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Henefer planning officials review draft general plan focusing on rural character, roads and trails
Summary
Henefer Town Council and Planning Commission discussed a draft General Plan Feb. 19 that emphasizes preserving rural character and improving roads, trails and parks; staff will revise maps and schedule an open house and public hearing before any zoning changes are considered.
HENEFER, Utah — Henefer town officials and the planning commission met Feb. 19 to review a draft General Plan that lays out land use, transportation, and housing goals for the next 15 to 20 years.
Planning Commission member John Janson presented the plan’s vision statement, saying the draft prioritizes preserving the town’s rural heritage, open space, dark skies and views while encouraging “compatible housing options” so more families can afford to live in Henefer. Janson cited a 2019 JUB water and sewer study as providing technical recommendations for some infrastructure decisions and urged the council to adopt specific goals and strategies to implement the plan.
Town staffer Jake Young showed maps marking current and potential future land uses, identifying the town core and areas that might be appropriate for housing, commercial activity or light industrial uses. Young told the council zoning changes would not force homeowners to change how they use property but would create options and incentives, and he raised the possibility of adding commercial zoning in select locations and even a high-end campground as a potential revenue source if property-tax receipts decline.
Commissioners and council members discussed housing options. Janson said allowing small, 5,000-square-foot lots had been proposed as an affordable-housing approach but stated he did not favor that change and recommended development agreements for future projects; Young confirmed the town already has at least one development agreement in place.
On transportation, Young reviewed proposed road connections north and south of town and emphasized reserving rights of way so future development can provide emergency access and internal circulation. Mayor Kay H. Richins reported she is pursuing repairs and additions to speed-feedback signs along Highway 65.
The meeting also addressed active transportation and parks. Mayor Richins asked whether property owners would be liable for trails across privately owned land; Young said the town would use easements so owners would not bear that liability. Richins said she is exploring a grant to update the town park and rodeo grounds. Staff noted state funding opportunities for trail development and suggested low-impact “soft” trails for walking and biking; council members discussed possible trail locations and whether the town has sufficient athletic fields and practice space.
Young said he would revise the maps and draft plan to reflect the discussion, return the revised draft to the planning commission, and schedule an open house and a public hearing for broader public input before any ordinance or zoning changes are proposed.
At 8:45 p.m., Councilperson Alec Deru moved to adjourn; Councilperson Chad West seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote (4–0); Councilperson Steven Dallin was absent.
