Council directs staff to pursue targeted general-plan amendments this year, focusing on undeveloped areas

Council debated whether to undertake a full rewrite of the general plan or pursue targeted amendments to address changes since the last update. Staff and the city attorney explained that amendments require planning-commission hearings and a council decision, but they do not necessarily require a full open-house rewrite. Grant opportunities through the Wasatch Front Regional Council were identified to help offset costs.

"We want to do an amendment of the general plan this year that includes undeveloped areas and the clouds," a staff speaker summarized as the desired direction and asked that staff present a focused amendment plan for the planning commission and council. Multiple council members supported a targeted approach to clarify ambiguous "bubble" zones, check transportation maps, and update future land-use maps where development has made earlier assumptions obsolete.

Council discussed the kickoff process: a joint kickoff meeting with the planning commission was proposed to align council priorities, narrow the list of specific areas for amendment and avoid repeated back-and-forth rework. Staff said the planning commission will provide a formal recommendation after the required public hearings. Council asked staff to prepare a list of specific amendment items, potential timeline, and grant opportunities to present at the next steps so the process can move forward this year.