Utah § 17-78-305 - Clearing, improving, fencing, and construction of natural channels, sewers, and drains -- Enforcement of laws and regulations.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-78-305 — Clearing, improving, fencing, and construction of natural channels, sewers, and drains -- Enforcement of laws and regulations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-78-305. Clearing, improving, fencing, and construction of natural channels, sewers, and drains -- Enforcement of laws and regulations.

Effective 11/6/2025
17-78-305. Clearing, improving, fencing, and construction of natural channels, sewers, and drains -- Enforcement of laws and regulations.

(1)

In anticipation of and to provide for the carrying away and the safe disposal of natural storm and flood waters, the county may:

(a)	remove any obstacle from any natural channels within the county and the incorporated municipalities in the county; and

(b)	plan for and construct new channels, storm sewers, and drains to serve as though they were natural channels.

(2)	The county may cause channels, storm sewers, and drains described in Subsection (1)(b) to be surveyed, and the county legislative body may, by ordinance, establish their location and dimensions.

(3)

(a)	The county legislative body may promulgate regulations to prevent the destruction or obstruction of channels, storm sewers, and drains, and may provide for the enforcement of those regulations.

(b)	The county legislative body may also provide for the maintenance, improvement, and fencing of all such channels, including covering or replacement with buried conduits.

(c)	To implement the establishment, clearing, protection, and continued use of such channels, storm sewers, and drains, the county may acquire, by right of eminent domain necessary easements and rights-of-way.

(4)

All laws and sanitary regulations against the pollution of water in natural streams, canals, and lakes shall be enforced by:

(a)	the county officers;

(b)	the state, through the attorney general and in co-operation with the state board of health, state fish and game commission; and

(c)	the several county legislative bodies.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 14, 2025 Special Session 1

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-78-305

What does Utah Code § 17-78-305 cover?

Section 17-78-305 ("Clearing, improving, fencing, and construction of natural channels, sewers, and drains -- Enforcement of laws and regulations.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 17-78-305?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-78-305" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 17-78-305 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 17-78-305 at the Utah source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.