Treasure Hunt: Obtaining Non-Conforming Use Certificates in Ogden

I was speaking to a client the other day and he was relating a problem.  He owns a triplex in Ogden and has been renting it for a number of years.  Then, suddenly, Ogden City zoning enforcement notifies him that his property is not zoned for a triplex.  The city has no record of a non-conforming use certificate.

So, how do we fix this problem?  Ogden City typically will grandfather a multi-unit property if it can be shown that there was use going back prior to 1952.  But where do you find this information?  The answer lies in the archives of the Weber County Library.

On the  main floor in the south end of the building is a reference desk.  Hand the lady your cell phone and tell her that you want to see the "Polk Directories" for any year you can think of off the top of your head that is before 1952.  Might I suggest 1951 as a good start.

The Polk Directories is like an old phone book but without phone numbers.  It lists addresses and the names of people living at the property.

They are also full of cool old advertisement for local businesses.

If you are needing a non-conforming use certificate, you will be looking for multiple names at the same address.  Unfortunately for my client, it appears his property was subdivided after the cut off date for grandfathering.  It looks like we will be seeking some alternative solutions for his property woes.