Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Highland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning
Ridgeview privacy fence setbacks
Ridgeview's tiny corner lots (some 0.117 acres) were losing a third to half their side yards to the citywide 14-foot fence setback. The council carved out an exception for the smaller pods so families can fence their yards, while keeping the rule on estate lots.
Building height measurement on sloped lots
Highland currently measures height from finished grade at the foundation, letting builders pile up dirt and build taller homes. The proposed fix measures from top back of curb or existing grade, closing a loophole neighbors have noticed.
Detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) rules
The council is finalizing how big a backyard ADU can be: keep the lot-coverage cap, keep the 'no bigger than your house footprint' rule, and cap living area at 1,250 sq ft (some wanted smaller, one wanted 1,500 on big lots). Residents told the council proposed 30-foot setbacks would make ADUs impossible on typical lots.
Detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs)
A new ordinance would let homeowners build detached accessory dwellings on large lots — required by state law by October. The council wants a workshop first over concerns about utilities, mailboxes, and 're-zoning the city' through ADU proliferation.
Dog training business in R-140 zone
A dog training business got citywide zoning approval with fencing, hour limits, a cap on dogs and a new on-site parking/20-trip amendment to protect R-140 neighborhoods from future drive-in operations.
Decks and covered patios in setbacks
New rules let homeowners on smaller open-space lots build attached decks and covered patios within setbacks, as long as they don't rise above the main floor and open sides stay 66% open.
State-law conforming code amendments for planning process
Utah's 2026 land use bills changed the rules: new zone uses are now council-only legislative decisions, and planning commissioners face new requirements for removal causes, recusal, and training. The commission recommended the council adopt both changes — mostly housekeeping, but it affects how land use decisions get appealed and who decides them.