Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor Dining

Can a band play in the outdoor dining area on weekends?

Live music may only be performed in the outdoor dining area when the decibel level is within conformance with the Salt Lake City Noise Control ordinance, § 9.28.

Can we serve beer and alcohol to our outdoor dining guests?

According to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, alcohol must be served in a fenced patio area and controlled in some way by the establishment holding the outdoor dining permit.

Vending Carts

Does my permit allow me to put my cart in another city during their holiday celebrations?

Vending permits issued by the City are not recognized in other cities in the state. You may want to contact the administration in the appropriate city for permission to set up for a specific celebration.

I have a small trailer; can I just use that instead of getting a vending cart?

The size requirements of the City are driven by City ordinance. Because the true use of City sidewalks is as a pedestrian corridor, the ordinance requires vending carts be no more than 8 feet in length and 3 feet in width in order that the majority of the public way is kept free for foot traffic.

Sidewalk Entertainment and Artist Registration

I have a 10 x 10 foot tent because I have a lot of product to sell at the South end of the Farmers Market on Saturday; if I get there early, can I just set it up?

Because there is limited room at parks and on the City sidewalk, the display may not be larger than 6 feet in height and 6 feet in length.

I am a human statue; can I get a registration?

The City encourages artistic ability and interpretation. Artists may perform various skills such as acting, singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, sidewalk art, reciting, etc.

Residential Revocable Permits

What is a Residential Revocable Permit?

A Residential Revocable Permit is a formal agreement between a property owner and the City. The agreement permits a property owner to enhance their property by installing improvements in the public right-of-way adjacent to their own property. Examples of right-of-way improvements that would require a revocable permit would be the erection of a fence or a retaining wall. Landscaping would not require a permit.

Does the City require any other permit for the construction of a fence?

The city issues building permits for any fence built within the city limits. The purpose of the building permit is to ensure that the design and construction complies with current zoning regulations. Additionally, if the fence is designed to be built within the public right-of-way, the property owner must apply for a revocable permit. If the fence is entirely on private property a revocable permit is not required.

How do I know where my property line is?

A surveyor is a qualified professional that identifies and locates property lines. The surveyor uses legal descriptions, subdivision plats, and surveying monuments to identify your property line. Once identified the surveyor will physically locate the property line using markers –markers could include rebar, stakes, or brass caps. If your property has been surveyed in the past you may be able to locate the markers left by the surveyor.

Where can I get an application for a Residential Revocable Permit?

Applicants can pick up an application from the property management office room 238 of the city county building or can download an application by clicking on the following link. (Residential Revocable Permit)

What is the Residential Revocable Permit Application Process?

1. Download and review entire application packet. The application packet contains important information regarding the application process

2. Set up an appointment with the “DRT” (Development Review Team). DRT will review the site plan as specified in the application packet. An appointment can be made by calling DeeDee Robinson at 801-535-6629.

3. Once DRT has approved site plan, submit the signed application, two drawings, application fee, recording fee and letter of intent to the Property Management office room 238.

4. Property Management will process the application and issue a concurrence letter so applicant can get their building permit.

5. Property Management will mail the Permit within three weeks from its receipt of the signed application.

6. Applicant signs the permit and returns it to property management.

7. Property management records a notice of memorandum of the permit against the permittee's property.

What is “DRT”

DRT stands for “Development Review Team.” The DRT is comprised of personnel from various City departments. The purpose of the DRT is to have a one stop forum in which residents can bring their plans to the city and have representatives of these departments review, comment and give recommendations. The DRT is required to sign off on all Residential Revocable Permits. Every application packet has a check list of required documents to bring to the DRT appointment. Please ensure that you have read the entire packet and are prepared for your appointment. DRT meets Monday to Thursday from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

What are the terms of a revocable permit?

Revocable permits are granted for a period of 10 years. These are not assignable or transferable. If the property is sold to another owner, the new owner would need to enter a new Revocable Permit with the City. The fee for a revocable permit is $500 for the 10-year term.

Under what circumstances are revocable permits revoked?

Any revocation would likely come in response to a City need, either for maintaining and repairing existing City facilities or to accommodate a new City project.

How often are they revoked?

Property Management staff is not aware of the revocation of a permit in over 20 years.

Commercial Revocable Permits

What is a Commercial Revocable Permit?

A Commercial Revocable Permit is for commercial building encroachments that are temporary in nature. By virtue of the revocable nature of these permits, these encroachments would be for building and landscape elements that are more easily removed or reconfigured to accommodate a future City need. Some examples of these are stairs and railings, concrete and block landscape elements, fencing, etc.

Lease Agreements

Encroachments on commercial properties which add essential design elements to the structure, add materially to the function or use of the property or remain permanently affixed to the right-of-way during the term of the agreement with the City will be formalized with a lease agreement. Some examples of these are cantilevered building elements, decks, façade lighting and design elements, subsurface vaults, subsurface footing and foundation elements, outdoor dining areas enclosed with fencing, etc.

What are the terms of a lease agreement?

Lease agreement terms are negotiable but it is rare that a total term longer than 30 years is granted. Typically, leases are granted with an initial term with additional options for renewal. The rental payment is based on the approximate value of land in the vicinity, the area of the encroachment and the nature of the encroachment (e.g.: surface use such as building face or enclosed area for dining; aerial use such as cantilevered space, balconies, façade elements; subsurface use such as footings and foundation, subsurface parking area, private utility facilities).

While all encroachments should be included in any agreement with the City, certain encroachments are not included in the calculations for the consideration due to the City. According to § 2.58.030 of Salt Lake City Code, encroachments which involve a beautification project do not require the highest and best economic return to the City. Such encroachments include decorative street lighting, building façade lighting, flower and planter boxes, and landscaping, etc.

Depending on the nature and size of the encroachment, the payment could be an annual payment or one payment per term.

Telecommunications Right-of-way Permits

What is the difference between a franchise and a Telecommunications Right-of-way Permit?

A franchise is used when facilities are constructed to provide retail telecommunications and data service to end-users within Salt Lake City.  A Telecommunications Right-of-way Permit is used when facilities are constructed which create a system backbone to lease to long-haul telecommunications and data providers or when a company's communication and data systems are interconnected crossing a portion of the right-of-way.

If you have questions if a franchise is appropriate for your business model, contact the Salt Lake City Attorney's Office.

What are the terms of a Telecommunications Right-of-way Permit?

Due to the changing nature of the telecommunications industry, terms for permits typically do not extend beyond ten years.  At that point, depending on the significance of changes in the industry, the permit will either be renewed by amendment or the parties will negotiate a new agreement with provisions appropriate to address the changes.

Annual payment for the permit is $1 per linear foot of 4" (or equivalent) diameter conduit or fiber.  More details in determining the equivalency of a conduit bank/bundle is available in Salt Lake City ordinance in Chapter 14.32.425 Telecommunication Right-of-way Permit and its subsequent amendment.