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Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals (STRs) have become an important part of local government, but there are challenges.
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Civic Role: Mayors
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General Plan Elements: Moderate Income Housing
A moderate income housing plan is a required element within a general plan per §10-9a-403 of Utah State Code (as amended). Every jurisdiction in Utah is required to have a moderate income housing plan.
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Subdivision Amendments
The impact of subdivision amendments greatly affects municipalities; from right-of-ways to easements. To enhance the quality of life for residents, an understanding of the whys and hows for subdivision amendments can guide government officials towards making wise decisions.
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Performance Guarantees
Performance guarantees are used to ensure or guarantee that construction, maintenance, or improvements are fulfilled as promised or expected.
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Variances
Any person or entity desiring a waiver or modification of the requirements of a land use ordinance as applied to a parcel of property that they own, lease, or in which they hold some other beneficial interest may apply to the applicable appeal authority for a variance from the terms of the ordinance.
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Land Use Authority
A land use authority is a person, group, or agency designated by the municipality to execute land-use regulations. Every municipality has one or more land use authorities. Land use authorities commonly include the Planning Commission, the City/Town Council, or other elected officials.
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Annexation: Policy Plans + Municipal Process
Annexation is the formal process of incorporating additional property, previously part of an unincorporated county, into a municipality’s jurisdictional boundaries. The incorporation of this property into the existing municipality makes the new territory subject to the municipality’s various plans, codes, and ordinances.
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Development Agreements
A development agreement is a contract between a local county or municipality and a private party (land owners or developer) that helps both parties work together throughout the development process for a specific development project. Land owners and developers like development agreements because they provide regulatory and political assurances during the development process that make projects more viable. These assurances pertain to development phasing, rules and regulations pertaining to the development of a specific property, critical infrastructure responsibilities and coordination, and more. Local counties and municipalities like development agreements because they are a way to incentivize development, promote economic growth, and ensure that proposed development is in compliance with adopted rules and regulations and the overall vision of the community.
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Subdivisions
Whereas the focus of zoning pertains to the use of land, subdivisions concern the division of land. A subdivision is defined in Utah State Code as “any land that is divided, resubdivided, or proposed to be divided into two or more lots or other division of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, for offer, sale, lease, or development either on the installment plan or upon any and all other plans, terms, and conditions. It includes the division or development of land, whether by deed, metes and bounds description, devise and testacy, map, plat, or other recorded instrument, regardless of whether the division includes all or a portion of a parcel or lot; and divisions of land for residential and nonresidential uses, including land to be used for commercial, agricultural, and industrial purposes” (§10-9a-103(65)(a)).
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Water-wise Ordinances + Water Conservation Plans
Counties and municipalities can play an important role in water conservation through the ordinances they adopt. Water-wise ordinances and conservation plans are particularly vital for municipalities experiencing new development, those rooted in agriculture, and those facing periods of drought. Understanding federal and state water regulations is key to creating and implementing the right water-wise ordinances and conservation plans for your community.