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Scofield holds public hearing on proposed reduction of road setback from 20 to 10 feet
Summary
Scofield held a June 9 public hearing on a proposal to amend Table 4 of the town land-use code to reduce on-site setbacks from roads from 20 feet to 10 feet; residents said it would help build on narrow lots, while others raised sight-line and piecemeal-variance concerns and asked the town to coordinate review with Carbon County and the town attorney.
Scofield conducted a public hearing June 9 on a proposal to amend Table 4 of the town land‑use code to reduce the on‑site setback from a road from 20 feet to 10 feet. The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. and concluded after a brief public comment period and a motion to close the hearing.
Proponents said the change would allow development on some narrow, existing lots that otherwise cannot accommodate conventional dwellings. "We have some really narrow lots in town," an attendee (Unidentified Speaker 3) said, adding that a 10‑foot setback would make building more feasible for those properties.
Opponents and others raising questions focused on safety and consistency. Speakers warned that reduced setbacks could create sight‑line problems at corners if vegetation or fences are allowed to obscure drivers’ views; town staff pointed to existing fence‑height rules and said visibility would be evaluated on a site‑by‑site basis. Unidentified Speaker 1 told the hearing that the Carbon County building official had advised against handling changes piecemeal and recommended a broader review: "You really don't want to just create variances and provide single things piecemeal around town," the speaker said, recounting the county official's guidance.
Town officials said they are coordinating with Carbon County, which is revising its ordinances, and will seek formal guidance from the town attorney before adopting any change. The town encouraged comment and noted there are existing variations in built form because many houses predate the current setback rules.
A motion was made to close the public hearing on the Table 4 amendment; the motion was seconded and a voice vote was taken with those present answering "Aye." The hearing record will be kept open for the town's review and any follow‑up by staff, Carbon County and the town attorney.
Next steps: town staff said they will collect input from Carbon County and the town attorney and return with recommendations before any ordinance change is finalized.
