FAQs • Vernal, UT • CivicEngage

Can the Code Enforcement Officer go on my property?: The officers normally take pictures of violations from the sidewalk or street. However, if needed they can go onto the property. They will not go in an enclosed back yard without permission from the owner but they might take a picture over the fence.

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Code Enforcement

1. What is an inoperable vehicle?: The city ordinance states that a vehicle with mechanical or structural defect or does not have current registration displayed on the vehicle, and can't be driven legally on city streets is inoperable. Unlicensed, wrecked, and dismantled motor vehicles parked, stored or left on the City street or right-of -way, may be towed away.

2. Where can I park my RV?: Recreational vehicles, campers, and trailers may be parked on the side of your home, out of the front setback. A typical front set back is 30 feet. Keep in mind that a corner lot has 2 setbacks. If parked on the street, they may be subject to tow.

3. What does the city consider junk?: Only items that are intended to be used outdoors may be stored outside. You cannot have couches, mattresses, etc. outside. No dismantled vehicle parts may be stored outside the home. Abandoned items must be discarded. Garbage, refuse or unsightly/injurious objects or materials should not be deposited on sidewalks or streets.

4. At what point must I cut the weeds on my property?: Weeds must not be allowed to grow to an unsightly height. Noxious weeds must be removed. The height limit is 12 inches.

Section 16.20.700 Urban Livestock

A minimum parcel size of eight thousand (8000) square feet shall be required in order to keep urban livestock.
The maximum number of animals that may be kept per parcel shall be as follows:
1. Rabbits: three (3).
2. Ducks: six (6).
3. Hen chickens: six (6).
4. Goats: three (3).
5. Bees: three (3) hives with not more than one swarm per hive.
Additional standards..
1. Goats must be miniature, dwarf or pigmy. Goats must also be dehorned and male goats must be neutered.
2. All bee hives must be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from any property line.
3. Rooster chickens shall not be allowed.
4. Should a beehive become populated with Africanized honeybees, it must either be immediately destroyed or "re-queened" using industry accepted procedures resulting in a swarm that is not Africanized.
5. Except for bees, all urban livestock shall be kept in a fashion so as to prevent them from exiting the backyard of the property at any time.
6. Except for bees, no more than six (6) total of any type of urban livestock may be kept.
Conflict with nuisance ordinance.
1. In no case shall this section permit a nuisance, as defined in Vernal City Code, to be created or to exist.
If urban livestock is permitted as a conditional use, odor control, noise control and the physical security of the animals shall be considered.

(Ord. 2017-04, Amended, 03/15/2017; Ord. 2012-04, Add, 05/02/2012)

6. How can I advertise my yard sale?: You may post a sign on your own property or with permission the property of a neighbor. You may place a sign on a box near the sidewalk but not obstructing the use of the sidewalk. These signs must be removed when your sale is over. It is against City ordinance to post signs on City property i.e. power poles, street signs, power boxes or in City streets. Not only does this damage the property it also becomes a safety issue.

7. Can I park my semi in a residential area?: No. Trucks having a rated capacity of one and one-half tons cannot be parked/stored in a residential zone.

8. Do I have to shovel the sidewalk in front of my home after it snows?: Yes, It is unlawful for the owner or the tenant of property to fail or refuse to remove snow or ice from the sidewalks.

9. Can the Code Enforcement Officer go on my property?: The officers normally take pictures of violations from the sidewalk or street. However, if needed they can go onto the property. They will not go in an enclosed back yard without permission from the owner but they might take a picture over the fence.

10. What is the setback area?: There is generally a 30 feet area in the front of your home that is considered the front setback. A corner lot has 2 front setbacks. One on each side of the home that borders the road. You cannot park your vehicle in the area that should be landscaped.

11. What kinds of signs or banners can I use to advertise my business?: There are many factors to consider when placing signs and banners for advertising, please contact the Planning and Development Department for questions about signage.

12. Can I have chickens or rabbits at my home?: The City allows chickens (hens only) and rabbits in residential zones if the property is zoned as permitted. Please contact the Planning and Development Department for further information.

13. Do I need a permit to install a fence or wall on my property?: Yes, a permit is required. For more information on approved fences, walls, and the regulations that govern installation, please contact the Planning and Development Department.