HomeMy Public PortalAboutRES-CC-2017-28CITY OF MOAB
RESOLUTION #28-2017
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017 CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS, the Moab City Council (Council) adopted the General Plan (Plan) as amended, by resolution
on January 8, 2002 to provide an official statement of goals and policies for the future development of
Moab City (City); and,
WHEREAS, the City, to keep abreast of changing attitudes and values of residents, desired to assess and
update the General Plan and create new goals for the future growth of the City; and
WHEREAS, with the aid of a consultant, SE Group, the City initiated a community driven update of the
Plan in 2012 to provide a clear vision for the future development of Moab; and,
WHEREAS, subsequent to several months of public meetings, topic forums, open house and stake holder
meetings and hands-on workshops that culminated in a Planning Commission public workshop in October
2015, a document entitled The City of Moab General Plan Update was drafted by consultant and City
Staff; and,
WHEREAS, specific topics of concern were identified as requiring more attention in the 2017 update as
described in Planning Resolution 14-2017; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with USC 10-9a-302, the Moab Planning Commission, during a duly advertised
public hearing held on April 13, 2017, determined that it is in the best interests of the citizens that the City
of Moab General Plan Update, with amendments, be adopted by the City Council to become the guide for
future development; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, during a duly advertised public meeting held on April 25, 2017, reviewed
the draft Update and the recommendations of the Planning Commission and City Staff and established a
date for the public hearing on determined that it is in the best interests of the citizens that the City of Moab
General Play Update, with amendments, be adopted by the City Council to become the guide for future
development.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it Resolved by the Moab City Council, that the 2017 City of Moab General Plan
Update, as attached, is adopted.
PASSED AND APPROVED in open Council by a majority vote of the Governing Body of Moab City
Council on July 11, 2017.
David L. Sakrison, Mayor
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
GENERAL PLAN
City of Moab, Utah
Planning and Zoning Department
GENERAL PLAN PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 23, 2017
April 13, 2017
CITY COUNCIL
May 23, 2017
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED
"What is needed is for every person to feel at home in the place of his local government with his ideas and
complaints. A person must feel that it is a forum that it is his directly, that he can call and talk to the person
in charge of such and such, and see him personally within a day or two. For this purpose, local forums
must be situated in highly visible and accessible places."
A Pattern Language
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 2 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Council
Kyle Bailey
Heila Ershadi
Rani Derasary
Kalen Jones
Tawny Knuteson-Boyd
Planning Commission
Jeanette Kopell
Wayne Hoskisson
Joe Downard
Laura Uhle
Allison Brown
Mayor
David Sakrison
City Manager
David Everitt
Moab Planning & Community Services Departments
Jeff Reinhart
Sommar Johnson
Amy Weiser
Others
David Olsen — Former Community Development Director
Ken Davey — Former Administrative Analyst/Economic Development Specialist
Eric Johanson — Engineering and GIS
Kelly Thornton — Former Planning Commission Chairperson
Donna Metzler — Former City Manager
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 3 I Page
* * *DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1— INTRODUCTION 7
Purpose 7
Need for Long Range Planning 7
Challenges 7
CHAPTER 2 — PLANNING CONTEXT 9
History 9
Population and Growth 10
Natural Environment 11
Climate and Temperature 11
Land Use 12
Future Land Use Management 12
Annexations 13
Urban Services Area Plan 14
Governmental Structure 14
Public Buildings, Facilities, and Services 15
Infrastructure 16
Relevant Planning Documents 21
Other Context 23
CHAPTER 3 — GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND PROCESS 24
Background 24
General Plan Update Process 24
Public Engagement 24
General Plan Implementation 28
CHAPTER 4 — COMMUNITY VISION
City of Moab Community Vision 29
A Vision for Moab 29
CHAPTER 5 — ELEMENTS, GOALS, POLICIES
Nine (9) Elements 30
Goals, Policies, Action Steps, and Plan Maps 30
29
30
Element 1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 31
Economic Development — General 31
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 4 I Pagc
* * * DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Element 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental Sustainability — General 34
Visual Resources 35
Air Quality 36
Water Quality 37
Water Supply 37
Energy & Resource Conservation 38
Aural Environment 38
Element 3 LAND USE AND GROWTH
Land Use — General 39
Natural and Environmental Constraints 39
Urban Design and Character Preservation 40
Resource Protection 40
Street Trees and Landscaping 41
Historic Preservation 42
Commercial 42
Residential 43
Industrial 43
Agriculture 44
Open Space 44
Flood Channel 44
Annexation 45
Element 4 HOUSING
Housing 45
Affordable Housing 46
Element 5 PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks 46
Recreation 47
34
39
45
46
Element 6 ARTS AND CULTURE 48
Arts and Culture 48
Element 7 TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
Transportation and Circulation — General 48
Pedestrian 48
48
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 5 I Page
* * * DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Non -motorized Vehicles 49
Motorized Vehicles 49
Sidewalks and Streets 50
Element 8 PUBLIC WORKS 51
Public Works — General 51
Water Services 51
Sewer Services 51
Wastewater Treatment 52
Stormwater 52
Solid Waste Facilities 53
Private Utilities 53
Element 9 CIVIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Municipal Properties 54
Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement 54
Health and Emergency Services 56
Education 57
54
MAPS 58
Zoning 58
Future Land Use 59
Current Buildout 60
Built Environment 61
Public Lands 62
Future Annexation Boundary 63
Sidewalk Improvements 64
Walking and Bicycle Routes 65
Appendices
Appendix A - Moab Area Housing Plan, Updated Fall 2016
Appendix B - Utah Noxious Weed Act
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN
6 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
Purpose
The Moab General Plan is the City's official
statement of its goals and policies. These goals
and policies guide future development and
reflect the long-term vision of the community,
The General Plan also provides an
implementation plan for these goals and
policies as well as a technical foundation for
political decision -making.
The term "general plan" is synonymous with the
terms "master" or "comprehensive" plan. Utah
Code 10-9-301 - Land Use Development and
Management Act directs all municipalities to
prepare and adopt a comprehensive long-range
land use plan.
Need for Long Range Planning
Land development takes place one parcel at a
time. Changes or impacts from an individual
development may be small. But over the years,
the combined change resulting from all
development decisions can be large. While
development proposals are reviewed
individually, a master plan provides the context
for looking at the cumulative impacts of
development. Planning not only provides a long
term, big picture view of future development
and the changes that can result, but also guides
this development to maximize benefits and
minimize conflicts and adverse effects. This big -
picture framework provides a basis to evaluate
individual development proposals with
consistency and fairness.
Challenges
As a tourism -driven economy and a small desert
community, the City must balance the needs of
residents with those of visitors. Due to the
regular seasonal visitation, the cty's
infrastructure and services must meet the
demands of a temporary population that is two
to three times the size of the residential
population. This creates cost and planning
challenges. There are also implications for
housing, employment, infrastructure and related
social issues.
The land use patterns of the boom and bust
economic cycles have influenced the eclectic
land use pattern that is found in Moab today.
For example, a quaint historic cabin can be
found next to a 1980s era split level house.
This lack of architectural conformity defines
Moab's built character and unique styles.
Many short-term decisions were based on
historic economic needs and the result is
piecemeal land development. Residents have
expressed a desire to preserve Moab's
character, eclecticism, and small-town charm.
The challenge is to balance the irregular
patterns with modern zoning and development
concepts.
Moab is the center for commerce and services in
Grand County and the region. Locally -owned
businesses are valuable to the local economy and
provide goods and services to residents and
visitors. The absence of large-scale chain retail
stores and stores that cater to basic residential
needs leads locals to shop out of town or online.
This can be an inconvenience for residents and a
potential loss of tax dollars for the City. Moab is
faced with choices in how to balance these needs
and maintain the character of the communi
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Decisions made by the city often have impacts
beyond its limits. In addition, the city regularly
interacts with and is affected by federal, state,
county, other agencies and private groups. This
creates the need for careful cross -agency
planning and cooperation.
Other challenges include the community's
remote location, geographical constraints and
arid surroundings. In addition, U.S. Highway
191 bisects the city and is a major north/south
transportation thoroughfare which serves main
street local business and tourism traffic as well
as heavy and light commercial through traffic.
This leads to congestion, safety, and noise
impacts. The challenge for the city is to mitigate
these impacts and maintain a vibrant Main Street
district.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 8 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
CHAPTER 2 — PLANNING CONTEXT
History
Millions of years of natural erosion from wind
and water left behind the unique landscape that
helped shape Moab's way of life. The first
evidence of habitation in the Moab area dates
back several thousand years. Pictographs and
petroglyphs have been found in the area that
date from 1,500 to 4,000 years old or older. The
most recognized ancient culture to occupy the
area was the Ancestral Puebloan, who did not
inhabit the region until approximately 900 A.D.
The Moab vicinity was the northern limit of
Ancestral Puebloan habitation, but sometime
between 1250 and 1300 A.D. the Ancestral
Puebloans disappeared from the area.
While there is some disagreement regarding the
entrance of modern Native Americans into the
area, the Ute people were the dominant Native
American group in the 18a' century. The
Colorado River crossing north of Moab provided
the ancient people as well as those who traveled
here over time a shallow and safe location for
fording of the river. This crossing was a key
component of the Old Spanish Trail, which ran
from Santa Fe to Los Angeles.
By 1855, the Navajo were also living in Spanish
Valley, just south of Moab. Around the same
time, an area near Moab was settled by a
Mormon missionary group. Because of conflicts
with native peoples, the missionaries did not
remain long. In 1874 the next group of settlers
and cattlemen arrived. Ranching was their main
livelihood, but some settlers attempted to grow
crops including vineyards and fruit trees. By the
late 1800s peaches, apples, pears, and grapes
were being cultivated and shipped throughout
the region. The expense of pumping irrigation
water and unpredictable freezes prevented Moab
from becoming a major agricultural area.
In 1890, Grand County was created by the Utah
Legislature and on December 20, 1902, Moab
became incorporated as a municipality. Like
settlements of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (LDS), Moab was laid out
according to the "Plat of Zion." This grid
pattern, inspired by LDS founder Joseph Smith,
featured square blocks that were intended to
concentrate homes, and create order. Elements
of that design can still be seen today including a
uniform grid pattern, a north -south orientation,
wide streets and long narrow lots. The first
known zoning code for Moab was published in
1954.
During the first half of the Twentieth Century,
Moab's economy was primarily agrarian; mainly
farming, ranching, and fruit growing. There was
limited mining during these years as well.
Southeast Utah became known for uranium
deposits, and later became a popular area for
uranium prospecting when the United States
government encouraged exploration to meet the
military weapon development programs.
A geologist named Charlie Steen discovered a
massive high grade uranium deposit southeast of
Moab and a prospecting boom began. During the
1950s Moab grew from a population of 1,275 to
over 5,000 residents.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
9 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
The 1960s saw the construction of a uranium
processing plant along the Colorado River and a
small oil and gas production boom, further
cementing extractive industries as the core of the
local economy.
Tourism was also growing during this time,
though at a much more modest pace. Arches
National Monument became a national park in
1971 and visitation between 1960 and 1970
grew from 71,600 to 178,500.
Population and Growth
By the mid-1970s demand for uranium declined
and mines near Moab started shutting down. The
uranium processing plant began a series of
layoffs and ceased operations in 1984. Moab
went into an economic tailspin. The population
decreased from 5,333 in 1980 to 3971 in 1990.
Homes were shuttered, businesses closed, and
government services were reduced. At one point
the local school district instituted a 4-day school
week to save money.
While extractive industries declined, tourism
gained momentum in the Moab area. Spurred on
by the growing popularity of mountain biking
and increasing interest in the regional national
parks, the 1990s saw the construction of new
hotels and restaurants. Downtown storefronts
also began reopening, most catering to the
burgeoning tourist market. National park
visitation mushroomed and by 2014 Arches
National Park attracted 1,284,767 visitors.
The 2010s have seen some modest growth in oil
and gas production, but for the most part Moab
remains dependent upon tourism as an economic
driver.
Today, Moab is the hub of Utah's southeastern
corridor. It is 234 miles southeast of Salt Lake
City and 113 miles southwest of Grand
Junction, Colorado. It is located on State
Highway 191 along the Colorado River about
30 miles south of Interstate 70.
Town Name
Population
Distance
from Moab
Castle Valley
332 (2013)
22 miles
La Sal
395 (2012)
31 miles
Monticello
1,980 (2012)
54 miles
Green River
949 (2012)
`52 miles
A portion of Moab's workforce lives south of
Moab in unincorporated Grand and San Juan
counties.
The uranium mining boom in the early 1950s
created the most significant population growth
in the history of Moab. The number of residents
increased dramatically from 1950 to 1960.
Although no other era would experience the
degree of growth that Moab saw during that
time, the community would continue to expand
into the early 1980s. This trend then reversed,
with Moab's population declining from a high of
5,333 people in 1980 to only 3,971 in 1990. This
was largely the result of mine closures and the
uranium mill closure.
Historical Population
Census
Population
%±
1890
333
-
1900
376
12.9
1910
586
55.9
1920
856
46.1
1930
863
0.8
1940
1,084
25.6
1950
1,275
17.6
1960
4,682
267.2
1970
4,793
2.4
1980
5,333
11.3
1990
3,971
-25.5
2000
4,779
20.4
2010
5,046
5.6
2012
5,093
.9
2015*
5,235
2.8
*US Census estimate
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
10 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
In the early 1990s, Moab began another cycle of
growth fueled by the burgeoning tourist
industry. Current population growth is very
modest, less than 1%per year. Today, the year-
round population of Moab is approximately
5,200.
Natural Environment
Moab is strongly defined by its location and
surroundings. Situated at roughly 4,000 feet in
elevation and enclosed by red rock cliffs, Moab
lies in a verdant valley along the Colorado
River. The creeks and springs and close
proximity to the Colorado River create an oasis
in the desert. The towering red rock walls and
mesas present a stunning contrast to the desert
sky, the dramatic peaks of the La Sal Mountain
range, and the lush trees and fields of the valley
floor. The harsh desert that encircles the
community once proved to be a major detriment
to development and sustaining a population.
Now this natural environment is the greatest
asset supporting a thriving tourism economy.
