The building department always recommends you use a professional to design and prepare plans. However, for the most part anyone that demonstrates competency can prepare plans for most residential projects up to 3,000/sf any projects over 3,000/sf an architect is required. The building department is unable to do any of the plan or design work for you. However, we will try to point you in the right direction. Whomever you chose must have knowledge of building codes and prepare neat, scaled, and comprehensive plans. That being said some designs, sizes or types of buildings will require a design professional.

Try to keep in mind you are explaining your project start to finish, using only the plans. Plans should include structural details, floor plans, plumbing fixtures, electrical devices, furnaces…..try to show the full scope of the project. Examples can be found on our standard details page.

Every three years the powers that be decide if they will adopt the latest version of the building codes. Currently we are using the 2021 I-codes with 2017  A.N.S.I. 117.1 as the accessibility standard, and the 2020 National Electrical Code.

We want to get your plans back to you as soon as possible. To keep permitting costs as low as possible, we use a smaller but harder working staff. We process the permits in the order we received them. Our goal is to get your plans back to you in 10 business days or less.

Sadly we don’t have the ability to move anything forward in the cue, no matter the size. The building department will work hard to get your plans ready as fast as possible.

After your plans are approved and your permit is paid for you are ok to go to work. Mostly we want to make sure we’re all on the same page before you buy or build anything.

Some permits will be based on square footage, others on valuation. Still other permit types are charged a flat fee. Most fees can be determined during the plan review process.

Some permits are able to be processed by the permit tech, others may still require some level of review. Gas schematics, one line diagrams, or commercial “sub-permits” will require a review. Roofing, furnaces, hot water heaters can usually be issued without review. See our forms and details page for more information.

At certain times during the construction process an inspection will be required. A good “rule of thumb”, before it gets concealed, covered, buried, etc… call for an inspection.

• List of Required Inspections

Inspections are scheduled via the online portal. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to schedule an inspection, and most times you can get an inspection the next day. Inspections are done 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday, holidays excluded. For footing, foundation, and bond beam inspections we provide timed inspections. For all others we will do our best to honor an AM or PM request. We can usually give you a time frame of about an hour when you can expect the inspector to arrive.

Yes, it can. But for the most part, we’re happy to give you all the time you need. If you need an extension let us know what is happening and we’ll generally be able to give you more time. The last thing we want you to worry about is time.

Most permits will be finalized and closed upon passing the final inspection. Some permits a Certificate of Occupancy will be generated and given to the contractor who signed for the permit.

It all starts with a set of plans and the application. The city and possibly other agencies will need to review your plans for compliance before you get started. The Idea is to gather a good idea of what you are doing and hopefully identify any problems before you commit time and money to building.

• "Applying for a Permit" Checklist

Actually, a lot of fairly common repairs require a building permit. Roofing, water heaters, even finishing a room in your basement are some fairly common things that require a permit. Cosmetic items like paint, tile, flooring, or landscaping do not require any permitting.

Depending on the nature of your project other agencies or departments may be required to give approval. Good examples are the sewer/water district, fire department or utility companies. The Health Department and the Department of Air Quality will need to notified for demolition permits. The building department will give you a list of other agencies that will need to “sign off” when your permit is issued.

If you have a business in Taylorsville, you must obtain a business license from the city.  This applies to all businesses in Taylorsville.

The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate-income persons.

Federal administration of the CDBG program is through the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD), which is a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• More information about federal administration of the CDBG program

Redevelopment is a set of tools provided under state law, Title 17C of the Utah Code, that empowers local governments in economic development, job creation, blight elimination, and in achieving the goals of development, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of residential, commercial, industrial, and employment districts. Municipalities and counties are authorized to create redevelopment agencies, also known as Community Reinvestment Agencies, to use these tools.

A "redevelopment agency" is an entity authorized by the State of Utah that implements the development goals of communities and is governed by state statute. There are more than 90 such agencies representing cities across Utah. The Taylorsville Redevelopment Agency is one of those agencies and invests in redevelopment projects and programs that shape and better our community. A focus of redevelopment is to accelerate and enable programs, partnership, and actions that encourage, enhance, and leverage private sector investment.

