Full text of Utah Utah Code § 51a-102 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51a-102. Definitions.
Effective 11/6/2025 11-51a-102.
Definitions. As used in this chapter:
(1)
"Catastrophic public nuisance" means a condition on state or federal land where natural resources and biota have been managed or neglected to such an extent as to cause:
(a)
the threat of a catastrophic wildfire demonstrated by:
(i)
stand density, basal area, or ground fuel load greater than 150% of land health standards; or
(ii)
an insect or disease infestation severe enough to threaten the mortality of at least 20% of the trees in the area; or
(b)
a condition in the area that threatens the:
(i)
quantity or quality of the public water supply of a political subdivision;
(ii)
health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of a political subdivision;
(iii)
air quality of a nonattainment area; or
(iv)
vegetative resources required to support land health and authorized livestock grazing.
(2)
"Chief executive officer" means:
(a)
for a municipality:
(i)
the mayor, if the municipality is operating under a form of municipal government other than the council-manager form of government; or
(ii)
the city manager, if the municipality is operating under the council-manager form of government; and
(b)
for a county:
(i)
the chair of the county commission, if the county is operating under the county commission or expanded county commission form of government;
(ii)
the county executive officer, if the county is operating under the county-executive form of government; or
(iii)
the county manager, if the county is operating under the council-manager form of government.
(3)
"County sheriff" means an individual:
(a)
elected to the office of county sheriff; and
(b)
who fulfills the duties described in Section 17-72-201.
(4)
"Federal agency" means the:
(a)
United States Bureau of Land Management;
(b)
United States Forest Service;
(c)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service; or
(d)
National Park Service.
(5)
"Federally managed land" means land that is managed by a federal agency.
(6)
"Political subdivision" means a municipality or county.
Section 51a-102 ("Definitions.") 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 § 51a-102?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 51a-102" (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 § 51a-102 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.
