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January 2025 Millcreek Together Code Update I 18.61 Sensitive Lands Summary Sheet Chapter 18.61 Sensitive Lands Summary A. Purpose. To preserve the distinctive features and the natural setting of the City and to promote development that recognizes and respects the character of the land. To identify and document sensitive lands that shall be protected from development and to guide sensitive lands related to open space designations in development proposals. To identify certain hazardous conditions that require buffering, avoidance, or other engineering techniques to allow for safe beneficial development. To provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents, as well as protect urban and nonurban development, the good order and aesthetics of Millcreek, and protection of property values as set forth in Utah Code Section 10-9a-102(1), General land use authority. B. What Changed. o The new chapter covers properties citywide that lie within sensitive lands as determined by the City’s sensitive lands map. o Additional sensitive land types are addressed such as riparian areas and alluvial fans. o A new table shows the various elements required for a geotechnical report based on the various sensitive lands/geologic hazards present on the site. o Major organizational restructuring of chapters. o Notes a dispute resolution process. o Updates language for consistency and clarity. o Requires a soils and water table analysis for all development to assure foundational integrity. C. What Remained the Same. o Engineering processes and standards have largely remained the same with minor updates and clarifications added, as needed. D. Rationale for Changes. Millcreek’s existing Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone (FCOZ) and Geological Hazards ordinances are found in differing sections of the code. Much of these existing codes were carried over from the County development code and have varying levels of applicability in Millcreek. FCOZ was actually developed for more of a canyon and mountainside setting, but there are provisions such as slope protection that apply elsewhere in Millcreek, not just in Olympus Cove. While these chapters are by necessity technical in nature, this new Sensitive Lands Chapter combines both FCOZ and Geologic Hazards into one chapter to avoid overlap and inconsistencies. Combining and simplifying to cater to Millcreek’s needs, should improve the use, administration and understanding among applicants.