The Salt Lake County Assessor’s Office maintains critical records regarding the history and use of residential properties within Draper. According to administrative interpretations from the Draper City Planning Division, the Assessor’s Office provides the foundational data used to determine if a structure is a legal nonconforming use. This status is particularly significant for properties that were established before the City of Draper was incorporated in 1978.
In one instance regarding a property at 13225 South Fort Street, the Assessor’s Office records were used to verify that a home on the site was built in 1934. This historical data helped establish that a corn silo on the property was a legal nonconforming use. Furthermore, the Assessor’s Office provided documentation regarding the construction dates of various homes to help city planners evaluate compliance with current zoning regulations. For example, in a review of a property located at 12216 South 800 East, records from the Assessor’s Office showed the home was built in 1934, which predates the 1978 incorporation of the city.
These historical records are vital when residents seek to change or repair their properties. Under Draper City Municipal Code (DCMC) Section 9-6-050(B), a nonconforming structure may be maintained through repairs and structural alterations, provided the degree of nonconformity is not increased. The Assessor’s Office assists in this process by providing the chronological context needed to prove a structure or use existed prior to current zoning restrictions. In the case of the 12216 South 800 East property, the Assessor’s Office provided several appraisals—specifically from 1935, 1945, 1955, 1978, and 1987—to help determine the legal status of a duplex. These appraisals allowed planners to see that while a 1935 appraisal listed the dwelling as a single-family dwelling, subsequent appraisals identified it as a duplex.
The office also helps clarify the status of properties located on private roadways. In a 2020 memorandum regarding the Larkin Residence at 965 East Canyon Breeze Lane, the Assessor’s Office noted the home was built in 1973. This information, combined with city code, allows the Planning Division to determine setbacks and whether new construction, such as a covered porch, would violate current zoning laws. Because the city's current rules for the RA2 zone require a 30-foot front yard setback, and the existing home has a setback of 16 feet 11.5 inches, the Assessor's data helps confirm that the home is a legal nonconforming structure.
By maintaining these property records and construction dates, the Salt Lake County Assessor’s Office provides the essential evidence required for residents to navigate the complexities of city zoning and the maintenance of older structures. This data ensures that historical property uses are recognized and that new developments remain within the bounds of the Draper City Municipal Code.
What this means for Draper
For Draper residents, the Salt Lake County Assessor’s Office serves as a vital source of historical truth. Their records allow homeowners to prove that older structures or uses are legal, helping residents navigate complex zoning rules when they want to repair, maintain, or add to their property without violating city code.
