The original Minor Subdivisions Statute, HB 156 passed through the Legislature during the General Session, but was one of two bills vetoed by Governor Huntsman. However, Bill organizers, including Rep. Curt Webb introduced a modified version of the bill (HB 1001) that did pass during the May Special Session.

Though not opposed or supported by the Counties, UAC worked with House leadership to develop a bill that provides counties with some opportunity to review and properly document the creation of “minor subdivisions” allowed by the Bill.

One of those opportunities will require that a county adopt an ordinance that describes the grounds on which a building permit may be denied to the owner of a property subdivided under this statute (see lines 95-95 of the enrolled version).

The ordinance provision allows counties the opportunity to extend protections existing in the county to cover these newly divided properties. The bill did, however, include a requirement that the limitations imposed on the property be publicized and adopted. Consequently, to take advantage of this provision, an ordinance must have been adopted by the effective date of the bill – October 1, 2009.

UAC staff is in the process of gathering county ordinances that define health, safety, and access standards, and will work to make those available for any county personnel interested in assistance in defining appropriate, defensible parameters. Contact Adam Trupp at UAC at 801-265-1331 if you have questions.