Redevelopment is a term that has a long history in Utah, over 50 years now, with many updates and clarifications in the Utah Code over the years. The 2006 Legislature made major code changes that divided "redevelopment" into three different tracks:

Urban Renewal, Economic Development, and Community Development. Each of those three tracks served a somewhat different purpose. The same legislation also changed the legal name of agencies from "Redevelopment Agencies" to "Community Development and Renewal Agencies," but many Agencies across the state still go by the historical nomination of Redevelopment Agency, or RDA. 

1. Urban Renewal is track/tool for what was historically redevelopment. The goal of Urban Renewal is to eliminate blight from specific areas within the community.


2. Economic Development is a track/tool that is used to help promote job growth in the community. The redevelopment agency can use tax increment to help encourage business relocation, expansion, and development through incentives targeted toward the creation of high-quality jobs.


3. Community Development is the track/tool that allows redevelopment agencies to encourage a variety of development that the community believes will be beneficial, including mixed-use developments. Taylorsville City's active RDA Project areas were created under this code section, using the Community, Economic, and Urban Renewal Development options. 

Examples of redevelopment tools and actions: 

• Ability to assemble land for development
• Ability to utilize tax increment and issue bonds
• Ability to invest in infrastructure to assist private enterprise
• Ability to increase affordable housing stock

Legislative changes in 2016 and then clarified in 2019 eliminated the three previous tracks of redevelopment, consolidating those into a single Community Reinvestment Agency program. One major result was the elimination of the taxing entity committee, which was replaced with tax increment sharing as agreed to in written and approved interlocal agreements between an agency and one or more affected taxing entities. 

Redevelopment Agencies use redevelopment powers and tools as a catalyst in revitalizing their communities. Redevelopment encourages new development, new jobs, and new tax generation in declining urbanized and other targeted areas by developing partnerships between local governments and private entities. 

Redevelopment can help a community implement a revitalization effort for downtowns, commercial areas, neighborhoods, or industrial areas. Redevelopment plans are locally created and adopted so they can respond to a community's unique needs and vision. 

Redevelopment plans can help communities to: 

• Attract new jobs and businesses
• Create more affordable housing
• Stimulate private reinvestment in local neighborhoods and businesses
• Reduce crime
• Stimulate development of improvement programs
• Stimulate private investment and help rehabilitate homes and businesses
• Build or improve roads, utilities, and public facilities
• Preserve open space 
• Transform hazardous waste sites (called brownfields) into productive uses
• Create, adopt and/or implement specific plans Initiate and fund comprehensive planning efforts

The Redevelopment Agency, also known as a Community Development and Renewal Agency, is a separate, distinct legal entity from the City. In Taylorsville, the City Council also serves as the governing board of the Agency. The Redevelopment Agency can utilize city staff or hire its own staff and advisors to carry out its day-to-day operations as well as to help formulate and implement redevelopment plans. 

The benefit of this system is that the Redevelopment Agency is ultimately responsible to the voting public through the elected governing body that oversees the Agency. 

Redevelopment activities may include the
rehabilitation/reconstruction of existing structures, the redesign/re-planning of areas with inefficient site layout, the demolition and clearance of existing structures, the construction/rehabilitation of affordable housing and the construction of public facilities including, but not limited to, public buildings, streets, sidewalks, sewers, storm drains, water systems and streetlights. All of this contributes to the general economic revitalization and vitality of an area, making it more attractive for additional investors and businesses. 

Through redevelopment, a project area receives focused attention and financial investment to reverse deteriorating trends, create jobs, revitalize the business climate, rehabilitate, and add to the housing stock, as well as gain active participation and investment by residents and local business which would not otherwise occur. These revitalization efforts have positive effects that spill over the project area boundaries and improve the entire community. 

Examples of activities/benefits generated through redevelopment: 

• Commercial mixed-use projects
• New or rehabilitated affordable and market-rate housing
• New and revitalized schools
• Increased investment in the area
• Quality job creation
• Transportation facilities
• Sales, hotel, and utility tax revenue
• Youth recreation and service centers
• Community beautification
• Renewed civic pride

The project area is an officially adopted boundary in which actual redevelopment will take place. The project area must first go to public hearing (giving citizens who will be included in the project area a chance to express their views) after which the Redevelopment Agency acts on the adoption of the project area and becomes primarily responsible for future projects. 

Before a project area is established, a survey area is designated to determine whether or not a redevelopment project is feasible or warranted. Preliminary studies, such as feasibility studies, are conducted to make a determination of the conditions within the area. 

