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1. When do I need a building permit?

When Do I Need a Permit

2. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Please call 435-789-2271 to schedule a building inspection at least 24 hours prior to desired inspection date and time.

3. How long does it take to get an approval for a building permit appication?

It typically takes 2 weeks or less for a Residential approval for a building permit approval and 3 weeks or less for a Commercial approval for a building permit approval after all documentation has been submitted to the Building Official.

4. What is the building permit application process?

Make sure to have the correct address and/or parcel number. Check to see if the project is located within Vernal City jurisdiction. All contractor and owner information will be needed for the application. The zone can be found on the Vernal City Zoning Map. Fill out the online building permit application.  Upload any plans to the online building permit application. If you have any questions, please contact Vernal City Planning & Development Department at 435-789-2271.

5. How long does a building permit last?

A building permit is good for 180 days from the time it becomes valid. The 180 days renews with every approved inspection.

6. What if my building permit is ready to expire?

Please get an approved inspection before the 180 days for the permit is up or fill out the Extension Request Form found on our website.

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1. Who do I contact regarding a state liquor license?

Please contact the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC) at 801-977-6800 regarding their application procedure and forms necessary.  Forms and information are also available online at the                            Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website. 

2. How long does it take to receive a business license?

Once the application is completed and has been submitted, it is forwarded to the following departments for approval: Fire, Health, Police, and Zoning and Building. The approval of these departments may depend on a site inspection. The business license clerk must receive approval from the above-listed departments in order to issue a business license.

When all applicable departments have approved the application, a business license will be issued. The process may take up to 21 days.

3. Where do I obtain a sales tax number?

Contact: the Utah State Tax Commission:

http://tax.utah.gov/contact
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84134
Phone: 801.297.2200 or
Toll Free: 800.0662.4335
TDD: 801.297.2020
Fax: 801.297.7699 

Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 

4. When are business license renewals due?

^{BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL License renewals are due January 1 each year. The License will indicate an expiration date. Renewal notices are sent as a reminder, but you are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely renewal payments. If any license fee is not paid within thirty (30) days of the due date of January 1, a penalty of twenty-five (25) percent of the amount of such license fee shall be added. 
After sixty (60) days, an additional twenty-five (25) percent shall be added.}

5. What is the purpose of a business license?

The purpose of a Business License in the City of Vernal is to regulate and license business and occupations within the corporate limit of the City.

1.     To determine if businesses are operating within applicable laws and ordinances.
2.     To maintain a safe environment for the general public.
3.     To make sure that zoning and building codes are enforced.
4.     To maintain a list of currently licensed businesses for public access.
5.     To ensure that sales tax is properly remitted.

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6. How long is my business license valid?

MOST BUSINESS LICENSES EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 OF EACH YEAR, AFTER WHICH TIME THEY CAN BE RENEWED.

7. If I have applied for a business license can I conduct business while I wait for the license to be approved?

Section 5.04.410 Unlawful To Operate Without License

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, or any person as principal, agent, clerk or employee thereof, within the City, to commence or carry on any business, trade or occupation specified in this title, or that may hereafter be required, without first having procured a license so to do from the City. Any person who has commenced or carried on any business, trade or occupation specified in this title prior to obtaining a license, therefore, shall be assessed a double license fee and/or revenue fee, which double assessment must be paid before the license shall be issued.

8. I am moving my business from one location in Vernal City to another location in Vernal City. Do I need to obtain a new business license for the new address?

Yes. When a business license is issued, it is issued to the address provided on the application. Moving to a new location requires a new license. Therefore, completion of the Business License Application is required for the new location in order to obtain a valid business license.

9. What if I operate my business without a business license?

Any business owner operating without a valid City business license shall be deemed guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

10. What are the steps of hiring your first employee?

^{Steps to Hiring your First Employee in Utah}

Hiring your first employee as a new business owner is both an exciting and frightening experience.  Not only do you have a person relying on you to pay them so they can provide for their family while balancing the cash flow needs of your business, but there is also a lot of paperwork and laws to comply with.

Here are 8 steps a business will need to make when hiring their first employee in Utah

Step 1 – Register as an Employer

Employers will need to first get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Form SS-4 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in addition to the Employer Registration with the Utah State Tax Commission and Utah Labor Commission.

Step 2 – Employee Eligibility Verification

Each new employee will need to fill out the I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The I-9 Form is used to confirm citizenship and eligibility to work in the U.S. The employee must complete Section 1 by their first day of work, and the employer will complete Section 2 by the end of the third business day after the employee starts. Employers don’t submit the I-9 form but are required to keep the form on file for three years after the date of hire or one year after the employee’s termination, whichever is later.

Step 3 – Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate

Each employee will provide their employer with a signed Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4) on or before the date of employment. The W-4 form determines how much federal income tax will be withheld from the employee’s paycheck.  

The employer does not typically submit Form W-4 to the IRS but will keep a copy on file. See IRS’s Publication 15 – Employer Tax Guide for more information on federal withholding.

Step 4 – New Hire Reporting

Employers are required to report newly hired employees and re-hired employees with the Utah Department of Workforce Services within 20 days of their hire or rehire date. This information is recorded in the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) and is matched against state and federal child support databases to locate parents who owe child support.

