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Trenton adopts 66‑foot public right‑of‑way standard, council says it clarifies boundaries for future work
Summary
After a public hearing, the Trenton Town Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑5‑1 establishing a presumptive 33‑foot right‑of‑way from centerline (66 feet total) for public‑use roads, citing Utah Code 72‑5‑104 and saying the standard will ease future road and utility projects.
The Trenton Town Council on a voice vote adopted Ordinance 2026‑5‑1 to set a standard right‑of‑way width for public‑use roads within town limits.
Council chair read aloud the ordinance language used to define the standard, saying, “The right of way shall extend 33 feet in each direction from the center line of the existing road for a total width of 66 feet,” as part of the council’s rationale for codifying a consistent measurement for construction, utilities and maintenance. The ordinance relies on Utah Code 72‑5‑104 to recognize rights of way established by continuous public use.
Why it matters: Council members said a single town standard will reduce property disputes and make it easier for engineers and utility planners to know where town work can occur without repeated boundary conflicts. During public comment and Q&A, residents and developers pressed the council on two practical points: what triggers enforcement when development requires improvements, and which party pays for new sidewalks, curb and gutter when older homes predate the standard.
Council member (S12) told colleagues that the way the ordinance is written could require a new developer to shoulder costs that older neighbors did not, saying, “So now he has to pay for the full 66…like $200,000 on top of building his house” (as expressed in the meeting). Staff and other councilors responded that developers are typically required to install frontage improvements to current standards and that the town will use the center line approach to limit the impact on older lots when possible.
The ordinance also includes rules prohibiting structures, fences and landscaping within the right‑of‑way without written town approval; it gives the town the authority to remove obstructions with notice, establishes an appeal process to the council, and assigns administration to the town engineer or designee. The ordinance takes effect upon adoption and publication as required by law.
Next steps: Council members said they will publish the ordinance and circulate guidance to local property owners and engineers to clarify when work or dedications will be required and how cost sharing or permitting will be handled.
