ST. GEORGE – The Utah Department of Commerce has launched a new website through its Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman. An ombudsman is a nonpartisan independent representative who helps private citizens and public officials understand their rights and resolve disputes between them, in this instance those involving real property and personal property.
The new website is designed to help the public get information on property issues. It now offers a searchable database of the office’s advisory opinions by topic or keyword, a “Find the Law” section where property rights laws can be searched by topic and a layout designed to be accessible by computer, phone or mobile device for easy access.
“Customer service is our top priority 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, in a statement released by the Department.
“Advisory opinions once lived in filing cabinets unless formally requested by the public,” the office’s Lead Attorney Brent Bateman said. “Now the public can search these records at the click of a mouse or other device to learn about property issues around the state.”
Utah’s Office of Property Rights Ombudsman is staffed by three attorneys, nominated by the governor and overseen by a seven-member advisory board. According to its website, the attorneys are knowledgeable in eminent domain, takings and land use law and represent various governmental, business and real estate professional interests.
To contact the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman, visit its new property rights website or call 801-530-6391.
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