Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Code Update topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planners debate land-use code rewrite to align uses with building occupancies
Summary
Staff and the commission began a workshop on a land-use code overhaul, focusing on categorizing uses, aligning zoning with building-code occupancy groups (mercantile/assembly/factory), and deciding whether to adopt broader categories or itemized use entries.
On Jan. 8 the Moab planning staff kicked off a workshop on a comprehensive land-use code update intended to better align the code's use categories with building-code occupancy groups. Planning coordinator Corey Shurtleff and building official Barry (joined for the workshop) emphasized that how a use operates can change its occupancy classification and the building-safety requirements that follow — for example, a business that functions like a medical clinic could require different standards than a simple mercantile storefront.
Staff presented two formatting approaches: a higher-level categorization with subtypes or a more itemized list of specific uses. Commissioners discussed trade-offs: a broader, clickable taxonomy can be easier for the public to navigate, while a more specific option can prevent unintended allowances (for instance, avoiding a generic 'franchise' category that would permit hazardous or high-impact franchises by default). "If we just say ADUs are permitted in these zones, anything in ADU could be permitted," the planning coordinator said, arguing for specificity to avoid unintended outcomes. Commissioners asked staff to refine the draft and return with clearer lists and examples for the next meeting.
