Daniel council adopts temporary moratorium on development in P-160 preservation zone

The Daniel Town Council adopted a temporary moratorium on development in the P-160 Preservation Zone at a special meeting on Aug. 21, 2026. Mayor Scott Kohler read Ordinance DO 2026-08-21 into the record and Councilmember Eric Bennett moved to adopt; Councilmember Stefanie Grady seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous: Bennett yes, Walton yes, Grady yes, Rose yes, Kohler yes.

Supporters who spoke during the public comment period said the pause is needed while the town finishes its General Plan and updates zoning. "I live in the Town to enjoy open space, agriculture, animals, wildlife, and clean air and water," said Jalayne Bassett, who urged a temporary moratorium in the P-160 zone. Residents raised concerns about dust, road capacity, impacts on wildlife adjacent to the Utah Wildlife Management Area, and protection of groundwater and wells.

The ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the council did not specify an effective or sunset date in the minutes. The record includes public comment from a representative of Geneva Rock, which has placed a P-160 parcel under contract and submitted quarrying permit applications, and a legal overview noting state limits on local regulation of certain mining activities. The council adjourned at 12:33 PM.