Committee discusses livestock‑trailing ordinance to clarify county roads and insurance responsibilities

Commissioner Myers briefed the resource committee on a proposed livestock‑trailing ordinance April 15, explaining the measure would declare certain county roads as livestock trails to clarify drivers' responsibilities and reduce insurance ambiguity for ranchers.

"Some of the ranchers let us know that Iron County has an ordinance regarding designating all roads and routes in the county as livestock trails," Myers said, describing the ordinance's purpose to make drivers more aware and to remove uncertainty about insurance coverage when animals are struck.

Committee members asked whether the proposal would apply to UDOT roads and freeways. Staff answered that the county's ordinance would apply specifically to county roads classified as class B or D and would not change UDOT jurisdiction or affect freeways. "Our ordinance specifically applies to any county road, class b, or class d road," staff said.

Members discussed practical effects: signage to warn drivers, mapping of trails not used for other purposes, and the ordinance's role as a preemptive measure where development or property turnover can create conflicts between long‑standing ranching uses and new owners. One committee member noted similar measures were intended to preserve agricultural uses amid growing development pressure and to provide a legal basis if disputes arise.

The meeting did not record a formal vote on adopting the ordinance; discussion focused on clarifying scope, liability and next steps to coordinate with ranchers and government affairs staff.