Salt Lake County, UT Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Salt Lake County Code Chapter 19.55 governs the MD-1 and MD-3 Mixed Development zones, transition districts between arterial streets and residential areas (unincorporated county land only; incorporated cities like Salt Lake City, Murray, and West Valley City set their own veterinary rules). Section 19.55.040(A)-(B) lists veterinary use as a conditional use in both the MD-1 and MD-3 zones, but only "provided the operation is completely enclosed within an air-conditioned soundproofed building. The noise from the animals shall not be audible at the property line." An open-air kennel run, outdoor exercise yard, or any facility that lets animal noise carry past the lot line does not qualify.

Because veterinary use is listed as a conditional use in the district regulations, it must go through the conditional use permit process in Chapter 19.84. Under Section 19.84.030 the property owner or certified agent must file a written application with detailed, scaled site plans and pay the fee set under Section 3.52.040. Staff review the application for compliance under Section 19.84.040, then the planning commission holds a public meeting and must decide within 90 days (Section 19.84.050). Approval must meet the standards in Section 19.84.060: compliance with zoning provisions including setbacks and height, no serious traffic hazard, and no threat to safety from fire, geologic hazards, drainage, or incompatibility with nearby buildings. If conditions are imposed, the applicant has 12 months to satisfy them or the approval is deemed denied, though a 12-month extension is available for an added filing fee equal to the original.