Planning commission to seek code changes to remove newspaper notice requirement; council warned some undeveloped lots may not qualify for building

Planning staff told the Alta Town Council the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Oct. 22 on a recommendation to adopt the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code and to amend the town code governing notification for land-use ordinance amendments.

A speaker identified as Chris said the commission plans to propose removing the town’s requirement to publish a land-use notice in a newspaper of general circulation because that requirement is no longer mandated by state statute and is difficult to schedule. Chris said the proposed amendment would instead align town notice timing with the statutory requirement for a planning commission public hearing and eliminate the newspaper publication step.

Chris told the council the commission would also consider a minor amendment to section 9.3 (preservation of vegetation during development) and a separate small change to section 10.1.9 to address notice timing and publication. He said the commission will “consider a recommendation to the council on amendment to this code section” at its Oct. 22 meeting.

Council discussion included concerns from a resident, Craig, who said two undeveloped lots near his home may not qualify for development under the WUI code because they lack “appropriate water access and appropriate fire engine access.” Craig suggested staff review whether those lots could be developed under the new code and, if not, to notify affected property owners that they “may run into a problem building there.” Chris acknowledged uncertainty about how much leeway the town has to amend the WUI code and said staff will examine options.

No formal action was taken; the Planning Commission will hold the public hearing and may forward a recommendation to the council.