Unlike many of its neighboring states, Utah currently has no statewide “stay home” or “shelter in place” order. However, in response to COVID-19, Governor Gary Herbert has issued a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” directive on March 27, 2020. This is not a shelter in place order. It is a directive that tells individuals and businesses
Melanie Clark
Condemnation Awards on Leasehold Interests
By Melanie Clark on
Posted in Condemnation
A recent Utah case, adopting a “termination clause rule,” may have tenants in Utah reconsidering condemnation provisions in leases. In UDOT v. Kmart, 2018 UT 54, the Utah Supreme Court denied a condemnation award to a tenant because the lease automatically terminated upon condemnation. The Court found the tenant had no interest for which…
Establishing a Legal Nonconforming Use
By Melanie Clark on
Posted in Land Use
The key to a legal nonconforming use is establishing that the use was previously permitted. The Utah Court of Appeals recently reiterated this statutory requirement in LJ Mascaro v. Herriman City, 2018 UT App 127, where it stated a land owner must “provide substantial evidence to support a prior legal use,” in order to…