The surrounding sandstone enhances the beauty
of the area but does increase the danger of
sudden stormwater runoff. Whether the water
comes from sudden short-lived monsoonal rain
storms or from rapid snow melt, there is always
a chance of local flooding. Heavily concentrated
rainfall can swell Mill Creek and Pack Creek
and often causes the eroded faces of the cliff
slopes to act as discharge chutes for larger
collection basins on top of the surrounding high
ground. Recent actions taken to manage flood
potential have had a positive effect in protecting
public and private property. On -going flood
mitigation and flood channel management
practices will keep ahead of development and
changing precipitation patterns.
Climate and Temperature
Temperatures in Moab have been reported as
high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as —
20 degrees F. In spite of the intense heat each
summer, Moab's climate is generally
categorized as "temperate." The frost -free period
in Moab averages 184 days per year. Rainfall
averages only eight inches per year, with
October being the wettest month, followed by
March, July and April. During the summer,
Moab is prone to sudden brief, violent
thunderstorms that often result in flash floods.
Average Average
Daytime/Nighttim Monthly
e Temperatures Precipitation
(Fahrenheit) (inches)
JAN 49.6/18.0 0.53
FEB 50.4/25.5 0.62
MAR 60.2/34.2 0.7I
APR 72.5/41.9 0.79
MAY 82.4/50.1 0.57
JUNE 92.0/57.5 0.45
JULY 99.0/64.1 0.49
AUG 95.3/62.8 0.87
SEPT 87.1/52.8 0.83
OCT 73.8/40.8 1.16
NOV 56.0/30.6 0.6
DEC 45.1/21.4 0.64
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
111Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
Land Use
Moab's current city limits include
approximately 3,060 acres of land. The
City has a variety of land use types
including residential, commercial,
industrial, and some mixed use. According
to a GIS-based build -out analysis, about
two-thirds of that area: has been built -on
or developed; is conserved; is parkland; or
is severely constrained from development
due to topography or natural resources.
Moab encompasses a variety of
neighborhoods, ranging from higher density
areas with a variety of lot sizes, to traditional
suburban development with larger lots and
lower density, to mobile home neighborhoods.
The main commercial area begins (north to
south) at the Colorado River Bridge on Hwy
191(Main Street) and follows Main Street to
the southern city limits. Other commercial
areas exist off of Main Street but are generally
adjacent to the central area of town. The
traditional downtown area is primarily
composed of tourist -related businesses. At
this time, there is no large-scale retail in
Moab.
Development patterns often do not fit
current zoning classes. Single family
residences on very large lots have been the
development pattern for many years even in
the multi -family zones. Significant
development occurred prior to the
codification of the zoning ordinances in
1954. Development and economic pressures
along with fluctuations in population at
different times led to development
anomalies that still exist today. In addition,
there are minor differences among similar
zone classifications that may be too complex
for the size of the community.
Moab is contiguous to Spanish Valley to the
south, containing most of Grand County's
population, and functioning as a semi -urban
to rural continuation of Moab City. On
Moab's northern boundary are resort type
development, and the Uranium Mill Tailings
Remedial Action, a 20 year and $800
million dollar federal reclamation project
managed by the Department of Energy.
Roughly 93% of Grand County is managed
by various federal and state government
agencies. To the east and west is
predominantly Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) property, including 140 acres within
city limits. There are also tracts of School
and Institutional Trust Lands (SITLA)
interspersed throughout Grand County.
SITLA parcels in Moab, such as the
potential future Utah State University (USU)
Campus, and the Lions Back Property, are
some of the largest undeveloped properties
in the city.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is another
important open space land owner in the area.
TNC and the Utah Division of Natural
Resources jointly own and manage the 894-
acre Matheson Wetlands Preserve that
provides wildlife habitat.
Future Land Use Management
While the City is growing, there is an increasing
desire to keep our small-town atmosphere. The
people that live here choose to reside here
because of the amenities of the area. The
character of Moab is also important to people
looking to relocate in the area. Preserving small-
town values is of the highest priority for many
Moab residents, and anything that affects local
neighborhoods or Moab's atmosphere has
heightened importance to those who live in the
community.
The land development regulations will continue
to be the legal conduit through which land use
decisions are made. It is important to continually
modify the land use codes to reflect the
changing needs of the community and promote
best land use practices. With growth pressures
and sprawling development in the rural areas
surrounding the City, infill development of
desirable land uses should be promoted with
appropriate land use policies. The policies
throughout the General Plan encourage desirable
infill development, use of existing structures,
and other land use directions for development.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 12 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
As needs for particular kinds of residential,
commercial, or industrial development arise, or
critical lands for conservation are identified, this
General Plan should be amended to reflect
developing trends and the Moab Municipal Code
should be revised accordingly. Important aspects
in guiding the City's development are ensuring
that regulations not only continue to be dynamic,
flexible, and contemporary but also reflect
updated trends identified in the Plan.
Growth trends in many communities across the
nation are similar to what is occurring in Grand
County. Distinct urban areas in certain regions
are losing residents as they move to lower -
density, more rural settings. Likewise, Moab is
seeing increased development on the "urban
fringe." The key to quality -of -life issues in the
coming decades will be the ability of the City of
Moab and Grand County to coordinate planning
efforts in order to manage the growth on the
urban fringe, and provide a smooth transition
from high -density, urban settings to low -density,
rural areas. Development pressures are such that
the unincorporated areas near the City are being
developed to near -urban levels. As this growth
has occurred, it has become apparent that it
would benefit the community to create a plan
that ensures appropriate and desirable growth
within the City and in the areas around it.
Developing a growth area plan to reflect best
practices and future directions desired by both
the City and Grand County is an important
aspect of future land use planning.
The City utilizes zoning regulations to help
manage land use, compatibility, and density
throughout the community. The City provides a
menu of zoning options that provide for a
variety of residential, commercial, industrial,
and open space uses. The current zoning
regulations are intended to maintain a healthy,
safe, clean, and beautiful community where land
is used efficiently, effectively, and is compatible
with neighboring uses.
Flexibility in the Land Use regulations can be an
essential component for encouraging desirable
projects that add community assets and
opportunities. The City should consider other
dynamic zoning regulations regarding density
and site development standards in order to
accomplish desired community goals.
To preserve community values, the City intends
to adopt specific policies that affect growth and
land use within City limits and in nearby areas
subject to annexation. A realistic, planned and
flexible approach to development, will help to
reduce sprawl. Creative development can make
the best use of existing buildings and land.
Annexations
With the increasingly rapid development of the
City of Moab and the unincorporated areas of
Grand County, it is necessary to include
provisions for annexation of property into the
corporate limits of Moab. Annexation can be an
effective means of accommodating the growth
of the City while implementing elements of the
General Plan and development regulations.
In 2015, there were just over 97.5 acres of
unincorporated land completely encompassed by
the City, also known as "county enclaves."
These four enclaves are currently subject to
county land use provisions and all other
regulations including emergency services. To
facilitate greater efficiency of infrastructure and
services and to encourage desirable infill
development, enclaves shall be avoided in the
future. Existing enclaves created by past
annexation, shall be incorporated as the need
arises. However, plans must be created to ensure
that costs to update infrastructure, utilities and
stormwater structures are the responsibility of
the residents living in the area and not the
population at large.
In addition to efficiency and compatibility
obstacles between the unincorporated county
and the City of Moab, water rights and
distribution systems pose further obstacles to
annexation and corporate limit expansion. It will
be imperative in the coming years to work with
the Grand Water & Sewer Service Agency
(GWSSA) to facilitate the growth of the City
limits.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 13 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Urban Service Area Plan
Efforts have been made for the City of Moab
and Grand County to establish an "Urban
Services Area" around the City to provide for
future planning as the City grows. This Urban
Services Area would include portions of
unincorporated Grand County up to one mile
from the corporate limits of the City.
An Urban Services Area Plan could be
established through an Interlocal Agreement
(ILA) between the City and the County. The
intent of this agreement would be to establish
uniform standards for growth around the City,
especially in areas that can be annexed in the
future. As stated before, the City is seeing
increased growth along the urban fringe. It
would be beneficial to establish an ILA with
Grand County to ensure compatible
development as our community grows. A
gradual transition from urban densities to rural
uses is in the best interest of all parties involved;
providing for the adequate provision of services,
infrastructure, and facilities at a reduced cost to
residents of both the City and the County.
In addition to the importance of joint planning
on the urban fringe between the City and
County, it is also of great importance to establish
policies that promote infill development within
the corporate limits of the City of Moab. There
are political and jurisdictional constraints to the
geographic expansion of the City in many areas,
so policies that favor infill will have a direct
impact on growth along the periphery of the City
and mitigate urban sprawl.
Governmental Structure
The City of Moab is governed by an elected city
council and mayor.
Five city council members are elected at large to
4-year terms. The city council reviews and
approves resolutions, ordinances and financial
activities for Moab City. The city council also
hires and oversees the city manager position.
The mayor, elected to a 4-year term, chairs the
city council meetings and votes to break city
council ties. The mayor also signs official city
documents and contracts. With the advice and
consent of the city council, the mayor appoints
the police chief, public works director, city
treasurer and city recorder as well as members to
various advisory boards and commissions.
The city manager is the chief executive officer
of the city. All departments and employees,
including appointed officials, report to the city
manager. The city manager works under a
contract approved by the city council.
The City of Moab provides standard city
services to the public, including administrative
record keeping, business licensing, building
inspection (via a contract with Grand County),
planning and zoning, police and public safety
services, a recreation department that includes
sports and arts programs, animal control
services and an animal shelter, solid waste
collection (by contract with a private company),
culinary water and sewer services, a wastewater
treatment plant, and community and economic
development projects and programs. The City
also has various agreements with other local
government entities for the provision of services,
including Recreation, Animal Control, Drug
Law Enforcement, Dispatch Services, and a
number of other services.
The City's revenue is based primarily on sales
tax and user fees. The City of Moab does not
charge a property tax. Therefore, the City of
Moab does not have any General Obligation
debt. Large-scale projects are financed through
long-term savings, outside grants, and revenue
bonds. The City has historically maintained
financial stability, with revenues exceeding
expenditures on an annual basis.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 14 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Public Buildings, Facilities and
Services
Moab offers a variety of services and facilities,
provided by a number of agencies and
organizations.
City Services and Facilities
City owned and operated buildings include:
• Moab City Center, which houses the city
council chambers, administrative
offices, police, and animal control;
• Moab Public Works Facility, which
houses the city's maintenance crews and
equipment;
• Moab Animal Shelter, which serves
Grand County as well as Moab City;
• Moab Arts and Recreation Center,
which provides a public venue for art,
dance and movement events and
performances as well as cultural and
recreation classes and workshops;
• Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center,
which provides indoor and outdoor
pools and a fitness center;
• Moab Waste Water Treatment Plant,
which serves Moab and Grand County;
and
• Center Street Gym, which provides for
adult and youth basketball and
volleyball as well as other indoor
recreation activities.
City owned and operated facilities include:
• Culinary water system serving homes
and businesses.
• Three existing water storage tanks and
one planned for the future.
• Numerous culinary water wells and
springs.
• Water treatment plant serving Moab and
Grand County residences and
businesses.
Parks and Recreation
There are over a dozen parks as well as two
recreational facilities in the City of Moab.
City parks include bail fields, musical
playgrounds, play equipment, hiking/biking
trails, a bike park, a skate park, a dog park,
duck ponds, stages, amphitheaters, water
features, and other outdoor gathering spaces.
The Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center,
the Moab Arts and Recreation Center and the
Center Street Gym also offer public
recreational opportunities.
Grand County also provides facilities for
use by the community. They include the
Grand Center, Old Spanish Trail Arena
Complex, and numerous paths and trails.
The City of Moab has an extensive park and
trails system:
• The Moab Golf Course, owned by the
City but managed by the Moab Country
Club.
• The Mill Creek Parkway trail system, 6
miles of paved paths with trails running
through town and further connecting to
numerous hiking trails.
• An extensive bike lane and trail system
throughout town and connecting to trails
outside city limits.
• Swanny City Park
• Old City Park
• Rotary Park
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 15 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * **
• Center Street Ball Park
• Dixie Park
• Anonymous Park
• Bullick Cross Creek Park
• Cross Trails Park
• Bark Park (a dog park with separate
sections for small and larger dogs)
• Ute Circle Park
• Lions Park
• Frisbee Golf Course
• Sun Court
• Moonstone Gallery
• A BMX course
• A skate park
• A slackline area
Law Enforcement/Crime Rate
The Moab Police Department has 17 certified
officers. The department's primary jurisdiction
is within Moab city limits, but the department
also works closely with the Grand County
Sheriff's Office and the Utah Highway Patrol on
investigations and emergency response. In 2012
the crime rate in Moab was 43.98 incidents per
thousand residents. While this is higher than
some rural areas in Utah, it is not unusual for a
tourist area, where crime rates are often inflated
from a large visitor population. Special events
and visitor fluctuations create staffing challenges
for the department.
Infrastructure
The City of Moab owns, maintains and
operates the full range of its municipal
infrastructure. This includes water and
sanitary sewer systems, a wastewater
treatment plant, a stormwater drainage
conveyance system, a network of streets and
roads, and a trail system. The City adopts an
annual Capital Improvements Plan, which
includes projects for the current year as well
as anticipates projects for a twenty-year time
horizon. The City has ongoing efforts to
upgrade streets, walkways and other
structures, and must continually plan for
future growth and development. The City
requires developers to install infrastructure to
serve their projects and to pay impact fees on
new water and sewer connections to facilitate
future expansion of these services.
Water
The History of Water in Moab
As is typical with towns in the southwestem
United States, obtaining a dependable water
supply for the City of Moab has historically
been a primary concem. Before the turn of the
Twentieth Century, residents of the area were
building infrastructure that would supply
drinking water to the original townsite. By
1950, the City had installed storage tanks.
Moab's rapid population growth due to the
uranium boom in the 1950s quickly outpaced
the available drinking water supply. Water
rationing was a common occurrence.
Forward -thinking individuals recognized that
having sufficient water rights, storage and
distribution infrastructure was vital to the
growth and sustainability of the community.
