Full text of Utah Utah Code § 54-21-103 — Local authority jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-21-103. Local authority jurisdiction.
Effective 9/1/2018 54-21-103.
Local authority jurisdiction.
(1)
Subject to Subsection (2), the provisions of this chapter, and applicable federal law, an authority may continue to exercise zoning, land use, planning, and permitting authority within the authority's territorial boundaries, including with respect to wireless support structures and utility poles.
(2)
An authority may exercise the authority's police-power-based regulations for the management of a public right-of-way:
(a)
on a nondiscriminatory basis to all users of the right-of-way;
(b)
to the extent of the authority's jurisdiction; and
(c)
consistent with state and federal law.
(3)
An authority may impose a regulation based on the authority's police power in the management of an activity of a wireless provider in a public right-of-way, if:
(a)
to the extent the authority enforces the regulation, the authority enforces the regulation on a nondiscriminatory basis; and
(b)
the purpose of the regulation is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(4)
An authority may adopt design standards for the installation and construction of a small wireless facility or utility pole in a public right-of-way that:
(a)
are reasonable and nondiscriminatory; and
(b)
include additional installation and construction details that do not conflict with this chapter, including a requirement that:
(i)
an industry standard pole load analysis be completed and submitted to an authority, indicating that the utility pole, to which the small wireless facility is to be attached, will safely support the load; or
(ii)
small wireless facility equipment, on new and existing utility poles, be placed higher than eight feet above ground level.
(5)
(a)
A wireless provider shall comply with an authority's design standards described in Subsection (4), if any, in place on the day on which the wireless provider files a permit application in relation to work for which the authority approves the permit application.
(b)
An authority's obligations under this chapter may not be tolled or extended pending the adoption or modification of design standards.
(6)
A wireless provider may not install a new utility pole in a public right-of-way without the authority's discretionary, nondiscriminatory, and written consent, if the public right-of-way is adjacent to a street or thoroughfare that is:
(a)
not more than 60 feet wide, as depicted in the official plat records; and
(b)
adjacent to single-family residential lots, other multifamily residences, or undeveloped land that is designated for residential use by zoning or deed restrictions.
(7)
Nothing in this chapter authorizes the state or any political subdivision, including an authority, to:
(a)
require the deployment of a wireless facility; or
(b)
regulate a wireless service.
(8)
Except as provided in this chapter or otherwise specifically authorized by state law, an authority may not impose or collect a tax, fee, or charge on a communications service provider authorized to operate in a right-of-way for the provision of communications service over the communications service provider's communications facilities in the right-of-way.
Section 54-21-103 ("Local authority jurisdiction.") 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 § 54-21-103?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 54-21-103" (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 § 54-21-103 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.
