Tooele County seeks approval for small business zoning to boost local employment

The Tooele County Planning Commission meeting on April 23, 2025, focused on zoning changes and the potential impact of new businesses in the area. A significant discussion centered on the approval of warehouses for inventory housing and secure storage, with members emphasizing the need for careful consideration of traffic impacts and road conditions.

Commission members debated the merits of approving businesses based on their compatibility with local infrastructure. One member argued for the approval of businesses that would not burden existing roads, referencing a traffic study that suggested the road could handle additional traffic. However, concerns were raised about the accuracy of the traffic study, particularly regarding the width of the road, which was noted to be only 12 feet wide, contrary to the study's assumptions of four lanes.

The conversation highlighted the importance of attracting small businesses to Tooele County to create jobs, as many residents currently commute to Salt Lake City for work. One commissioner expressed a desire to entice businesses from Salt Lake to Tooele, emphasizing the need for affordable real estate and job opportunities in the area.

The commission also discussed the possibility of placing zoning conditions on the approved uses for the property. This would allow for specific types of businesses to be established while ensuring they align with the community's needs and infrastructure capabilities. The idea was to work collaboratively with applicants to determine acceptable uses that would not negatively impact the area.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the balance the Planning Commission seeks to achieve between fostering economic development and maintaining the integrity of local infrastructure. The next steps will involve further discussions on zoning conditions and the types of businesses that will be permitted in the newly zoned areas.