Box Elder Together Zoning Review

The Box Elder County Community Development Department, working in partnership with the Box Elder County Planning Commission and with the support of the County Commission, is beginning Box Elder Together, a countywide zoning review focused on establishing predictable zoning for areas of the county that currently do not have a zoning designation.

The Box Elder County Community Development Department, working in partnership with the Box Elder County Planning Commission and with the support of the County Commission, is beginning Box Elder Together, a countywide zoning review focused on establishing predictable zoning for areas of the county that currently do not have a zoning designation. The effort is designed to provide a clear land-use framework while recognizing Box Elder County’s agricultural heritage, existing land uses and the needs of communities and property owners as the county continues to grow. Box Elder County currently has significant areas of unzoned land. Through Box Elder Together, Community Development staff will develop proposed zoning based on existing and historical land uses for the unzoned land parcels. Most currently unzoned property is anticipated to be proposed for an Agricultural Heritage Zone (AHZ), while appropriate areas may be proposed for General Industrial (M-G) zoning. “This is a planning process, and our job is to make sure property owners and residents have good information about what is being proposed and why,” said Scott Lyons, Box Elder County Community Development Director. “We want people to look at the maps, ask questions and provide feedback. Public participation is an important part of implementing a plan that works for Box Elder County.” Building on the Community’s VisionBox Elder Together is the implementation of the community vision established through the County’s 2021 General Plan. During that planning process, 92% of respondents expressed support for preserving agriculture, while 81% preferred directing new growth toward areas near existing communities. The current countywide zoning review provides an opportunity to put that community vision into a practical land-use framework. “The General Plan gave us valuable direction from the community about what residents want Box Elder County to look like in the future,” Lyons said. “Box Elder Together is an opportunity to take that direction and work through the details of how land-use planning can support agriculture, communities and responsible growth.” What Does Zoning Mean? Zoning establishes baseline rules for how property may be used. It does not change property ownership or automatically approve an individual development project. Under the proposed process, existing land uses will remain in place and will be grandfathered. Property owners will also retain the ability to request a zoning change in the future through the County’s established public rezoning process. The intent is to provide greater predictability for property owners, residents, farmers and businesses by establishing a baseline for land uses throughout currently unzoned areas. “Zoning does not take away ownership of your property,” Lyons said. “It establishes a set of rules for how land can be used. Existing uses are recognized, and property owners continue to have opportunities to participate in the land-use process in the future.” A Community Planning Process The Community Development Department will lead the technical planning work, with the Planning Commission providing review and a formal recommendation. The County Commission supports the effort and will ultimately consider the proposal following the Planning Commission’s review. The process includes several opportunities for public participation: Planning Staff ReviewBox Elder County Community Development (Planning & Zoning) Staff will prepare initial zoning maps using available information regarding existing and historical land uses. Community EngagementTown halls and additional public outreach will give residents and property owners opportunities to review the proposed maps, ask questions and provide feedback. Planning Commission ReviewThe Planning Commission will conduct the formal public hearing, consider public comments and make a recommendation to the County Commission. County Commission ConsiderationThe County Commission will consider the proposed zoning and the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation before making a final decision through a public meeting. “We have several steps in this process, and there is not going to be a decision made at the town halls,” Lyons said. “The purpose of the early outreach is to educate, answer questions and hear from the community. We want property owners to have an opportunity to understand what is being proposed before the formal public hearing.” Upcoming Box Elder Together Town Halls The first opportunities for residents to learn more about the process and speak directly with county staff are scheduled for September. Tuesday, September 15 at 7 p.m. | Town Hall 1 — USU Brigham City Campus Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. | Town Hall 2 — Box Elder County Fairgrounds These Town Halls will provide opportunities for the public to learn about Box Elder Together, ask questions and discuss specific questions regarding the proposal, view the maps, and meet with county staff and technical experts. No final zoning decisions will be made at the town hall meetings. Additional public education and outreach will continue through September and October through radio, television, social media, newspapers and other community outreach efforts. Formal Public Process October 1 — Legally required public notices will be sent to impacted property owners. Public signage will also be placed throughout the county. Thursday, October 15 | 6:00 PM — The Planning Commission will hold a formal public hearing and consider the proposed zoning. Tuesday, November 17 | 11:30 AM — The proposed zoning plan from the Planning Commission recommendation will be presented to the County Commission for consideration. The County Commission may take action at this meeting. Learn More, Review Your Property and Participate Community members can learn more about Box Elder Together, look up their property and submit questions or comments at: boxeldercountyut.gov/boxeldertogether The Community Development Department Staff encourages residents and property owners to participate throughout the process. Reviewing the proposed maps, attending a town hall and providing public comment are important opportunities to help ensure the final proposal reflects the needs and character of Box Elder County. “This is a large, but necessary step to reaching the future our residents envision,” Lyons said. “That is why we are taking the time to bring the information to the public, make the maps available and have conversations with property owners. We encourage people to get involved, ask questions and be part of the process.” Box Elder TogetherPlanning with Purpose. Preserving What Matters. Our County, Our Future.