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Hurricane adopts Zion Scenic Byway corridor plan after debate over voluntary vs. binding effects
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025-37 endorsing a voluntary corridor management plan for SR‑9 that emphasizes managing existing visitation and promoting stops off the corridor; one member voted no citing concerns about potential future binding regulation.
Hurricane City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑37 to endorse the Zion Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan (CMP), a voluntary document intended to help communities along SR‑9 manage tourism and highlight local sites.
Wanda of Corridor Solutions and partners walked the council through the CMP, describing it as a nonbinding, stewardship‑focused framework that lists significant corridor resources, suggests visitor dispersal strategies and compiles implementation steps for participating jurisdictions. "The CMP is a nonbinding and nonregulatory document," the presenter said, noting several neighboring jurisdictions had already approved the plan and that a legislative sponsor would be sought for a national designation step.
Several council members voiced caution. One council member said the plan as written “looks like regulation laid out in practice beforehand” and expressed concern a future legislature could convert voluntary CMP language into mandatory requirements. Wanda and other presenters responded that, in their experience, corridor management plans in Utah have not been converted to binding local regulations and that the CMP would not change local zoning or property rights.
Councilman Foster moved to adopt the resolution; Councilman Preet seconded. The measure passed with a single recorded no vote from a council member who said he opposed adoption on principle but would not block it.
The council was told the CMP is intended to direct visitors to places such as 3 Falls Park and Confluence Park and to help disperse visitation away from Zion National Park, with the objective of encouraging longer stays and spending at local businesses. The CMP does not obligate the city to fund actions or to implement specific regulations; participating jurisdictions retain discretion over local policies.
Next step: City staff will record the council’s endorsement and coordinate with partner jurisdictions and legislators as the corridor seeks broader recognition.
