Ogden, UT Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Among the conditions Ogden's dangerous building ordinance treats as grounds for a public nuisance declaration, section 16-8A-6, subsection B, item 15, covers housing specifically: a building or structure used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, which because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined by an officer of the county health department to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

That habitability finding comes from the Weber-Morgan health department rather than the building official alone, reflecting the chapter's coordination rule in section 16-8A-7, which directs matters involving health to be pursued jointly with the county health department. Once a dwelling is found unfit for habitation, it is processed the same way as any other dangerous building: the building official issues a written notice and order describing the unsanitary conditions, the corrective action and permits required, and a compliance deadline, and the owner has ten days to appeal before the finding becomes final.

Ogden also requires habitable rentals to be connected to sanitary sewer service, or an approved septic system, under title 9, chapter 3, and licenses multiple-family rental dwellings under title 5, chapter 10, where the business license coordinator can refer a property to the building official, fire marshal and Weber-Morgan health department for an inspection confirming the unit is reasonably safe for occupancy as a residential dwelling before a rental license issues.