Based upon this evaluation, the Redevelopment Agency selects a project area and indicates how the purpose of the Community Development and Renewal Law can be attained by redevelopment of this area. A project area can be reduced in size prior to adoption of the redevelopment plan, but cannot be enlarged without amending the survey area. A project area can also include non-adjacent properties. 

Redevelopment is primarily financed by tax increment revenue, which are the additional new taxes generated above those generated in the base year. Other revenue sources include loans, grants, and issuance of bonds.

Typically, agencies use tax increment funds to leverage financial assistance from various agencies of the state and federal governments, and most importantly from private sources.

The most common bond instrument used by redevelopment agencies to finance projects is called a tax increment bond or revenue bond. These bonds, which are a loan of money to an Agency, are not a debt of the community or the general taxpayer. Rather, they are repaid solely from tax increment revenue generated within the project area. In other words, increased tax revenues generated through redevelopment activities are reinvested back into the project area to stimulate more development as well as to pay the approved costs. 

Tax increment is the primary source of revenue that redevelopment agencies have to undertake redevelopment projects. It assumes that a revitalized project area will generate more property taxes or sales taxes than were being produced before redevelopment and that would be produced without a project area. When a redevelopment project area is adopted, the current assessed values of the property within the project area are designated as the base year value. Tax increment comes from the increased assessed value of property, not from an increase in tax rate. Any increases in property value, as assessed because of change of ownership or new construction, will increase tax revenue generated by the property. This increase in tax revenue is the tax increment that goes to the Agency. 

For example, a property owner pays $1,000 on land assessed at $100,000 this year. If, as a result of new construction on the property, the property increases in assessed valuation to $500,000, the property owner would pay $5,000 at the same standard tax rate. The $4,000 in tax increase is called "tax increment." Redevelopment agencies are entitled to collect this increase in property tax revenues, or tax increment, on the acreage they redeveloped to repay the debt involved in the project, and to reinvest these dollars in redevelopment activities within the project area. In most project areas, well, 20 percent of the tax increment money goes into a housing fund set aside specifically to finance low- to moderate­-income housing. Sales tax increment may also be used, if agreed to an interlocal agreement with a taxing entity. 

The Redevelopment Agency has no power to set tax rates or levy property or sales taxes. Property tax on properties or sales taxes on goods or services purchased within a redevelopment project area is governed by the same laws as on properties outside redevelopment project areas. 

When redevelopment activities are successful, the property values within and around the redevelopment project area increase over time due to the rehabilitation and/or new construction of buildings within the project area. Thus, property tax increment revenues are the result of the rise in property values, not an increase in tax rates. Sales tax collections increase due to the rise in new retail locations or increased sales and traffic at the establishments. The changed image and improved economic base increase the ambiance, vitality, and marketability of property and businesses in the area. Redevelopment activities can enhance the marketability of properties. 

Taxing entities such as the county, school districts, and special districts that serve the project area continue to receive all the tax revenues they were receiving the year the redevelopment project was formed (the base year). Also, taxing entities may receive a portion of the incremental increase in property tax revenues from a redevelopment project area, if adopted as part of the project area budget and interlocal agreements. 

No redevelopment projects occur without taxing entity approval. Prior to 2019, for Urban Renewal, Community Development, and Economic Development projects, the taxing entities are represented by a taxing entity committee that reviews and, in its discretion, approves project area budgets. The taxing entity committee's approval was required before the Redevelopment Agency could collect any tax increment. 

Under the current Community Reinvestment Act, the Redevelopment Agency does not convene a taxing entity committee. Instead, the Redevelopment Agency works independently with each taxing entity located within the project area. The Redevelopment Agency and each taxing entity may approve an interlocal cooperation agreement giving the Redevelopment Agency a portion of tax increment generated in the Community Reinvestment project area from that taxing entity. Additionally, any retail components of a project area are limited and must be ancillary to the primary uses and goals of the project area plan. 

A multi-step process must be followed to adopt a community reinvestment plan and budget. The main elements include: 

1. The agency board adopts a resolution designating the project area that includes a description, survey area, map, and directing a plan and study to be conducted. 


2.  The agency conducts a development impediment study, and the Board must find that there is a development impediment determination.


3. The agency prepares a community reinvestment plan and project area budget describing the development project and goals to be accomplished as a result of the Agency's participation. 


4. All taxing entities, the public, and other interested parties have the opportunity to review and consult with the agency on the proposed plan and budget. 


