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Council warned HB 355 could preempt local zoning on gravel pits; city urged to watch session
Summary
Council legislative liaison told South Weber leaders HB 355 (a gravel pit bill) remains a major concern because it may preempt local zoning and allow extraction on land owned or controlled by gravel companies before May 7, 2025; councilmembers were urged to monitor action alerts and prepare outreach to legislators.
City legislative liaison briefed the South Weber City Council on Feb. 25 about active state bills that could affect local land‑use authority. The most consequential discussed was HB 355, described as a bill that would effectively preempt some local zoning controls for gravel‑pit and mineral extraction operations by allowing companies that own or control land as of May 7, 2025 to extract materials following the seam across property they own or control.
"This is still a terrible bill, and it is a direct preemption of city local zoning or regulation authority," the liaison said, summarizing the League of Cities and Towns' opposition. Councilmembers expressed concern about the practical impact — for example, whether a company could purchase homes and proceed with extraction — and discussed the bill's distinctions between contiguous land and new land, as well as the changed date from Jan. 1, 2026 to May 7, 2025.
The liaison also reviewed transportation utility fee legislation (SB 310 and HB 454) that could affect the city's ability to levy user fees; he noted some proposals would exempt religious organizations from fees. Councilmembers were advised to watch for league action alerts and to be prepared for rapid developments as the session approaches its end.
No council action on statewide bills was taken at the meeting, but staff said they would circulate legislative alerts and suggested the council may respond through the League of Cities' coordination.
