Consultants outline 18-month Shape Spearfish UDC rewrite, stress community engagement

Clarion Associates consultants presented an 18‑month plan on the Shape Spearfish Unified Development Code (UDC) rewrite, saying the project is intended to implement the city’s Adventure Ahead comprehensive plan and update code chapters on mobile homes, subdivisions, trees/landscaping and zoning. "The purpose of the Shape Spearfish Unified Development Code rewrite is, first and foremost, to implement the Adventure Ahead comprehensive plan," said Maggie Squire, the project manager and senior associate with Clarion Associates.

The consultants described three content installments (zoning and land uses; development standards such as parking, signage and subdivision design; and administration procedures) and a three‑phase schedule: drafting through March 2027, public review April–September 2027, and adoption and implementation October 2027–January 2028. They outlined five public engagement “buckets” — open houses, an online survey, staff‑led office hours, a project advisory board of about 20 participants, and opportunities for public comment at planning commission and council meetings — and posted drafts and signups at www.shapespearfish.com. Elizabeth Garvin, one of the Clarion consultants, told council members the team will provide three installments of the draft during phase 1 and will return for periodic updates and guidance.