[jcboal]

It is important to understand and clarify what standards your public utilities are using for “capacity” and “demand”. The existing lines may have capacity for additional units, but the engineers may like to have additional breathing room. How is your demand being calculated (i.e. dwelling square footage, number of fixtures, etc.) and does that match the dwellings being built and/or the demographics of your community. It is important to have a data backed conversation on what the existing capacity is, what current demand is and what future demand will be created with the additional ADU’s.

For example, the sewer lines may be designed to have capacity for 8,000 square foot homes with 4 bathrooms and an occupancy of 8 people, but the current demand is actually 3,500 sq ft homes with 3 bathrooms and an occupancy of 4 people. Adding a 800 sq ft ADU with one bathroom would not exceed the capacity limit.

[jcboal]

Salt Lake City has adopted and been using “Affordable Housing Incentives” to incentivize affordable housing. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/saltlakecityut/latest/saltlakecity_ut/0-0-0-70622

[jcboal]

With changes in technology it is important to review and maybe update your code to responses in those technological changes. Without looking at your definition, an internally lit sign could include several different sign types that the community wants to treat differently. Additionally, the ability to adjust when, how bright and where the signs are lit from may have changed since the original ordinance was passed. It might be possible to consider some specifics, without losing the communities intent or desire.

[jcboal]

Here is a good resource on easements from the Ombudsman’s office. https://propertyrights.utah.gov/find-the-law/legal-topics/easements/
It is important to remember that an easement does not give “fee simple” ownership or rights to the service providers using the easement. There needs to be a balance between allowing a property owner to use their property (in the easement) and the utility being protected and accessible for the utility company. Often, a case by case analysis is appropriate as opposed to blanket restrictions. A new easement granted to a utility provider can identify specific concerns related to that specific easement.

[jcboal]

It may be beneficial to think through a whole “public relations campaign” for your department or the city. Identify how your community best receives information and how they prefer to respond/participate. The approach should be holistic – how are you informing the public about who you are, what your role is, how are you presenting long range planning projects to the public, and how are you presenting current planning projects to the public?  Are you the source the public uses to find out what is happening in the community, or are they using other sources? How can you elevate yourself in the public conciseness as the source of accurate information? Ada County Development Services (Idaho) has a good social media campaign that has worked to increase public engagement. They are active on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and the County’s website.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 6 days ago by jcboal.

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