Midway committee hears legislative changes on ADUs and political signs; Deer Creek Trail estimate raises funding questions

Katie reported on the recent legislative session and how several bills could affect Midway zoning and permitting. She said lawmakers passed provisions that allow detached accessory dwelling units on larger lots (discussed as around 11,000 square feet for Midway’s scale) and limited some municipal parking and setback authority for smaller ADU units. Katie also described a law that permits political signs in park strips if the landowner consents; the committee noted enforcement challenges and new criminal penalties for attaching signs to traffic-control devices.

Members then turned to infrastructure and trail projects. A committee speaker summarized the Deer Creek Trail assessment: the proposed buildout includes a 10-foot-wide paved trail with adjacent 5-foot gravel shoulder and a separate equestrian loop; the preliminary construction estimate was reported at about $19,000,000. Several members expressed concern that the study did not adequately address where runoff from the new impervious surfaces would be conveyed and that bridging, blasting and steep-rock conditions could raise costs further. They discussed staging, possibilities to build multiple sections together to save costs and the need to pursue legislative and grant funding.

County-level planning and Olympic-related transportation needs were also discussed: the county formed an eight-year plan by two-year segments to prepare for the 2034 Olympics, including a proposed county building and park-and-ride parking that could remove pressure from central Midway during large events; members cautioned against beginning construction too early and urged phased, well-funded planning.

The committee asked staff to track legislative rulemaking on ADUs and sign enforcement and to look for grants or county/state funding sources to address the Deer Creek Trail and related bridge/replacement needs.