Mixed Minimal Use zones defined to protect open and undeveloped lands

Chapter 3 of the Box Elder County Land Use and Development Code defines Mixed Minimal Use zones—labeled MU-160, MU-80 and MU-40—to preserve open space and reduce demands for public utilities in sensitive or undeveloped areas. The code describes those zones as intended to “encourage use of the land, where appropriate, for forestry, grazing, agriculture, mining, wildlife habitat, and recreation,” and to avoid premature, intensive development until the Planning Commission advises on ultimate land use.

The provisions apply to properties shown on the Official Zoning Map and require uses and development to conform to other applicable chapters of the code; the code cross-references allowed, permitted and conditional uses and requires conformity with broader regulations in subsequent chapters. The policy framing ties zoning designations to watershed protection, wildfire risk reduction, and limiting scattered population that would increase public-service costs.