Salt Lake City, UT Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning complaint intake
- Civil enforcement officer, § 21A.20.020
- First step after violation found
- Written warning notice, § 21A.20.030
- Nuisance/health complaints
- Salt Lake Valley health dept, § 9.40.050
- Health dept response time
- Investigate, order abatement in 2 days
- Escalation for non-compliance
- Civil fines, § 21A.20.040
Summary
Salt Lake City lets anyone file a zoning complaint with a civil enforcement officer, who investigates and can issue written warning notices and civil fines.
A civil enforcement officer may investigate any complaint alleging a violation of this title and take such action as is warranted in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 91-24, 2024: Ord. 56-18, 2018) 21A.20.030: PROCEDURES UPON DISCOVERY OF VIOLATIONS:
A. If the civil enforcement officer finds that any provision of this title is being violated, the civil enforcement officer may provide a written warning notice to the property owner and any other person determined to be responsible for such violation. The written notice shall indicate the nature of the violation and order the action necessary to correct it. Additional written notices may be provided at the civil enforcement officer's discretion.
B. The written warning notice shall state what action the building services division intends to take if the violation is not corrected. The written notice shall include information regarding the established warning period for the indicated violations and shall serve to start any warning periods provided in this chapter.
C. Such written warning notice issued by the civil enforcement officer, if issued, shall be deemed delivered when:
1. A copy of the written notice is posted on the property where said violation(s) occur, and
2. The written notice is either:
a. Mailed certified mail or using any reputable mail tracking service that is capable of confirming delivery to the property owner at the
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code section 21A.20.020, a civil enforcement officer may investigate any complaint alleging a violation of the zoning title. If the officer confirms a violation, section 21A.20.030 requires a written warning notice to the property owner describing the violation and the corrective action needed, posted on the property or delivered to the responsible party, before the city moves to civil fines or abatement. Separately, nuisance and health complaints (garbage, stagnant water, noisome conditions) go to the Salt Lake Valley health department under section 9.40.050, which must investigate and order abatement within two days of confirming the hazard.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected zoning violations escalate to civil fines under section 21A.20.040, with repeat or daily violations fined separately under section 21A.20.050 and 21A.20.070; unabated nuisances can be corrected by the city with costs billed to the owner under section 9.40.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who investigates a zoning complaint in Salt Lake City?
What happens after I report a nuisance like standing water or garbage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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