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Herriman council backs ordinance restricting cuts into newly built roads for three years
Summary
Herriman officials described a recently approved ordinance that bars non-emergency cuts into newly paved roads for three years and imposes stricter repaving and restoration requirements for cuts made within a 3–5 year window, meant to protect pavement investments and encourage utility coordination.
Herriman city officials described a new local ordinance that limits when utilities and contractors can cut into recently constructed streets, a policy the hosts said is meant to protect pavement investments and reduce repeated disruptions for residents.
The ordinance bars non-emergency cuts into a newly built road for three years. If a cut occurs between three and five years after construction, the city will require more extensive restoration work — including repaving 25 feet in both directions for the full width of the road — and stricter restoration where recent pavement treatments (slurry, chip seal or similar) occurred within two years.
“We’ve all been frustrated when we see a road torn up and then we feel like it gets fixed and then it’s torn up again six months later,” one host said, describing the policy rationale. The hosts said the rule is intended to force better coordination among utility providers and developers so projects that require cuts can be consolidated.
City hosts noted the ordinance follows similar policies adopted by other municipalities and that the higher short-term cost for work in the 3–5 year window is intended to create an incentive to consolidate repairs. “If they do a cut between three and five years after a road is built, they have to repave 25 feet in both directions for the entire width of the road,” one host said, adding the measure will make contractors and utilities “really consider if it’s worth it.”
Officials acknowledged exceptions for emergencies and said the ordinance includes restoration rules to protect roads that recently received preservation treatments. The hosts said the change had been recommended by staff and approved by the council during recent meetings; no vote tally or ordinance number was reported on the podcast.
The hosts framed the ordinance as a taxpayer-protection measure and suggested it will require more planning by the city and private partners. They described the change as primarily procedural — imposing timing and restitution requirements rather than creating new funding — and said it aims to reduce traffic disruption and long-term maintenance costs.
The council discussion also noted that some sections of roadwork remain the developer’s responsibility (for example, extensions the developer must complete), and that winter construction constraints (asphalt plant closures) will affect immediate paving activity. The hosts encouraged residents with questions to contact city communications.