As the population continued to grow and the
economic driver shifted to tourism, existing
water tanks and water lines could not provide
sufficient storage capacity or adequate
pressures to meet increasing demands. This
prompted the City to construct the
Powerhouse Tank, the Mountain View Tank,
and the Skakel Tanlc, bringing the combined
storage up to three million gallons. Additional
storage capacity is currently in the planning
stages.
Water Rights and Resources
After decades of water supply projections
showing abundant and pure culinary (drinking
quality) water, new data suggest an over -
allocation of water rights and a trend of water
use that appears to be significantly depleting
available resources. Until recently, population
projections have not taken into account denser
zoning codes or the burgeoning tourist
economy and its impact on per capita water
usage. More information on this topic is
published in the Moab Water Conservation Plan
Update for 2016.
Over the years, the City has acquired water
rights equaling 9.137 million gallons per day.
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Build -out projections based on 2016 zoning
indicate that the City will need to serve
approximately 24,000 persons. Simply put,
build -out means the population projected if all
available zones within the City limits are
developed to the maximum allowable capacity.
It is estimated that build -out demand will equal
approximately 7.5 million gallons per day.
However, at issue — and of extreme importance
to City leaders and concerned citizens — is the
deceptive notion that water rights equal water
supply. In a 2016 survey of actual water
production, it is estimated that, by buildout,
Moab will reach a demand of more than 55%
over supply. Perhaps more important than
build -out is the concept of the City's "carrying
capacity," meaning, at current usage rates due
to increased commercial uses and growing
needs, Moab will reach its carrying capacity at
approximately 11,500 residents. The 2015
population of Moab was 5,235 residents. It
should be noted that the water usage cited here,
both current and prospective, are for Moab City
residential and commercial use only, and not
for the larger area of Spanish Valley, which
draws from the same aquifer.
In addition to increased demand and evidence
of depleted supply, generalized drought
conditions throughout the western United States
combined with the added variables of climate
change have led the City to engage in extensive
studies and modeling to determine the long-
term viability of our underground culinary
aquifers.
Water System Components
In addition to the three storage tanks, the
existing water transmission and distribution
system contains 50 miles of pipe, three pressure
zones with five pressure -reducing stations,
approximately 640 valves and 234 hydrants.
The number of water connections in the City of
Moab system as of November, 2016 is 2073.
This is an approximate 8.5% increase from
2010. For 2016, there were 1575 residential
connections, 414 commercial connections, and
84 institutional connections.
Because many of the City's water system
components date from the 1960s and earlier,
they are reaching the end of their useful life.
Assessment of system weak points and timely
replacement will help avoid failures and costly
emergency maintenance. A schedule for
replacement of these mains should be
developed. While the system is sized to meet
current demand, new service lines are needed
for new development. Each water connection is
serviced by a meter. The City has nearly
completed its meter replacement program, with
all but 20 meters now part of a radio -read meter
system.
Water Quality
Water quality in the Moab water system meets
all state and federal standards. All drinking
water supply for the City of Moab is pristine
groundwater from wells and springs
discharging from a sandstone aquifer. This
aquifer enjoys the protections of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency designation
as a Sole Source Aquifer. [Sole Source Aquifer
Determination for Glen Canyon Aquifer
System, Moab, Utah, published in the January
7, 2002 Federal Register, volume 67 #4, pp.
736-738.]
Treatment for the City of Moab water system
consists of minimal chlorination. Water
sampling found the drinking water of the City
of Moab, before treatment, equals or exceeds
the quality of 80 percent of brands of bottled
drinking water from springs sold in stores
(comparison data is from the 1999 published
Natural Resources Defense Council study of
bottled water quality).
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 17 I P.i;2.L
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In view of increasing demand and decreasing
supply, Moab should look to other sources of
water to supply the culinary needs of its
population. Colorado River water, in order to
be considered as a source for Moab, will need
to be secured through a competitive and
politically charged process. Serious concerns in
considering the use of river water are the
infrastructure and energy costs required to
process it to standards acceptable for culinary
use. An economic and environmental feasibility
study of developing Colorado River water is
needed to better understand this potential.
Water Conservation
The City adopted its most recent Water
Conservation Plan Update in December 2016.
Based on current use, and preliminary supply
estimates from an incomplete USGS
groundwater study, it is estimated that per
capita consumption rates will need to be
reduced by nearly 52% to match Moab's
build -out population. Given that outdoor
water makes up a large percentage of the
City's water usage for both residential and
commercial customers, reduction in outdoor
culinary water use is a top priority. The Plan
recommends that the City embrace an initial
goal of 25% reduction in culinary water
consumption for both indoor and outdoor use
over the next five years.
In February 2017, the city council approved
an ordinance to create a citizens' Moab City
Water Conservation and Drought
Management Advisory Board to inform and
advise the City Council on matters related to
water conservation initiatives, capital projects,
and policy.
Other Water Purveyors and Agencies
The City of Moab is not the only water
purveyor in Moab. The Grand Water & Sewer
Service Agency (GWSSA) and the Moab
Irrigation Company (MIC) provide water to
property owners both within and outside the
City, with GWSSA predominantly providing
water outside city limits. MIC is a private
company which sells water shares on the open
market. In addition, the Grand County Water
Conservancy District and the Moab Area
Watershed Partnership address water issues in
Moab and Grand County.
A new water system proposed in northern San
Juan County should be of great concern to the
City leadership. The San Juan Spanish Valley
Water & Sewer Special Service District was
granted permission to change a point of
diversion from the San Juan River to Spanish
Valley. As there are currently no significant
intersystem agreements for culinary water, the
Water Conservation Plan recommends that the
City of Moab work to establish a regional
water authority that will include all water
systems in the watershed including Moab
City, Grand Water and Sewer Service
Agency, Castle Valley, and water systems in
southem Spanish Valley and Pack Creek.
Sanitary Sewer/Wastewater Treatment
The City's wastewater collection and
conveyance system consists of over 36 miles of
sewer pipelines. The City's wastewater
treatment plant is a regional facility serving
Moab and nearby unincorporated Grand County.
Many of the collection facilities were built
in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the
proliferation of neighborhoods and
subdivisions associated with the uranium
boom. As the system continues to age, it will
become prone to structural deterioration and
hydraulic deficiencies.
The Moab Wastewater Treatment Plant was
last upgraded in 1996. Due to growth and
new regulations, Moab is replacing its
wastewater facilities and components to
increase capacity and ensure future
compliance with discharge permits. This
upgrade is sized to accommodate projected
growth in Moab, Spanish Valley and
northern San Juan County and will serve
these areas by late 2018.
Storm Drainage
Seasonal heavy rainfall, along with large areas
of sandstone cliffs and other areas surrounding
Moab can pose significant stormwater drainage
issues for the City. While the City does not have
a comprehensive storm drainage system, it does
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 18 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
have a variety of stormwater drainage facilities
including check dams, drains, pipes, ditches,
retention and detention systems, as well as street
conveyance systems. The City adopted a Master
Stormwater Management Plan in 1999, and
updated it in 2007. The 2007 Plan identified a
number of priority projects, with the Stewart
Canyon Detention and Outfall, the South Area
Trunk System and 200 South Upgrades as the
top three priorities. In 2008, the City adopted a
stormwater fee system on residential and
commercial properties in Moab to help offset the
cost of these improvements. A further update to
the Storm Water Management Plan is needed.
Street Network
There are approximately 26 miles of road
within city limits. The original townsite of
Moab follows the Utah tradition of wide streets
and long blocks laid out in a grid. However,
areas of town developed during and since the
uranium boom are more typical U.S. urban and
suburban layouts with somewhat narrower
streets and occasional cul-de-sacs. The primary
roads in Moab often function as part of the
stormwater drainage system, carrying
stormwater to the west and into the Matheson
Wetlands Preserve or the Colorado River. The
City also has an extensive system of bike lanes
throughout neighborhoods. There are no bike
lanes on Highway 191/Main Street in the
center of town, but the Utah Department of
Transportation (UDOT) has installed bike
lanes on the northern section of the road as it
heads toward the Colorado River Bridge.
Highway 191 is the primary access route in
and out of Moab and travels through
downtown Moab as Main Street. Highway
191 is part of the UDOT highway system, and
the State is responsible for oversight and
maintenance. While the highway sees a
significant volume of local traffic, a good
portion of the traffic is through -traffic. Traffic
statistics indicate that approximately 9% of
that traffic is small trucks such as UPS
vehicles and 30% are large trucks and semi -
tractor trailers.
Maintenance of the City's street network is a
substantial responsibility that includes
everything from street sweeping and snow
removal to pothole patching and asphalt
replacement. Moab's Streets Department is
responsible for all streets in City limits with the
exception of UDOT-maintained Main Street
(US-191) and a few cross jurisdictional roads
maintained by the County. The City receives
Class C State Road Funds from the State to help
pay for city street maintenance, with
maintenance supplemented by City general
funds. Since Class C funding is based on road
mileage not area, the excessive width of many
of the city streets intensifies the funding
shortfall. This funding is not sufficient for
maintenance let alone reconstruction of roads
that are failing. Though the City sets aside
money from its general fund each year for road
reconstruction, many streets are in fair or poor
condition. The City has developed a prioritized
maintenance and replacement list to address
this issue, and intends to seek funding sources.
Sidewalks, Paths and Trails
Pedestrian and bicycle
transportation infrastructure
is a cornerstone of Moab's
local, sustainable
transportation system. The
City of Moab is continuously
working to develop
designated bicycle lanes,
improve pedestrian sidewalks
and paths, and ensure the
safe movement of multi -modal traffic on local
roadways. Maintaining and further expanding
upon these efforts is essential to meeting the
community's vision for an easily navigable
street system and a bicycle- and pedestrian -
friendly community.
The Mill Creek Parkway and developing Pack
Creek Parkway are non -motorized paths and
trails that meander through the city tying many
of the neighborhoods and open spaces
together. Starting construction in 1994, Mill
Creek Parkway has become a vital recreational
outlet and transportation connection for
walkers, joggers and bicyclists in Moab. Even
in 100 degree desert heat, the parkway stays
green and shady: a welcome refuge for visitors
and residents alike, and important wildlife
CITY OF MOAN GENERAL PLAN 19 1 Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
corridor. Mill Creek Parkway, as well as the
floodway and riparian zone surrounding Pack
Creek, are the backbone of this system, with
other conserved areas scattered throughout the
City. Further expansion of the parkway is
planned.
The City of Moab, Grand County Trail Mix
and Moab Trail Alliance (MTA) are active in
promoting trail development and
interconnectivity. Trail Mix is a multi -agency
organization with the mission to develop and
preserve an integrated network of trails for a
safe, convenient, and enjoyable recreation and
transportation experience.
County Services and Facilities
Moab is the county seat of Grand County. Moab
residents utilize many facilities and services
provided by Grand County, or by special service
districts established by Grand County. While
many Grand County facilities serve city
residents, Grand County does not have land use
or law -making jurisdiction over the incorporated
area of the city. Services and facilities provided
by Grand County include:
• Grand County Courthouse
• Moab Information Center (visitors
center)
• Grand Center
• Grand County Public Library
• Star Hall
• Old Spanish Trail Arena and field
complex
• Moab and Klondike landfills
• Spanish Valley Water & Sewer
Improvement District
• Canyonlands Care Center
• Canyonlands Field Airport
• Canyonlands Community Recycle
Ccnter
• Family Support Center/Children's
Justice Center
• Sand Flats Recreation Area (managed
jointly with Bureau of Land
Management)
• Housing Authority of Southeastern
Utah
• Lions Transit Hub
• Ken's Lake agricultural reservoir
• Grand Valley Cemetery
• Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
• Moab Fire Department
• Grand County Emergency Medical
Services
• Grand County Search and Rescue
Public Education Services and Facilities
The Grand County School District, which is a
subdivision of the State of Utah, provides
elementary and secondary public education
services within the community. The City of
Moab cooperates extensively with the school
district on a variety of issues including law
enforcement, recreation programming and social
issues. Public education facilities include:
• Helen M. Knight Elementary School
• Grand County Middle School
• Grand County High School
• Moab Charter School
• Arches Education Center
• C R Sundwall Center Preschool
Additionally, Utah State University (USU) has a
Moab Center and is in the planning process for a
new USU-Moab campus. The City of Moab
strongly supports USU's efforts.
State Services and Facilities
The State of Utah has a number of regional
offices and services located in Moab,
necessitating cooperation with a number of
different agencies. These locations include:
• A Utah State office building
• A Moab Workforce Services building
• A UDOT yard
• A Public Health office
• A School and Institutional Trust Lands
Administration (SITLA) office
• An Adult Probation and Parole office
• A Rehabilitation Services office
• A State Liquor Store
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Federal Services and Facilities
The federal government has headquarters and
offices in or near Moab that include the National
Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Bureau
of Land Management, the US Geological
Survey, and the Moab Interagency Fire Center.
The activities of the federal government affect
the City of Moab in many ways, necessitating
cooperation with a number of different agencies.
Non -Profit Services and Facilities
Moab and Grand County have an extensive
network of local non-profit organizations that
provide services to residents and visitors. Some
of the major local non -profits include:
• Four Comers Community Behavioral
Health
• Moab Regional Hospital
• Moab Free Health Clinic
• Youth Garden Project
• Moab Valley Multicultural Center
• WabiSabi
• Community Rebuilds
• Salvation Army
• Veterans of Foreign Wars
• The Humane Society of MoabValley
• Canyonlands Watershed Council
• The Resiliency Hub
Other Services and Facilities
Moab residents and businesses are served by a
number of utilities and communications
providers, including:
• Questar Gas
• Rocky Mountain Power
• Frontier Communications
• Emery Telcom
• DirecTV and Dish TV
• River Canyon Wireless
Relevant Planning Documents
To be most effective, a municipality's general
plan should be in alignment with the goals
and objectives of other community regulations
and plans. As part of the General Plan Update
process, the documents below have been
considered part of the planning context to
ensure consistency and support future
implementation.
City of Moab Water Conservation Plan
Update (December 2016)
The Water Conservation Plan is meant to
address how Moab will meet its future water
demand needs through water conservation
programs and practices. The Conservation
Plan Update recommends that the City
embrace an initial goal of 25% reduction in
culinary water consumption for both indoor
and outdoor use over the next five years.
