Almost a decade has passed since either General Plan has been updated, and concerns about growth and development in Summit County have only heightened.
Now, two advisory committees are being formed to help county planners create the roadmaps used to influence important decisions in the future ranging from land use, preservation and resource management to transportation and housing.
Their goal is to modernize the General Plans for eastern Summit County and the Snyderville Basin to align with the values of the communities while advancing the overall vision of Summit County. The guiding documents are used by planning commissioners, county councilors and staff.
The process is still in the beginning stages, but county officials are convening separate advisory committees to plan engagement events, review drafts and help analyze information gathered from the community. They’ll also look at future land use maps to identify areas for growth or protection as well as help develop goals, strategies and priorities for each area.
“Community members interested in impacting the future of Summit County should get involved early and stay involved throughout the process,” said county planner Maddy McDonough.
Staff gained insight into how residents want to move forward while completing the Our Summit Community Vision and Strategic Plan, and they want to use the feedback to craft the General Plans.
The eastern Summit County General Plan was updated in 2013, while the Basin document was last changed in 2015. The County Council in 2019 also adopted the Kimball Junction Neighborhood Master Plan, which guides development in the area based on a community vision for how to manage growth.
Residents on the East Side and in the Snyderville Basin listed access to trails and recreation, open space and community character as their top values during the visioning project. However, the preferred improvements in each area slightly differed.
North Summit wants improvements to local retail such as grocery stores or pharmacies, elements that promote the small-town feeling and a range of housing types. South Summit also requested affordable and senior options and open space or agriculture. However, they also cited a need for transportation connections.
Communities in the Snyderville Basin area, including Park City, asked for pedestrian improvements and public transit options as well as more housing and community character.
The first round of comprehensive updates will start this month. The advisory committees will be launched and then they’ll start examining the existing conditions. They’ll also focus on clarifying each area’s goals.
Round two digs deeper. It will likely involve an open house, focus group meetings, community-led discussions and interactive engagement opportunities. The advisory committees are expected to meet between six and 10 times through September 2025.
Seven people will serve on the East Side committee: two planning commissioners from eastern Summit County, one planning commissioner from the Snyderville Basin, three members at-large and one County Council member. An at-large member will be appointed from both North and South Summit.
The West Side panel has five members: two Basin planning commissioners plus one from eastern Summit County, one member at-large and one county councilor.
Individuals with a special interest in agriculture, sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, community character, economic development, land use and transportation may be given priority. Planning experience isn’t required. Applications are open until May 8.
Committee members will be appointed by County Manager Shayne Scott after a recommendation from Community Development Director Pat Putt.
Each planning commission would review the draft General Plans, conduct public hearings and issue a recommendation to the County Council at the end of the process. Staff hope the documents will be adopted by the end of 2025.
Open houses for the East Side General Plan are planned from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 4 at the Ledges Event Center and June 18 at the Kamas Library. The same information will be shared at both events. Details for an open house in the Snyderville Basin are coming soon.
More information can be found at ut-summitcounty.civicplus.com/2475/General-Plans.