Bluff releases broad general‑plan updates; staff ask public to review future‑use map and housing, water sections

Town staff and planning commissioners presented a large set of proposed updates to the Bluff general plan, recommending the town revise the plan to reflect changes since the 2018–19 document and to include state‑recommended elements. Proposed updates include additional detail and mandatory elements for transportation (including pedestrian/active‑transportation mapping), municipal property and infrastructure updates, an agriculture section, housing discussion, a water section and separate enforcement and implementation sections. Staff emphasized the proposed future‑use map is not a zoning map and does not change existing zoning; it is intended to identify potential future options for the town.

Commissioners asked for public input on the map and on specific sections; they noted the document is long and that the redline is posted for review. Public commenters praised the work and raised specific priorities: one commenter urged explicit support for protecting Bears Ears National Monument boundaries, recommended exploring accessory dwelling units to expand housing options without major density changes, requested stronger water/flooding analysis in light of nearby mining/gravel operations and asked that the future‑use map be made available for public review prior to adoption.

Staff said written public comments would be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2025, and indicated the planning commission and council would continue deliberation based on public input. No adoption vote was taken at the Oct. 28 hearing.