5. The agency board holds one or more public hearings to obtain comments and suggestions on the proposed plan and budget. The agency board may then adopt, adopt with modifications, or reject the plan. Adopting the plan establishes the project area. 


6. The agency submits the approved plan and budget to the city council for its consideration and action. 


7. The agency provides notice of the plan's adoption and provide for a 30-day notice period. 


8. Negotiate and then enter into interlocal agreement(s) with affected taxing entities for the use of each entity's tax increment. Each agreement will detail how each taxing entity will participate in a portion or all of its tax increment created in the project area. 

With the approval of the City Council, there are several reasons why Taylorsville administration recommended disbanding the program. They include:

• First, the overall percentage of landlord participants peaked at approximately 65%. While this number may seem acceptable, it has become more difficult to confirm that the actual required training for “good landlords” was obtained — whether for first time applicants or renewals.

• Second, GLP compliance requirements were not always achieved. Approximately 30% of all participants were subject to at least one or more legitimate tenant complaints per year.

• Lastly, municipalities within the valley and state that once participated in the GLP have likewise moved away from the program given the same concerns noted above and for other reasons.

Yes. Some landlords may not be aware of the necessity to have a business with the city — as outlined in city code. This was true under the previous GLP and will remain a requirement despite the changes. One of the main reasons for this is to ensure the city has updated contact information for business owners (including landlords) for the purpose of emergency notifications, code compliance issues, etc.

While some landlords nor tenants feel there is need of a business license, one of the main purposes for such is to ensure the safety of residents throughout the city. Obtaining a business license is one way to align the values and expectations of landlords, tenants, and city with respect to living conditions.

One of the initial positive outcomes of the GLP was the creation of a new document, outlining the requirements of a good landlord. This form will still be available online, distributed at the time of application, and referenced in connection to all landlords within the city. For an immediate review, please click on the last Additional Information question below.

• It has always been an expectation of city planners, administration, and elected officials that all landlords would be “good landlords.”

• Moving forward, the same expectations set forth as standards within the previous GLP will continue to serve as the best practice model for all landlords within the city.

• Landlords have always been and will continue to be responsible to provide quality housing, follow city codes, and ensure tenants are good and responsible neighbors.

Yes. Application fees are used to cover administration costs inherent to processing, gathering, maintaining and keeping the records current. Each new rental license application will be assessed a one-time $100 administrative fee, as well as the following:

• Single Family Home Rentals: $20 base fee, plus $70 per unit (generally totaling $90).

• Multi-Family Units (duplex, triplex, fourplex, apartment buildings): $90 base fee, plus $70 per unit.

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for immediate family living in the home, with no additional charge except for the $100 new application fee noted previously.

The city will no longer issue GLP licenses after June 30, 2023 — with all rental business licenses cataloged (as one) in favor of the changes.

Yes. The city recognizes some landlords may not have been aware of the need for a business license. Despite the noted changes, the city will continue to promote this requirement in the coming year. No additional or penalty fees will be assessed for previous non-compliance over the next six months. This amnesty period is expected to extend from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.

There are many laws, requirements and expectations of landlords and tenants at the city, state and federal levels. It would be difficult to list them all, but there are certainly some great online resources available by searching “landlord/tenant best practices.”  The city’s business licensing department has specific information, which will be provided to all landlords at the time of application and is available to anyone upon request.

Prior to 2010, research was conducted by Lewis, Young, Robertson & Burningham with respect to the possible merits of a GLP within Taylorsville City — in conjunction with like programs already administered in other municipalities throughout the state.

At that time, city planners shared concerns that not all landlords were acting in the best interests of their tenants nor were they in compliance with city code(s). As such, potential positive outcomes were debated and later established, as follows:

• To prevent illegal activity and ensure property maintenance.

• To provide financial incentives for participating in the program.

• To create a formal agreement between landlords and the city.

The City Council adopted the GLP on Jan. 20, 2010.

The city has updated its (L-13) document that is available on the city’s website here and included in the application packet. Landlord expectations, as described in the document, are listed as follows:

• Rental dwelling contains at least one operable sink, toilet, tub, and shower, free from leaks and in a sanitary condition with hot water of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

• Rental dwelling contains at least one operable smoke detector for each room that is occupied or intended for sleeping purposes.

• Rental dwellings have operable heating facilities sufficient to adequately heat the rental dwelling unit to a temperature of at least 72 degrees F.

