Council clarifies rockfall‑zone rules, keeping geotechnical review requirement

Hurricane City Council approved an amendment to the land‑use code that clarifies development standards in mapped rockfall hazard zones. The city’s code previously included conflicting language—an absolute prohibition on structures in rockfall zones alongside a separate procedure for accepting geotechnical reports and mitigation recommendations. The amendment removes the blanket prohibition and explicitly recognizes the existing practice: development may proceed when supported by a site‑specific geotechnical evaluation and mitigation measures.

Staff said the change aligns the written code with the city’s established practice of requiring geotechnical reports, certificates and mitigation recommendations for projects in hazard areas. The city’s former practice had required geotechnical certification even while the code’s wording suggested otherwise, creating confusion for applicants and reviewers.

Speakers—including the building official and developers—urged the council to ensure the amendment preserves public‑safety protections and clarifies liability; staff said the ordinance is intended to protect the city by documenting that development decisions will rest on accepted engineering reports. Councilors discussed models used by other cities, liability waivers and deed‑restriction options for long‑term buyer notification, and ultimately approved the amendment unanimously.

The council’s action updates Title 10, Chapter 28 to remove the wording that forbids all development in rockfall zones and instead sets a clear, engineering‑based path for mitigation and potential approval.