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Washington County, UT: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 10-26-4(E), (K)(2)
Vehicle/engine cap
3 on-site at one time
Subdivision rule
Not permitted in a subdivision
Vehicle weight cap
14,000 lbs GVW each, Class 1-3
Storage location
Rear yard, 6-ft fence required
Last rewritten
Ord. 2026-1321-O, May 19, 2026

Summary

Washington County allows vehicle or engine repair at home only as a major home occupation, capped at three engines or vehicles on-site at a time and barred entirely inside a recorded subdivision under Code § 10-26-4(K)(2). Up to three work vehicles are also allowed, each capped at 14,000 pounds gross weight.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Washington County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

E. Up to three vehicles may be used in connection with the major home occupation. Each vehicle is limited to a maximum of 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (Class 1, 2, or 3). Up to a total of three pieces of equipment or trailers also may be used. Equipment shall not exceed 8,000 lbs. Trailers shall not exceed 30 ft. in length and shall not exceed 24,000 lbs. GVWR. All vehicles, equipment, and trailers shall be parked and stored behind the dwelling in the rear yard. ... K. If all above requirements are met, the following are examples of major home occupations: 1. Auto detailing limited to three vehicles on-site at one time; 2. Vehicle or engine repair limited to three engines or vehicles on-site at one time (not in a subdivision);

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-17: Code current through: Ord. 2026-1329-O, passed 8-18-2026).

Full Breakdown

Section 10-26-4(K)(2) lists "Vehicle or engine repair limited to three engines or vehicles on-site at one time (not in a subdivision)" as an approved major home occupation example, meaning the use is flatly prohibited if the property sits inside a recorded subdivision, no matter how few vehicles are involved. Where it is allowed, subsection E caps the business at three vehicles used in connection with the home occupation, each limited to 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (Class 1, 2, or 3), plus up to three pieces of equipment or trailers; equipment cannot exceed 8,000 pounds and trailers cannot exceed 30 feet in length or 24,000 pounds gross weight.

All of those vehicles, equipment, and trailers must be parked and stored behind the dwelling in the rear yard, and subsection D requires any outside storage area to sit behind a sight-obscuring fence or wall at least six feet high, with chain link and slats specifically disallowed. Subsection L separately declares that "vehicle painting or other paint-shop services" and "major appliance repair" are not suitable for a home occupation at all, so paint and bodywork stay off-limits even under the major home occupation license. Getting the repair operation approved requires a Community Development application, an annual or biennial business license, and disclosure of estimated traffic and deliveries under subsection G. Chapter 26 was rewritten by Ordinance 2026-1321-O, effective May 19, 2026.

Violations & Fines

Running vehicle repair inside a recorded subdivision, keeping more than three vehicles or engines on-site, or storing vehicles outside the required rear-yard fenced area violates § 10-26-4 and can trigger code enforcement and business license revocation. County Ord. § 10-1-22 backs enforcement with a $250-per-day civil penalty after a 10-day cure notice or prosecution as a class B misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a car repair business from my home in Washington County?
Only as a major home occupation, and only if your property is not inside a recorded subdivision. Section 10-26-4(K)(2) caps the operation at three engines or vehicles on-site at one time, and it still requires a Community Development business license.
How many vehicles can I keep on-site for a home auto repair business?
Three vehicles or engines at a time under § 10-26-4(K)(2), plus up to three pieces of equipment or trailers under subsection E. Each vehicle is capped at 14,000 pounds gross weight, and everything must be stored behind the dwelling in the rear yard.
Can I do auto body or paint work as a home occupation?
No. Section 10-26-4(L) specifically lists vehicle painting and other paint-shop services among the businesses not suitable for a home occupation in Washington County, regardless of how the repair operation is otherwise licensed or how few vehicles it handles at a time.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

All Washington County rules

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