Duchesne County tightens minor‑subdivision rules, approves ordinance 25‑4‑18 after public hearing

Duchesne County commissioners on March 10 adopted ordinance 25‑4‑18, a revision to the county's subdivision regulations intended to address concerns about water availability, road access and public safety tied to small parcel creation.

The adopted changes reduce the maximum number of lots that can be created under the county's minor subdivision process (a streamlined review separate from a full subdivision plat) from 10 to four where culinary water is not available; where culinary water service exists the waiting period between successive minor subdivisions remains one year, and the planning commission recommended a three‑year wait for properties without culinary water connections. The ordinance also clarifies that new minor subdivisions must have legal access via an official county road (Class B or an officially designated Class D road) or the subdivider must petition the commission to designate the connecting public road.

County staff and the Planning Commission presented the ordinance and supporting findings to the commission. Planning staff said the changes were designed to align county practice with other Utah counties, to reduce incremental pressure on water and emergency services in areas without culinary water, and to require explicit review of road access where a proposed lot depends on a public road that is not yet shown on the county's official road map.

During public comment, residents and stakeholders offered varied perspectives: some urged stricter limits and clearer road‑designation rules to protect water sources and access, while others asked the county to consider the local practice of hauling water and the needs of existing landowners. Tri County Health Department representatives and local water professionals addressed the commission, noting that the health department and the Utah Division of Water Rights remain the authorities for approving culinary water sources, wells and, where allowed, temporary water hauling provisions.

The commission voted by roll call to approve the ordinance. The roll call showed the three commissioners present voting in favor. The ordinance will apply to new lot creations going forward; staff and the Planning Commission noted that it does not retroactively change approvals that were already granted.

What happens next: staff will publish the final ordinance and update the county's subdivision guidance materials. The planning department said it will continue work to map and, where appropriate, formally designate public roads so proposed subdivisions can be reviewed against an up‑to‑date road map.