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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.

5. How many farm animals can I have on my property?

Section 16.20.700 Urban Livestock

1. A minimum parcel size of eight thousand (8000) square feet shall be required in order to keep urban livestock.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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1. What is Xpress Bill Pay?

What is Xpress Bill Pay?

Xpress bill pay is the company we have partnered with to handle our online bill payment. You access your account from their website, https://www.xpressbillpay.com/#/

2. When do I get my bill and when is it due?

The first working day of each month, billing statements are prepared and mailed by utility billing and due the last working day of each month. 

3. How do I sign up for Utility Services

Vernal City                            Utility Services for  Water, Sewer & Garbage 374 East Main Vernal, Utah 84078 Finance Department Top Floor

Click here ⇩  for directions

Property Owner will need to provide the following: Owner Application (link)     provide document(s) of Property Ownership. **If you plan on renting/leasing this property, the Owner Application is required before a renter/lease can sign up for Utility Services. Vernal City Municipal Code,Section 13.08**

Renter/Lessee will need to provide the following: Renter/Lessee Application (link) The renter of property is required to pay a deposit of $150.00  Provide a copy of Renter/lease document(s) from the owner/ or property          management company.

4. What is the average residential monthly utility bill?

Call 435-789-2255 for current rates

 

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1. What do I do if my citation does not require a mandatory court appearance?

If you have received a citation for a traffic violation in Vernal and your traffic violation is a non-mandatory appearance and you choose not to dispute the citation, you can simply pay the bail amount. You may pay by check, money order, credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or via the mail. We also accept credit card payments by phone.

If you would like to pay by cash or you want to set up a payment schedule, you must come to the court during regular business hours. Court hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you would like to dispute your citation, you need to come in to the court to schedule a Pre-Trial.

2. What do I do if my citation requires a mandatory court appearance?

You must contact the court to find out your date and time to appear before the Judge. At the arraignment, you will be notified of the charge(s) brought against you, the location, the date and time at which the crimes allegedly occurred. You may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest at this time. A video presentation explaining your Constitutional rights will be played. A waiver of constitutional rights form is also available for you to read.

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1. Do you think you have a Warrant?

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1. Who is affected by domestic violence?

Domestic violence not only affects those who are directly abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, and the community at large. Children, who grow up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life - therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society's next generation of victims and abusers.

2. What can you do if you know or you suspect someone is being abused?

If someone you know is being abused you need to first address any immediate safety needs. If that person is currently in danger- ask him/her if he/she wants you to call the police or an ambulance. Once a victim's immediate safety needs have been met, the most important thing you can do is listen.

It is important to relay to the victim that "No one deserves to be abused", and that he/she is not alone. Do not tell the victim what to do. There are so many reasons a person chooses to stay- Do not place any negative blame on his/her actions. Let the victim know she is not responsible for the abuse, and that only the abuser can stop the abusive behavior.

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1. What is backflow prevention?

Many people become sick and some die each year as a result of drinking water that has become contaminated through unprotected cross connections. A cross connection is any connection between your drinking water supply and anything else that could allow the water to become contaminated or polluted.

The reversal of flow through an unprotected cross connection into the drinking water system is called backflow. Backflow prevention is the elimination of unprotected cross connections or protecting cross connections that can't be eliminated with an approved method of backflow prevention.The ultimate goal of backflow prevention is to protect your health and safety by protecting the quality of your drinking water supplies after they have been delivered to you.

2. What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly is an approved mechanical unit installed on the water supply line between your drinking water system and any unprotected cross connection. It forms a mechanical barrier to prevent pollutants or contaminants from entering into your drinking water system.

3. What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device is also an approved unit installed on the water supply line to protect your drinking water system against backflow. These devices are not as complex as a backflow prevention assembly, but are effective. Devices are limited to specific applications.

4. Do backflow prevention assemblies and devices need to be tested?

Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested upon initial installation, when repaired, and annually by a certified backflow technician. Backflow prevention devices do not require testing under current codes.

5. Why must backflow prevention assemblies be tested?

National industry standards have been established for the testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical assemblies, and as such, are subject to failure. Testing frequency standards were established to reduce both the assembly owner and public drinking water purveyor's liability.

6. What happens after my backflow assembly has been tested?

Backflow assemblies must meet certain testing criteria. If the assembly fails the test, it must be repaired and retested. The technician completing the testing must complete a Backflow Assembly Test Report.

One copy of the report should be given to you, the assembly owner. One copy is retained by the technician. A third copy must be sent to your water purveyor. The water purveyor is required by the Utah Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems to maintain an inventory of all backflow prevention assemblies. They must also keep a record of all tests and repairs made on those assemblies.

7. What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is a physical connection (piping configuration) between the drinking water system and anything else, including another water supply, that could allow pollutants or contaminants to backflow into the individual or public drinking water system.

8. What is backflow?

Backflow is the reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances back into the individual and I or public drinking water system. A backflow incident could carry pollutants or contaminants into our drinking water supplies making them unsafe to use.