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1. Why are building permits needed?

Building permits provide the minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure or premises, or make any installation or improvement to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical system in a building, structure or premises, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining the prescribed permits for each such building or structure or premises from the building official. - slc.gov

2. When is a building permit required?

If the structure is changed a permit is required. This includes if the floor, walls, roof, windows, or doors are added, removed, or changed. If a system such as the electrical system is added to, the furnace is replaced, etc., a permit is needed.

3. What does a permit cost?

The permit fees are based on the cost (valuation) of the construction. A deposit fee of $500 is charged for all new residential and commercial plan submissions. This fee is payable upon submission of construction plans to the Building Department for review and is applied to the cost of the final building permit. Sheds, garages, remodels, additions, and basements need a $45 deposit. Pools require a $100 deposit. A state fee of 1% of the building permit fee is charged and sent to the state. The fees are all different in Highland, depending upon what was paid at development stage. These fees are fixed for new single family residential permits and are as follows:

• Central Sewer Impact Fee: $1,581
• Southeast Sewer Impact Fee: $2,773.00 
• Timp. Sewer District Impact Fee: $1785.55
• Pressurized Irrigation Impact Fee: Determined by the permeable surface x .51
• Park Impact Fee: $5854.00
• Roads Impact Fee: $538.00
• Police Impact Fee: $515.67
• Fire Impact Fee: $245.02
• South East Culinary Water Impact Fee: $603.00
• Bond: $4,000.00
• Culinary Water Meter Hook-up: $546.18
• PI Water Meter Hook-up: $607.51
• Storm Water Review Fee: $1500.00

4. How do I schedule inspections?

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 6:00pm by scheduling through our online portal in My City Inspector or by calling (801) 772-4516. All inspections are scheduled no less than 24 hours in advance of the inspection time. Please make certain that all work is complete and you are ready for your inspection prior to calling. The standard inspections are, but are not limited to, footings, foundations, temporary power, underground plumbing, four-way (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and framing), permanent power, stucco, weather barrier, flashing, sheetrock, shower pan, and final inspection. However, depending upon the complexity of your construction there may be other inspections required. 

5. What information is required on the plans?

See the checklists under Building

6. What are the building codes?

View Highland's adopted codes.

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1. What is zoning?

All of the land within the City is broken into zones, which allow different land uses for residential, office, and commercial. Each zone (or district) has a list of permitted uses. Each district also has a list of certain rules for the development of these uses which include lot coverage, building setbacks, parking requirements, height requirements, signage, and landscaping.

2. What is my property zoned?

You can find out the zoning on your property by calling the Community Development Department at (801) 772-4506. Typically, just a street address is needed. You can also look at the Zoning Map (PDF) or online through Highland City Zoning Map Viewer ; however, we recommend you call the Community Development Department at (801) 772-4506 to verify that the information is correct.

3. Can I build a shed or accessory structure on my property?

All accessory buildings within Highland City shall conform to the following standards, setbacks and conditions:

(1) An accessory building is any building or structure which is not attached to the main dwelling on the lot that is: 

(a) Greater than 200 square feet, or 

(b) That is attached to a permanent foundation as defined by the building code.

(2) Size. Accessory buildings shall not cover more than five percent (5%) of the total gross lot area. 

(3) Height. No accessory building shall be erected to a height greater than twenty-five feet (25’) from grade. 

(4) Setbacks. All accessory buildings shall comply with the following setbacks: 

(a) All accessory buildings shall be set back from the front property line a minimum of thirty feet (30') or consistent with the primary dwelling, whichever is less. 

(b) An accessory building shall be set back from the rear property line a minimum of ten feet (10').

(c) All accessory buildings shall be set back from the side property line a minimum of ten feet (10'). 

(i) All accessory buildings shall be set back at minimum an amount of ten feet (10') from the side lot line which abuts a street or ten feet (10’) from the Parkway Detail. 

(d) All accessory buildings shall be placed no closer than six (6) feet from the main building. Said six feet shall be measured to the closest part of the structures including any roof overhang.

(5) Materials. Accessory buildings shall be constructed out of exterior materials consistent with the primary dwelling if the lot is 1/2 acre or less. 

For a visual representation of the setbacks, please see the Accessory Structure (PDF).

4. Can I get a variance?

To qualify for a variance, the Utah State Code requires that the applicant fulfill 5 requirements:

1. Literal enforcement of the land use ordinance would cause an unreasonable hardship for the applicant that is not necessary to carry out the general purpose of the ordinance.
2. There are special circumstances attached to the property that do not generally apply to other properties in the same district.

3. Granting the variance is essential to the enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other property in the same zone.

4. The variance will not substantially affect the general plan and will not be contrary to the public interest.

5. The spirit of the zoning ordinance is observed and substantial justice is done.

An Appeal Authority will determine if all 5 of these requirements are meant.

