How new districts are created

Special districts perform an important function in the way that Utah operates together to make it a better place to live for everyone. To that end, sometimes new districts need to be created in order to meet a specific need.

We wanted to give you some insight into what goes into creating a new district. It’s a process that really speaks to how much they serve the residents of an area and what needs to take place in order to improve the state in which we all live.

How local districts are created

Some common local districts have been created to provide certain operations, including airport use, libraries, sewage systems or animal control, among many other services.

If you are a citizen and you feel there is a need for a district to be created, you can create a citizen petition to ask for one. However, it is through the city or county governmental process that these districts are formed. 

For the process to create to move forward, specific rules as to how many people want – or do not want – a local district must be followed.

The petition needs to be signed by 33% of private property owners within that district, and their property value must equal 25% or more. It can also be signed by 33% of voters in the last gubernatorial election.

How special service districts are formed

A special service district is usually formed to perform a service that is specific to an area within a city or county. Among the more common ones are for water, drainage, health care, transportation or fire protection.

As such, the special service district process is considerably different. This is solely formed by citizen petition, not by local or county leaders.

The requirements are also different, in that property owners within the proposed district only need to total 10% of taxable value of property within that district. Similarly, just 10% of voters within the district that’s proposed can lead to approval.

The special service district petition needs to be detailed, including proposed boundaries, services to be provided and a name for the district.

After a public notice period, the creation of the special service district can take place through the city or county government.

Our role in helping you with your role



As part of what the UASD does, we promote awareness with government and public officials, train board members and their staff, provide advocacy for key issues, and update laws and regulations, among other duties. To learn more about our mission and how we can help, go to our website.