Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moab City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
32 issues with high priority
Sidewalk and Driveway Construction Standards
The city is updating how it handles sidewalk and curb requirements along busy Highway 191, creating clearer exception pathways and fee-in-lieu options to help build out pedestrian and bike paths along a heavy traffic corridor.
Pedestrian Safety and Crosswalks
Consultants presented a comprehensive safety action plan aimed at reducing serious crashes and improving active transportation across Moab and Grand County. The plan lays the groundwork for upcoming federal grant funding.
Pack Creek Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
The city is replacing a washed-out pedestrian bridge over Pack Creek to reconnect neighborhood foot traffic to downtown, schools, and businesses. Despite coming in over initial budget estimates, the council agreed the project is critical for community connectivity.
Speed Limit Reductions and Traffic Calming
The city is addressing pedestrian safety by lowering the speed limit on 100 West to 20 mph, while discussing broader traffic calming and engineering remedies for corridors like Mill Creek Drive.
Spanish Valley Water Storage
Moab is applying for a $3 million state loan to build a new 1.5-million-gallon water storage tank, financed through a 15-year revenue bond at 3.72% interest. Residents have until September 23, 2026, to submit comments on the project, which could impact future water rates.
Corporate Sponsorship Pilot
The city authorized an RFP for a corporate sponsorship pilot program to explore public-private partnerships. The council extended the application timeline to ensure careful evaluation.
C-2 Zoning and Infill Development
The city is considering relaxing building rules in the C-2 zone to help developers build more mixed-use projects. This could change how our downtown looks and how much parking is required for new buildings.
Bear Safety and Wildlife Management
With five bear encounters in a week, the city is urging residents to secure trash and fruit to keep the community safe.
Minor Subdivision at 196 N 200 E
Moab's City Council just voted to change zoning rules, making it easier to build affordable housing. This is a big win for local workers who struggle to find a place to live in the town they work in.
Subdivision and Building Code Streamlining
Moab is updating its municipal code to give developers more time to record subdivision plats, remove redundant public hearings for preliminary plats, align disaster rebuilding rules with state law, and enforce attendance for planning commissioners. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes and fix outdated rules.
Proposed Phase 2 Development Agreement for 57 West Kane Creek Boulevard
Residents and officials were set to review a proposed development agreement between the city and Amasa Holding LLC for property located at 57 West Kane Creek Boulevard. The agreement outlines development terms for the site, impacting local growth and land use.
Infrastructure Fee-in-Lieu Requirements
Small business owners face steep sidewalk fee-in-lieu charges when developing industrial or commercial parcels where sidewalks aren't practical or needed. The planning commission agreed to direct staff to review these rigid rules so local small businesses aren't unfairly penalized.
Sign Code Modernization
The city is rewriting its sign code to simplify regulations, clarify lighting rules, and remove confusing language. Meanwhile, local business groups are advocating for reasonable allowances like sandwich boards to help businesses tucked away from Main Street attract customers.
Subdivision and Disaster Building Code Overhaul
The city is updating code rules to streamline subdivision approvals by removing redundant public hearings and giving developers more time to record plats. It also brings local disaster rebuilding rules in line with state law so property owners can rebuild nonconforming structures after fires or natural calamities.
Signage Code Rewrite
The city is reviewing sign code rules to simplify height, size, and lighting limits while maintaining community character. Business owners have raised concerns about visibility for off-Main Street locations and the prohibition of certain temporary signs.
Commercial Zoning and Parking Reform
The city is considering making it easier to build in commercial areas by reducing landscaping and setback rules. They are also looking at allowing developers to pay a fee instead of building every required parking spot.
Medical Clinic Zoning
The city is updating its zoning code to let medical clinics operate in the C-5 neighborhood commercial zone. This fixes an apparent oversight and lets local non-profit clinics like New Hope Pregnancy Center expand their healthcare services.
Lions Park River Access
The city is moving forward with a feasibility study to improve non-motorized access to the river at Lions Park.
Staybridge Hotel Site Plan Approval
The planning commission reviewed and approved a site plan for a 126-room hotel on South Main Street, marking one of the final vested overnight accommodations projects in the city.
Skate Park Construction
The Southern Utah Coalition of Concrete Athletes is pushing for a new skate park, citing the current facility's poor condition as a major issue for the city.
Comprehensive Land Use Code Definitions Update
The city is overhauling its land use code to simplify definitions, coordinate better with building and safety codes, and create flexible options for small business owners and residential development.
Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Financial Audit
The city received a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, meaning its financial statements are reliable and meet accounting standards. Staff addressed minor internal control adjustments for cash disbursements and enterprise fund depreciation budgeting.
Adoption of Wildland Urban Interface Code
The city adopted the 2006 Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code to comply with state requirements while declining to map specific high-risk properties at this time. This balances state wildfire safety mandates with local realities without instantly imposing heavy regulations on homeowners.
Residential Utility Assistance
The city is trying to help low-income residents pay their utility bills. They've extended the pilot program and are looking for more people to sign up.
Workforce Housing Annexation
Property at 486 River Sands Road is moving forward with annexation into the city, featuring a split zone that allows existing commercial use and up to 20 units of workforce housing restricted to active employment households.
Shumway Mixed-Use Commercial Development
A new three-story mixed-use building is coming to South Highway 191, bringing retail, dining, and medical office space to an underutilized lot. City staff hope this project will act as a catalyst for revitalizing the southern corridor.
2025 Municipal Election Certification
Moab's mayoral election is heating up! The Times-Independent is your go-to for understanding the candidates running for mayor. Make sure you're informed before heading to the polls.
300 South Bridge Replacement
Planning a trip to Arches or Canyonlands next summer? You might want to rethink your route. A major movie production is closing the main highway to the parks for a period, so expect detours and longer travel times.
City Council Election
Moab's City Council is up for grabs with three candidates vying for a seat. This is your chance to learn about who could be shaping the future of your town.
City Council Meeting
The Moab City Council just had a meeting, and we've got the highlights for you. Stay informed about the decisions shaping our town!
City Manager Appointment
Moab has a new city manager, Michael Black. He's taking the reins at City Hall, so get ready for some new energy and direction in local government.
Property Tax Increase
Get ready for your property tax bill to climb! The Moab City Council just gave the green light to a tax increase after a heated public discussion.