5. How do I subdivide my property?

Whether or not a property is eligible for subdivision requires the analysis of several factors, including road frontage and access, infrastructure analysis, etc. The Planning Division staff would be happy to provide you with more information on the subdivision process. Please contact the Community Development Department at (801) 772-4506 to obtain additional information.

6. How many animals can I have on my property?

See our document on Animal Rights Information.

7. What easements do I have on my property?

Generally, utility easements are 10 feet on all sides of the property. Some properties have trail, park, and waterway easements, which can all be determined by checking the subdivision plat.

8. What is the difference between an easement and a setback?

An easement is a designated area on a lot that allows utility companies, the City, waterways, or other designated entities access to landowners’ property. A setback is the distance a building or structure may be from the property line.

9. Where can I put my fence?

Any fence needs a fence permit from the City. The Fence Permit Application describes where a fence can be, how tall it can be, etc. The application can be submitted online through Fence Permit Application Online Submittal or can be brought to the City Office. 

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1. How do I log into my account?

To log into your account: 

1. Go to the library catalog  and click on "My Account." 

2. Enter your bar-code number on the back of your library card. (no spaces)

3. Enter your password (1234 if you have not changed it to something else). If you don’t know your pin, contact the Library.

After you log into your account, you can see what items you have checked out, renew items, see your fines, place holds or check on the status of your holds, and turn on your check history (to help you keep track of what items have been checked out on your account). Be sure to log out of your account when finished.

2. What is my pin? How do I reset my pin?

All library cards are set up with a four digit pin number that you chose when you apply for a card. If you have forgotten your pin you can call the library circulation desk (801-772-4528). Be prepared to give your library card number and confirm your identity. We will then change your pin to a default number. You can then log in to your account on our website and reset your pin.

3. Is the Highland Library connected to other libraries such as Lehi or American Fork?

Highland Library is part of the Northern Utah County Library Cooperative (NUCLC). Highland Library card holders can register their cards to use at other NUCLC libraries for free. When you check out a book from any of the NUCLC libraries you must return it to that library. The NUCLC libraries are Highland, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs (Saratoga Springs is a Junior NUCLC library and has added restrictions).

4. I renewed something, why did I still get a fine?

Items are due at the time the Library closes 1 week (videos) or 3 weeks (everything else) from the date they were checked out. If you renew something after the time the Library closes the day it is due, you may be assessed a fine. Fines are $1.00 per day for videos and Literacy Kits, and $.10 for other materials.

5. Do I need to have my library card with me to check out items?

We encourage patrons to use their library cards to check out items. If you forget your library card, you can still check out by showing a valid ID to the librarian at the circulation desk.

6. Can I request something from another library?

Yes, you may request materials from other libraries through us. Simply come into the library and complete an Inter-library Loan request form and we will see if we can find it. There is a fee of $3 Inter-library Loan requests. Please be aware of the following when submitting requests: * Even if you find it in another library catalog, all our requests are managed by the State Library Division and they randomly ask libraries for the item (they only ask libraries for it if they know if they own it). * Libraries are often reluctant to loan new or popular items. They prefer to make them available for their own patrons first. Most videos and audio items are easily damaged in the mail so most libraries will be reluctant to loan those types of items as well. * Items may take a few days to several weeks to get it here. We not only have control over that, we don't know where they are or coming from!

7. Can I request that the library purchase something?

You may. Come to the library to fill out a "Suggestion for Purchase" form. All materials that are suggested are evaluated against our Collection Development Policy.

8. Why does the Library require pre-registration for some of its programs?

Because we have limited staff and space, we require registration for some programs. This allows us plan properly as we arrange space and purchase supplies. In most cases you must have a Highland Library card to register for a Highland Library program.

9. I can't find an item I had checked out. What do I do?

The best thing to do is to renew the item. You can renew items up to 3 times, as long as they are not on hold for other patrons. That should give you sufficient time to look for the item.

If you still cannot find it 60 days after you last checked it out you will be charged the price of the item plus a $5 processing fee.

10. If I lost or damaged an item can I just replace it?

In most cases we do not accept donations to replace lost items.

11. Why can't I request an item that is on the shelf?

Patrons can place holds on items that are checked out. When the item is returned our catalog system alerts us that the item is on hold and we place it on the hold shelf. If the item is not checked out it is available to the public on a first come/first served basis.

12. Can I get a library card if I live in Alpine or Cedar Hills?

If you live in Alpine or Cedar Hills you may apply for a non-resident card. The cost is $70/year which is approximately the amount the Highland residents pay in taxes to support the Library. Both Alpine and Cedar Hills will reimburse their residents part of the cost for a Highland Library card.

13. Can I reserve a study room?

The study room at the Highland Library is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Patrons can use the study room for up to two hours each day.

Those who need to take a proctored exam my reserve the study room to take their exam. If you need to take a proctored exam contact the Library for more information.

