Bluff planning commissioners map stepwise review of redlined zoning code

Malia Collins, chair of the Bluff Planning & Zoning Commission, led a work session March 19 in which commissioners agreed on a stepwise approach to reviewing a redlined draft of the town’s zoning code.

Collins said the commission needs a clear timeline and suggested splitting the draft into manageable sections and assigning pairs to review them. "Starting at a 40 page document, what do we want it to end with?" she asked, urging members to focus on practical edits that reduce obstacles to development while complying with state law.

Commissioners flagged a recurring question: whether the town should copy definitions from Utah state code into its ordinance or simply reference state law. One commissioner offered to compile two or three focused questions for the town attorney, Chris, so the commission can proceed without repeatedly seeking legal guidance. Commissioners generally favored referencing state code to avoid having to continually update the municipal text when state definitions change.

On accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Collins proposed language to limit ADUs to one per lot — attached or detached — consistent with state requirements, and noted the state’s parking rule requiring two spaces. "Accessory dwelling units shall not be subdivided or conveyed separately from the subject lot," she said, and commissioners discussed how enforcement and lot‑size issues would be handled if an ADU were self‑sufficient.

The group agreed to divide the redline into topical chunks (definitions, signs, mobile homes, district uses, setbacks and lot sizes), pair up reviewers and return with findings at the next work session. Commissioners also agreed to include short status updates on the regular agenda so teams can report progress and surface legal questions promptly.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the text during the session. Collins said she will email the town attorney with commission questions and that the group will reconvene in assigned subgroups to prepare recommended edits for future joint discussion.