Riverton (11/50)(1 is most free, 50 is least free)
To learn what the below scores mean and how they were calculated, read our ranking methodology.
Individual Liberty (7/50)
This category compiles scores on 17 different data points to determine how well Riverton respects and protects the liberty of its citizens.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code Accessiblity | 1 | 10% | This city uses an online, easily navigable and searchable database for its city laws. | Code Publishing database |
| Dog Licensing | 19 | 10% | Depending on whether the dog is fixed or not and the length of the license you purchase, licensing fees for each dog ranges from $10. to $30. | Salt Lake Co. Animal Services |
| Free Speech | 1 | 15% | This city does not require a permit to stage a protest on public property. | |
| Daytime Curfew | 1 | 10% | This city does not impose a daytime curfew on minors. | |
| Vice Regulation | 34 | 10% | This city exceeds the regulations of state law on public consumption of alcohol by prohibiting beer in all public places. Smoking is also prohibited in certain outdoor areas. | 11-05-070, 11-10-030 |
| Campaign Contribution Limits | 1 | 10% | This city does not regulate free speech by imposing a limit on campaign contributions for city elections | |
| Loitering | 1 | 10% | The city does not include any specific loitering laws in its code. | |
| Violation of Ordinances | 8 | 10% | While some ordinances may impose a specific penalty, in Riverton the default penalty for a violation of any city ordinance, if not specified, is a class B misdemeanor which carries a fine of up to $1,000. | 1-25-030(2), 1-25-090 |
| Gun Regulation | 8 | 15% | Under authority granted from state law, Riverton has chosen to regulate the discharge of firearms in city limits; however, the city's law does make an exception for self-defense. | 9-20-010(1) |
Private Property (17/50)
63 different data points are included in this category to discern the degree to which Riverton respects and protects private property rights.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Use Permit Fees | 28 | 10% | The cost of a conditional use permit is $300. | Fee Schedule |
| Home Building Fees | 47 | 10% | The total cost of permit fees for building a typical single family home is $13,742. This includes $1,834 in permit fees, $11,450 in impact fees, $458 in site plan approval fees, and no plan check fees. | Per city staff |
| Animal Restrictions | 18 | 15% | Chickens are permitted in at least one residential zone. Beehives are permitted in residential zones without a permit. Assuming a lot size of 0.15 acres, this city only allows you to have 2 dogs, allows 0 chickens, and does not limit the number of beehives. | 6-05-480, 18-25 |
| Short-term Rentals | 17 | 15% | This city prohibits property owners from renting their residential property on a short-term basis as is often done through services like Airbnb and VRBO. | Per city staff (based on non-permitted land use) |
| Taxes & Cost of Government | 1 | 30% | The cost of government in Riverton as a share of the total taxable economic base is $36 per $10,000. As a share of total personal income, the cost is $144 per $10,000. On a per capita basis, the cost is $248. The city gets 1% of its tax revenue from property taxes, 51% of its tax revenue from sales tax, and 48% from other sources including fees and fines. | City Financial Statements |
| Bonded Debt | 30 | 15% | The city does not have any general obligation debt. However, if counting revenue bonds, the city's debt limit utilization would be 10.78%. | City Financial Statements |
| Lobbying | 34 | 5% | During the past two years, Riverton has spent an average of $24,000 each year to hire lobbyists to represent the city. | Per Records Request |
This city also has restrictive land use ordinances that violate property rights.
Free Enterprise (14/50)
The final category includes 35 different data points in an effort to review Riverton's protection—or violation—of the free market.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-owned Enterprises | 4 | 15% | This city owns one enterprise that could instead be offered by the private market: a redevelopment agency; | City Financial Statements |
| Beer Sale Restrictions | 21 | 10% | This city regulates the retail sale of beer by prohibiting sales from 1 am to 7 am. | 5-15-050 |
| Alcohol Licensing | 8 | 10% | The city requires $200 for a retail beer license, $200 for a restaurant license, and $200 for a tavern license. | City Fee Schedule |
| Sales Tax | 34 | 20% | This city imposes a combined sales tax rate of 6.85% on its citizens. Additionally, residents are required to pay a RAP tax at the rate of 0.1%. The city also has a municipal energy tax rate of 6.0%, a transient room tax at 4.75%, and a leasing tax at 7.5%. | State Tax Commission |
| Business Licensing | 20 | 35% | This city charges the following licensing fees: $50 for a home occupation license; $200 for a small commercial license; $200 for a large commercial license; $250 for a temporary firework stand; $250 for a temporary christmas tree lot; and $30 for two solicitor licenses. | City Fee Schedule |
| Commerce Regulations | 11 | 10% | Riverton prohibits home occupations from having visitors between 7pm and 7am. Any businesses within 250 feet of a home must close between 10pm and 6am. | 18-190-070(1), 18.75.080 |