The Summit County Health Department has initiated a 30-day formal notice and comment period during which the public can review the first Code of Health the department and county has ever issued.

The proposed code is available online at www.summitcountyhealth.org .

“This is the initial Health Code,” said Summit County Chief Civil Attorney Dave Thomas in an email to The Park Record. “Traditionally, the Summit County Board of Health has enacted various health regulations from time to time, but has not been proactive in formulating a comprehensive Code of Health. The State Health Department has also promulgated regulations. All of the health regulations enacted by both the Summit County Board of Health and the State Health Department, however, were not in one central location. Other Boards of Health throughout the State of Utah have Health Codes. Summit County is now following suit and becoming more proactive.”

“We should have done this a long time ago,” said Richard Bullough, director and health officer of the Summit County Health Department. “I’m very happy to be doing it.”

Bullough said he has heard complaints from citizens that there hasn’t been one place where all of the regulations of the Health Department can be found. “I view this as more of a customer service-friendly component,” he said.

The regulations consist of 30 chapters and 139 pages, and include such subjects as communicable diseases, electronic cigarettes, swimming pools, tattoo parlors, kennel sanitation, cosmetology, and public lodging. Sections on air pollution and water are new, Bullough said.

Controversial issues such as birth control and vaccinations are not included because the department is not required by law to provide them.

Also specifically not included is a regulation on animals on restaurant premises, because Bullough wanted feedback from citizens and restaurant owners on the federal code that prohibits animals in food establishments (which includes all outdoor dining areas and patios).

The issue was raised at Aug. 20’s Summit County Council meeting, in which Councilwoman Claudia McMullin told citizens to address the matter through the Health Department. She had heard through the grapevine that people believed that Council Council had recently passed a law banning animals from eateries, and wanted it to be known that they didn’t do so — the law has already been long on the books. All complaints should be brought to the attention of the Health Department, she said, during this public comment period.

Comments must be postmarked or received at the Summit County Health Department on Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Comments can be emailed to [email protected] .

Comments can be mailed to Katie Mullaly, Summit County Health Department, 650 Round Valley Drive, Suite 100, Park City, Utah, 84060.