In February 2017, the City Council approved
an ordinance to create a citizens' Moab City
Water Conservation and Drought
Management Advisory Board to inform and
advise the City Council on matters related to
water conservation initiatives, capital projects,
and policy.
City of Moab Storm Water Management Plan
(MSWMP) (1999)
The MSWMP was created to address the
impacts of past and future growth on the
stormwater system and establishes an action
plan to address those impacts.
The 1999 Plan is in the process of being updated
to the City of Moab Drainage Master Plan with
expected completion in 2017. The updated
Master Plan will evaluate existing and future
deficiencies in the storm drainage system within
the City, and will present a list of capital
projects to address those deficiencies moving
forward.
City of Moab Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
(expected completion date late 2017)
A sewer system analysis was conducted based
on growth in the City of Moab, Grand County
and San Juan County. The Sanitary Sewer
Master Plan will identify existing and future
capacity deficiencies in the sewer collection
system, and provide a capital facilities plan to
address those deficiencies.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
21 'Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
City of Moab Water Storage and Distribution
Master Plan (expected completion date late
2017)
A drinking water systems analysis will be
performed to examine the City's existing water
rights at springs and wells, and to analyze the
City's water storage and distribution system.
The master plan will identify existing and future
deficiencies in the water system, and develop a
capital facilities plan to address those
deficiencies.
Natural Hazards: Pre -disaster Mitigation Plan
for the Southeastern Region of Utah (2013)
Based on the Disaster Mitigation and Cost
Reduction Act, this required plan identifies
potential hazards, potential losses, and possible
mitigation measures to limit losses due to natural
disasters.
Grand County, Utah General Plan (2012)
The Grand County General Plan establishes
the county's goals for the future and
provides direction for decisions affecting the
use and development of land, preservation
of open space, transportation systems,
partnerships with other organizations,
economic growth and the expansion of
public facilities and services. The plan is
written to provide general policy direction,
guide decision -making and set priorities.
Grand County & City of Moab Housing Study
and Affordable Housing Plan (2009)
This plan was prepared with collaboration
between the City of Moab, Grand County,
the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah
(HASU), and the Rural Community
Assistance Corporation (RCAC). The study
examined the supply of and demand for
affordable housing and proposed goals and
objectives to address affordable housing
issues.
Moab Area Housing Plan (2017)
This is an update to the 2009 Plan above.
The update was a joint effort of the
Interlocal Housing Task Force, Grand
County and the City of Moab. The 2017
plan is Appendix A in the General Plan.
Grand County Non -Motorized Trails
Master Plan (2011)
Adopted by the city and county, the Grand
County Non -Motorized Trails Master Plan
provides a blueprint for an integrated trail
system by cataloging existing trails and
identifying strategic locations for future trail
development.
Spanish Valley Transportation Plan (2008)
The Spanish Valley Transportation Plan
addresses transportation issues with short-
term and long-term improvement
recommendations in the southern part of the
city and south through the Grand County
portion of Spanish Valley. Intersection
enhancement, new road connectors, general
road improvements, roadway realignment,
and the addition of bicycle lanes to some
roads are all suggestions presented in the
plan to alleviate future traffic concerns. The
Plan establishes policy and recommendations
to ease congestion and safety concerns based
on population projections, expected land use
changes, and anticipated traffic increases
from population growth and tourism.
North Corridor Gateway Plan (2002)
Originally adopted in partnership with Grand
County, the plan addresses future
development along the northern route 191
gateway by establishing standards that reflect
the community vision of land use and
development design related to streetscape
appearance. The plan became the (RC) Resort
Commercial Zone and was applied to the
properties in the North Corridor Annexation
on August 12, 2008.
Utah Statc University: Future Moab Campus
Master Plan (2012)
This planning document envisions the new
University campus over a 30-year period
transitioning from a small downtown site to a
full campus in a recently annexed area. The
plan establishes that the campus will be
designed and constructed with an awareness
of the environment, economics, community,
aesthetics, and energy efficiency, to ensure it
benefits the lives of students and Moab
residents.
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
2020 Vision: A Sustainable Moab Plan (2008)
This plan encourages water conservation,
sustainable construction, reduced dependence
on nonrenewable energy sources, and
increased energy efficiency for new and
existing structures. Community awareness and
educational campaigns are proposed to show
the financial and social benefits of sustainable
practices.
Other Context
Affordable Housing
A major challenge in Moab is the cost and
availability of housing. Vacation properties
and second homes dispersed throughout the
community have inflated housing costs. A
large percentage of jobs in Moab are in leisure,
hospitality, and retail trade industries.
Identifying and securing housing that supports
the Moab workforce and their families has
continued to be a priority for the City.
According to the 2010 Census, the median
home value of owner -occupied units was
$217,900 and the median household income
was $39,085; in contrast, the median home
value for the State of Utah is $221,300 and
the median household income is $57,783. The
Census also indicated that 18.9% of Moab's
population is living below the poverty line, in
contrast to 11.4% statewide.
In 2016 the average assessed value of all
homes in Grand County was $296,000
according to the Grand County Assessor. In
2016 the Area Median Income (AMI) for
Grand County was $64,300.
According to data from the 2014 US Census
Bureau 29.2% of the Grand County population
earns less than $20,000/year and Grand County
is ranked 26`'' of all counties in the state of Utah.
This represents a slight improvement from 2010
numbers of 33% and 28`h respectively.
Arts & Culture
Moab has a thriving arts community. The
Moab Arts Council lists nearly 90 local artists
in Moab, and there are many events and
educational programs throughout the year for
residents and visitors. There are numerous
galleries throughout the city. The Museum of
Moab on Center Street celebrates both the
human and natural history of the area.
The Moab to Monument Valley Film
Commission is the longest running film
commission in the U.S. The area's unparalleled
landscape has lent itself to dozens of movies
over the years, and will likely continue to be a
small, yet important, facet of the City's
economy and culture.
Environmental Sustainability
Moab has been on the forefront of renewable
energy implementation, water conservation, and
water quality protection practices making them
priorities for sustaining the local populace. As a
leader in the movement towards clean energy,
Moab has been purchasing wind energy and has
encouraged residents to do the same. In 2003
this eamed Moab the title of First EPA Green
Power Community in the Nation.
The City built on its commitment to energy and
environmental sustainability in 2008, by
adopting its 2020 Vision: A Sustainable Moab
Plan. Among other goals, this Plan set an
objective to reduce the use of non-renewable
fuels by 20% and increase the City
government's use of renewable energy sources
by 20% by 2020. In doing this, Moab hoped to
create a model for local citizens and other
communities to follow. Since then, solar panels
have been constructed on the roofs of most of
the city buildings. In addition, in early 2017, the
City committed to transition municipal
operations to 100% renewable electricity by
2027, and to transition everyone else within City
limits to renewable electricity by 2032. While
working toward these goals, the City will also be
taking steps to reduce community greenhouse
gas emissions by 80% by 2040 (50% by 2032).
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Although few major water conservation
campaigns have been undertaken, the
community has found ways to reduce their
consumption per household over time. Moab
has noticed significantly lower usage per
household than the state average despite the
hot and arid climate. In the Vision 2020 Plan,
Moab set a goal of reducing per -household,
per -business, and City -owned facilities' water
use by 20% by 2020. The 2017 appointment of
a Moab City Water Conservation and Drought
Management Advisory Board combined with
the 2016 update of the City's Water
Conservation Plan should help the City make
greater strides toward meeting its 2020 goals
as well as other water conservation and
protection commitments.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 24 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
CHAPTER 3 — GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND PROCESS
Background
The last General Plan adoption occurred in
2002. This update builds on the 2002 Plan
and reflects current circumstances and
priorities.
Creating the General Plan Update was a
community -based process that focused on what
Moab residents' value about their community
and identified opportunities for improvement
from a variety of perspectives. The economy, the
environment, transportation and connectivity,
neighborhoods, and arts and culture were all
topics considered during the process.
General Plan Update Process
The General Plan, as updated, is meant to be
used by decision -makers and the community.
The plan includes maps, illustrations, and
sections that highlight certain accomplishments
of the City since 2002.
A Core Planning Team consisting of city staff,
county staff and the city planning commission
was established to oversee the update process.
The team was responsible for reviewing
planning consultant applications through the
RFP process. SE Group was chosen and assisted
with the initial public participation phase. The
Core Planning Team facilitated public noticing,
provided technical support, led discussions, and
drafted the document for review by the Planning
Commission and the public. Based on public,
Planning Commission and City Council
comments collected since 2012, the Core
Planning Team produced this final General Plan
Update.
Public Engagement
Beginning in 2012, the City made public
engagement a priority for the update. To
achieve a high level of public engagement, the
Core Planning Team and planning consultants
utilized a variety of methods, including the
following:
1. Web outreach
2. Open house
3. Stakeholder interviews (50+)
4. Sounding Board sessions (2)
5. Topic Forums (4)
6. Stakeholder Meetings and Workshop
7. Other meetings
Each method is described below.
Web Outreach
As part of the effort to make the Moab General
Plan Update a community -based process, a
project website was created and provided
ongoing information on public events and
progress. People were also able to submit input
via the website to the planning consultants.
In addition to the website, the planning team
used email to inform the community about
events. People signed up for mail lists at public
meetings or via the website. At any point in the
process, members of the community were able
to provide comments or ask questions through
the email link available on the website as well,
which were then distributed to the consultants
and Core Team.
Open House
On Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 5:30-
7:30 p.m., a community open house was held
at Moab City Hall and was attended by
approximately three dozen people including
City staff and administrators, residents and
homeowners, business owners, and Moab City
and Grand County public officials. The main
objectives of the open house meeting were to
inform the community about the General Plan
Update and to get their initial insight on how
to make the General Plan document stronger,
more relevant and more in tune with today's
vision. Poster boards were arranged around
the room and participants used stars and green
dots to indicate what they thought worked
well in the past and what remains pertinent
today.
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GENERAL PLAN
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Stakeholder Interviews
Nearly 50 stakeholder interviews were
conducted over a two-day period at the onset of
the planning process. Interviewees came from a
range of backgrounds and roles within Moab,
from business owners to long-time residents
and specialists from the fields of education,
housing, public works, recreation and more.
Some of these interviews were conducted on an
individual basis while others were conducted in
a group setting with two or three people at a
time. This approach resulted in intriguing
discussions around some of Moab's most
pressing planning topics. Themes that emerged
were:
• Retail needs
• Year-round economic sustainability
• City improvements and services
• Community pride
• Water resources
• Neighborhood/character preservation
• Government and process
• Land use, growth and opportunity areas
• Affordable housing
• Public transportation and connectivity
"Sounding Board" Sessions
Sounding Board sessions were held as casual
community forums to meet with members of the
planning team, learn about the process and
provide input on the plan update. Each session
was 2 hours in length and was held at a different
time and location to reach different segments of
the Moab community. The morning session was
held at the Wakc N' Bake coffee shop and the
afternoon session was held at the Moab
Recreation and Aquatic Center.
• Wake N' Bake
This session was held in the morning in order
to reach the community in an informal
setting. A handful of people attended, and
because of the small number, conversations
were in-depth and one-on-one. Mayor Dave
Sakrison, Planning Director Jeff Reinhart and
Economic Development Director Ken Davey
were also on hand to answer questions from
the public.
Much of the discussion revolved around
neighborhoods, character preservation, and
affordable housing. Topics included the
future of the Grand Oasis mobile home park,
increased density in residential areas, the
highly valued eclectic architecture, solar
gain, and the variation of lot sizes in Moab.
• Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
(MRAC)
The afternoon session was aimed at reaching
families, children, and residents who otherwise
would be less likely to provide input on the
General Plan Update. The afternoon time frame
was selected because the MRAC is busy during
that time of day. While adults visited with
members of the planning team, children ate ice
cream and drew pictures of what they loved
most about Moab (see below).
The value of the MRAC to the community as a
recreation center and central gathering place was
expressed by many of those who stopped to talk.
People also expressed what a fantastic place
Moab is to raise a family, although some noted
the high cost of living and lack of available
shopping options for families.
Residents noted the importance of the nearby
national parks to the stability of the tourism
economy. Participants advocated for more
connectivity between the City and the parks,
either through public transportation or biking
connections. There was also general support
for promoting alternative transportation
throughout Moab and decreasing auto -
dependency. Several business owners/tour
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
operators would like to see more partnerships
fostered across the business community to
promote the area as a place with friendly,
outstanding service. They would like to see
the reputation of Moab grow as a place with
amazing resources and attractions offering an
exceptional experience.
Several people voiced support for promoting
solar energy usage asserting that Moab could
be a model community for relying on
renewable energy with its exceptional year-
round solar resources.
Topic Forum Discussion Series
These four one -hour lunch sessions were
held at the local USU Campus. Each forum
began with a video presentation of
background information, followed by a group
discussion. Several Core Team members
were present to facilitate and provide more
information as questions arose. The Topic
Forums were open to the public, and video
recordings of the presentations were posted
to the project website for additional comment
and discussion.
The Topic Forums were:
1. Neighborhoods,
October 16, 2012
2. Economic
Sustainability
October 17, 2012
3. Living with the
Environment October
18, 2012
4. Getting Around Moab
October 25, 2012
The Topic Forums further explored these ideas
and the general themes identified during the
public input process. These Topic Forums
helped shape the goals and policies found in
chapter 3.
The Neighborhoods forum focused on the
character of neighborhoods and the role they
play in the Moab community.
Moab is home to distinct residential areas that
were built at different times and community
members present identified with where they live.
Many felt strongly that policies should help
preserve certain attributes of their
neighborhoods and encourage future
improvements.
Another theme was the Original Moab
Townsite, which is cherished for
walkability, varied architectural styles and
lot sizes, and mix of residents. Houses,
duplexes and apartment buildings currently
exist side by side with historic buildings
original to the city. Gardens and old trees
thrive in the area. Community members
wanted to ensure that new development and
redevelopment in this part of Moab should
carefully consider the context and impacts to
existing character in its design and site
planning.
Other residential neighborhoods that were
specifically discussed included the Nichols -
Bowen neighborhood, Mountain View, and
Grand Oasis. Nichols -Bowen is close enough
to be walkable to downtown, yet far enough
away to feel separate from tourism activity.
