Moab council adopts new speed-limit method, tables specific street changes until public workshops

Moab City Council on June 9 adopted Ordinance 20-26-12, repealing the prior text and establishing a formal method for determining enforceable speed limits for street-legal vehicles, including street-legal ATVs and UTVs. The ordinance codifies that posted regulatory signs control the legal speed and sets a prima facie speed of 20 mph where no sign exists.

Police and public works staff framed the ordinance as a compliance and process update after changes in state law. As staff counsel Lex told the council, "What this does not do is as what the mayor said is is repeal, change, or get rid of any speed limits that currently exist." The council voted 5–0 to adopt the ordinance.

After the ordinance vote, staff presented proposed, street-by-street recommendations — for example, Mill Creek to Sand Flats and 400 North to be reduced to 20 mph and several arterial bypasses to remain at 25 mph. Councilmembers raised safety, enforcement and noise concerns and several urged more community engagement. Councilmember Colin moved to table adoption of specific speed-limit changes and to plan workshops and community conversations; the motion, seconded by Miles, passed 5–0. Mayor Joette Langanese said the council expects to revisit the item after receiving input from the Safe Streets for All project and holding public workshops, likely in late summer.