11-51a-102. Definitions.

331 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-11/chapter-51a/11-51a-102·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 11/6/2025

As used in this chapter:

(1)"Catastrophic public nuisance" means a condition on state or federal land where natural resources and biota have been managed or neglected to such an extent as to cause:

(a)the threat of a catastrophic wildfire demonstrated by:

(i)stand density, basal area, or ground fuel load greater than 150% of land health standards; or

(ii)an insect or disease infestation severe enough to threaten the mortality of at least 20% of the trees in the area; or

(b)a condition in the area that threatens the:

(i)quantity or quality of the public water supply of a political subdivision;

(ii)health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of a political subdivision;

(iii)air quality of a nonattainment area; or

(iv)vegetative resources required to support land health and authorized livestock grazing.

(2)"Chief executive officer" means:

(a)for a municipality:

(i)the mayor, if the municipality is operating under a form of municipal government other than the council-manager form of government; or

(ii)the city manager, if the municipality is operating under the council-manager form of government; and

(b)for a county:

(i)the chair of the county commission, if the county is operating under the county commission or expanded county commission form of government;

(ii)the county executive officer, if the county is operating under the county-executive form of government; or

(iii)the county manager, if the county is operating under the council-manager form of government.

(3)"County sheriff" means an individual:

(a)elected to the office of county sheriff; and

(b)who fulfills the duties described in Section 17-72-201 .

(4)"Federal agency" means the:

(a)United States Bureau of Land Management;

(b)United States Forest Service;

(c)United States Fish and Wildlife Service; or

(d)National Park Service.

(5)"Federally managed land" means land that is managed by a federal agency.

(6)"Political subdivision" means a municipality or county.

Amended by Chapter 16 , 2025 Special Session 1