Mountain View is a Levittown style of
development built for miners and their
families in the 1950s and is today a thriving
single-family neighborhood. Grand Oasis is a
manufactured home park that provides over
300 families with affordable housing options.
Residents expressed concern that the future
viability of the park as a residential
neighborhood is in jeopardy. It was felt that
all types of housing opportunities were
important for residents of various interest,
ages, and walks of life.
In the Economic Sustainability Topic Forum and
throughout the public process, community
members identified increasing employment
diversification and improving the availability of
retail goods and services as general goals.
Participants felt the development of a Utah State
University destination campus would act as a
catalyst for quality jobs and more educational
opportunities for residents, and would make it
easier for young people to remain in the
community.
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
On the question of large-scale retail operations
in Moab, participants had differing views. Some
felt large-scale retail would negatively impact
existing retail outlets, while others felt large-
scale retail would allow Moab to prevent retail
"leakage" to Grand Junction and online.
Support was expressed for programs to
develop local businesses related to food
service, the arts, and home occupations.
Participants indicated they would look
favorably upon environmentally
"sustainable" enterprises.
Living with the Environment focused on Moab's
natural environment, surroundings, and
environmental sustainability.
Water quality and water conservation were
brought up in the early public outreach events
and were discussed in more detail in the topic
forums. Water usage, while conservatively low
according to the Water Conservation Plan, is
still a priority of the City and residents. Some
community members stated that they would like
to see a scientific study done to quantify the
amount of water available in the aquifer for
future needs.
Residents offered ideas on how the City could
improve the retention of water during storm
events. They encouraged the use of swales and
storm drainage mechanisms that would allow
more water to irrigate urban gardens and
greenery. Similarly, people voiced interest in
having a constant flow of water in Mill Creek.
Participants expressed support for
recycling, reuse and composting through
a series of public/ private partnerships in
Moab. They felt that this will be
important in the future for reducing the
City's output of solid waste and
subsequent carbon footprint.
Residents shared that they view Moab's
surrounding landscape as very important
to the community and believe protecting
it has significant positive implications
for Moab's economy and quality of life.
Discussion points related to this
centered on reducing light pollution,
regulating ridgeline development, and
the importance of integrating new
construction with the natural landscape.
In the Getting Around Moab Topic Forum and
throughout the public process, community
members supported multi -modal (vehicles,
bikes, walking, transit) connectivity throughout
Moab especially between outlying tourist
accommodations and downtown. Another
concern discussed was to provide better
pedestrian crossings along Main Street within
downtown.
During the forum, the participants discussed
implementing the concept of "Complete Streets"
and improving streets for all users by integrating
motorized and non -motorized modes of
transportation. The wide streets of Moab provide
an ideal setting to implement these elements.
Stakeholder Meetings and Workshops
Public Meeting,- Exploring Moab Workshop
was held at Moab City Hall on November 8,
2012. Approximately 30 community members
and business owners participated in the
workshop, along with several staff and public
officials from the City of Moab and Grand
County. During the workshop, community
members participated in an exercise focused
on development patterns and character at
different densities.
The purpose of this workshop was to invite the
Moab community to flesh out key planning
topics from previous public outreach efforts.
Through a hands-on small group exercise
using visual examples, participants explored
future possibilities for Moab. They developed
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
concept maps that detailed opportunities and
challenges using the four topic areas of
Economic Sustainability, Neighborhoods,
Getting Around Moab, and Living with the
Environment. The input from this workshop
provided information for the Future Land Use
Map and policies of the 2013 General Plan
Update.
Other Meetings
Other meetings included workshops and public
hearings held by the Planning Commission. The
City Council also held meetings to receive
comments from the public in the early part of
2015.
In April of 2017 the Planning Commission held
a final public workshop to unveil the updated
plan to the public. The Planning Commission
also held a public hearing prior to forwarding
their recommendation for adoption to the City
Council.
General Plan Implementation
The implementation stage of the City of Moab
General Plan occurs as rezoning, development
and annexation requests are made, as zoning and
subdivision ordinances are revised, as capital
improvement programs are developed, and as
budgets are prepared.
In order to preserve the integrity of the Moab
General Plan, and to ensure that it reflects the
changing needs of residents of Moab, it shall be
the policy of the Moab Planning Commission
and City Council that:
1. Moab General Plan policies will be used
to guide the implementation of City
ordinances and resolutions.
2. All ordinance changes, rezoning, or
improvement programs should be in
conformance with the expressed policies
and maps of the General Plan.
3. The General Plan should be reviewed
annually not only to ensure that the
policies and programs are consistent
with changing trends and conditions in
the City, but also to best reflect the goals
and needs of the community.
4. Requests for a plan amendment may be
made by the general public, the City
Planning Commission, or elected
officials. The burden of establishing
that any amendment to the General Plan
is in the best interests of the City shall
rest on the applicant. To justify such a
plan amendment, the applicant must
show that the change will promote the
general welfare of the community and
support the community goals and
policies expressed in the General Plan.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 29 1 Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
CHAPTER 4 — COMMUNITY VISION
City of Moab Community Vision
The Community Vision is a group of statements that summarize the values shared by the community for
the future. The Vision was originally written as part of the 2002 General Plan, and has been revised as
part of this update based on public input. All elements, goals and policies relate back to the community
vision for Moab.
A Vision for Moab
Evolving and sustaining a complete community that values a diverse and stable resident
population, a healthy environment, a resilient economy, and the arts & culture.
In planning for the future of Moab, the community vision encompasses the following goals:
• Provide housing opportunities for all residents in the community.
• Promote Downtown Moab as a center of mixed use activity.
• Plan for a compact development pattern that makes efficient use of public facilities and services,
encourages mixed uses, protects open spaces and minimizes urban sprawl.
• Maintain and enhance Moab's small town character, including safe and quiet neighborhoods, and
commercial hubs offering a range of products and services.
• Encourage community -wide multi-modal(walking/biking/pathway) connectivity, between
schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, downtown, and popular amenities.
• Encourage a resilient economy, with a mix of year-round jobs offering competitive salaries, a
skilled and educated workforce, and an entrepreneurial culture.
• Recognize the value of Moab's surrounding landscape, including dark skies, solar access, and
other natural resources to enhance the quality of life for community residents and to ensure the
longevity of Moab's tourism industry.
• Manage the landscape and resources on which the city depends, encouraging conservation and
waste minimization, to sustain the city in perpetuity.
• Promote government which is fiscally and legally sound, with engaged and informed citizenry,
well -maintained assets and infrastructure, transparency, and efficient operating processes.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
30 I Pagc
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
CHAPTER 5 — ELEMENTS, GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTION STEPS
Nine (9) Elements
The Moab City General Plan is divided into nine elements:
Element 1 - Economic Development
Addresses the role of the City in promoting balanced economic development and diversified employment
in the area.
Element 2 - Environmental Sustainability
Outlines the role of the City in addressing impacts on the environment and the quality of life for current
and future residents.
Element 3 - Land Use and Growth
Encompasses commercial, residential, industrial, and other land use.
Element 4 - Housing
Addresses housing needs in terms of quality, quantity and affordability.
Element 5 - Parks and Recreation
Includes planning for park facilities and recreation within Moab.
Element 6 - Arts and Culture
Addresses City's support for arts and cultural programs and the value of community diversity.
Element 7 - Transportation and Circulation
Involves planning for arterial, collector, and local traffic circulation, and for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Element 8 - Public Works
Addresses the capacities and needs of community facilities and services.
Element 9 - Civic Services and Facilities
Addresses municipal properties, law enforcement, health and emergency services, and education in Moab.
Goals, Policies, Action Steps, and Plan Maps
Each element includes goals, policies, and action steps. Annexation, land use, transportation and other
elements have an accompanying plan map. Below is a brief description of each:
1. Goals - Goals are normally stated in broad terms because they reflect wide community values. They
provide the City with direction.
2. Policies - Guidelines that should be followed in order to achieve the stated goals.
3. Action Steps - Recommended courses of action to achieve goals in accordance with stated policies.
The list is not complete; items may be added or deleted depending on the circumstances.
4. Plan maps for annexation, land use, transportation and other elements show spatial relationships of
land use and the desired direction of growth.
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
ELEMENT 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 1: GENERAL
➢ Promote a vibrant local economy that supports the unique quality of life
and character of Moab.
Policy 1: Continue to promote Downtown Moab as a primary commercial core of the community
for residents and visitors.
Action Steps:
a. Work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a downtown business group.
b. Develop a Downtown Plan to define a central business district and expand and enhance
pedestrian, cultural, service (eating, etc.) and shopping opportunities, manage vehicular
through traffic in balance with other downtown values, improve wayfinding, and parking
plan.
c. Explore mechanisms to allow existing downtown residences to remain inhabited and be
renovated.
d. Modify zoning code to promote a quantity and distribution of downtown street -level retail
that supports the pedestrian experience, and a balance between lodging, restaurants, retail,
and other business types.
Policy 2: Weigh the costs and benefits of new commercial and industrial development while
evaluating the required expansion of public facilities and services for those projects.
Action Steps:
a. Require or conduct project -specific feasibility analyses to determine impacts on public
facilities and requirements for upgrade or expansion.
b. Regularly update impact fee and rate analyses, and modify fees and rates as appropriate.
c. Ensure that infrastructure improvements that benefit new development be the financial
responsibility of the new development.
Policy 3: Encourage local businesses and industries to grow and thrive.
Action Steps:
a. Participate in and support Small Business Development Center activities and programs.
b. Investigate incentives for storefront development and enhancement.
c. Support the Local First campaign.
d. Encourage City departments to shop locally whenever feasible.
Policy 4: Facilitate the growth of local businesses and industries in a context appropriate to Moab.
(size, scale, etc.)
Action Steps:
a. Develop and enforce land use and design standards for commercial development.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 32 I 1)au2.c
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
b. Encourage business development that complements the existing economy and business
offerings.
c. Work with community leaders to use the findings of the 2016 Area Sector Analysis
Process (ASAP) to encourage business growth and recruitment.
Policy 5: Encourage development of a small-scale private convention facility in Moab.
Action Steps:
a. Review development plans and provide input on the potential effect the development may
have on the community.
Policy 6: Promote an appealing driving, bicycling, and walking experience for residents and
visitors.
Action Steps:
a. Investigate incentives, including via LUC, for storefront development and enhancement.
b. Develop a beautification program, including shade trees, and revisiting sign and lighting
codes.
c. Continue implementation of the Gateway Plan.
d. Study altemative street design and traffic calming measures (eg moving parking off Main
Street to allow wider sidewalks for outdoor seating, vegetation, art, pedestrians and
bicycles).
Policy 7: Support well -planned festivals and events that appeal to a wide array of residents and
visitors and provide a net benefit to the community, without undue impact on residential
neighborhoods.
Action Steps:
a. Review and evaluate events through the special event committee.
b. Periodically review and update the special event fee structure, and what types of events
(e.g. commercial events, community events, events with amplified sounds etc.) are
permitted at different City facilities (e.g. Old City Park, Swanny Park, Lions Park etc.).
c. Coordinate with the Moab Area Travel Council, County, Bureau of Land Management,
US Forest Service, and other event permitters and organizers.
d. Assess the upper limit of events the community can handle in terms of infrastructure,
parking, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.
e. Consider setting aside some weekends as "No Event" weekends to offer residents a break
from "festival fatigue."
Policy S: Identify and explore new economic development opportunities with the goals of
increasing community economic stability, increasing the proportion of jobs which pay a living wage
(often shortened to diversification or resiliency).
Action Steps:
a. Participate in State Economic Development efforts to expand statewide activities.
b. Participate with the county on an economic development entity to coordinate community -
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 33 1 Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
wide economic development activities.
c. Seek and leverage funding for cultural, trail development and other recreational
opportunities.
d. Form an economic development planning group to create a community -wide economic
development plan.
e. Coordinate and cooperate with Grand County on the zoning for light industry, business
parks, and other desirable commercial land uses for which suitable sites may not be
readily located in one or the other jurisdiction.
f. Explore opportunities to diversify Moab's economy.
Policy 9: Refine the promotion of tourism and events to maximize the economic and cultural
benefits to the community, and minimizing the impact on resident quality of life and infrastructure.
Action Steps:
a. Regularly consult with Grand County Council on tourism related issues.
b. Work with citizens to form a community residential committee (CRC) for regular input.
Policy 10: Promote and enhance retail offerings that serve the everyday needs of residents and
visitors.
Action Steps:
a. Conduct a market study to measure how effectively Moab meets the local supply and
demand for goods and services.
b. Evaluate areas for adequate supply of appropriately zoned space.
c. Create small area plans for the different commercial zones in the City (400E, 100W
500W etc.) clarifying what retail offerings are envisioned now and in the future.
Policy 11: Coordinate and cooperate with Grand County to ensure adequate land and appropriate
zoning for light industrial or business parks.
Action Steps:
a. Form an economic development planning group to create a community -wide economic
development plan.
Policy 12: Identify and explore economic development opportunities for new and existing high-tech
industries.
Action Steps:
a. Encourage and facilitate "meet -up" opportunities for tech businesses.
b. Assess and if needed seek improvements to communications infrastructure.
c. Support other agencies in providing a competitive menu of medical and educational
services.
d. Maintain a high environmental quality.
e. Provide access to renewable electricity.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 34 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
Policy 13: Provide local government support for privately funded and publicly funded employee
housing alternatives.
Action Steps:
a. Pursue outside funding options to match and leverage private and non-profit housing
resources.
b. Partner with Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah to promote and pursue federal and
state financing options including grants and tax credit financing.
c. Work with Grand County, other rural communities, and the State of Utah to solve
workforce housing issues.
d. Solicit current information on Federal Housing Programs and funding from the USDA
Department of Rural Development.
Policy 14: Support ongoing higher education programs in Moab and the pursuit of a local
destination campus.
Action Steps:
a. Require concurrent development of housing affordable to the numbers and income mix
of students, faculty and staff generated by the campus development on properties
adjacent to the campus.
b. Support the expansion of educational opportunities offered by Utah State University,
particularly those relevant to jobs available, anticipated, and desirable in Moab.
c. Continue to provide funding for the higher education campus set -aside fund.
