The City of South Salt and Lake has detailed several code enforcement regulations governing residential property maintenance, vehicle storage, and public parking to ensure community standards are met. The city's guidelines address everything from landscaping height requirements to the legal responsibilities of property owners regarding graffiti removal and snow clearance.
Vehicle Storage Regulations
According to South Salt Lake Code, inoperable and unlicensed vehicles are prohibited from being parked on city streets. The city requires that such vehicles be stored within an enclosed structure, such as a garage or a shed. The city explicitly noted that car covers and tarps do not qualify as enclosed structures for the purpose of vehicle storage.
Under these regulations, a vehicle is classified as abandoned or junk if it is inoperable, dismantled, wrecked, or resting on blocks or similar devices. Other indicators of a junk vehicle include broken windows, deflated tires, or a failure to display current license plates or tags. Additionally, the accumulation of scrap metal, junk, or wrecked vehicle parts is considered outdoor storage of solid waste and must be removed from the property.
Landscaping and Yard Maintenance
The city's code enforcement also mandates strict standards for landscaping and vegetation control. South Salt Lake Code requires that all weeds and grass be maintained at a height of six inches or less at all times. This requirement extends to park strip areas located between the sidewalk and the curb, as well as adjacent areas such as alleys or easements.
Property owners are responsible for ensuring that all land remains free of conditions that could make a property appear unsightly. This includes the proper disposal of yard waste; specifically, grass clippings must be bagged and removed. Furthermore, the maintenance of sidewalks, streets, alleys, and rights-of-way is the direct responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
Street Parking Restrictions
Parking regulations in South Salt Lake include several specific prohibitions to maintain public roadways. All vehicles must be parked on a hard surface made of asphalt or concrete, and parking in yards or landscaped areas is strictly prohibited. The city also forbids parking over or on sidewalks and park strips.
Time-based restrictions are also in place for street use. No vehicle may be parked on a street or alley for longer than 72 consecutive hours. Additionally, large vehicles that exceed 30,000 pounds in Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or 35 feet in length are not permitted to park on any public street unless they are moving residential goods or have received specific approval from the city. Trailers may only be parked on the street if they are attached to a licensed, registered, and operable vehicle.
Graffiti and Property Liability
The city has also established protocols for managing graffiti and property cleanliness. To prevent the spread of graffiti, South Salt Lake is increasing enforcement efforts to ensure rapid removal. Property owners, tenants, or anyone in control of a property are held liable for the upkeep of their real property, which includes removing any drawings, inscriptions, or writings visible to the public.
Failure to remove graffiti within seven days of being notified by the city can result in a Class B misdemeanor charge. Residents can report graffiti through the SSL Neighborhoods Connect Line at 801-464-6757, via email at connect@sslc.gov, or by contacting South Salt Lake Non-Emergency Dispatch at 801-840-4000.
Waste and Litter Management
Regarding waste management, the city follows Salt Lake County Health Department standards, which define solid waste to include garbage, trash, hazardous waste, industrial waste, construction and demolition waste, used oil, or accumulated discarded materials. It is illegal for any person to deposit litter or solid waste in any place other than an approved trash container area, including ditches, gutters, streets, or private lots.
For residents needing to dispose of larger items, South Salt Lake offers bulk waste trailer rentals, also known as dumpsters, for $50. These trailers are available to residential garbage customers and are delivered and picked up directly from the home, though certain restrictions apply.
Outdoor Storage and Snow Removal
Outdoor storage rules prohibit the storage of miscellaneous materials, tools, furniture, or household goods outdoors on residential properties, with the exception of approved items like storage sheds and planters. The city also prohibits using indoor furniture as outdoor leisure furniture and forbids hanging laundry on fences, porches, or clotheslines if it is visible from the street.
Finally, specific rules apply to snow removal and winter parking. Snow must be removed the same day it falls, unless the snowfall occurs after 6:00 p.m., in which case it must be cleared by 10:00 a.m. the following morning. To facilitate snow removal, the city prohibits parking on any city street or roadway between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Additionally, parking is prohibited for more than two hours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Main Street between 2100 South and 3000 South.
Code Enforcement Goals
The outlined regulations serve as a framework for maintaining the aesthetic and functional standards of South Salt Lake neighborhoods. By addressing vehicle storage, waste accumulation, and seasonal maintenance like snow removal, the city aims to prevent public nuisances and ensure the upkeep of both private and public property.
