One of the biggest issues that cities are facing at the moment is pressure to fix the housing crisis. As I have mentioned before, I don’t think that Utah has a housing crisis, but that Utah has a Developer Crisis. The State Legislature has passed legislation that is making it harder and harder for Cities like Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield to have control over zoning and the type of housing a city permits to be built.
The city of Eagle Mountain has done several surveys over the years of its residents and what they want to see happen with Eagle Mountain and the area. In all of those surveys the residents indicate that they want to keep Eagle Mountain rural with low density housing. You can review those surveys in previous articles posted on Cedar Valley Sentinel. 2021 Resident Survey Shows 13% Dissatisfied with Mayor and 11% Dissatisfied with City Council, Survey Shows EM Residents Don’t Want Urbanization – No to Multi-Family and High Density. It will be interesting to see what the 2023 survey shows and how the city responds to it.
Most cities have a Future Land Use Map as well as a General Plan. Those documents are designed so that the future vision of the city is followed and developers know what is to be built in what areas. I asked Tyler Maffitt the Eagle Mountain Communications Manager about those plans. He replied in an email, “The Future Land Use Map is an important part of the City’s General Plan, which is a 10-20 year guide for future development and growth of the city. The map designates desired/planned future land uses and incorporates the planned future transportation network and parks and trails. The map is intended to help implement goals and strategies in the General Plan related to housing and land use and will morph and change as market conditions and other factors change. The plan should be updated every five years at a minimum, and amendments should be considered on a somewhat regular basis.
The current future land use map was created with the help of consultants in 2018, and has been amended several times since then. This fall, the City will begin the process of updating the map and plan again — a process that will include public input and various public meetings.”
The easiest way to tell if a development does not fit into the current use plan is how it is presented to the City Council. Here is an example that has been on recent agendas.
ORDINANCE/PUBLIC HEARING – An Ordinance of Eagle Mountain City, Utah, Approving an Amendment to the Future Land Use Map of the General Plan, Rezoning Certain Lands Known as Porter’s Crossing Town Center, and Approving the Fourth Amendment to the Porter’s Crossing Town Center Master Development Plan.
The part to notice is that they are Amending the Future Land Use Map and the General Plan. They are amending both because the change to the Master Development Plan zoning is not allowed under the current vision of the city.
The main reason that changes to the Future Land Use Map and General Plan are being proposed is to allow for higher density in areas that are slated for a lower lot count. There are several recent examples besides the Porter’s Crossing Town Center change. There is the recent FireFly development change that was done during a special City Council meeting. There is another one currently in process for the Eagle Mountain Benches subdivision.
There are currently three City Council seats up for election in Eagle Mountain. If you want to have a say in how the city grows in the future, you need to get involved in the election process. Here are a few tips on how you can tell if a future City Council member or a current City Council member is pro high-density or not.
Determining whether a city council member is pro-high density or supports high-density development can be done by examining their public statements, voting records, and policy positions. Here are some indicators that can help you assess a city council member’s stance on high-density development:
- Public statements: Look for any public statements the council member has made regarding high-density development. They might express support for increased density, emphasize the benefits of compact urban development (15 minute communities), or highlight the need for affordable housing.
- Voting records: Review the council member’s voting history on relevant issues, such as zoning changes or land-use regulations that influence density. If they consistently vote in favor of measures that promote higher density, it suggests they are pro-high density.
- Policy initiatives: Explore any policies or initiatives the council member has championed. If they have proposed or supported policies aimed at increasing density, such as allowing mixed-use development or promoting transit-oriented development, it indicates their support for high-density living.
- Public engagement: Assess the council member’s level of engagement with the community on matters related to density. Do they actively seek input from residents, developers, and stakeholders? Are they involved in discussions or forums focused on urban planning, affordable housing, or smart growth? A proactive approach to engaging with the public on density issues may suggest a pro-high density stance.
- Affiliations and endorsements: Look for any affiliations or endorsements that may indicate the council member’s support for high-density development. For example, if they are associated with organizations that advocate for smart growth, sustainable urban planning, or affordable housing, it can provide insight into their position.
Remember that assessing a council member’s stance on high-density development requires a holistic understanding of their overall positions on urban planning, housing, sustainability, and community development. It’s also important to consider their views within the context of the local community’s needs and aspirations for growth and development.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.