**********
ELEMENT 2: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GOAL 1: GENERAL
➢ Provide an enhanced quality of life through environmental stewardship.
Policy 1: Collaborate with local businesses and residents to expand opportunities for
environmental sustainability.
Action Steps:
a. Update and expand the "2020 Vision: A Sustainable Moab Plan" to reflect the City's
accomplishments and set new goals, including goals in the 2016 Water Conservation Plan
Update and the 2017 commitments to 100% renewable electricity and greenhouse gas
emission reductions.
**********
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 35 I Page
* * * DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
GOAL 2: VISUAL RESOURCES
➢ Protect the visual resources of Moab.
Policy 1: Preserve viewsheds of ridgelines, hillsides, mountains.
Action Steps:
a. Update hillside development regulations to reflect current development trends.
b. Work with other government and land use agencies to protect viewsheds of Moab
residents.
c. Continue to assess visual impacts as part of the development review process.
d. Continue to require visual screening of developments that affect residents' views.
e. Revisit code to make sure there are adequate provisions to provide buffering, particularly
between neighboring zones and uses.
Policy 2: Enhance Moab's rural character through protection of the natural darkness of
the night sky.
Action Steps:
a. Receive IDA International Dark Sky Community designation by 2019.
b. Reduce human caused sky glow as measured at one or more nearby state of federal parks
by 20% by 2025.
c. Inventory city owned outdoor lighting, and bring into best practices by June 30, 2018.
d. Support local organizations and efforts to educate about and promote dark skies, and
quality outdoor lighting practices.
e. Update and amend the Moab Municipal Code outdoor lighting elements to ensure that
new and existing lighting provides for safe and aesthetic illumination, while minimizing
light trespass on neighboring properties and up lighting. Update will reflect current best
practices as jointly established by the Illumination Engineering Society of North
Americas and the International Dark Sky Association, equivalent professional
organizations, and successful and well -established Dark Sky Communities.
**********
GOAL 3: AIR QUALITY
Maintain a high standard of air quality in the region to enhance and
protect the health of the community, the environment and the scenic resources.
Policy 1: Work to improve local air quality particularly during temperature inversions in winter
months.
Action Steps:
a. Promote the use of less polluting heat sources through public information efforts.
b. Cooperate with the State of Utah in air quality monitoring efforts.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 36 I Pap,c
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
c. Support actions that facilitate Arches and Canyonlands National Parks retaining class I
air status.
d. Amend burn days to reduce open burning during inversions.
e. Adopt policies to reduce idling of motor vehicles.
f. Explore possibility of setting up an EPA AIRNow air quality monitoring station in the
City limits.
Policy 2: Promote the use of alternative transportation that is non-polluting or reduces fossil fuel
consumption.
Action Steps:
a. Continue to explore public transportation options, from shuttles to taxis to ride sharing.
b. Continue to expand and maintain bike lanes and paved non -motorized routes, and their
local and regional interconnectivity.
c. Create incentives for City staff to walk or bicycle to work.
d. Set an example by transitioning the City vehicle fleet to electric from gasoline/diesel.
Policy 3: Encourage and promote energy conservation and the use of clean alternative energy
sources such as solar, wind, etc.
Action Steps:
a. Promote utility provider programs and non-profit organizations that encourage energy
efficiency and altemative energy sources.
b. Educate residents about resources available to help them conserve energy, and convert to
using renewable energy.
c. Hire sustainability director to implement the City's 2020 Vision goals, as well as its goals
to transition to 100% renewable electricity and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
80%.
d. Support the County in setting similar goals.
e. Establish funding to help low-income residents invest in rooftop solar/energy efficiency.
f. Defend net metering in Utah to keep rooftop solar accessible to local utility customers.
g. Consider adding solar panels to additional City locations, such as to shade existing
parking lots.
Policy 4: Discourage projects that would substantially decrease air quality.
Action Steps:
a. Monitor industrial and other projects within and outside City limits that may impact air
quality within City limits.
b. Amend city code to provide basis to deny land use permit for projects that would
substantively decrease air quality.
c. Contact regional and State representatives expressing the City's opposition to such
projects.
**********
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
GOAL 4: WATER QUALITY
➢ Protect ground, spring and surface water quality.
Policy 1: Ensure that development and activities within the City do not negatively impact water
quality.
Action Steps:
a. Review, evaluate, and take action on activities and development projects and land use
changes both inside and outside the City limits to protect the quality of the City's water
resources.
b. Discourage the use of chemicals that could adversely affect water quality or harm the
aquifer, especially in drinking water source protection areas.
c. Continue monitoring water quality.
d. Participate in and support further ground water studies.
e. Regularly update the drinking water source protection plans and related ordinances.
f. Require project -specific drinking water source protection plans for projects in the City's
drinking water source protection areas, and include a requirement for bonding to cover
losses due to contamination or jeopardy of the aquifer.
g. Maintain EPA sole source aquifer designation.
h. Adopt a green infrastructure ordinance for stormwater management to protect water
quality, increase localized groundwater recharge and offset landscape irrigation through
matching plantings with green infrastructure treatments.
**********
GOAL 5: WATER SUPPLY
➢ Preserve the community's access to pristine (or high quality) culinary
water.
Policy 1: Work with other government agencies to determine future culinary water availability.
Action Steps:
a. Participate in the United States Geological Survey and Utah Division of Water Rights
regional ground water studies.
b. Work to establish a regional water authority that will include all water systems in the
watershed including Moab City, Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency, Castle Valley,
and water systems in southern Spanish Valley and Pack Creek.
Policy 2: Preserve and expand City of Moab water rights.
Action Steps:
a. Ensure that the City maintains its current water rights.
b. Investigate the acquisition of additional water rights.
**********
CITY OF MOAB
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GOAL 6: ENERGY AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Reduce energy resource waste and expand the community's use of
renewable energy.
Policy 1: Encourage energy conservation.
Action) Steps:
a. Adopt measures to improve the energy efficiency of existing and future City buildings
and vehicles, looking into the possibility of assuring new structures are net zero.
b. Work with utilities and other private businesses, residents, Grand County, regional
govemment agencies, the State of Utah, non-profit organizations and federal agencies to
promote and adopt energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable programs and
projects.
c. Educate residents on the various ways in which they can conserve energy, reduce waste,
and introduce the use of renewables.
d. Support weatherization programs for the homes of the elderly and lower income families.
e. Balance the benefits of land use efficiency (higher density) and providing solar access on
adjacent sites.
Policy 2: Promote efficiency and use of renewable energy resources.
Action Steps:
a. Support a Green Builders program that provides information and incentives to builders to
use passive solar design, above minimum insulation, efficient heating/cooling, etc.
b. Promote and help expand community -wide recycling and re -use programs.
GOAL 7: AURAL ENVIRONMENT
Decrease peak and ambient noise levels by 2020.
Policy 1: Seek to reduce noise levels so residents can peacefully enjoy their property and provide a
pleasant environment for businesses and visitors.
Action Steps:
a. Enforce existing noise regulations, vehicle equipment laws and vehicle speed limits
consistently and fairly.
b. Engage in transportation planning to include traffic calming devices and reduce noise for
all residents.
c. Lobby state legislature to give local governments a reasonable control to manage noise
producing vehicles.
d. Support efforts to educate visitors and residents about the impact of noise on
neighborhoods.
e. Evaluate additional tools to reduce noise pollution.
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ELEMENT 3: LAND USE AND GROWTH
GOAL 1: GENERAL
Encourage a diverse, compact, and efficient land use pattern that promotes
resident quality of life and is aligned with the city's character, economy,
and vision.
Policy 1: Encourage development to consider the appearance, design, financial impact, and
amenities of the community.
Action Steps:
a. Emphasize connectivity and walkability in order to facilitate healthy lifestyles and
decreased vehicle reliance.
b. Promote commercial centers that meet the everyday needs of residents and visitors.
c. Encourage mixed -use development where appropriate.
d. Encourage redevelopment, infill development, aesthetics and pedestrian access in the
downtown area.
e. Work with Grand County to evaluate the impacts of growth and development in the
south corridor area.
f. Encourage compact development patterns.
Policy 2: Anticipate and plan for impacts of future growth on all city utilities, services, and
infrastructure as well as resident quality of life.
Action Steps:
a. Continue to explain code regulations to developers and residents to foster mutual
understanding of expectations.
**********
GOAL 2: NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
➢ Protect residents and property, and prevent public costs associated with
development in hazardous areas.
Policy 1: Restrict development in areas that present natural hazards to human life, property, and
natural resources.
Action Steps:
a. Enforce hillside development regulations to ensure that erosion, drainage and hazardous
rock fall problems are mitigated.
b. Identify geologic hazards and restrict development in these areas.
c. Require properties in floodways to maintain the flood channels and keep them clear of
debris.
d. Ensure that stream banks and hillsides are (re)vegetated to protect against erosion.
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e. Require observation of noxious weed restrictions.
f. Restrict development within identified riparian zones or critical wildlife habitat areas.
g. Preserve natural drainage ways for stormwater.
h. Continue to ensure that development plans address stormwater concerns.
**********
GOAL 3: URBAN DESIGN AND CHARACTER PRESERVATION
➢ Promote an urban design that is compatible with the history, culture
and character of Moab.
Policy 1: Continue to consider visual appearance criteria in site design, architecture and
landscaping of new construction to encourage and promote innovative, quality urban design and
efficient land use patterns.
Action Steps:
a. Promote design -oriented improvement and beautification projects in downtown.
b. Promote an attractive gateway entrance at Moab's two primary arrival points on
Highway 191 (north and south), through signage, landscaping, and traffic calming
features.
c. Amend the sign regulations to balance aesthetics, safety, and business needs.
d. Encourage the use of native and drought -resistant (xeriscape) trees, shrubs, flowers and
grasses on parks, planting strips and medians.
e. Protect residential values so that Moab is a pleasant place to raise a family.
f. Encourage green development and alternative engineering to minimize run off and
maximize absorption of water.
**********
GOAL 4: RESOURCE PROTECTION
➢ Ensure the protection of Moab's natural and scenic resources.
Policy 1: Require development to consider impacts on the natural environment and protect
cultural and historical resources.
Action Steps:
a. Encourage the preservation of areas critical to local wildlife as habitat and corridors
through open space designation or conservation easements.
b. Continue to encourage the establishment of green ways, parks, trail corridors, and open
space within new development.
c. Promote sustainable building practices in construction projects and recognize those
projects that have taken such initiatives.
d. Continue to protect scenic views and night skies by minimizing light pollution.
e. Protect culturally and historically significant resources found within development areas.
f. Utilize best management practices for soil conservation, including minimizing soil
disturbance to avoid resulting erosion, weeds and dust.
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Policy 2: Encourage the establishment of open space and natural areas throughout the city.
Action Steps:
a. Consider greenbelts and greenways as forms of open space for area residents.
b. Identify critical lands to be conserved within the city limits and the annexation areas.
**********
GOAL 5: STREET TREES AND LANDSCAPING
➢ Improve the overall visual, recreational and environmental quality of the
community through the use of trees and vegetation.
Policy 1: Utilize climate -appropriate vegetation to beautify and provide shade in and around paved
areas.
Action Steps:
a. Enhance and increase landscaping in parking areas and planting strips.
b. Plant climate -appropriate trees in and around streets and parking areas to provide shade
and more comfortable public spaces.
c. Consider integrating permaculture tools such as curb cuts to help water vegetation.
Policy 2: Encourage the preservation and enhancement of existing landscape resources.
Action Steps:
a. Continue planning and developing the Mill Creek and Pack Creek Parkway.
b. Support community efforts to beautify public spaces and private properties with climate -
appropriate trees, shrubs and ground covers.
c. Encourage new development to preserve existing native trees and vegetation.
d. Support the goals of the City Urban Forester and Public Works department to develop an
effective and diverse community forestry program.
Policy 3: Encourage appropriate plant selection to minimize maintenance and water usage.
Action Steps:
a. Develop landscape design suggestions and lists of appropriate trees, shrubs and flowers
that will flourish in our climate.
b. Discourage practices that will result in the growth and proliferation of noxious and
invasive weed species.
Policy 4: Improve the highway landscapes in Moab.
Action Steps:
a. Utilize climate -appropriate trees, shrubs, flowers, natural landscaping and historic
building materials and machinery to beautify the "gateways" at the north and south ends
of town.
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 42 I l'agc
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GOAL 6: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
➢ Preserve historic elements throughout the community.
Policy 1: Encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of historic and culturally significant
structures.
Action Steps:
a. Consider the establishment of an historic preservation board.
b. Explore ways to allow owners of existing homes downtown to upgrade them to modern
building standards and still live in them.
c. Encourage new development to be compatible with the historic character and integrity of
the community.
**********
GOAL 7: COMMERCIAL
9 Promote appropriate commercial development while maintaining quality
of life for residents.
Policy 1: Consider zone changes and adjustments that balance property rights and community
benefits.
Action Steps:
a. Encourage mixed -use development that integrates retail, general commercial and
residential uses in a manner that preserves Moab's sales tax revenues and promotes a
self-contained neighborhood atmosphere.
b. Investigate the potential of live -work units.
c. Consider the establishment of neighborhood -scale commercial opportunities providing
convenient goods and services to nearby residents.
d. Consider establishing commercial zoning areas for uses not compatible with downtown
retail and general commercial areas.
Policy 2: Work with property owners and businesses to create more appealing commercial areas
for residents.
Action Steps:
a. In collaboration with property owners and businesses, consider designs suggestions or
guidelines that incorporate Moab's character and natural surroundings.
b. Solicit a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop architectural standards for
commercial development.
c. Encourage property owners and businesses to develop local improvement plans to
enhance the shopping experience of the area for residents.
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Policy 3: Work with the business community and community -at -large to promote a positive
business climate.
Action Steps:
a. Review commercial development regulations.
b. Work with property owners to encourage planters, flower boxes, benches, shade and
other outdoor enhancements.
**********
GOAL 8: RESIDENTIAL
➢ Promote a variety of housing types and neighborhoods for primary
residences.
Policy 1: Work with developers and neighborhoods to promote different, densities and forms.
