Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-79-705 — Process for subdivision review and approval., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-79-705. Process for subdivision review and approval.
Effective 11/6/2025
17-79-705.
Process for subdivision review and approval.
| (1) |
| (a) | As used in this section, an "administrative land use authority" means an individual, board, or commission, appointed or employed by a county, including county staff or a county planning commission. |
| (b) | "Administrative land use authority" does not include a county legislative body or a member of a county legislative body. |
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| (2) |
| (a) | This section applies to land use decisions arising from subdivision applications for single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, or townhomes. |
| (b) | This section does not apply to land use regulations adopted, approved, or agreed upon by a legislative body exercising land use authority in the review of land use applications for zoning or other land use regulation approvals. |
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| (3) | A county ordinance governing the subdivision of land shall:
| (a) | comply with this section and establish a standard method and form of application for preliminary subdivision applications and final subdivision applications; and |
| (b) |
| (i) | designate a single administrative land use authority for the review of preliminary applications to subdivide land; or |
| (ii) | if the county has adopted an ordinance that establishes a separate procedure for the review and approval of subdivisions under Section 17-79-708, the county may designate a different and separate administrative land use authority for the approval of subdivisions under Section 17-79-708. |
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| (4) |
| (a) | If an applicant requests a pre-application meeting, the county shall, within 15 business days after the request, schedule the meeting to review the concept plan and give initial feedback. |
| (b) | At the pre-application meeting, the county staff shall provide or have available on the county website the following:
| (i) | copies of applicable land use regulations; |
| (ii) | a complete list of standards required for the project; |
| (iii) | preliminary and final application checklists; and |
| (iv) | feedback on the concept plan. |
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| (5) | A preliminary subdivision application shall comply with all applicable county ordinances and requirements of this section. |
| (6) | An administrative land use authority may complete a preliminary subdivision application review in a public meeting or at a county staff level. |
| (7) | With respect to a preliminary application to subdivide land, an administrative land use authority may:
| (a) | receive public comment; and |
| (b) | hold no more than one public hearing. |
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| (8) | If a preliminary subdivision application complies with the applicable county ordinances and the requirements of this section, the administrative land use authority shall approve the preliminary subdivision application. |
| (9) | A county shall review and approve or deny a final subdivision plat application in accordance with the provisions of this section and county ordinances, which:
| (a) | may permit concurrent processing of the final subdivision plat application with the preliminary subdivision plat application; and |
| (b) | may not require planning commission or county legislative body approval. |
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| (10) | If a final subdivision application complies with the requirements of this section, the applicable county ordinances, and the preliminary subdivision approval granted under Subsection (9)(a), a county shall approve the final subdivision application. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
14, 2025 Special Session 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-79-705
What does Utah Code § 17-79-705 cover?
Section 17-79-705 ("Process for subdivision review and approval.") 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 § 17-79-705?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-79-705" (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 § 17-79-705 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.
