Residents urge Utah County to reject zoning changes impacting water rights

The Utah County Commission meeting on September 29, 2021, featured significant discussions regarding water rights and zoning changes in Hobble Creek Canyon. Residents expressed strong concerns about proposed changes that could impact their property rights and water access.

Dionne Baron, a local resident, voiced her opposition to changing the zoning from CE 1 to CE 2, which would allow for new construction and alterations on properties. She emphasized that signing a waiver would not resolve the underlying issues related to water rights, stating that the county had been aware of water problems for decades but had failed to act. Baron argued that the county's past negligence in ensuring adequate water supply for developments had left homeowners vulnerable, and she urged the commission to vote against the zoning change to protect their rights.

Russell Pearson, another resident, supported Baron’s concerns, highlighting that the county had a regulatory role in the maintenance and open space agreement tied to the developments in the area. He argued that the county should be held accountable for its involvement and the implications of the agreements made in the past.

The discussions underscored the residents' frustrations with the county's handling of water rights and zoning regulations, as they seek to safeguard their property and community interests. The commission's decisions in this matter will have lasting effects on the residents of Hobble Creek Canyon, as they navigate the complexities of local governance and land use.