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Council discusses zoning clearance fees, planning and zoning commission and possible annexation for housing development
Summary
Council members discussed a new zoning clearance form with a fee box, whether to charge a fee, creating an active planning and zoning commission, and options for annexing BLM or other land to support housing development and utilities.
Emery Town Council members discussed a proposed zoning clearance form, potential fees for zoning clearance and building permit processing, and plans to reestablish an active planning and zoning commission at the April 16 meeting.
A caller reported that a buyer wants to convert an existing owner-occupied unit (Paul Nessler's property) back into a duplex and that the town's new zoning clearance form included a fee box. Staff and council members said the form otherwise resembled the previous clearance form and that they could either use the older form for such applications or specify a fee. Council members agreed to survey neighboring towns about fees and to bring a recommended approach back to a future council agenda. One staff member proposed giving the buyer the form without a fee amount while the council determines whether to set a fee by ordinance.
Council members also discussed the need to re-form a planning and zoning commission to evaluate longer-term growth questions. The speakers referenced an annexation plan requirement by December 2025 discussed in training and mentioned recent receipt of land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Council members reviewed constraints on extending utilities, including costly utility bores under highways and varying pipe sizes in town, and noted that infrastructure costs (water, sewer, power) may limit where the town can expand without substantial investment.
Ideas discussed included: exploring development west of town where the town already owns land received from the federal government; negotiating land trades to consolidate developable parcels; requiring developers to pay utility-extension costs rather than relying on town funds; and inviting BLM representatives to participate in planning discussions because parcel allotments and permits may need modification for development.
Council members asked staff to research state annexation requirements, consult with engineers about utility capacity and costs, and recruit volunteers or appoint members for a planning and zoning commission to study these issues and report back to the council.
