Short answer: Salt Lake County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Salt Lake City tracts. Utah does not operate a homeowners FAIR Plan.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Salt Lake City area (Salt Lake County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Salt Lake County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Salt Lake County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Salt Lake County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Salt Lake County
Since 1983, Salt Lake County has been part of 6 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were flood events (3), severe storm events (1) and earthquake events (1). The most recent: Straight-Line Winds, 2021, Earthquake and Aftershocks, 2020, Flooding, 2011 and Tornado, Severe Thunderstorms, and Hail, 1999. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
When State Street became a river
A Salt Lake City Public Utilities history of the 1983 flood describes a heavy snowpack that melted late. The city diked 1300 South into a 3-mile channel to carry Red Butte, Emigration and Parleys creeks to the Jordan River. On May 29, City Creek jumped its banks in Memory Grove after its conduit clogged with debris, and about 6,000 volunteers sandbagged State Street to carry the water downtown. Salt Lake County Flood Control counted 1,500 damaged sites, an estimated $34 million in damage.
Who to ask about your zone
Since 1983, debris basins on City Creek and the Little Dell Dam in Parleys Canyon, finished in 1992, have reduced the risk. They haven't removed it. Salt Lake City Public Utilities will help you find out whether a property is in a FEMA flood zone and also handles local flooding from rain, snowmelt and groundwater. City Code Chapter 18.68 doesn't allow the floodplain variances federal rules permit. To report flooding, call the 24-hour dispatch line at 801-483-6700.
No Utah FAIR Plan
Utah does not maintain a state FAIR Plan for homeowners. Shop admitted markets first; if they decline you, ask a licensed surplus-lines broker about non-admitted options and contact the Utah Insurance Department for consumer assistance.
Weed control
Salt Lake City Code §9.16.040 requires weeds kept at no more than six inches, with cuttings removed; listed noxious weeds must be eradicated. Clear before underwriting photos.
Auto: Utah liability minimums
Utah Code Title 31A Chapter 22 sets motor-vehicle liability minimums. For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, published figures include $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage (or a combined single limit alternative)—confirm the statute text and your insurer's declarations when you buy.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Utah.
Frequently asked questions
What weed height does Salt Lake City enforce?
No more than six inches under §9.16.040.
What auto liability does Utah require now?
Confirm current 31A-22 figures with your insurer; recent law cites 30/65/25 for many policies.
Does a Salt Lake City homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.