The state legislature’s Management Committee met a couple of weeks ago and set the calendar and study agenda for the interim legislative committees. Land use planning and administration and housing affordability are prominent on the list of issues to be studied.
Here’s a rundown of the study items and the committees they are assigned to.
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee
Housing
Review existing policies and regulations and examine how to increase the housing supply. Sub-topics include:
- Report from the Commission on Housing Affordability and stakeholders.
Introduce Steve Waldrip’s role.
- Look at regulations around accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Natural Resources, Agricultural and Environment Interim Committee
Water
Study water issues including:
- Groundwater resources
- Canal corridors and trails in active transportation planning
- Need for a state riparian specialist
- Funding for water-related capital projects
- Development of a water database
Air Quality
Discuss air quality challenges, including challenges meeting the summertime Ozone standard
Political Subdivisions Interim Committee
Municipal Incorporation Process
In-depth review of the municipality incorporation process, including feasibility studies, independent reviews by a volunteer board or the Land Use Ombudsman, and projected revenues vs. estimated cost. (Note from Wilf: how about the annexation process?)
Conditional Land Use Ordinances
Study possible changes to conditional land use laws.
Impact Fees Review (again?)
General overview of the use and application of impact fees by local governments. Are impact fees adding more to the cost of homes than originally intended, making it harder for new home buyers to build homes in the state? Does the state need to consider rebalancing the effect that impact fees have on housing affordability? (Note from Wilf: This may take on particular relevance because of the recent Supreme Court decision in Sheetz v County of El Dorado, California)
Water Credits, Exactions, and Impact Fees on New Development
Study exactions of water rights by land use authorities.
Utah Housing Policy
Study the Legislative Audit 2023-16 A Performance Audit of Utah Housing Policy: A case study for statewide strategic planning and accountability. The Political Subdivisions Interim Committee was designated as the lead committee to review the audit findings and make recommendations.
Transportation Interim Committee
Long-Term Transportation Planning
Study several items related to long-term transportation planning, including:
- UTA’s long-range transit plan, project prioritization, federal funding, and debt
- The future of light rail
- Road capacity and population growth
- Olympics transportation planning
- Utah Trails Network
- Station Area Plans
- Ownership of state constructed transit infrastructure
One other study item not included in the Legislative Management Committee list but that will come to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee is the study of critical infrastructure materials operations and related mining (sand and gravel). HB502, passed by the legislature this session, directs the State Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to conduct this study and report their findings to the interim committee by November 1, 2024.
In addition to the legislative interim committee study items, we are sure to have more issues talked about by the Commission on Housing Affordability and the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission.
Looks like there will be plenty to do before the next legislative session in 2025!