Action Steps:
a. Promote walkable, bikeable neighborhoods through continued improvements to
sidewalks, pedestrian amenities, bicycle lanes, and street crossings.
b. Promote compact design and development that maximizes the efficiency of City
services.
c. Encourage the maintenance and improvement of residential properties.
d. Increase neighborhood parks as opportunities arise. Maximize utilization of existing
parks.
e. Protect existing neighborhoods and develop new family -oriented neighborhoods.
f. Consider code changes that will allow a greater variety of housing development types,
from temporary employee housing to tiny homes, etc.
g. Amend city code to maximize utilization of housing as primary residences.
**********
GOAL 9: INDUSTRIAL
➢ Provide city areas appropriate for light industrial economic activity.
Policy 1: Ensure that zoning properly buffers light industrial uses from residential neighborhoods.
Action Steps:
a. Locate industrial uses close to main roadways and available utilities.
b. Amend city code to ensure that industrial operations minimize impacts on the
environment, public health and safety, and resident concerns such as traffic, bright lights
and noise.
**********
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GOAL 10: AGRICULTURE
➢ Encourage the development of locally based food production.
Policy 1: Allow the expansion of appropriate "urban farming" activities.
Action Steps:
a. Encourage individual and community gardens throughout Moab and especially in
residential areas.
b. Encourage responsible beekeeping and poultry ranching, and other activities that aid
pollination and nutrient cycling while eliminating noise and odor issues..
c. Investigate ways to allow small scale and appropriate livestock activities while protecting
neighborhoods from health and safety problems, and noise and odor issues.
d. Continue support of the local farmers' market.
e. Balance water conservation goals with various environmental, social, and economic
benefits of local food production.
f. Include local food producers in promotions of locally owned businesses.
**********
GOAL 11: OPEN SPACE
➢ Promote green space within and surrounding Moab.
Policy 1: Conserve sensitive undeveloped areas for riparian, wildlife, and watershed protection.
Action Steps:
a. Support the Scott M. Matheson Wetland Preserve as an important part of the open space
and natural areas system.
b. Preserve the flood channel along Mill Creek and Pack Creek as open space.
c. Promote open space preservation as a way of protecting watershed recharge zones.
d. Maintain water courses to protect riparian and wildlife habitat.
e. Protect local wildlife corridors and add wildlife crossing signs where traffic hazards are
highest.
**********
GOAL 12: FLOOD PROTECTION
Facilitate the protection of life, property and natural resources from
damage due to floods.
Policy 1: Keep flood channels free of structures that may cause damage during flooding.
Action Steps:
a. Identify areas where the City could purchase lands for flood hazard reduction.
b. Work with private land owners to maintain a free -flowing flood channel.
c. Maintain natural channel meanders and avoid dredging or straightening channels.
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CITY OF MOAB
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
d. Work with Grand County and San Juan County and other agencies to develop a regional
flood protection plan.
e. Protect and enhance Mill Creek and Pack Creek.
Policy 2: Balance flood channel protection with wildlife and riparian habitat.
Action Steps:
a. Plant native cottonwoods, willows and other riparian vegetation in riparian areas where
appropriate.
b. Acquire water rights for in -stream flow. Work with Moab Irrigation Company and the
Bureau of Land Management to maximize in -stream flow.
c. Explore eradication of non-native weeds first by mechanical and biological controls, and
only as a last resort by chemical controls.
d. Consider impacts on wildlife and plant life when conducting vegetation management,
removal and revegetation projects.
*********
GOAL 13: ANNEXATION
➢ Consider annexations that provide a benefit to the community.
Policy 1: Assess the impact on City services of each proposed annexation.
Action Steps:
a. Prepare an annexation impact report on each proposed annexation which contains, at a
minimum, analysis of zoning alternatives in addition to applicant request for
compatibility with existing neighborhood as built.
b. Require annexation agreements on all proposed annexations.
c. Update the annexation policy to preserve and protect the interests of the City and to
encourage annexation to pay for itself or occur in efficiently large amounts.
d. Assess the impacts of proposed annexations where municipal services cannot be
economically provided.
e. Develop a master plan for each annexation area.
*********
ELEMENT 4: HOUSING
GOAL 1: GENERAL
Implement a housing strategy that meets the needs of current residents,
anticipates growth in housing demand, promotes a cohesive small-town
environment and supports a high quality of life.
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Policy 1: Encourage housing opportunities for a variety of needs and income levels.
Action Steps
a. Recognize the value and character of existing residential neighborhoods and encourage
compatible development/redevelopment projects with existing neighborhoods and the
underlying zoning.
b. Identify residential properties that are not meeting City code requirements for health,
welfare and safety, and work with the owners of those properties to remedy existing
problems.
c. Encourage residential homes to remain as fully occupied primary residences.
***********
GOAL 2: AFFORDABLE HOUSING
➢ Promote strategies that improve the ability of all Moab residents to have
access to affordable, quality housing.
Policy 1: Promote programs and partnerships that focus on providing affordable and workforce
housing.
Action Steps
a. Implement the Grand County and City of Moab Housing Study and Affordable Housing
Plan.
b. Collaborate with the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah and Moab Area
Community Land Trust on acquisition of properties and projects for affordable housing.
c. Work with private and non-profit developers to increase the affordable housing stock in
Moab.
d. In collaboration with Grand County, the Interlocal Housing Task Force (IHTF), and
consultants, periodically assess the gaps between housing stock, housing needs and
household affordability.
e. Establish and participate in programs and efforts to reduce household operating,
rehabilitation, and construction costs.
f. Monitor for and enforce against illegal short-term rentals.
***********
ELEMENT 5: PARKS AND RECREATION
GOAL 1: PARKS
➢ Continue to provide parks, facilities and open space for year-round use.
Policy 1: Maintain high quality standards at all City -owned parks, facilities and open spaces.
Action Steps
a. Explore possible participation in and certification of city parks in nationally recognized
programs.
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b. Develop a Park Improvement Master Plan.
c. Research and implement sustainable park maintenance methods in appropriate areas such
as enhancement with native plant species, minimizing use of chemicals, and water
conservation.
d. Consider implementation of an "adopt a park" program for parks and open space
maintenance and management.
Policy 2: Pursue expansion of the parks and open space system.
Action Steps
a. Provide new and traditional park experiences by enhancing and establishing different
types of park spaces throughout the community.
b. Emphasize trail development for local transportation and recreation needs with
connections to existing trails.
c. Continue to work with Grand County, the Moab Trail Alliance, and Trail Mix to
implement and update the Grand County Non -Motorized Trails Master Plan.
d. Continue to develop and expand the Parkway Project to connect all neighborhoods in the
City.
e. Consider urban wildlife populations and corridors when planning for future open space
and natural area designation, as well as in proposals for new development.
GOAL 2: RECREATION
➢ Provide high quality and affordable recreational services, programs, and
events.
Policy 1: Promote a variety of recreation experiences through Moab including multi -generational
recreation programming.
Action Steps
a. Ensure that recreation sites are well-connected, accessible, safe and enjoyable for all
ages.
b. Through inter -local agreements, continue to cooperate with the County, the School
District and the Grand County Recreation Special Service District to continually
expand and improve recreational programs.
c. Continue to promote and support the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center as a hub for
healthy activity year-round in Moab.
d. Annually review the recreation program portfolio to determine deficiencies and
excesses and modify the offerings to better match demand.
e. Co-sponsor activities with appropriate partners to efficiently broaden recreation
opportunities.
***********
CITY OF MOAB
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ELEMENT 6: ARTS AND CULTURE
GOAL 1: GENERAL
➢ Provide and promote year-round diverse arts and cultural opportunities
for all ages and abilities.
Policy 1: Create opportunities for cultural arts participation for all residents and visitors.
Action Steps
a. Enhance the Moab Arts and Recreation Center and other arts and cultural venues.
b. Encourage citizen participation in planning cultural arts activities, making citizen
suggestions (e.g. specific art classes, a community art wall, etc.) a reality when possible.
c. Work with partners in the arts and culture sector and use creative strategies to achieve
economic, social, environmental, and community goals.
d. Encourage the performing, visual, and fine arts, as well as applied arts including
architecture and graphic design; crafts; film, digital media and video; humanities and
historic preservation; literature; folk life; and other creative activities.
e. Encourage art to be displayed on public property and rights -of -way.
f. Continue to contribute to the Moab Arts Council grants program.
g. Support the City's role in planning the Red Rock Arts Festival (formerly Plein Air
Moab).
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ELEMENT 7: TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
GOAL 1: GENERAL
➢ Promote a safe, efficient and convenient multi -modal transportation
network throughout Moab.
**********
GOAL 2: PEDESTRIAN
➢ Achieve a pleasant, safe, efficient and complete pedestrian
transportation network that provides a viable transportation alternative
for daily circulation, activities and recreation.
Policy 1: Continue to encourage a more pedestrian -oriented business district in Downtown Moab.
Action Steps:
a. Initiate improvements and design elements such as shade trees, seating, gathering
areas and public art.
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b. Engage a consultant in developing a cohesive downtown plan including circulation,
wayfinding, architecture, and lighting.
Policy 2: Update design standards and applicable code sections to include better pedestrian
access and protection from traffic.
Action Steps:
a. Provide well -maintained sidewalks of sufficient width, and expand the sidewalk
systems in an orderly way.
b. Continue to develop the Mill Creek and Pack Creek Parkway system.
c. Provide pedestrian -only routes (separate from motor traffic) to parks, schools and
other destinations.
d. Support school district efforts to promote and improve "Safe Routes to School".
e. Paint crosswalks and curbs frequently enough that paint is visible.
f. Work with the Utah Department of Transportation to promote pedestrian safety
along US-191 highway corridor.
**********
GOAL 3: NON -MOTORIZED VEHICLES
➢ Expand a safe and connected network of bike routes throughout Moab.
Policy 1: Provide a pleasant, safe bicycle experience for riders of all ages and encourage bicycle -
associated activities.
Action Steps:
a. Promote the Mill Creek and Pack Creek Parkway system as a throughway for
commuting, fitness and recreation.
b. Expand on -street wayfinding to trail access points.
c. Encourage bicycle -user accommodations such as bike racks, shared bike use, and
maintenance stations in the commercial business district to facilitate active transportation.
d. Encourage trail connectivity from new development to existing trail systems.
e. Encourage trail connectivity to trails outside city limits.
f. Add additional bike lanes to increase cyclist safety.
g. Work with parents to identify any additional hazards for young riders that can be
mitigated.
**********
GOAL 4: MOTORIZED VEHICLES
➢ Provide an efficient, safe and well -maintained street system designed to
meet current and future needs.
Policy 1: Reduce traffic congestion and conflicts.
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* * * DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Action Steps:
a. Base future collector street development upon an updated Transportation Master Plan.
b. Evaluate and upgrade streets based on a prioritized maintenance plan.
c. Prevent obstruction of future rights -of -way identified on the Transportation Master Plan
and consolidate utility and street rights -of -way where possible.
d. Plan collector streets so they provide adequate access from residential neighborhoods to
major arterials and other adjoining areas of concentration.
e. Encourage efforts to provide a shuttle system serving downtown Moab and key tourism
destinations and accommodations.
f. Reduce speeding and other moving traffic violations on Moab's streets and highways.
g. Explore traffic calming tools such as medians, lower speed limits, education, and
increased enforcement and work with residents to implement those solutions most
responsive to their specific situation.
h. Address the need for central city parking.
Policy 2: Work with other agencies to improve street design and address transportation needs.
Action Steps:
a. Coordinate with UDOT to balance state highway requirements and community needs
such as requests for additional crosswalks, traffic lights, and left -turn signals.
b. Explore funding options for street improvement and maintenance projects.
c. Continue collaborating with Grand County on mutually beneficial road projects.
**********
GOAL 5: SIDEWALKS AND STREETS
➢ Promote a creative approach to street and sidewalk design integrating
various forms of travel and transportation.
Policy 1: Require street design to accommodate as many forms of travel as is reasonably and safely
possible.
Action Steps:
a. Encourage the installation of sidewalks, curbs and gutters in deficient areas to provide
for safe pedestrian traffic and ADA access to clean and beautify public streets, and to
ensure proper street drainage.
b. Identify key opportunities for the development of creative streets and sidewalk design
for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.
*********
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
ELEMENT 8: PUBLIC WORKS
GOAL 1: GENERAL
➢ Provide safe, adequate, and cost-effective public works services to Moab
residents, while closely monitoring growth and conserving natural
resources.
*********
GOAL 2: WATER SERVICES
➢ Preserve Moab's supply of high quality water for present and future
generations through effective water management and conservation
strategies.
Policy l: Adopt effective water management and conservation strategies.
Action Steps:
a. Engage in a cooperative regional effort to pursue development of a region -wide
water study to assess water quantity.
b. Protect water quality and avoid the contamination of ground and surface water
systems by continuing to identify and manage potentially hazardous land uses.
c. Preserve riparian corridors and wetlands as open space.
d. Implement preventive maintenance of the existing water system to identify and
address deficiencies before major failures occur.
e. Maintain and prove up on existing water rights.
f. Consider implementation of a secondary water system to provide irrigation to City
lots.
g. Promote water conservation, including irrigation water, and the use of water -
conserving plants and planting methods in landscaping and agriculture.
h. Work with County on establishing a pumpout station on the Colorado River to
drastically reduce the amount of City culinary water currently used for industrial
purposes.
**********
GOAL 3: SEWER SERVICES
➢ Operate and maintain an efficient sewer system for conveyance of sewer
flows per applicable standards.
Policy 1: Encourage the most efficient use of the sewer collection system and upgrade deteriorated
and inadequate sewer lines in coordination with Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency, Utah
State University, School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, Grand County and San
Juan County.
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Action Steps:
a. Consider impacts on existing and future services in agreements with the Grand Water and
Sewer Service Agency.
b. Plan for expansion and/or upgrade of the sewer system based on engineered estimates
and the Capital Facilities Plan.
*********
GOAL 4: WASTEWATER TREATMENT
➢ Maintain a high quality wastewater treatment facility that serves the
needs of the community as well as meets federal and State effluent
regulations.
Policy 1: Analyze the condition and capacity of the current wastewater treatment facility and
adopt plans to serve the future needs of the community as well as meet federal and state effluent
regulations.
