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Commission discusses raising accessory-structure geotech exemption to 2,400 sq ft; asks staff for options
Summary
Staff proposed increasing the geotechnical-report exemption for accessory structures from 200 square feet to 2,400 square feet. Commissioners discussed alternatives (use-based exemptions, director discretion or requiring geotech reports only for certain uses) and asked staff to return with options and a public-hearing packet.
Planning staff briefed the Cache County Planning Commission on May 8 about a proposal to change the county code that currently exempts accessory structures smaller than 200 square feet from geotechnical-report requirements. Staff said the county is unusual among Northern Utah counties in listing a size-based exemption and proposed raising the threshold to 2,400 square feet.
Staff (Connor) explained that neighboring counties take varied approaches—some exempt accessory or agricultural structures by use, others leave the term "development" broad and defer to director discretion. The staff recommendation was to present options to the commission and, if directed, set a public hearing for a 2,400-square-foot exemption range.
Commissioners debated the trade-offs: one commissioner favored a clear square-foot threshold to protect property rights and avoid discretionary application; others preferred a use-based approach that would still require geotech reports for higher-risk uses such as apartment conversions, commercial uses or structures open to the public. Commissioners asked staff to consult planners in neighboring counties, return with examples of engineering costs and design alternatives (e.g., prescriptive higher-standard construction vs. individual geotech reports) and bring draft language for the next meeting.
No formal code change was adopted; staff will prepare a public-hearing item if commissioners direct a specific threshold or approach.
