Department of Community Development Commonly Asked Questions ZONING MAP Is the Zoning Map for Riverdale City online? FENCES Is a permit required to build a fence Riverdale City? SHEDS / ACCESSORY BUILDING Is a permit required to build a shed in Riverdale City? SPRINKLERS Is a permit required to install a sprinkler system in Riverdale City? HOME OCCUPATIONS / HOME BUSINESSES Is a business license required to operate a business from my home in Riverdale City? OTHER QUESTIONS Must plans be stamped? Who may stamp plans? How many sets of plans must be submitted? What contractors are required to do building, additions or repairs in Riverdale? What is the policy for moved buildings? What is the policy on Manufactured Move-on Homes? What signatures are needed on permit applications, and who should take out the permit? If I construct an addition or remodel, will I need to bring my existing building into compliance with current building codes? Is a building permit required to re-roof your home? Either re-shingle; re-tar or tar & gravel? Is a building permit required to do a roof conversion? Should I shovel the snow off my roof? Are weekend inspections available? Do I need a permit to demolish a structure? What is the penalty for building without a permit? What Repairs Do Not Need A Building Permit?

ZONING MAP
To view the Zoning Map for Riverdale City Click Here.

FENCES

Q Is a permit required to build a fence Riverdale City?

A Yes. A fence permit is required in Riverdale City. To obtain a free permit Click Here to print out a permit or you may contact the Community Development Department located in the City Office Building at 4600 South Weber River Drive. You may also call 394-5541 ext. 1240 for more information.

To view the Fence Ordinance please Click Here.

To view the fence height diagram Click Here.

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Q Is a permit required to build a shed in Riverdale City?

A Yes and No. If a permit is required, A fee based on the valuation of the structure will be assessed.

Typically, a shed that is 200 square feet or less does not require a building permit unless some type of electrical or plumbing work will be completed. A shed that exceeds 200 square feet requires a building permit.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT SHEDS

1) A shed is considered an “Accessory Building” and accessory buildings have limitations in a residential zone. An accessory building cannot exceed twenty (20) feet in height nor can it be greater than 1,000 square feet in area. In addition, an accessory building or group of accessory buildings cannot cover more than twenty-five percent of your rear yard.

2) When an accessory building (shed) is detached from the main building (your house), and the accessory building is located at least six (6) feet behind the main building, then the rear yard set back for the accessory building may be no less than one (1) foot from the property line.

Simply put, the shed can be one foot off your property line if it is at least six (6) feet behind your house. WITH ONE EXCEPTION, IF THERE ARE UTILITY EASEMENTS. If the shed is not six (6) feet behind your house, the shed will have to meet the minimum side yard setback requirements for its designated zoning, which is typically eight (8) feet.

3) Utility easements are generally anywhere from five to ten feet and can be located almost anywhere on your property. Yes, it is still your property; however, utility companies have rights to that portion of your property. Permanent structures cannot be built in a utility easement. If you plan to build some type of shed or accessory building on your property, please contact the Community Development department at 394-5541 ext. 1240 to determine the size and location of the utility easements on your property.

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A No. A permit is not required to install a sprinkling system; however, there is an information sheet about safe drinking water with valuable information that should be reviewed before installing a sprinkler system. To view and print the information sheet please click here (PDF file).

 

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

There are two types of sprinkler systems: testable systems and non-testable systems. The testable systems have test ports, which require annual testing.

The City prefers that non-testable systems be installed; however, it is your choice to decide which type of system will be installed. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of systems. This sprinkler section will briefly cover both. If you have further questions regarding types of sprinklers, the installation of sprinklers, and City requirements please contact the Community Development department at 394-5541 ext. 1240.

NON-TESTABLE SYSTEM

Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB)

Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers are not under continuous pressure, and they should be on the non-continuous pressure side of the valve. The atmospheric breaker is always between the sprinkler head and the valve.

Advantage – Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers do not require an annual test. Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers are generally less expensive to purchase and maintain.

Disadvantage – The manual or automatic anti-siphon valves should be placed 6 inches above the highest head – NEVER UNDERGROUND.

 

TESTABLE SYSTEMS

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

Double Check (DC)

The backflow device is always between the sprinkler head and the Pressure Vacuum Break (PVB System) or the Double Check Device (DC Systems).

Advantage – The system only requires one atmospheric pressure vacuum breaker for the entire system.

Disadvantage – Pressure Vacuum Breakers and Double Checks have test ports, and State law requires any assembly with test ports be tested within ten (10) days of first use and ANNUALLY. The annual test must be performed by a licensed backflow technician, and the cost of the test usually costs at least $50.

INSTALLATION

Please notify Blue Stakes three (3) working days prior to installation of your sprinkler system; the telephone number to Blue Stakes is 1-800-622-4111

Blue Stakes will come out to your property and mark the location of all utilities located on your property.

Make sure the water tap is on your property (normally at least one-foot in from the sidewalk toward your home). NEVER IN THE WATER METER BOX

Install your sprinkler system, following the directions on the valve instructions. If you choose to have a licensed contract install your system, please contact the Community Development Department at 394-5541 ext. 1240 to verify that the contractor is properly licensed.

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HOME OCCUPATIONS / HOME BUSINESSES
Q Is a business license required to operate a business from my home in Riverdale City?
A Yes. A business license is required to operate any type of business from a home. A home
based business is classified as a Home Occupation.

Operating a business from a residential zone is a conditional use; therefore, a conditional use permit and a business license must be completed and returned to the City. The Planning Commission approves the conditional use permit, and attending a Planning Commission meeting is mandatory for its approval. The Planning Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. After the Planning Commission approves the conditional use permit, the City Council approves the business license. A copy of the home occupation business license/conditional use permit can be printed from the City’s web page.

A Home Occupation business license cost $20 a year for sales or services under $5,000 per year and $50 a year for sales or services over $5,000 per year.

Riverdale City’s Title 19, Chapter 5. Home Occupations addresses the conditions and regulations of home occupations. For your convenience, a copy of the home occupation ordinance can be viewed or printed from the City’s web page.