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Emigration Canyon planning group narrows fence rules, seeks wildlife-friendly setbacks
Summary
At a planning meeting, commissioners refined Title 19 fence rules for Emigration Canyon, agreeing on a 6-foot typical fence height, proposing 3-foot side-yard setbacks to preserve 6-foot wildlife corridors between properties, and directing staff to rewrite the draft with diagrams and consult wildlife experts.
The commission continued its review of Title 19 fence standards, focusing on setbacks, wildlife crossings and maximum heights. Speaker 5 (staff) said he would clean up draft language and return a version with diagrams.
Why it matters: commissioners said fence rules must balance private safety and pet containment with wildlife movement and road safety in Emigration Canyon. The changes would affect where and how residents can place fences along narrow canyon roads and large lots.
Members debated which baseline should determine setbacks — the property right-of-way, the road centerline or the pavement edge — with Speaker 1 arguing the pavement edge is unsuitable because road widths vary and may be widened to add bike lanes. Speaker 5 recommended setting setbacks from the right-of-way or centerline rather than the asphalt edge.
The group converged on a 6-foot maximum height for typical backyard fences after several members said a 42-inch standard was impractical. Speaker 7 said, “7 feet seems a little excessive. I like 6 feet.” The commission discussed preserving planning-commission discretion to approve taller fences in special cases.
Commissioners also focused on wildlife-crossing language. The draft required openings to preserve animal movement; commissioners disagreed about whether the current wording unintentionally required two parallel fences that would create a continuous corridor. Speaker 3 suggested rewriting the provision to require a wildlife opening of at least 6 feet width at a minimum spacing (discussed as every 100 feet) and adding diagrams to illustrate acceptable configurations.
On property enclosures, the commission discussed allowing partial fences (dog runs) but discouraging fully enclosed perimeters unless corridors are provided. Members recommended a 3-foot setback from side property lines so adjacent owners’ setbacks together create at least a 6-foot passage for wildlife.
Several commissioners requested wildlife expertise before finalizing spacing and corridor standards; Speaker 1 asked staff to contact the state DNR.
What’s next: staff (Speaker 5) will revise fence text, produce drawings to illustrate acceptable setbacks and wildlife openings, and return the draft for further consideration at an upcoming meeting. The commission scheduled action on the fencing proposal for the July 10 meeting.
