Development News for Tooele, Utah

New State Law Requires Tula City Council to Consider Family Impact in Ordinances

The city attorney presented on Utah Code 10-3-72.1, enacted in the 2024 general session, which requires municipalities to consider the impact of proposed ordinances on family health, stability, and formation. While the code does not define these terms precisely or mandate specific discussion formats, it requires the City Council to give consideration. The city's legal office will add standard language to all ordinances stating that the council has considered the potential impact on families. This requirement applies only to ordinances, not resolutions, and failure to comply does not invalidate an ordinance or create a cause of action.

Tula City Council Debates Fence Regulations for New Multifamily Developments Adjacent to Existing Homes

The council discussed a proposed text amendment to Tula City Code 7-118-17 regarding design standards for walls and fences. The amendment addresses situations where a new multifamily residential project is adjacent to an existing single-family residential development with an installed fence. The current ordinance does not allow for exceptions, often leading to a 'fence within a fence' scenario that collects debris. The applicant proposed allowing an exception to installing vertical columns or peers if certain criteria are met, such as the existing fence's visibility and consistency with city standards. The Planning Commission recommended approval with additional conditions, including administrative review by staff instead of the City Council, developers communicating with affected property owners to obtain affidavits, and allowing affected owners to request a public hearing if they disagree with staff decisions. There was considerable discussion regarding the complexity of obtaining affidavits from multiple property owners and the potential for disputes between neighbors, with suggestions to simplify the process through official noticing or to allow the developer to handle fence arrangements directly with adjacent owners. The applicant clarified that the primary goal is to avoid the gap created by columns, not to use existing fences. The discussion concluded with a consensus to potentially rewrite the proposed amendment to clarify intent and address concerns before a final vote.

Tula City Council Reviews Fraud Risk Assessment and Discusses Fiscal Year Budget

The council reviewed the city's annual fraud risk assessment, which requires an evaluation of procedures and training to minimize fraud risk. The city received a low score, partly due to not having its own audit department or audit committee. The council also discussed the upcoming fiscal year budget, highlighting priorities such as funding ongoing expenses for city services, personnel, operations, and maintenance. Key budget items include annual increases in salaries and benefits, adjustments for insurance and retirement costs, and funding for three new positions: an additional police officer, an administrative assistant for the fire department, and a position for the IT department to enhance network security. The budget also allocates funds for fire department stipends to address growing demands and covers minor adjustments for operational and maintenance costs due to fuel and inflation. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to capital projects and equipment, including a new welcome sign, sidewalk replacement program, animal shelter vehicle, aquatic center light upgrades, cemetery improvements (dump truck, paving, irrigation), community development inspector vehicle, fire department vehicles, golf course range net repair and aeration, pump station upgrades, clubhouse exterior repairs, IT data center hardware and H2O system upgrades, library Zeroscape project completion, museum ADA-accessible sidewalks, park department equipment and fence replacements, police department forensic software and body camera systems, and public building HVAC replacements. Enterprise funds will cover water line replacements, well project completion, wastewater treatment plant bond projects, and storm drain improvements. Long-term debt reduction efforts were also noted, with several bonds paid off and others scheduled for future payoff.

Tula City Proposes Reduced Landscaping Requirements for Heavy Industrial Park

The council considered a text amendment to Tula City Code 7-16B-6, landscaping standards, to reduce landscaping requirements in the heavy industrial section of the Tula City Business Park. The proposed changes align with established landscaping policies for other industrial zones, which include removing requirements for parking lot landscaping, a 15-foot front yard, and landscape park strips. In lieu of these, any disturbed areas must be reseeded with native species, and a reclamation plan must be submitted. This amendment specifically targets Section C of the heavy industrial zone. The Planning Commission recommended approval with the condition that irrigation used solely for revegetation establishment is not required to be permanent. The changes aim to mirror existing standards for heavier industrial zones and remove Section C from general landscaping and tree planting requirements, while maintaining a disturbed area vegetation reclamation plan.