What Utah Laws Says About Big And Loud Holiday Decorations

Fall in Utah means holiday displays for Halloween and then Christmas, hopefully in that order. When you see some of the outlandish displays in your neighborhood, you may wonder if there are laws regulating it in any way.

Free Speech and Your Seasonal Decorations

The State of Utah generally considers holiday displays protected as part of free speech. There are not specific laws relating to yard decorations. However, in certain circumstances the authorities may step in.

Halloween decorations with skeletons and grim reapers — Photo by Richard Burlton on Unsplash

Displays attached to city property like street signs or telephone poles may have to be moved or taken down. The pole dancing skeletons in Grantsville from a few years ago had to be taken from the street sign and moved to private property.

Navigating Noise and Traffic Concerns

If something is causing traffic problems on the street or is so loud there are complaints the authorities may look into it. This is true if it is obscene or if it is threatening to a group or individual.

The state does step in when it comes to registered sex offenders. The Utah Department of Correction advises those on the list to avoid Halloween decorations and to skip handing out candy all together.

Of course, if you live in an HOA there may be restrictions on holiday displays. Other than that, lift that 200 foot Pumpkin Jack over your chimney. Just be careful of power lines and low flying planes.