Updated March 31, 2023
An appeal authority is defined in Utah State Code §10-9a-103 as the person, board, commission, agency, or other body designated by ordinance to decide an appeal of a decision of a land use application or variance.
Appeal authorities act in a quasi-judicial manner (i.e. have the responsibility to act like a judge, minus the robe) and serve as the final arbiter of issues involving the interpretation or application of land use ordinances.
Traditionally, appeal authorities have also been known as: “The Board of Appeals”; “The Board of Adjustments”; or “Hearing Officer”.
Special Note: The Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman has provided funding for this training program from the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
