Plan Steering Committee is thus a volunteer group of Metro Township residents. Their local knowledge provides much of the content that goes into the General Plan.

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1. What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and engineering.

2. What sites in Utah are on the National Register?

All types of sites and properties are represented - from mansions to prehistoric pit houses, limekilns to LDS tithing offices, suspension bridges to rock art sites. In Utah there are over 1000 individual sites and over 50 historic and archeological districts containing several thousand additional sites. A complete listing of National Register sites in Utah can be obtained from the Office of Historic Preservation.

3. Why would someone list their property on the National Register?

While listing on the National Register is primarily an honorary recognition of the historic or architectural significance of a property, owners also list their buildings to qualify for federal and/or state rehabilitation tax credits or grants, when available. Listing on the National Register can also help educate the public and change a community's perception of its historic and cultural resources.

4. Does listing limit an owner's property rights?

Listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of the listed property. The owner is not required to restore or maintain the property or open it to the public. Local preservation ordinances, where present, may have some implication for a building owner.

5. What are the requirements for listing? Or is my house eligible?

To be eligible for the National Register, a building must:

• Be at least 50 years old
• Retain its architectural integrity (A rule of thumb: Would the original owner still recognize the building?)
• Be significant; this significance can be national, state-wide, or even local, but must fall within at least one of the following categories:
  • Association with important events
  • Association with significant persons
  • Architectural significance
  • Archeological significance

6. Who can nominate properties to the National Register?

Any interested person can research and nominate any property to the National Register. The legal owner has the right to object to, and prevent, the listing of their private property.

7. What is the process?

Research and document the property (call and ask for the Intensive Level Survey/Research guide) and submit current photos of the property with your early research results for a preliminary review. Next, prepare the National Register nomination form using the results of your research and documentation and the review suggestions. Coordinate with the local historic preservation commission, if one is present in your area. The completed nomination is then presented to the Board of State History for review. With their approval, it is then submitted to the National Park Service in Washington, DC for a final review. The staff of the Office of Historic Preservation is available to review and direct your research and nomination at any time - consult with them early. The entire nomination process usually takes about six months.

8. Is there money available for restoration?

For communities that become Certified Local Governments, limited matching grants are occasionally available for the preservation of properties listed on the National Register - contact the Office of Preservation in April to see if grants will be available that year. We can also provide information about the federal and state rehabilitation investment tax credits and direct you to other possible funding sources, as well as providing technical preservation or maintenance information.

9. Where do I go for National Register forms, bulletins, answers, etc.?

Contact: Cory Jensen or Chris Hansen

Office of Historic Preservation
Utah Division of State History
300 S Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182

Phone: 801-245-7225

Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement Website
National Register of Historic Places Website

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1. How does addressing work?

Find more information about Addressing on our MSD Addressing page.

2. What is addressing guided by?

Addressing Ordinance guides a property identification system that fosters uniformity among street names, numbers, and structures, and establishes property identification for public and emergency services providers.

3. How can I schedule an appointment online?

You can schedule appointment with Planning & Development staff online using Appointment Form.

4. Where do I find Land Use applications?

To learn more, please schedule an appointment with Planning & Development staff online using Appointment Form.

5. How do I report a problem within my jurisdiction?

You can report a problem within jurisdiction served by MSD by accessing Citizen Reporter Tool.

6. How do I report a problem within my jurisdiction?

You can report a problem within jurisdiction served by MSD by accessing Citizen Reporter Tool.

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1. What benefits do stormwater services provide?

Stormwater services protect people and property from flooding during storm events. Stormwater facilities are also an important roadway management tool because they allow for better roadway design to prolong roadway life.

2. What is a stormwater fee?

A stormwater utility fee would be used to pay for stormwater-related activities such as ongoing maintenance of the storm drain system, storm drain construction projects, street sweeping, and federal regulatory compliance for stormwater discharge.

3. Will the fee be used for anything other than stormwater improvements?

No, revenue collected through the stormwater fee can only be used for stormwater utility activities.

4. What is MS4 Permit compliance?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer System. This refers to drainage systems that are not treated in a sewage treatment plant (nearly all stormwater systems in the western U.S. (including the MSD). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for stormwater runoff to reduce the discharge of pollutants from MS4s into surface waters such as rivers and streams. To maintain MS4 Permit Compliance, the justification must create and follow through with a plan to adhere to stormwater quality standards. Compliance includes litter prevention and cleanup, public education and involvement, regular water testing, code enforcement, and other pollution monitoring and prevention activities. The MSD is currently in compliance with all MS4 permit requirements.

5. Who would impose the stormwater fee?

The metro townships would impose the storm drain utility fee (along with the county for the unincorporated areas) and the MSD would use the revenue to provide the service.