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Council approves first reading to allow temporary access road for Rocky Mountain Power pole-replacement
Summary
On first reading the council approved a temporary land-use rule permitting a short-lived access road on slopes over 50% to facilitate Rocky Mountain Power's pole-replacement in Parleys Canyon, with reclamation and revegetation conditions; vote recorded 7–1.
Curtis Woodward (MSD senior planner) said Rocky Mountain Power needs a temporary access route to replace wooden poles with metal poles in Parleys Canyon to reduce wildfire risk; an 50% slope waiver is required because one route from I‑80 would otherwise damage Parleys Creek and many trees. Staff described an alternative hillside route that minimizes tree removal and includes a required reclamation and revegetation plan after project completion (targeted end of October/early November, weather permitting).
The council approved the ordinance on its first reading with conditions that the temporary roadway be regraded and revegetated once the work is finished. A councilmember asked whether compensation was offered for disturbance of private land used for the temporary access; staff said the work will be on a private property owner’s parcel where Rocky Mountain Power's contractor has negotiated temporary access and the county has secured a reclamation commitment but no county compensation arrangement was required. The first reading passed by roll call 7–1.
