West Haven (4/50)(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 (24/50)
This category compiles scores on 17 different data points to determine how well West Haven respects and protects the liberty of its citizens.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code Accessiblity | 49 | 10% | This city does not have its entire set of laws posted online for citizens to review. | Partial list in document format |
| Dog Licensing | 13 | 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 $25. | Link |
| Free Speech | 1 | 15% | This city does not require a permit to stage a protest on public property. | |
| Daytime Curfew | 42 | 10% | West Haven is one of a handful cities in Utah that imposes a daytime curfew on minors. | Ord. 02-01 |
| Vice Regulation | 1 | 10% | This city does not impose additional regulations on public alcohol consumption beyond state law. However, smoking is prohibited in certain outdoor areas. | DABC, 13-07 |
| 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. | Ord. 02-01 |
| Violation of Ordinances | 11 | 10% | While some ordinances may impose a specific penalty, in West Haven 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. | County |
| Gun Regulation | 1 | 15% | West Haven does not have an ordinance that specifically regulates the discharge of firearms in city limits. |
Private Property (6/50)
63 different data points are included in this category to discern the degree to which West Haven respects and protects private property rights.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Use Permit Fees | 10 | 10% | The cost of a conditional use permit is $100 (plus $25 per additional acre). | Permit application |
| Home Building Fees | 20 | 10% | The total cost of permit fees for building a typical single family home is $7,498. This includes $3,815 in permit fees, $3,683 in impact fees, no site plan approval fees, and no plan check fees. | Per city staff |
| Animal Restrictions | 7 | 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 3 dogs, no chickens, and does not limit the number of beehives. | Per city staff, Non-permitted use (see definition, "FAMILY FOOD PRODUCTION") |
| 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 | 2 | 30% | The cost of government in West Haven as a share of the total taxable economic base is $40 per $10,000. As a share of total personal income, the cost is $180 per $10,000. On a per capita basis, the cost is $286. The city gets % of its tax revenue from property taxes, 55% of its tax revenue from sales tax, and 45% from other sources including fees and fines. | City Financial Statements |
| Bonded Debt | 20 | 15% | The city does not have any general obligation debt. However, if counting revenue bonds, the city's debt limit utilization would be 6.70%. | City Financial Statements |
| Lobbying | 1 | 5% | This city does not employ lobbyists to represent the city. | Per Records Request |
This city also has restrictive land use ordinances that violate property rights.
Free Enterprise (9/50)
The final category includes 35 different data points in an effort to review West Haven's protection—or violation—of the free market.
| Metric | Rank | Category Weight | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-owned Enterprises | 1 | 15% | This city does not own any enterprises that compete with the private market. | City Financial Statements |
| Beer Sale Restrictions | 1 | 10% | This city does not impose any day or time restrictions on the retail sale of beer. | Ordinance 8-91, Section 5 |
| Alcohol Licensing | 15 | 10% | The city requires $200 for a retail beer license, $200 for a restaurant license, and $500 for a tavern license. | City Fee Schedule |
| Sales Tax | 28 | 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 0.0%, a transient room tax at 5.25%, and a leasing tax at 7.5%. | State Tax Commission |
| Business Licensing | 24 | 35% | This city charges the following licensing fees: $50 for a home occupation license; $200 for a small commercial license; $2000 for a large commercial license; $200 for a temporary firework stand; $200 for a temporary christmas tree lot. | City Fee Schedule |
| Commerce Regulations | 20 | 10% | In West Haven, car washes may not operate between 10pm and 6am. Garbage collection may only occur 7am to 7pm. Commercial and domestic power equipment may only operate between 7am and 10pm. Firing ranges may only operate between 7am and 10pm, and may not operate on Sunday. |