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Frequently Asked Questions  Click for answers Where is the Planning Division located? The Planning Division is located on the south end of the fourth floor of the City and County Building (City Hall) at 451 South State Street, Room 406 Are the Planning Division and the Permits Counter the same thing? Both divisions are branches of the Community Development Department and many of their functions are interrelated.  However, the primary functions of the Permits Division is to review plans for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and International Building Code (IBC) and to issue permits for projects that meet the regulations of the codes. The Planning Division primarily reviews applications and construction projects that are required to obtain special approval such as variances to the Zoning Ordinance, rezoning requests, conditional use requests, subdivision approval and approval to modify locally designated historic structures. The Planning Division also oversees the creation of the Zoning Ordinance and the Master Plan policies. If I have concerns, comments or complaints about a project, whom should I contact? Complaints, concerns or comments can be referred to either the Planning Division at (801) 535-7757 or the Permits Counter at (801) 535-7752 depending upon the office handling the project. What is the International Building Code? The IBC includes regulations to ensure the safety and structural soundness of the construction of buildings. What is the Zoning Ordinance? The Zoning Ordinance provides regulations that identify where various types of land uses (such as residential, commercial, parks, and industrial development) can be located as well as specifies the dimensions of parcels and where buildings can be placed on a lot.  The Zoning Ordinance is part of the City code and promotes the general health, welfare and safety of Salt Lake City inhabitants; protects and enhances the quality of life for Salt Lake City residents; protects and preserves peace and aesthetics in Salt Lake City; protects the tax base; allows development in a way that encourages preservation of scenic vistas, environmentally sensitive lands, and historic structures; promotes well-planned commercial and residential structures; provides safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation; and prevents development susceptible to natural disaster. What is a zoning district? Salt Lake City has been divided into a number of areas called zoning districts. Each district has zoning regulations that govern the use and development standards for that district.  The zoning map identifies what zoning district a property lies within.  The zoning ordinance contains the list and regulations for each zoning district. What is a Master Plan? A Master Plan is a policy document designed to guide the future development patterns of a particular area of Salt Lake City. The document contains the goals, policies, and action plans for a specific area's future development and identifies community character, appropriate land uses, public facilities and circulation needs and other goals to ensure a vibrant community.  In Salt Lake City, the Master Plan is divided into eight community Master Plans as well as small area plans within these planning communities. What is the Planning Commission? The Planning Commission adopts and acts on any changes to the City’s master plans, redevelopment plans, special studies, zoning ordinances, and use district maps. They approve planned unit developments, conditional uses and certain subdivisions. Members of the Planning Commission must be residents of the City. The Commission is comprised of up to eleven members with various skill and knowledge. The members serve a four-year term. What is the Board of Adjustment? The Board of Adjustment serves the purpose of hearing appeals to the Zoning Ordinance. The Board reviews the application and carries the authority to either grant or deny applications for variances, special exceptions, and appeals of administrative decisions. The Board consists of five members serving a five-year term. Three alternates are also chosen who also serve a five-year term. Members of the Board must be residents of Salt Lake City.   BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETINGS What is the Historic Landmark Commission? The Historic Landmark Commission conducts design review of new construction or alteration to properties in locally designated historic districts and landmark sites. The Commission is responsible to promote, nominate, and monitor the preservation of historically significant resources with the boundaries of the City. The Commission consists of citizens interested in historic preservation, including design professionals and representatives of historic preservation groups. The Commission consists of nine members who serve a three-year term.   HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETINGS What is the Housing Advisory & Appeals Broad? The Housing Advisory and Appeals Board strives to create a higher quality of living and ensure the proper maintenance of existing residential structures. The Board hears appeals of housing code regulations from property owners regarding demolition, rehabilitation, and landscape. The Board also considers the requests for building permit fee waivers for non-profit housing developments.   HAAB MEETINGS What type of construction requires a building permit? Most construction requires a building permit in Salt Lake City. If you have doubts or questions please contact the Permits Counter (801) 535-7752 and staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you may have. Why do I need a permit? A permit ensures that the work being done meets the City's regulations. When you obtain a permit the City inspectors monitor the project to ensure it is being completed in the correct manner. The inspection process safeguards the property owner by ensuring the work has been completed and will not pose an unsafe structural or fire hazard. How long does it take to get a permit? Each permit is different. Some may be approved "over the counter" and takes a relatively short time to obtain. Others may require that the project receive approval from a special Administrative Process, the City Board or Commission and/or City Council.  Depending on a number of factors, the approval process can take a considerable amount of time. It is recommended that you contact staff well before you desire to start construction to discern what process or information will be required for approval of your project. Do I need approval to paint my home? No. Is a permit required to place a sign on my property? Yes. All signs are regulated by the Salt Lake City Sign Regulations found in chapter 21A.46 of the City's zoning ordinance. This Ordinance, among other things, regulates the size, placement, and materials used for signs on buildings and sites. Do I need approval to landscape my yard? The need for approval depends on the extent of your landscaping project. Contact the Planning Division at (801) 535-7757. Do the Planning Division or Permits Office enforce covenants, conditions & restrictions? No. The Planning Division and Permits Office enforce City-adopted regulations. Enforcement of CC&Rs is solely up to the homeowner's association of each respective development.     ESAP     ESAP Page Site Index