• Rental dwelling contains a kitchen facility with at least one operative sink, free from leaks with hot water of at least 110 degrees F, and a cooking oven or stove.

• Rental dwelling contains windows in working order with operable locks and are free from cracks or breaks in the glass. Windows must fit the window openings and be weather tight.

• Rental dwelling units are free from insects, termites and rodents.

• The dwelling contains locks to all exterior doors.

• Dwelling contains appropriate garbage receptacles.

• Paint, siding, stucco, brick, etc., is in good repair, free from peeling, holes or cracks.

• Sidewalks, driveways and walkways are in good repair and free from unsafe conditions.

• Fences are in good repair, free from graffiti, peeling paint, damage, and are able to stand upright as designed without propping or additional support.

• Rental dwelling contains at least two hard surface off-street vehicle parking spaces for use by occupants of the dwelling unit. Such off-street parking shall comply with city standards and may not be on landscaping or gravel.

• The property is clear of inoperable or junk vehicles, trash and debris, graffiti and weeds.

• The property is properly landscaped, free of dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, shrubs and overgrown or uncultivated vegetation that is in a hazardous condition, is an obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or which is likely to harbor rats or other pests.

• Property is free of polluted or stagnant water, which constitutes an unhealthy or unsafe condition.

• Property is free of noxious or unreasonable odors or fumes.

• Property is free of attractive nuisances dangerous to children and other persons including, but not limited to, abandoned, broken or neglected household appliances, machinery, abandoned excavations or improperly maintained or secured swimming pools

• The rental dwelling will not be used for a short-term rental (less than 30 days).

Because many utilities are located in the park-strip, paving in those areas is not allowed. Please check with the Planning Department for landscaping and xeriscaping options. 

As defined in Utah Code Ann. § 63G-2-103, public record means a record that is not private, controlled, or protected and is prepared, owned, received or retained by the governmental entity. Records requested must be able to be reproduced from the original record.

A private record generally relates to an individual's private interests and disclosure of such to the public would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy. A record is considered "controlled" if it contains medical, psychiatric or psychological data about an individual. Protected records include, but are not limited to, open and ongoing investigations.

Any person can make a public records request. However, public disclosure is regulated by several different statutes dependent upon the record. If you are the subject of the record (i.e. arrestee or victim), you may be entitled to information not available to the general public.

• Chronological logs (also known as complaint logs or service calls)

• Initial contact reports

• Photographs

• Traffic accident reports

Depending upon the status of the case, these records may not be available at the time of your request.

A governmental entity has ten (10) business days after receiving a written request to provide the record, deny the request or notify the requester that it cannot immediately provide a response due to extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circumstances may require more processing time.

At least TWO (2) times a year. Register during the month of your birth and six months thereafter as required by U.C.A. 77-41-105.

Utah convictions: Offenders shall register for TEN (10) years past termination of sentence for the registerable offense, or for the offender’s lifetime depending on the offense.

Non-Utah convictions: Offenders shall register for TEN (10) years past termination of sentence or longer if required by the sentencing jurisdiction.

Offenders convicted of U.C.A. 77-27-21.8 shall register for an additional FIVE (5) years.

In accordance with U.C.A. 77-41-107 an offender shall register for an additional year for every year in which the offender does not comply with the registration requirements of this section.

All "Protected Areas" as defined in U.C.A. 77-27-21.7:

These areas include, but are not limited to any: licensed day care or preschool facility, a swimming pool that is open to the public, a public or private primary or secondary school that is not on the grounds of a correctional facility, a community park that is open to the public; and a playground that is open to the public, including those areas designed to provide children space, recreational equipment, or other amenities intended to allow children to engage in physical activity.

For more comprehensive list of "Protected Areas" refer to: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title77/Chapter27/77-27-S21.7.html

After eight years with UPD, city leaders recognized the need to bring police officers and administrative support closer to home — allowing for more direct influence over: 1) Services, 2) Budgeting, 3) Policy, and 4) Personnel.

It is a decision that was not made lightly. Particularly, in examination of UPD’s financial operations and policies regarding governance, city leaders determined the model may not be sustainable — given that any time one municipality leaves, the remaining municipalities and their taxpayers shoulder the cost of service going forward.

See the report detailing these and other reasons leading up to the decision, as presented to the City Council in July.

