No, sleeping on a refrigerator in your Utah backyard is not illegal under state law, as no specific statute prohibits this activity.
Local Nuisance and Sanitation Rules
Utah counties like Salt Lake enforce sanitation regulations prohibiting outdoor storage of discarded refrigerators or freezers without removing doors or latches to prevent child entrapment hazards, but this targets abandoned appliances rather than active use or sleeping atop them. Backyard nuisances fall under general municipal codes, which could deem unusual setups like a refrigerator bed a violation if they attract vermin, pose safety risks, or violate zoning for accessory structures.
Practical Considerations
Homeowners must ensure backyard items comply with local ordinances on property maintenance and health codes, which vary by city—e.g., no statewide ban on sleeping outdoors exists, but prolonged “camping” in residential yards may trigger complaints. Consult your city’s code enforcement (e.g., via Utah’s local government websites) before unconventional setups, as neighbors could report it leading to abatement orders.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3r9jm1/code_enforcement_law_i_have_a_working_freezer_on/)
[2](https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/globalassets/1-site-files/health/regs/sanitation.pdf)
[3](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R23-19-4)
[4](https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/1d6o0ar/what_indoor_temperatures_would_be_considered/)
[5](https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/gla3dy/can_you_sleep_in_your_car_in_utah/)
