Bluff unveils broad general-plan updates; public urges more housing, water and flood analysis

Planning & Zoning presented a comprehensive update to Bluff's general plan Oct. 28, describing updates to reflect statutory recommendations, new elements such as housing and agriculture, and a new future-use map that staff emphasized is not a zoning map.

Erin Nelson said the update integrates the town's recent strategic planning work, adds transportation and active-transportation elements required by the state, updates municipal infrastructure listings, and splits enforcement and implementation into separate, more detailed sections. The draft also adds a future-use map that identifies potential future areas for residential, industrial or renewable-energy uses but does not change current zoning.

Public commenters highlighted several priorities. Josh Ewing said the document should include stronger language on soil and water and called out the need to study flooding risks tied to major gravel-mining operations above town, which he said could affect downstream flood exposure. He also recommended adding discussion of accessory dwelling units as a potential low-impact way to increase housing options. Commenters asked that the future-use map be made available on the town website (staff said the map is posted and written comments are due Nov. 7) and urged additional public-engagement formats for the substantial document.

Staff noted mandatory and recommended changes since the 2019 plan and invited further public input.