Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Natural Resources
Title R657 - Wildlife Resources
Rule R657-28 - Use of Division Lands
Section R657-28-8 - Special Use Permits

Universal Citation: UT Admin Code R 657-28-8

Current through Bulletin 2024-06, March 15, 2024

(1) As defined in Section R657-28-2, the division may issue a special use permit to applicants who wish to utilize division lands for temporary, non-depleting activities.

(a) Special use permits will be required for research, seismic testing, surveys, organized events, commercial gain, or other special activity or use.

(b) The division may not issue a special use permit on division lands if the use would interfere with the authorized purpose for which the property was acquired.

(c) The division may issue exclusive or non-exclusive special use permits on division lands when the division deems it consistent with Title 23 Wildlife Resources Code of Utah and division rules and policies.

(d) Special use permits may not exceed one year from the date of issuance.

(e) At the discretion of the division, special use permit requirements may be waived for volunteers or contractors hired at the request of the division to complete work that falls within the definition of a special use permit.

(2) Applicants who wish to obtain a special use permit on division lands will follow the division's application process.

(a) Applicants shall submit a complete application to the division at least 30 days before the proposed use start date.
(i) When an application is submitted less than 30 days before the proposed use start date, the application will be deemed untimely and the request shall state the grounds for its untimeliness. If the division determines that the untimeliness should be excused because of urgency, unexpected circumstances, or other reasons, the request may be processed and charged a late fee as defined in Subsection 4(b).

(b) As part of the application process, applications will include:
(i) A non-refundable application fee, as defined in the fee schedule set forth by the Utah Legislature,

(ii) A completed division special use permit application with required signatures, and

(iii) A copy of the applicant's Commercial General Liability insurance, which will be no less than one million dollars per person per occurrence and three million dollars aggregate, and must list Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as a co-insured party.
(A) The division may waive or alter this requirement for state and local government agencies, public universities, or as deemed appropriate by the division.

(3) The division's review process will begin once a complete application is received.

(a) The division will have 30 days to complete a review of the application and either approve or deny the request. The division will consider the following in its review of the application:
(i) the potential impact to wildlife, wildlife habitat, public recreation, or cultural and historic resources;

(ii) the applicant 's consideration for ways to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife, wildlife habitat, or public recreation;

(iii) the applicant's ability to use alternative locations reasonably available on lands not owned by the division for the requested use;

(iv) third party contractual or legal oversight rights;

(v) whether or not the applicant is in default on any previous obligation to the division;

(vi) whether or not the application is submitted less than 30 days before the proposed use start date; and

(vii) other criteria as may be necessary to evaluate the application.

(b) If the application is approved, the division will notify the applicant of required permit terms and conditions, and compensation requirements. If the application is denied, the division will provide a written notice to the applicant.

(4) The division may require compensation for special use permits issued on division lands.

(a) The compensation for a special use permit shall be identified before issuance of the special use permit and will be generally based upon the following factors:
(i) fee schedule set forth by the Utah Legislature;

(ii) the administrative cost incurred to the division in reviewing, preparing, and administering the special use permit;

(iii) the fair market value of the use;

(iv) impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat;

(v) impacts to public access; and

(vi) impacts to public opportunities to engage in wildlife-related activities.

(b) The division may charge a late fee up to $100, per Subsection 2(a)(i) when an applicant has not submitted an application within 30 days of the proposed start date of the activity.

(c) In lieu of monetary compensation, the division may suggest and accept in-kind compensation in the form of:
(i) land enhancements,

(ii) habitat maintenance or improvements,

(iii) data reports,

(iv) or other forms of compensation that are beneficial to wildlife management and the division's statutory responsibilities. The in-kind compensation must be greater than or equal to the monetary fees that would have been paid to the division.

(d) In special circumstances, the division may waive compensation requirements for uses that directly promote or enhance the mission of the division.

(5) Special use permits are non-transferable.

(6) The division may terminate a special use permit for non-compliance or for failure to abide by any terms and conditions in a signed special use permit.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Utah may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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