Moab · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moab City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City of Moab Annexation Policy Plan and Boundary Maps Update
The city is updating its annexation policy plan and boundary maps, which outlines potential future growth areas and land uses around Moab. Residents have raised concerns about potential impacts on property taxes and rural lifestyles in areas like Spanish Valley.
Vendor Code Reform
New zoning rules establish clear standards for private property vendor courts and mobile food trucks. The changes aim to balance mobile business opportunities with neighborhood standards while addressing growing demand.
Sidewalk and Driveway Construction Standards
The council is considering a change to how highway commercial properties can apply for exemptions from city rules requiring sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. This could streamline development requirements along major commercial corridors.
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.
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.
Henry Shaw Hotel and Workforce Housing Obligations
A developer requested a development agreement to build smaller, off-site workforce housing units in the county instead of paying a fee or building on-site in the city. Residents and commissioners raised concerns about unit sizes, traffic impacts, and the location outside city limits.
Spanish Valley Water Storage
Moab is taking out a $3 million state loan to build a new 1.5 million-gallon water storage tank in Spanish Valley. The loan will be paid back over 15 years using city water utility funds.
Corporate Sponsorship Pilot
The city is entering into a two-year partnership with Jeep that brings in valuable vehicle leases, marketing exposure, and community event support while establishing safeguards to maintain local character.
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.
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.
Signage Code Rewrite
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.
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.
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.
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.
Workforce Housing Annexation
A massive 240-unit hotel project is moving forward on South Main Street as the last project exempted from the city's short-term accommodation moratorium. The developers are looking into building on-site or nearby workforce housing units instead of paying a massive $2.6 million fee-in-lieu.
Speed Limit Reductions and Traffic Calming
The city is moving forward with plans to lower speed limits to 20 mph on 100 West and Mill Creek Drive to protect pedestrians and address off-highway vehicle safety. Staff also introduced low-cost paint and channelizer solutions for intersections like Williams Way.
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 considering an ordinance change to allow medical clinics as a permitted use in neighborhood commercial zones, which could make it easier to establish healthcare facilities in local neighborhoods.
Lions Park River Access
The city is moving forward with a feasibility study to improve non-motorized access to the river at Lions Park.
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.
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.
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.