Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-79-903 — Nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-79-903. Nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures.
Effective 11/6/2025
17-79-903.
Nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures.
| (1) |
| (a) | Except as provided in this section, a nonconforming use or a noncomplying structure may be continued by the present or a future property owner. |
| (b) | A nonconforming use may be extended through the same building, provided no structural alteration of the building is proposed or made for the purpose of the extension. |
| (c) | For purposes of this Subsection (1), the addition of a solar energy device to a building is not a structural alteration. |
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| (2) | The legislative body may provide for:
| (a) | the establishment, restoration, reconstruction, extension, alteration, expansion, or substitution of nonconforming uses upon the terms and conditions set forth in the land use ordinance; |
| (b) | the termination of all nonconforming uses, except billboards, by providing a formula establishing a reasonable time period during which the owner can recover or amortize the amount of his investment in the nonconforming use, if any; and |
| (c) | the termination of a nonconforming use due to its abandonment. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | A county may not prohibit the reconstruction or restoration of a noncomplying structure or terminate the nonconforming use of a structure that is involuntarily destroyed in whole or in part due to fire or other calamity unless the structure or use has been abandoned. |
| (b) | A county may prohibit the reconstruction or restoration of a noncomplying structure or terminate the nonconforming use of a structure if:
| (i) | the structure is allowed to deteriorate to a condition that the structure is rendered uninhabitable and is not repaired or restored within six months after the day on which written notice is served to the property owner that the structure is uninhabitable and that the noncomplying structure or nonconforming use will be lost if the structure is not repaired or restored within six months; or |
| (ii) | the property owner has voluntarily demolished a majority of the noncomplying structure or the building that houses the nonconforming use. |
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| (c) |
| (i) | Notwithstanding a prohibition in the county's zoning ordinance, a county may permit a billboard owner to relocate the billboard within the county's unincorporated area to a location that is mutually acceptable to the county and the billboard owner. |
| (ii) | If the county and billboard owner cannot agree to a mutually acceptable location within 180 days after the day on which the owner submits a written request to relocate the billboard, the billboard owner may relocate the billboard in accordance with Subsection 17-79-605(2). |
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| (4) |
| (a) | Unless the county establishes, by ordinance, a uniform presumption of legal existence for nonconforming uses, the property owner shall have the burden of establishing the legal existence of a noncomplying structure or nonconforming use through substantial evidence, which may not be limited to municipal or county records. |
| (b) | Any party claiming that a nonconforming use has been abandoned shall have the burden of establishing the abandonment. |
| (c) | Abandonment may be presumed to have occurred if:
| (i) | a majority of the primary structure associated with the nonconforming use has been voluntarily demolished without prior written agreement with the county regarding an extension of the nonconforming use; |
| (ii) | the use has been discontinued for a minimum of one year; or |
| (iii) | the primary structure associated with the nonconforming use remains vacant for a period of one year. |
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| (d) | The property owner may rebut the presumption of abandonment under Subsection (4)(c), and has the burden of establishing that any claimed abandonment under Subsection (4)(c) has not occurred. |
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| (5) | A county may terminate the nonconforming status of a school district or charter school use or structure when the property associated with the school district or charter school use or structure ceases to be used for school district or charter school purposes for a period established by ordinance. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
14, 2025 Special Session 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-79-903
What does Utah Code § 17-79-903 cover?
Section 17-79-903 ("Nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures.") 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 § 17-79-903?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-79-903" (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 § 17-79-903 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.
