Bluffdale adopts West Traverse Mountain compatibility-area ordinance to comply with new state law

Bluffdale City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2024-417, formally establishing the West Traverse Mountain compatibility area study as the city’s compatible-use plan for land within the statutory buffer of Camp Williams and related military installations.

Planner Caitlin (named by the mayor during introduction) explained the ordinance implements changes required by House Bill 256: cities must develop a compatible-use plan for areas within 5,000 feet of military installations, provide a notice to the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) for land-use applications (except building permits), and observe a statutory 90-day response window for UDVMA comments. The planner said the study performed by Mountainland Association of Governments extended beyond the statutory minimum to review land uses within five miles and recommended mitigation measures and opportunities to partner with Camp Williams for land preservation and federal funding.

Council held a public hearing on the study; no public comments were offered. Council member Crockett moved to approve Ordinance 2024-417 and Council member Austin seconded. The council took a roll-call vote and the motion passed. Staff noted the ordinance does not prohibit approvals but requires that the compatible-use plan be considered in future land-use decisions and that vested development rights will be honored. The planner also said the city has until July 1, 2025 to adopt a compatible-use plan and that the 90-day notice requirement is already in effect by statute.

The ordinance is intended to streamline coordination with Camp Williams and the UDVMA and to provide suggested mitigation steps (for communications interference, flight-path conflicts, utilities capacity and light pollution) for projects in the compatibility area.