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October 17, 2023

Salt Lake County Announces Move to Improve Safety and Traffic Flow in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon

Salt Lake County – A significant Salt Lake County long-term strategy is to increase safety and improve traffic flow for residents and visitors to the unincorporated Cottonwood Canyons. Today, a revision to Salt Lake County Ordinance 11.20.050 entitled “Parking Prohibited in Specified Areas” was passed by the County Council and will take effect November 1, 2023. 

This revised ordinance is the result of a collaboration between Salt Lake County, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), and the Unified Police Department working together for the safety of travelers and ease of transport to our beautiful canyons year-round.  The revision passed today is aimed at creating safer traveling conditions and improved traffic flow by enhancing restrictions on parking. The previous parking restriction system has contributed to traffic congestion and has put our canyon visitors, snowplow drivers, and officers patrolling the canyons at risk during peak travel days.

The revised parking ordinance includes the following specifications:

  • Violations of the ordinance will result in a civil penalty
  • If a vehicle violates the rules, the person registered to the vehicle will be responsible for the parking violation
  • Violation fines range from $75 to $150 (an increase from $25)
  • The ordinance does not expand current “no parking areas,” but merely enhances the ability to enforce existing “no parking areas” with a stronger penalty and an improved process
  • Effective date: November 1, 2023

The revised ordinance sets a higher penalty for parking in existing prohibited parking areas. This new fine structure only relates to existing “no parking areas,” i.e., it does not  create new restricted areas. The applicable fine prior to this ordinance change was $25. This amount was not serving as an effective deterrent to unlawful parking in the Cottonwood Canyons given that the amount is less expensive (or comparable) to parking reservations at many of the resorts. The prior penalty was also a criminal offense, with a higher burden of proof, and therefore more likely subject to dismissal. The new ordinance changes the violation to a civil penalty. 

“Over recent years, our officers have seen an increase in service calls to illegal parking and unsafe traveling conditions. Illegal parking can create hazardous conditions, especially in winter, leading to more vehicle accidents and delays. Our officers will monitor the roads to ensure people park in the designated areas so we can all enjoy our beautiful mountains more safely,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. 

“Illegal parking is unsafe, slows traffic flow, and creates a safety hazard for other vehicles. And the previous fines weren’t an effective deterrent. The County is making this change to help keep traffic flowing and people safe,” said Salt Lake County Councilman Jim Bradley, co-sponsor of the revised ordinance. 

Salt Lake County is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors in areas of high seasonal demand. The new ordinance will go into effect on November 1.