Personnel serving the city have done an excellent job meeting the needs of the community and responding to emergencies. This was recently validated in a survey conducted by the city late last year. However, the same respondents also noted their concerns about public safety and maintaining a safe community for the future.

Therefore, the goal of city officials is to ensure continued services which are equal to or better than those currently provided — while meeting the specific needs of Taylorsville residents.

In connection to the vision, mission and values of the city, top priorities will be the hiring of quality police officers, providing them latest equipment and technology, and continued incorporation of the highest standards and training.

Given the planning and continued preparations, there is a high level of confidence that residents will continue to experience all they have come to expect from their professional law enforcement agency — and more!

We have learned that the success of a police department depends on the laying of a strong foundation, which will be at the forefront of the formation of the new Taylorsville City Police Department. This includes:

• A projected and reflective budget, with pre-identified and direct accountability back to the chief of police.

• A recognized culture that is unique and in harmony with community expectations. This includes vision, mission and values statements that are not only incorporated into policy, but embraced by the personnel.

• Unity of command and clear channels of communication.

The new department will work closely with city administration and civic leaders within Taylorsville to ensure proper policing, to include appropriate levels of oversight in harmony with community expectations.

In addition, leadership will work with the state Legislature, district attorney, and police associations to ensure proper checks and balances are in place — in accordance to current concerns. Ideas already being discussed include:

• Completion of internal investigations

• Ensuring implementation of a civilian advisory board

• Training of officers on “less-than-lethal” force

• Outreach expansion to civic groups and associations (diversity)

See a proposed timeline for the initiation and completion of anticipated needs, etc. The work involves a wide-range of tasks from the review of budgets, salary and benefits, and polices to public outreach and the hiring of key personnel, including the new department’s police chief. This list is not exhaustive to the considerations and discussions of the workgroup and is subject to change.

The City of Taylorsville offers a traffic school.  You are not required to attend Taylorsville’s Traffic School and may attend any of the local recognized traffic schools. If traffic school is imposed as a condition of your probation or plea-in-abeyance, you will need to provide proof of attendance to the Court.

Points are assessed to your driving record for traffic violations by the Drivers License Division of the Department of Public Safety. Excess points may lead to the suspension of your driving privilege. In limited cases, the Court may make recommendations to the Driver’s License Division, but they are not required to abide by these recommendations. Some traffic schools may decrease the number of points on your record, you are advised to check with the Drivers License Division to find out which schools qualify for reduction.

A plea-in-abeyance is a guilty plea which is submitted to the Court in writing. If approved, it is not entered against you during the term of the plea-in-abeyance period. It is held by the Court and not reported to the Driver’s License Division as a conviction, but as a plea-in-abeyance. The court clerk can check to see if you qualify for a plea-in-abeyance.  If you choose to enter a plea-in-abeyance, you must completely fill out the necessary paperwork. 

You will be instructed on certain terms and conditions which must be met in order for your plea to be held. Unless you are notified to the contrary, you must fully comply with each of the terms and conditions of your plea-in-abeyance agreement. If you fully comply, then, at the end of the plea-in-abeyance period, your guilty plea will be withdrawn and the case will be dismissed. The matter will not appear as a conviction on your driving record and no points will be assessed. If you are unable to resolve your matter with the Prosecutor, your matter will be heard by the Court.

The first step in the judicial process for traffic matters is an arraignment. You may waive your right to an arraignment. At the arraignment, you will be notified of the charge(s) brought against you, the location, the date and time at which the crimes are alleged to have occurred. You may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest at this time. You are not required to enter a guilty at this time.

A video presentation explaining your Constitutional rights will be played. In addition, a waiver of Constitutional Rights Form is available for you to read.  You may request appointment of an attorney to represent you. An attorney will only be appointed to assist you if you cannot afford one and your offense is jailable if convicted. Attorneys are rarely appointed in traffic matters as most traffic offenses are not jailable.

If an attorney is not appointed, you may hire your own attorney or represent yourself. If an attorney is appointed, you may be required to repay some or all of the cost of an attorney. If you believe you will qualify for a court appointed attorney and would like to ask the Court to appoint one to you, you must ask the Clerk for an Request for Legal Defender/Affidavit of Indigency. Fill out the Request for Legal Defender/Affidavit of Indigency and have it ready when your case is called. If you plead guilty or no contest, you have the right to delay hearing your sentence or can ask to be sentenced that day. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will be giving up important Constitutional rights.

