Overview
Communities rely on land use ordinances to establish what types of businesses and activities are allowed within different zoning districts. However, business practices and industries continue to evolve, creating situations where a proposed business potentially does not fit neatly into an existing land use category – causing confused applicants, denied applications, and more.
Effective May 6, 2026, §10-20-507/§17-79-507 of Utah State Code (as amended) requires municipalities and counties to establish a process for reviewing and classifying new or unlisted business uses. The purpose of this requirement being to create a predictable, transparent process that allows innovative businesses to be evaluated while ensuring decisions regarding their approval (or denial) remain consistent with adopted land use regulations.
This addition to state code provides a process (i.e., pathway) for applicants to request a determination on whether their proposed business aligns with existing land use classifications or if it represents a new land use which requires legislative action.
Content Contributors: Jones and DeMille Engineering, Inc, Hansen Planning Group, LLC / Rural Community Consultants
Special Note: This material was developed by civiclinQ for the Land Use Academy of Utah (LUAU). Funding for the development of this material was provided by through the Land Use Training Fund, which is administered by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman , utilizing a portion of the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
The role of this organization in administering funding is primarily administrative and should not be viewed as legal advice. Always consult your legal representative when addressing land use activities.
Use the ‘Materials’ tab above to view related course materials, including printable pass-along card and PDF version of this online course.
