February 7, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Francine A. Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced that the Office of Property Rights Ombudsman (OPRO) has launched a new website aimed at helping the public access information.
“Customer service is our top priority at the Department of Commerce and the updated Ombudsman’s website now connects citizens with more user friendly information on property issues than ever before,” stated Francine A. Giani.
The revised website, www.propertyrights.utah.gov , now offers;
a searchable database of the OPRO’s Advisory Opinions by topic or keyword.
a “Find the Law” section where property rights laws can be searched by topic.
a layout designed to be accessible by phone or mobile device, so information can be viewed from any location.
“Advisory opinions once lived in filing cabinets unless formally requested by the public,” noted Lead Attorney Brent Bateman, “Now the public can search these records at the click of a mouse or other device to learn about property issues around the State.”
About the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman
The Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman (OPRO) was created by the Utah Legislature to protect the property rights of citizens when state and local government condemns or regulates private land. Its mission is to educate the public and government agencies about private property rights and land use laws, advocate for fairness and compliance with state and local laws and ordinances, while assisting citizens and government agencies to resolve property disputes fairly in accordance with existing law.