The statutory authority for enacting this chapter is Utah Code Annotated sections 17-53-223 and 17-27A-301, as amended. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a countywide planning commission required by Utah Code Annotated section 17-27A-301, as amended. The chapter defines the number and terms of the members, the mode of appointment, the procedures for filling vacancies and removal from office, and other details relating to the organization and procedures of the planning commission. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The county hereby establishes a countywide planning commission, which is comprised of seven (7) regular members and up to five (5) alternate members appointed by the county commission. Each planning commissioner shall be a resident of and qualified elector in the county. Not less than four (4) members constitute a quorum. Alternate members may fill the position of any absent or excused regular member and shall have all the duties and powers of regular members when filling in. Alternates shall be called to fill in for regular members on a rotating basis; i.e., alternate 1 shall fill in for a member at one meeting, then alternate 2 shall fill in for a member at the next meeting, etc. Alternates who are not filling in for regular members may still participate in planning commission meetings, but may not vote. The members of the planning commission, whether regular or alternate members, shall serve without compensation except for the reimbursement of actual expenses incurred as approved by the county commission. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The term of regular members of the planning commission shall be three (3) years and until their respective successors have been appointed; provided, that the terms of the regular members shall be staggered so that at least two (2) regular members' terms expire each year. The term of alternate members shall be two (2) years and shall be staggered. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The county commission may appoint members to fill any unexpired terms of any regular or alternate members who vacate their positions for any reason. Planning commission members may be removed from their position for cause by the county commission. "Cause" includes, but is not limited to, moving out of the county, failing to attend planning commission meetings, or committing any act inimical to public service. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The regular members of the planning commission shall elect one of their members as chair of the planning commission, whose term shall be for one year. No member of the planning commission may serve as chair for more than one consecutive year. The planning commission may create and fill such other offices as it may determine. The planning commission shall adopt such rules and regulations governing its procedure as it may consider necessary or advisable, and shall keep a record of their proceedings, which record shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable times. The planning commission may adopt policies and procedures for the conduct of its meetings, the processing of applications, and for any other purposes considered necessary for the functioning of the planning commission. These policies and procedures shall be submitted to the county commission before taking effect. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)

The planning commission shall have the powers and duties outlined in Utah Code Annotated section 17-27a-302, as amended, including:

   A.   Preparing and recommending a general plan and amendments to the general plan to the county commission in compliance with Utah Code Annotated title 17, chapter 27a, as amended;

   B.   Recommending zoning ordinances and maps, and amendments to zoning ordinances and maps, to the county commission in compliance with Utah Code Annotated title 17, chapter 27a, as amended;

   C.   Administering such provisions of this title as provided for in this title;

   D.   Recommending subdivision regulations and amendments to those regulations to the county commission as provided in Utah Code Annotated title 17, chapter 27a, as amended;

   E.   Approving or denying preliminary subdivision applications and plats for single family, two-family, and townhouse development.

   F.   Recommending approval or denial of all other subdivision applications and plats (not single family, two-family, and townhouse development) to the county commission as provided in Utah Code Annotated title 17, chapter 27a, as amended;

   G.   Advising the county commission on such matters as the county commission directs;

   H.   Hearing or deciding any matters that the county commission designates, including to approve or deny conditional use permits;

   I.   Exercising any other powers delegated to it by the county commission; and

   J.   Exercising any other powers that are necessary to enable it to perform its functions. (Ord. 2017-1083-O, 2-21-2017; amd. Ord. 2024-1251-O, 2-25-2024)