Legal Question in Business Law in Utah

karate class and zoning laws

I'm from utah and I've been teaching a karate class out of my home for free. I thought about charging $5 dollars a month so that I could buy my students their uniforms and weapons. I called the city to see if I would need a business license. They told me that I was illegal for teaching karate out of my home because of zoning laws. They said I could be sued if something happened. I told them that I have all my students sign waivers saying that they won't sue me or anyone in the class for any injury of any kind. They said that it wouldn't matter. My question is can they really regulate something that I teach for free? and how can I get around this legally?


Asked on 6/22/08, 7:28 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: karate class and zoning laws

Get a copy of the law which the city claims you may be violating and read it for yourself. You cannot be denied a business license based on potential for a lawsuit. Generally, one can get a home business license as a conditional use. You fill out the application and it is considered by either the planning commission or city council.

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Answered on 6/23/08, 1:19 pm


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