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Planning commission closes commercial-zone hearing, discusses 'localscape' rules and temporary-fence limits
Summary
The commission opened and immediately closed a public hearing on a rewrite of commercial-zone chapters, and commissioners spent meeting time on landscaping standards (localscapes) and whether temporary construction fences may include barbed wire or extra height.
The Emigration Canyon Planning Commission opened a public hearing on a draft to replace existing commercial-zone chapters and closed the hearing after receiving no oral comments at the Sept. 24 meeting.
After the hearing, commissioners discussed two substantive topics that would be included in the commercial-zone rewrite: landscaping standards and temporary fences. Staff and a landscape professional described "Localscapes" as a Utah-originated approach similar to xeriscape but more tailored to native, drought-tolerant plant palettes and thoughtful use of rock mulch and drip irrigation. Commissioners endorsed keeping language compatible with local Localscapes programs so property owners can access rebates and avoid requiring unnecessary turf or irrigation changes.
On fencing, commissioners reviewed a draft prohibition on sharp-pointed or electrically charged permanent fences and an existing temporary-fence allowance that once permitted barbed wire and an extra two feet of height on construction sites. Commissioners agreed to prohibit barbed wire and electrically charged permanent fences and to limit temporary construction fencing to an 8-foot maximum; staff was asked to remove language that would allow barbed wire on temporary construction fencing and to clarify the temporary-fence height rule.
The commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing on the commercial draft. Staff said it will prepare and circulate a full packet of the commercial and forestry/recreation drafts and any public comments several days before the next meeting so commissioners have time to review materials.
