Work session: county staff outline code changes required by Senate Bill 81, recommend exempting many home occupations

Peggy Kelsey of Utah County Community Development led a work session explaining changes required by the recent passage of Senate Bill 81 and proposed code updates to County Code Chapter 11.

Kelsey told commissioners the state bill (Senate Bill 81) changed how localities can regulate business licensing: licensing fees became regulatory, occasional youth-run businesses were exempted and counties could not charge licensing fees for certain home occupations that lack visiting clientele. Kelsey recommended that Utah County exempt many home occupations that do not involve visiting clientele and said the change would affect roughly 105 licenses and cost the county "a little over $6,000" in lost annual revenue.

Commissioners asked for draft code language and suggested options, such as specifying a numeric cap on visiting clientele (for example three to five visitors) before a home occupation would require licensing and inspection. Kelsey said she would prepare proposed language and attempt to bring an item back for the next Tuesday meeting so staff can begin generating renewals with the appropriate rules.

Why it matters: The changes stem from state law and require local code updates; they affect small-business owners who operate from home and county licensing revenue and inspection workload.

Next steps: Staff will prepare draft code language reflecting options discussed (exemptions and potential numerical thresholds for visiting clientele), share it with commissioners for review, and seek to place a proposed amendment on a forthcoming agenda.