Planning commission backs recommendation to clarify sidewalk, curb and gutter exception process

The Moab City Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to City Council on Ordinance 2026-07, an amendment to Moab Municipal Code Section 17.08.060 governing exceptions for sidewalk, curb and gutter construction. Commission Member Jill Tatton moved for the recommendation, which Commission Member Shalee Bryant seconded, and the motion passed without objection.

Associate Planner Johanna Blanco explained the scope of the existing code and the proposed changes; Community Development Director Cory Shurtleff described shortcomings in the current rule, recent legal considerations, and discussed fee-in-lieu options and potential hardships for developers, including properties proposed for annexation. Commissioners questioned specific provisions (Conant asked about proposed provision F.2, which considers whether neighboring properties had ever paid for curb and gutter previously) and requested rewording of Section F.3 for clarity before council review. The hearing opened at 6:23 p.m., received no public comment, and closed at 6:47 p.m.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory to the City Council; the ordinance would change the administrative process by which the city evaluates exceptions. The Commission’s action included a direction to clarify the authority assignment noted in discussion (whether final authority should rest with the City Manager rather than the Community Development Director), which staff said will be conveyed to Council along with the recommended rewording.