#EM2019 – CC Question – City Code

The zoning code as I outlined in Question 6.

Zoning code changes – These are currently underway, and have been worked on for years, but there is still much left to do to get them across the finish line. I pitched a zoning system to our Community Development Director previously when the general plan was updated. It was held pending the general plan changes. As the general plan is now complete, we’ve moved on to the details of the residential zoning code. My zoning proposal and other councilmember’s and planning commissioner’s proposals have been taken by staff and have resulted in an amalgamation that will give more certainty to the people of Eagle Mountain, and less flexibility to developers. Currently developers can basically buy additional density, which is being removed completely. Additionally, once the residential zoning code is complete, it will be time to address the commercial zoning code and update it as well. It’s a lot of work, but I’m up for the continued challenge. One of the reasons I am seeking re-election is I want to see the general plan and zoning code changes I have been working on for years now, through to the end. I want to make sure the philosophy I have represented throughout this term is carried out; tightening up the zones, allowing less flexibility in density for developers while still allowing for various options for land use, and buffering incompatible uses from one another. Finishing parks – This is another issue that I have worked on for years but still has a long way to go. We have many unfinished parks in the city going back years. This past four years, significant improvements in those parks have been made with utility sale funds. This year, each of the councilmembers pitched projects to be completed and many of my proposals and suggestions for improvements made the list. The list includes improvements across the city, from the Ranches, to SilverLake, to City Center, White Hills, and the North Ranch area. The funding for those is remaining utility sale funds, fees-in-lieu, and likely even park impact fees. These improvement make another needed incremental push toward completing all parks. I will it could all be done faster, but ultimately, it all comes down to funds and priorities. Parks are important to me, but infrastructure comes first, so the park improvements may take some time, but I am confident we will get them done.

I’d also like to spend time in the code for boards and commissions in order to revisit what roles and expectations each have and how to make them more effective in aiding initiatives in the city. The more involvement we have in city matters from active and engaged citizens, the better the outcomes we achieve are.

Just last evening in Planning Commission, I asked staff to look at 2 codes specifically. Sidewalks on both sides of the road on private roads was one of them. Currently we only require one side. The biggest code we have been working on, and I will continue to do so is zoning. Again to eliminate the “vested rights” that we deal with so often.

I am not aware at this time of any city code that I would propose changing. However, I worked as an intern with the state legislature and learned the necessity of changing problematic code. I was involved with many bills that created new code, or modified existing code. Some of the changes were uncontested and others sparked heated debates. It was rewarding to work toward a consensus with the parties involved. I found great satisfaction in passing bills that made the code better or clearer and I would not hesitate to work to improve the Eagle Mountain city codes as needed.

I do not currently have anything that I can think of that I find really problematic right now. With code, however I think it needs constant review because it can be hard to understand and sometimes it leaves room for interpretation. I think as a citizen of this city, county, state, and nation we should all become more familiar with code. This protects us and allows us to have control over the way our government is run at these levels. As the legislative body it would be my duty to submit proposed changes to code with firm research supporting the change. Then when it came to vote having had the research and public discussion to vote the way that I think would benefit the majority.

I am sure I will find room for improvement during my service on City Council. Currently, I do not believe we have any broken or ineffective code.

Honestly, there have been quite a few. Our Tier zone system did not serve us well as a city. It encouraged higher density building in exchange for open space. I believe we can have balanced development with lot sizes that encourage all stages of life living spaces without sacrificing the beautiful open spaces we have here. I have combed through much of our city code and made a multitude of suggestions on the planning commission. I intend to see that these codes are fixed to improve the safety, health and welfare of our community. I want to eliminate as many loopholes as possible that have been exploited by so many developers and left us with developments that were beneath our intended standards.