The Davis County Commission held a regular meeting on September 23, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a proposed ordinance aimed at preserving land survey monuments. The ordinance, introduced by representatives from the surveyor's office and the attorney's office, seeks to address ongoing issues related to the maintenance and protection of these critical markers.

Land survey monuments are essential for establishing property boundaries and are tied to every recorded deed in the county. However, development and construction activities often lead to these monuments being moved or destroyed, necessitating costly replacements and repairs by the surveyor's office. To combat this problem, the state legislature has authorized counties to create a public land corner preservation fund, which Davis County is now looking to implement through the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance would require individuals or entities conducting work within 30 feet of a monument to submit a plan for review by the surveyor's office. It also allows for the collection of fees to ensure the protection of these monuments and imposes penalties for any damages caused. This initiative aims to provide the surveyor's office with greater authority to monitor and control activities that could impact the integrity of land survey monuments.

The proposed ordinance includes a new chapter in the county code, titled Chapter 14.22, which outlines the procedures and regulations related to land surveys and monuments. This chapter will empower the surveyor's office to adopt necessary fees and establish protocols for maintaining the integrity of these vital markers.

The commission's discussions highlighted the importance of this ordinance in safeguarding property boundaries and ensuring accurate land surveys in Davis County. The next steps will involve further review and potential adoption of the ordinance to enhance the county's ability to protect its land survey monuments effectively.