14. Do you have a color printer/copier? Can I print from email or a USB drive?

The Highland Library has a printer/copier that prints in both color and black and white. Patrons can get a guest pass to use a public access computer and print documents from their email or other online sources. They can also print directly from a USB. Ask a librarian for help.

15. Do you have e-books or e-audiobooks?

Yes! We have over 200,000 titles available through Overdrive or RB digital. We also offer free access to a number of high quality informational databases. Click on the E-Book & Electronic Resources button on our website for more information.

16. Can I volunteer at the Library?

The Library thrives with the help of many volunteers. We have volunteers that help process and shelve books, prepare materials for programs, and do other library tasks. We also have volunteers that participate in our Friends of the Library group or on the Library Foundation or Library Board. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. The Library does not offer court ordered service opportunities. Contact the Library for more information.

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1. How do I stay updated about what's going on in Highland?

You can sign up to receive email or text notifications about city happenings through Utah County Alerts. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

here.

2. How do I get a dog license?

Contact Lone Peak Police Department at 5400 Civic Center Dr. Suite 3, Monday - Thursday 8:00-5:00 and Friday 8:00-12:00 or by calling (801)756-9800.

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1. How do I reserve a park?

You can reserve a park on our website. Please note that, park reservations are accepted on an annual basis beginning on the first business day of January each calendar year. Park reservations are only scheduled for May 1 through September 30; all other months are first-come, first-served. For more information and to reserve a park, click here.

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1. When does the city turn on and shut off the Pressurized Irrigation system?

The city turns on the PI system on April 15 and off on Oct 15 of each year. For more information, please visit Pressurized Irrigation.

2. I’m installing a water softener and need to know the hardness of my culinary water is.

Highland City averages 14 grains.

3. What are the city's policies for parking in regards to snow removal?

Vehicles may not park on City Streets between midnight - 8:00 a.m., December 1st through March 31st, and anytime snow is present. The Police Department may issue a parking citation, and may have the vehicles that are parking on the street towed, especially during or shortly after a snow storm. Parking on the street after a snow storm makes it difficult for plows to clear the streets. For more information on snow removal, visit Snowplowing.

4. How does the city decide where to plow during snow removal?

The city prioritizes heavily used and thru roads first and works down from there. Cul-de-sacs are not plowed or salted until every thru-road has been cleared. This can take anywhere from 3-5 days after a storm has passed. Also, please take into consideration that the Utah County plows North Utah County Blvd (4800 West), SR-92 and SR-74. For more information on snow removal, including a priority map, visit Snowplowing.

5. My street hasn't been plowed. How do I report that?

You may call the Highland City Public Works department at (801) 772-4515.However, please realize that cul-de-sacs are not plowed or salted until every thru-road has been cleared. This can take anywhere from 3-5 days after a storm has passed. Also, please take into consideration that the Utah County plows North Utah County Blvd (4800 West), SR-92 and SR-74. For more information on snow removal, visit Snowplowing.

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1. How do I register to vote?

You can register online or get a form to register by mail at www.Vote.Utah.Gov. You can also register in person at the Utah County Clerk's Office, 100 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84606.

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1. How can I sign up for automatic payments and/or paperless billing?

Set up an account through Xpress bill pay by visiting our home page or clicking

here.

2. When is garbage and recylcing day?

Garbage collection is Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Please see the route map for your specific pickup day.

Recycling collection is every other week. See the Recyclable Calendar and Acceptable Items (PDF) handout.

3. My garbage can is broken—what do I do?

Contact Waste Management directly at (888) 496-8824

.

4. My trash didn’t get picked up.

Contact Waste Management directly at (888) 496-8824

.

5. How do I add or remove a recycle or garbage can?

Contact Highland City at (801) 756-5751

or fill out our online Garbage and Recycle Can Change Application. If service is terminated earlier than 12 month, you will be assessed a $10.00 retrieval fee per cart removed.

6. I don't understand my utility bill.

Highland City bills one month ahead except for culinary water. Culinary water meter readings are from the 15 through the 15. Utility bills should arrive around the 1 of the month for that month and are due on the 20. For more questions, please call us at 801-772-4523.

7. Why doesn't the City offer curbside green waste?

In 2012 the City explored the possibility of adding curbside green waste removal. At the time we needed about half of Highland’s homes to sign up to add the service and there wasn’t enough interest. In addition, right now there is not a good disposal location for green waste. In the past, Timpanogos Special Service District took green waste, however, that service ended in June of 2020. When an alternative green waste disposal avenue becomes available, the City is open to again looking into the possibility of adding the service. In the interim, if you need an extra garbage can to dispose of your green waste, contact Highland City at (801) 756-5751

or fill out our online Garbage and Recycle Can Change Application. Having some amount of green waste in normal garbage landfills is helpful as the organic material helps other waste break down. Please note that if you do not keep a can for 12 months, there is a $10 retrieval fee.

8. Why doesn’t the city issue free dump passes anymore?

In an effort to cut costs, the City Council voted to cancel dump passes.