The Summit County Council convened on September 13, 2023, to discuss significant amendments to the Eastern Summit County Development Code, focusing on regulations for contractors' yards and off-site parking for event centers.

The meeting began with a presentation on proposed amendments aimed at addressing ongoing issues related to contractors' yards, particularly on the eastern side of the county. The council highlighted the need for regulations to mitigate problems associated with these yards, which are currently not permitted in certain areas. Key proposed regulations include limiting the size of contractors' yards to two acres, requiring a 300-foot buffer from residential properties, and implementing measures to control dust and mud. Additionally, the amendments would prohibit contractors' yards in platted residential subdivisions and restrict the disposal of construction waste and hazardous materials.

Following the presentation, a public hearing was opened to gather community feedback. While no public comments were received, council members expressed varying opinions on the proposed regulations. Some members supported the need for contractors' yards in areas with larger lots, while others questioned the fairness of allowing them only on the eastern side of the county.

The council then moved on to discuss a second ordinance concerning off-site parking for event centers, specifically addressing overflow parking needs for Blue Sky Ranches. The proposed regulations would allow for overflow parking areas, with a maximum size of 30,000 square feet, and include provisions for reviewing the safest routes for access. The council discussed the environmental impact of paving parking lots and considered alternatives such as gravel or permeable surfaces to minimize heat generation and runoff.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the amendments to the development code, reflecting the council's intent to balance the needs of contractors and event centers with community concerns about environmental impacts and residential quality of life. The council plans to continue refining these regulations to ensure they meet the needs of the community while addressing potential issues.