If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for a trial. Either you or the prosecution may request that your matter be set for a pretrial conference in lieu of an immediate trial setting. Generally, a pretrial conference is helpful if there is evidence available which can be used to resolve a charge without a trial, such as providing proof of insurance, driver’s license or registration.

If your matter is set for a Pretrial Conference, you will have the opportunity to discuss your case with the prosecutor. The prosecutor may offer to reduce the charge in exchange for your guilty plea or no contest plea ("plea bargain"). The prosecutor is not obligated to offer a plea bargain and you have no right to a plea bargain. You are not obligated to accept the offer made by the prosecutor. The Court will not reduce the charge against you on its own motion.  If you and the prosecutor are unable to resolve your case at the pretrial conference, your case will be set for a jury trial or bench trial. The pretrial conference provides you a chance to show the prosecutor any evidence which might convince the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss your charge(s). For example, you may have proof of a driver’s license or registration. You may have proof of insurance or a receipt showing repair of an equipment violation.

After reviewing your evidence/proof, the prosecutor may offer to reduce or dismiss your charge(s). Again, the prosecutor is not obligated to do so, nor are your obligated to accept their offer. If you are unable to resolve the matter, a trial will be scheduled.

Some traffic violations have been designated as non-mandatory appearance matters. If you are cited for violating a traffic ordinance for which your appearance in court is not mandatory, you may contact the Court to find out the amount of the bail for your offense(s). If you do not dispute the citation, you may choose to simply pay the bail amount. You may pay by check or money order through the mail. If you would like to pay by cash, credit card or you want to set up a payment schedule, you must come to court during regular business hours. If you do not post bail within fourteen days, a late fee will be assessed and a warrant for your arrest may be issued.  If you wish to dispute the citation or if you are cited for violating a traffic ordinance for your which appearance in court is mandatory, you must appear at the Court in not less than five (5) days and not more than fourteen (14) days after issuance of the citation. When you appear at the Court, you may set a date for your matter to be heard by the Court.

You must come to Court on the date and at the time set by the court.

In a bench trial, the Court will hear the evidence presented by both sides, then decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. In a jury trial, a panel of four jurors will hear the case, then they will decide if you are guilty or not guilty. You only have a right to a jury trial if you can be jailed if found guilty. Usually, traffic offenses are not eligible be heard by juries. Non-lawyers who desire a jury trial are encouraged to 1) get an attorney or 2) study the applicable rules, laws and codes governing jury trials. You can jeopardize your rights or liberty if you do not follow the rules. Since the prosecution has the burden of proof to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, they have the first opportunity to speak to the court. This is called an opening statement, the defense has the option to make their opening statement or wait until the beginning of their turn to present evidence & witnesses.

The opening statement is an opportunity to briefly describe the types of evidence and what you hope the evidence will mean to the Court of the jury. Neither side is required to make an opening statement. After the opening statements, the prosecution presents its "case-in-chief". The prosecutor will offer evidence to prove that a crime was committed and that you committed the crime.

After the prosecution is done, you will have the opportunity to present your side of the story. Either side may present testimony by witnesses or submit documents, subject to the Utah Rules of Evidence and the Utah Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure. After your finish presenting your side of the story, then both sides will have the opportunity to rebut the other side. This is done by presenting additional testimony or evidence. Again, the prosecutor goes first, then you will have a chance to speak. After each side is done, closing arguments are made.

During closing arguments, each side will have the opportunity to tell the Court why they are right. The prosecution gets to speak first, then you will get to argue your case, followed by a final argument by the prosecution. The case is then submitted to the Court or jury for a determination as to guilt.

If you are found not guilty, then you are free to go and the proceedings end.  If you are found guilty, then you will have the right to be sentenced in not less than two days nor more than forty-five days. In most cases, you may waive this right and receive your sentencing immediately. 

 What are the possible Sentences and Punishments?

The following table shows the range of penalties which the Court may impose:

In addition to the base fine, the State of Utah requires that defendants convicted of certain crimes pay a surcharge. The surcharge varies depending upon the crime. You can view the Uniform Fine and Bail Schedule to find out the recommended fine or bail for your offense(s).

You may receive probation from the Court in lieu of a jail term. If the Court imposes probation, the Court will explain to you each of the terms and conditions of your probation. You must full comply with each term of your probation.