Grease Trap Requirements for Salt Lake City Restaurants

Salt Lake City Local Grease Trap Regulations

Salt Lake City requires all food service establishments to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors sized according to the city's plumbing code. The Salt Lake City Division of Environmental Health enforces these standards and mandates that traps handle peak flow rates based on establishment size and menu type. Restaurants must obtain plumbing permits before installation and submit plans showing trap capacity calculations. The city typically requires grease traps for any facility with floor drains, sinks, or equipment that generates FOG. Inspections verify proper installation, accessible cleanout ports, and compliance with sizing regulations.

Utah State Requirements vs. Federal Standards

Utah's Division of Environmental Quality sets statewide standards that align with EPA guidelines but add state-specific enforcement mechanisms. Utah Administrative Code R311-8-3 covers grease interceptor requirements, mandating that traps be located outside the building when possible and inside in accessible locations otherwise. Unlike federal standards, Utah requires detailed maintenance logs documenting cleaning dates, grease removed, and contractor information. The state allows for variance requests if unique conditions prevent standard compliance, but restaurants must petition through local health departments. Utah does not require grease traps at smaller establishments under certain thresholds, whereas Salt Lake City applies stricter local ordinances.

Maintenance Schedules and Inspection Compliance

Salt Lake City restaurants must schedule grease trap cleaning every 30 days or when contents reach 25% capacity—whichever comes first. The city health department conducts unannounced inspections to verify maintenance compliance and may issue citations for neglected traps that accumulate excessive buildup. Licensed waste haulers must pump traps and provide documentation showing removal dates and volumes. Records must be kept on-site for a minimum of two years for health inspector review. Failure to maintain proper cleaning schedules can result in fines up to several hundred dollars per violation and potential permits suspension until corrections are made.

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