West Valley City, UT Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Forfeiture wait
- 6 months (3 if loan <3 mo)
- Interest cap, ≤$50
- 5% per month
- Interest cap, >$50
- 3% per month
- Minor transactions
- Prohibited under 18
Summary
West Valley City pawnbrokers must operate in a partitioned, standalone business space and hold pledged items for six months before disposal.
It shall be unlawful in all cases in which an article pledged has been forfeited, for a sale or other disposition thereof to be made by the dealer within the period of six months after the forfeiture of the pledge, unless the period of loan is less than three months; in which case, the period of redemption shall be three months. During such periods the person shall have the right to redeem such articles at no greater advance than five percent per month on all sums up to and including $50, and three percent per month on all sums in excess of $50; provided, that the dealer shall, in any event, be entitled to a minimum charge of $1. (Ord. No. 18-24 Enacted 06/19/2018)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-30, passed June 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Municipal Code § 17-2-515, a pawnbroker cannot share a room with any other business without Police Department approval, and the partition separating the pawn business must be solid material with all connecting openings kept locked. Section 17-2-518 sets redemption terms: a forfeited pledge cannot be sold or disposed of for six months after forfeiture (three months if the loan period itself was under three months), and during that window the pledgor may redeem it for no more than 5% monthly interest on sums up to $50 and 3% monthly on amounts above $50, subject to a $1 minimum charge. Pawnbrokers are also barred from dealing with anyone under 18 and must post the required $1,000 bond and keep police-reportable transaction records like other dealers under this Part.
Violations & Fines
Operating a pawn business without an approved partition from other businesses; disposing of a forfeited pledge before the six-month (or three-month) redemption window closes; charging interest above the 5%/3% caps; transacting with a minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a West Valley City pawnbroker hold a forfeited item before selling it?
What interest can a pawnbroker charge to redeem an item?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Valley City
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