Commission considers General Plan language changes
- Ty Gant
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
KANAB — The Kane County Commission on April 14 considered proposed changes to the county’s General Plan, with discussion centering on how future growth should balance the rights of existing residents, property owners and new development. The meeting opened with routine business and a legislative update from a representative of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s office, who discussed federal efforts related to agriculture, privacy and election issues.
Commissioners also received reports involving Payment in Lieu of Taxes, funding tied to wildlife lands and updates on Lake Powell management. Representatives said aquatic invasive species inspection stations at the lake have operated successfully so far this season and noted positive experiences with local employees staffing the checkpoints.
The commission unanimously approved support for trail planning efforts in the Zion and Mount Carmel area involving the Utah Department of Transportation. Commissioner Patty Kubeja said the state was not requesting county funding but wanted confirmation the county supported the concept.
The most extensive discussion involved wording changes proposed by Commissioner Gwen Brown for the Kane County General Plan. Brown said she wanted the document to more clearly recognize the interests of longtime residents and property owners, arguing those already established in the county should be represented alongside newcomers and developers.
Other commissioners raised concerns about wording they said could be too broad or difficult to defi ne, including phrases referencing the “established character” of an area. No action was taken, with Brown concluding additional work was needed before returning the proposal for a vote.
Commissioners later unanimously approved a zone change from C-1 to C-2 for property between Kanab and Big Water involving an existing trailer park and storage uses. They also approved extending startup timelines for some conditional use permits, such as cellular tower projects, before reapplication would be required.
The board also approved an updated county policy allowing brief workplace visits by children when supervised and not disruptive to county operations, while reaffirming compliance with state law regarding nursing infants in the workplace.
After a brief financial review and commission update, the meeting adjourned.
