Who loves learning about land use, city ordinances, and zoning?
When I was first elected to the City Council, I was encouraged to read Land Use Training by David Church, one of Utah’s leading authorities on municipal planning and zoning. I accepted that challenge—and I’m so glad I did.
Over the past ten years, I’ve spent countless hours studying land use and its application to state and local municipalities. I’ve come to truly enjoy understanding the nuances of how these principles shape our communities and influence every decision we make as city leaders.
In 2021, our mayor asked me to help draft a new mixed-use ordinance to allow both commercial and residential development. We were given only two weeks to complete it—an ambitious timeline, but an important task, since we were told a development applicaton was coming.
I immediately went to work—researching our existing ordinances, reviewing those from other cities, and consulting with the state ombudsman’s office, including planners and land use attorneys. My goal was to ensure our city created a strong, clear, and legally sound ordinance that reflected our priorities and protected our interests.
Working closely with our city engineer and planner, we developed the Mixed Use West Zone—a zone with carefully defined language and expectations. It required that commercial development be completed at least 75% before any housing component could begin, ensuring commercial growth came first. The ordinance also established clear ratios—75% commercial and up to 25% residential—to maintain balance and intent.
Understanding land use, planning, ordinances, and zoning is absolutely essential for any elected official. To serve effectively, one must respect the process, protect property rights, and promote responsible growth that benefits the entire community.
I not only understand that process—I embrace it. And when questions arise, I know where to find the right, legal, and informed answers.