Council adopts sports-court rules, sets 12-foot default for court lighting

The Brian Head Town Council voted unanimously July 14 to adopt Ordinance No. 26-012, revising Chapter 12.21 of the Town’s Land Management Code to clarify standards for private sports courts. The ordinance carries a new default limitation on lighting: “Lighting height shall be no higher than necessary for the proposed activity, and no higher than twelve feet (12’) without Planning Commission approval,” language the council added during debate.

Planning and Building Administrator Greg Sant told the council the update consolidates fencing, setback, lighting, and view-corridor standards after two Planning Commission sessions. The ordinance permits non-reflective matte-finish chain-link fencing and allows fence placement up to halfway into required setbacks, while requiring lighting to comply with the Town’s lighting ordinance and not create traffic hazards.

Council Member Tidwell flagged that, without a default, a property owner could erect a 20-foot pole on a 10-foot fence; the council’s amendment provides a default standard while preserving Planning Commission review for exceptions. The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Council Member Nyen and seconded by Council Member Cruz; the motion carried 5-0.

The ordinance takes effect under the town’s standard ordinance-adoption timetable. The council’s action leaves the Planning Commission as the review body for any requested exceptions to the 12-foot lighting height.