Cottonwood Heights planning commission tables water‑use chapter, asks for edits and utility coordination

Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission members reviewed a draft "Water Use and Preservation" element of the city's general plan and voted to table formal adoption until the Jan. 7, 2026 planning commission meeting to allow staff to revise language and fix a noticing issue.

The draft, presented by a planning consultant, outlines state expectations for municipal general plans and four local goals: community education and outreach; leading by example on efficiency; strengthening collaborative water management; and integrating conservation into land development. The presenter said the draft "was shared with the state, and they did return back their approval of this draft that had met their requirements." Commissioners were asked to focus on whether they agreed with the goals and the short‑, mid‑ and long‑term strategies tied to them.

The discussion centered on two recurring tensions: how much the city can or should influence water…