Utah Property Rights Ombudsman Launches Updated Website

The Office of Property Rights Ombudsman (OPRO) has launched a new website aimed at helping the public access information about property rights. 

The revised website, www.propertyrights.utah.gov, now offers:

• A database of the OPRO’s advisory opinions, searchable by topic or keyword.
• A “find the law” section, where property rights laws can be searched by topic.
• A layout designed to be accessible by phone or other mobile devices.

“Customer service is our top priority at the Department of Commerce, and the updated Ombudsman’s website now connects citizens with more user-friendly information on property issues than ever before,” said Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.

“Advisory opinions once lived in filing cabinets unless formally requested by the public,” said the office’s lead attorney Brent Bateman. “Now the public can search these records at the click of a mouse or other device to learn about property issues around the state.”

The Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman (OPRO) was created by the Utah Legislature to protect the property rights of citizens when state and local government condemns or regulates private land. Its mission is to educate the public and government agencies about private property rights and land use laws, advocate for fairness and compliance with state and local laws and ordinances and assist citizens and government agencies in resolving property disputes fairly in accordance with existing law.