Latest news with #WeberCountyCommission
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Parking fines could triple near Pineview and Causey Reservoirs
OGDEN, Utah () — Recreationists visiting Pineview Reservoir this summer might notice that their parking fines have tripled. Today, the voted to approve a first reading of an ordinance that would increase parking fines during summer months. Sean Wilkinson, director of the Community Development Department, presented the ordinance to the Weber County Commission. The full commission — Gage Froerer, Sharon Bolos and James Harvey — was present. Wilkinson began by explaining that there had been an increase in parking violations near Pineview and Causey Reservoirs, both located in the mountains of Weber County. 'These parking violations create a public safety hazard by increasing pedestrian traffic near moving vehicles and by reducing the travel space available for vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles,' Wilkinson said. Enforcement of REAL IDs go into effect soon are you ready? Parking violations currently have a fine of $50 if paid within 14 days, and $100 if paid after 14 days. Wilkinson's proposed ordinance would change these prices in hopes to lower the number of violations in the area. 'May 15 to September 15 each year, on any highway or road where Weber County has parking enforcement authority in the following two locations: the road to Causey Reservoir and all road branching off of it east of the entrance to the Weber Memorial Park Campground and all locations within one mile of the Pineview Reservoir high water mark,' Wilkinson read from the proposed ordinance. Under the new ordinance, drivers who have no violations within the past year will be charged $150 if paid or contested within 14 days, and the charge will be $300 if paid after that. Anyone with more than one violation in the past year will face a $300 fine if paid within 14 days, and it will increase to $600 if paid after 14 days. There will not be a penalty for repeat offenders in areas outside of those named near Pineview and Causey Reservoirs. The increased fines will only be implemented from May 15 to Sept. 15. Utah's youth can learn about wildlife photography in upcoming summer camp 'Sometimes it's just those holiday weekends that are super dangerous. In the past, what they've done is gone up there and think, oh, ten bucks a piece for everybody in the car, not a bad price for parking,' Harvey stated after Wilkinson presented his plan. Time was made for public comments, but nobody came forward to speak. At the end of the meeting, Bolos brought it forward for a motion. Froerer made a motion to approve, but wanted to add a note. 'For some people, those fines are fairly heavy, but if you've travelled up there on some weekends — especially those busy weekends — it is a health safety issue that needs to be addressed,' Froerer said. He further explained that he thought a shuttle service would suit the area, but until that happened, he thought the increased fine would be appropriate. All of the commissioners voted and approved the first reading of the ordinance. It will go to a second reading at an upcoming meeting, but that agenda has not been released yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utah bill to restrict, regulate zoning in newly incorporated areas sparks concern in Ogden Valley
A proposal to restrict zoning and require compensation for downzoning in newly incorporated areas is drawing the attention of some of the people behind the push to incorporate part of the Ogden Valley. "This would create so many problems that are so unsolvable," said Brandi Hammon, who promoted the ballot question last November to turn the expanse around Eden, Wolf Creek and Liberty east of the Wasatch Back in Weber County into a new city. The incorporation measure passed by a wide margin, and the city is to formally come into being next January. Sen. Calvin Musselman, the sponsor of SB322, though, isn't looking for immediate action on the proposal, meant to address downzoning, or implementation of zoning changes imposing new restrictions on land use. Rather, he introduced the bill so the topic could get attention during the legislative interim later this year. "I don't want this bill passed. I just want it to get to interim," he said at a meeting Thursday of the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee. Officials ended up taking no action on the proposal, but its introduction earlier this week sparked a strong response from Ogden Valley incorporation proponents. Hammon worries the proposed change could hamper leaders of the new city, to be elected later this year, as they're trying to get the new locale up and running. A message Wednesday on the Facebook page of the group that spearheaded the incorporation drive, Ogden Valley Incorporation, blasted the legislation and called on Ogden Valley residents to reach out to their representatives to voice opposition. "These new rules DO NOT apply to the county or to other cities who make zoning changes — just our new city. SB322 is a blatant attempt to hobble our new city government," reads the text of a message Ogden Valley Incorporation is calling on city boosters to send to lawmakers. Musselman didn't respond to a query seeking comment, but SB322, as written, would prohibit downzoning for at least a year after an unincorporated area is annexed into a city. It would also require a city to compensate a property owner whose property loses value due to downzoning after incorporation. Incorporation boosters touted incorporation of the Ogden Valley as a way of helping assure local control amid increasing development and growth pressures. The area is home to three ski resorts and Pineview Reservoir and is an increasingly popular getaway draw. But Hammon said downzoning hasn't been an intent of those who promoted incorporation. As is, the Weber County Commission governs the Ogden Valley area to be incorporated until the new city formally materializes in January 2026. "We're not looking at it at all because it's not our intention," Hammon said. At any rate, given the year-plus period between last November's annexation vote and formation of the city next January, developers already have time to develop their land before incorporation becomes official. So many variables figure in determining the potential loss of a parcel's value due to downzoning, meantime, that such a task is incredibly difficult, she said, not that downsizing is contemplated.
