So I’ve got this chunk of land out past Vineyard, right? Always figured since it’s my property I could pop off a few rounds whenever I wanted. Boy was I wrong. Started getting weird looks from neighbors last month when I’d practice with my .22, so I figured I better check the actual rules.
The Online Rabbit Hole
First thing Monday morning, I brewed some coffee and opened my laptop. Typed “shooting laws Utah County” into Google. Instant headache – county websites sound like they’re written by robots. Couldn’t even tell if I fell under “unincorporated” or what. Saw somebody on Reddit saying “just call the sheriff’s non-emergency line,” so I did exactly that.
Playing Phone Tag
Got transferred three times before reaching some deputy who actually knew stuff. He asked my exact location and just started rattling off rules: “You’re in county territory so minimum 600 feet from structures, no shooting across roads…” Then he dropped the bomb: “But if you’re within any city limits? Totally different ballgame.” My house sits right where Utah County meets Lindon city line. Fantastic.
Driving Around Town
Grabbed my notepad and drove to city halls. At Pleasant Grove’s office, the clerk looked at me like I had two heads when I asked about backyard shooting. Handed me a photocopy that basically said “no way, ever.” Orem was stricter – they even banned airsoft guns in residential areas! Meanwhile Eagle Mountain allows it if you’ve got 2+ acres and earthen backstops. The wildest was Cedar Fort, where the guy just laughed and said “we don’t care as long as you’re not drunk.”
My Big Takeaway
Turns out my property straddles two zones: county land where I can shoot if I move my setup 200 yards west, but the corner where my barn sits falls under Lindon’s ban. So now I’ve got orange spray-painted rocks marking where it’s legal to shoot. Feels ridiculous, but that’s bureaucracy for you.
If you’re thinking about plinking cans in your Utah County yard? Don’t assume anything. Go physically ask at both the county building AND your specific city office. Saved me from what could’ve been a nasty citation last weekend when those sheriffs rolled by checking on gunfire reports.