Action Steps:
a. Continue to consider altemative wastewater treatment systems to reduce infrastructure
costs and promote environmental sustainability.
b. Maximize treatment efficiency to manage for odor
c. Consider wetland recharge
d. Offer public annual update on capacity.
*********
GOAL 5: STORMWATER
➢ Provide an adequate storm drainage system through expansion and
upgrading of the existing system as provided in the stormwater drainage
master plan and update.
Policy 1: Explore adopting new technologies and design standards to facilitate the safe
conveyance of stormwater.
Action Steps:
a. Incorporate the use of best management practices (BMP) of new stormwater
management technologies into the construction design standards for streets, curbs and
gutters.
b. Encourage the retention of existing permeable surfaces in new development and
greater use of natural and permeable materials.
c. Continue to collect, analyze and modify the stormwater drainage fee to fund expansion
and upgrades to the existing system.
*********
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GOAL 6: SOLID WASTE FACILITIES
➢ Provide the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable systems
for the disposal, compost, reuse or recycling of solid waste.
Policy 1: Work with Grand County, Solid Waste Special Service District, and private service
providers for waste diversion, collection, and disposal.
Action Steps:
a. Reduce solid waste to maximize landfill lifespan.
b. Support true cost pricing of all stages of waste disposal
c. Support cost, energy, and resource efficient waste diversion strategies, which may
include recycling, composting and reuse.
d. Protect land within the city from hazardous and electronic waste contamination through
code enforcement and partner collection and disposal programs.
e. Promote partnerships with local and regional organizations and individuals to encourage
fiscally sound programs for value added reuse, recycling (plastics, aluminum, cardboard,
etc.), composting (organic/biodegradable waste from homes and restaurants), reuse
(household goods, electronics), and cleanup in Moab.
f. Demonstrate leadership by adopting best practices for waste management at city
operations.
g. Require solid waste management and waste diversion plan at city permitted special
events
*********
GOAL 7: PRIVATE UTILITIES
➢ Cooperate with private utilities to provide dependable, low cost,
renewable, and efficient utilities for current and future Moab customers,
while also preserving the visual integrity of the community.
Policy 1: Encourage utilities to be placed underground and in existing rights -of -way where
possible.
Action Steps:
a. Require the underground placement of utilities in new subdivisions.
Policy 2: Encourage the aesthetic lighting of streets to ensure safety and reduce crime, without
negatively impacting our dark skies.
Action Steps:
a. Consider pedestrian -scale lighting in walkable areas.
b. Control the height, shielding, color temperature and intensity of lighting appropriate
to neighborhoods to reduce light pollution.
c. Encourage the use of LED and other energy -saving technology in City lights.
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Policy 3: Encourage the expanded availability of high speed internet throughout the
community.
Action Steps:
a. Continue discussing with State of Utah, regional government agencies and private
providers ways to increase available bandwidth in Moab.
*********
ELEMENT 9: CIVIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
GOAL 1: MUNICIPAL PROPERTIES
➢ Provide for present needs and future growth including recreation,
administration, utilities, and safety.
Policy 1: Encourage the continued location of government agencies and service providers in the
core area surrounding Moab City Center.
Action Steps:
a. Reconsider zoning requirements and allowances to facilitate the placement of
government agencies and service providers near Moab City Center.
Policy 2: Continue the ongoing purchase of land and the expansion of the Millcreek Parkway and
other areas for flood protection, recreation and connectivity.
Action Steps:
a. Explore donations, grants and financing options to fund the ongoing purchase of land and
rights -of -way.
Policy 3: Maintain and improve the existing conditions of city -owned facilities.
Action Steps:
a. Develop and fund a preventative maintenance plan for all city facilities.
b. Continue to be a leader in the use of alternative energy sources and energy efficiency.
c. Continue to regularly update the public facilities master plan.
*********
GOAL 2: PEACEKEEPING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
9 Provide law enforcement and peacekeeping services for Moab's residents
and visitors.
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CITY OF MOAB
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Policy 1: Reduce crime rate, traffic violations and other infractions by encouraging compliance
with laws, statutes and ordinances through education, outreach, and enforcement.
Action Steps:
a. Utilize existing portable radar trailers to reduce speed.
b. Promote a better understanding of laws and statutes through education, social media,
marketing, and other communications.
c. Support City efforts to install traffic calming devices such as medians and street trees.
d. Enforce traffic laws as necessary to reduce violations.
Policy 2: Promote and improve public understanding of the law enforcement function.
Action Steps:
a. Increase visibility through the use of foot patrol and bike patrol in the downtown areas.
b. Participate and be visible at community events and activities on duty and off duty as
possible.
Policy 3: Address law enforcement services based on the fluctuations of a tourist economy.
Action Steps:
a. Coordinate with other local law enforcement to address the potential impacts of events
and festivals.
b. Monitor police and emergency medical services staffing levels for response capabilities
during periods of higher visitation and specific events.
Policy 4: Actively promote prevention of drug use and drug -related crimes.
Action Steps:
a. Continue and expand partnership with the Grand County School District and the D.A.R.E
program in all levels of education, K-12.
b. Continue designation and enforcement of drug -free zones in accordance with state
statutes.
c. Continue partnership with the Grand County Drug Task Force.
Policy 5: Improve the safety of children in schools.
Action Steps:
a. Actively continue alliance with the Safe Schools Coalition.
b. Maintain pedestrian/vehicle visibility in and around schools.
c. Continue the Bicycle Safety Program.
d. Continue to support and staff School Crossing Guards.
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 56 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Policy 6: Improve the safety of neighborhoods.
Action Steps:
a. Routinely patrol Mill Creek Parkway and other high risk areas on foot and/or bicycle.
b. Cooperate with Public Works to identify areas where traffic -calming devices would be
appropriate.
c. Improve and enhance animal control and animal shelter services.
d. Provide courses in self-defense and personal safety.
e. Continue to offer classes in the hazards of drunk driving.
**********
GOAL 3: HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
➢ Continue to promote necessary health and safety services for the
community.
Policy 1: Continue to support county and other agencies' efforts to provide accessible, affordable
and quality health care and safety services to the community.
Action Steps:
a. Maintain a City representative on health related boards and committees.
b. Encourage directors of health providers to periodically apprise the council of trends in
their field.
Policy 2: Participate in county -wide emergency management efforts.
Action Steps:
a. Attend local emergency planning committee meetings.
b. Participate in and promote emergency notification and alert programs.
c. Update the Emergency Response Plan.
d. Participate in updates of the Natural Hazards Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan for the
Southeastern Region of Utah.
e. Work with all departments to improve Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating to reduce
the cost of insurance coverage.
f. Monitor and adjust service coverage to meet future needs.
g. Continue to refine flood prevention enforcement to improve Moab's level in the
Community Rating System (CRS) and reduce flood insurance premiums.
Policy 3: Provide for the health, safety and well-being of the community with fire protection and
other emergency medical services in conjunction with other agencies.
Action Steps:
a. Continue to provide law enforcement services for fire and other emergency events.
b. Require adequate street connectivity and circulation for all new development so that
police and fire personnel may respond to calls safely and efficiently.
*********
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 57 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
GOAL 4: EDUCATION
➢ Encourage educational opportunities for Moab residents of all ages.
Policy 1: Continue to support the expansion of Utah State University Moab.
Action Steps:
a. Contribute annually to a set -aside fund for construction of infrastructure and other
improvements for the campus.
b. Cooperate with Grand County, UDOT and other entities in addressing traffic and
transportation demands for the new campus (vehicular/pedestrian).
c. Continue the City's involvement with the USU advisory boards and committees.
d. Engage in appropriate lobbying efforts to secure grant and other funding for
development of the USU campus.
e. Work with Utah State University, School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration
(SITLA), and private developers to facilitate the construction of student and employee
housing.
Policy 2: Encourage close cooperation between Moab City and Grand County School District.
Action Steps:
a. Support school district and social service intervention and prevention programs designed
to reduce at risk behaviors and environments.
b. Communicate and cooperate with Grand County School District in school -based health
and safety programs and law enforcement issues.
c. Collaborate with school district on facilities planning.
d. Continue to work under the existing interlocal agreement for recreation among the City,
School District and Grand County Recreation Special Services District.
e. Continue to contribute resources and staff time to school district programs and activities.
Policy 3: Encourage learning and well-being opportunities for children, youth and adults.
Action Steps:
a. Continue and expand community -based art and recreation programs through the Moab
Arts and Recreation Center, Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, and other city
facilities.
Policy 4: Support and encourage efforts to provide workforce education and technical training.
Action Steps:
a. Promote Utah State University's current technical education programs.
b. Work with Utah State University to obtain funding for expanded technical education
programs.
c. Look into offering internships with interested City departments.
*********
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 58 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
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CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
59 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
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General Plan Update
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CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 60 1 Pagl2
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Scat M. Ltalhescn
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City of Moab
General Plan Update
Current Buildout
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I
61 I Page
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
7`8;r4
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City of Moab
General Plan Update
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CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN
62II',
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
City of Moab
General Plan Update
Public Lands
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
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***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ***
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CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL, PLAN
66 I I';ip.c
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Appendix A (housing plan)
APPENDIX B
Utah Noxious Weed Act (R68-9)
The following weeds are hereby officially designated and published as noxious for the State of Utah, as
per the authority vested in the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food under Section 4-17-3:
There are hereby designated five classes of noxious weeds in the state: Class lA (EDRR Watch List),
Class 1 (EDRR), Class 2 (Control), Class 3 (Containment), and Class 4 (Prohibited for sale or
propagation).
Class IA: Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Watch List. Declared noxious and invasive weeds not
native to the state of Utah and not known to exist in the State that pose a serious threat to the state and
should be considered as a very high priority.
Common crupina - Crupina vulgaris
African rue - Peganum harmala
Small bugloss - Anchusa arvensis
Mediterranean sage - Salvia aethiopis
Spring millet - Milium vemale
Syrian beancaper - Zygophyllum fabago
Ventenata (North Africa grass) - Ventenata dubia
Plumeless thistle - Carduus acanthoides
Malta starthistle - Centaurea melitensis
Class 1B: Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR). Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to
the State of Utah that are known to exist in the state in very limited populations and pose a serious threat
to the state and should be considered as a very high priority.
Camelthom - Alhagi maurorum
Garlic mustard - Alliaria petiolata
Purple starthistle - Centaurea calcitrapa
Goatsrue - Galega officinalis
African mustard - Brassica tournefortii
Giant reed - Arundo donax
Japanese knotweed - Polygonum cuspidatum
Blueweed (Vipers bugloss) - Echium vulgare
Elongated mustard - Brassica elongata
Common St. Johnswort - Hypericum perforatum
Oxeye daisy - Leucanthemum vulgare
Cutleaf vipergrass - Scorzonera laciniata
Class 2: Control Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the state of Utah that pose a threat to
the state and should be considered a high priority for control. Weeds listed in the control list are known to
exist in varying populations throughout the state. The concentration of these weeds is at a level where
control or eradication may be possible.
Leafy spurge - Euphorbia esula
CITY OF MOAB
GENERAL PLAN 67 I Page
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Medusahead - Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Rush skeletonweed - Chondrilla juncea
Spotted knapweed - Centaurea stoebe
Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria
Squarrose knapweed - Centaurea virgata
Dyers woad - Isatis tinctoria
Yellow starthistle - Centaurea solstitialis
Yellow toadflax - Linaria vulgaris
Diffuse knapweed - Centaurea diffusa
Black henbane - Hyoscyamus niger
Dalmation toadflax - Linaria dalmatica
Class 3: Containment. Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the State of Utah that are
widely spread. Weeds listed in the containment noxious weeds list are known to exist in various
populations throughout the state. Weed control efforts may be directed at reducing or eliminating new or
expanding weed populations. Known and established weed populations, as determined by the weed
control authority, may be managed by any approved weed control methodology, as determined by the
weed control authority. These weeds pose a threat to the agricultural industry and agricultural products.
Russian knapweed - Acroptilon repens
Houndstounge - Cynoglossum officianale
Perennial pepperweed (Tall whitetop) - Lepidium latifolium
Phragmites (Common reed) - Phragmites australis ssp.
Tamarisk (Saltcedar) - Tamarix ramosissima
Hoary cress - Cardaria spp.
Canada thistle - Cirsium arvense
Poison hemlock - Conium maculatum
Musk thistle - Carduus nutans
Quackgrass - Elymus repens
Jointed goatgrass - Aegilops cylindrica
Bermudagrass* - Cynodon dactylon
Perennial Sorghum spp.: Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) and Sorghum almum (Sorghum alrnum).
Scotch thistle (Cotton thistle) - Onopordum acanthium
Field bindweed (Wild Moming-glory) - Convolvulus spp.
Puncturevine (Goathead) - Tribulus terrestris
*Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) shall not be a noxious weed in Washington County and shall not be
subject to provisions of the Utah Noxious Weed Law within the boundaries of that county. It shall be a
noxious weed throughout all other areas of the State of Utah and shall be subject to the laws therein.
Class 4: Prohibited. Declared noxious and invasive weeds, not native to the state of Utah, that pose a
threat to the state through the retail sale or propagation in the nursery and greenhouse industry. Prohibited
noxious weeds are annual, biennial, or perennial plants that the commissioner designates as having the
potential or arc known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops,
or other property.
Cogongrass (Japanese blood grass) - Imperata cylindrica
Myrtle spurge - Euphorbia myrsinites
Dames Rocket - Hesperis matronalis
Scotch broom - Cytisus scoparius
Russian olive - Elaeagnus angustifolia
CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 68 I Palle
***DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE * * *
Each county in Utah may have different priorities regarding specific State designated Noxious Weeds and
is therefore able to reprioritize these weeds for their own needs.
The Weed Specialist coordinates weed control activities among the county weed organizations and the
agricultural field representatives. Surveys of serious weed infestations are conducted and control
programs are developed through the county supervisors, county weed boards, and various landowning
agencies. The weed specialist and the inspectors work continually with extension and research personnel
in encouraging the use of the most effective methods to control the more serious weeds. For more
information, please contact the Grand County Weed Department (Tim Higgs, County Weed Control
Supervisor, 435-259-1369, twhiggs@grandcountyutah.net).
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CITY OF MOAB GENERAL PLAN 69 I Page
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