Ogden Marathon Saturday

Saturday officially kicks off the 'every weekend let's bombard Ogden Valley with a big event' season, as the Ogden Marathon takes place throughout the valley and Ogden Canyon.

Plan your day (and the rest of the summer) accordingly folks, and avoid Ogden Canyon.

While the Ogden Marathon is one of the premier Marathons in the country, it is just one of the many events that offers lots of impact to our residents and doesn't give a lot in return.

Let us know what you think of the summer full of big races.

Weber County Conditional Use Permitting Process is Being Revised

Guest post by Lee Schussman , Eden and Kim Wheatley, Huntsville

The Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission (OVTPC) has embarked on an ambitious project that will have major impacts on the growth and development of the Ogden Valley. This is the time –-beginning this week-- for everyone who is interested in the growth and development of the valley to become active in that process. The project entails the rewriting and codifying of the ordinances that govern all land use in the Valley. These ordinances currently comprise many pages of arcane, complicated, and even conflicting laws.

Revising these ordinances will be a two-step process:

1) A major change is occurring in the processes governing the granting of a Conditional Use Permit. This needs our attention NOW, and is described fully below.

2) A re-formatting of the entire Land Use Table for the Ogden Valley is being undertaken. This effort is just starting and will continue for at least six months.

1. The revision of the processes involved in the granting of a Weber County Conditional Use Permit. (CUP)

The current Weber County and Utah State codes state:

A conditional use shall be approved if reasonable conditions are proposed, or can be imposed, to mitigate the reasonably anticipated detrimental effects of the proposed use in accordance with applicable standards.

The OVTPC,  other local governmental agencies, and Ogden Valley landowners have all struggled with the CUP processes. The OVTPC is legally obligated (note that a CUP “SHALL be approved”) to approve CUP applications under the above statute. Under the current code, the OVTPC has been markedly constrained by having only a short list of examples of “anticipated detrimental effects” which they can legally consider in their deliberations. In part because of these constraints, many individuals have become frustrated and increasingly cynical of the entire process. They often believe that there are likely to be detrimental effects, yet they often feel they are not heard or understood during public comments.

During the OVTPC meeting on May 5, 2015,  Charles Ewert and Sean Wilkinson of the Weber County Planning Department presented a new “Proposed Conditional Use Code.” The new ordinance lists specific, objective criteria that (if the amendment is passed) will be used by planners, developers, and the OVTPC to evaluate all future CUP applications.

In the past the OVTPC has had difficulties in that it has been severely hamstringed in terms of the types of anticipated detrimental effects that it could legally consider. The new standards list a number of detrimental effects about which citizens have long expressed concerns but which the OVTPC has been unable to consider in their deliberations.

Here is a summary of some of the standards the new code lists:

1- Standards related to safety

Included here are standards for fire, emergency medical services, geologic hazard, flood, size or heights of buildings, traffic.

2- Standards related to infrastructure, amenities, and services

Included here are standards for traffic, road damage, sewer, open space, water, and public spaces.

Please note that included here is also “Mitigate material degradation of the level of service of any culinary water facility or infrastructure.”

3) Standards related to the environment

Included here are protections for rivers, creeks, wildlife, and vegetation.

4) Standards related to the surrounding areas

Included here are standards related to incompatible uses, light emissions, noise emissions, building heights and sizes, post construction clean up, hours of operation.

No new code will ever solve all the problems related to the subjective aspects of analyzing, judging, and granting or denying CUPs. But this effort is a huge step in the right direction and can give all parties some objective criteria on which to base decisions.

Here is what we should / MUST do now:

1- Learn about the new ordinances:

Go to the GEM site that includes a link to the new code.

Or go the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwSETXEY-GF2aEpubWZGUWQ1YzA/view?usp=sharing

Scroll down on this site to the CUP Revision Documents.

Or, I am told that, if you are a savvy user, you can use the Weber County Miradi navigator to find the new CUP code.

2-Look carefully at the new standards to see if you agree or disagree with them.

3-Give feedback to the OVTPC, and to the Weber County Planning Office via email as to your support, concerns, additions, etc. to the document.

4-I believe that this is the first draft and that Mr. Ewert will post subsequent iterations in the next few weeks. Keep checking online at the Weber County Planning Division sites to track any changes that may occur in the document.

5-Attend the OVTPC meeting when this will be discussed, voted on, and codified. That meeting is currently scheduled for May 26.

Your efforts in the next 2 weeks can help assure that your concerns will be included in the new law.

2. The New Land Use Table and New Land Use Code

Look over the Land Use Table that is also part of the packet that was prepared by the staff for the May 5, 2015 OVTPC meeting.

That table is a new format for the existing land uses in the Ogden Valley. It does not include any changes in zoning or land use within zones; it includes over 500 lines of possible “uses” of land. Using this table, you can become familiar with the ways your specific desires about and uses of land are regulated. E.g.: do you want to keep horses, pigs, etc.? What uses do you want in your area and in other areas of the Valley?

At the next OVTPC this new “Table” format for Land Use will be approved.

For the Land Use Table, no real actions on the part of individuals is needed right now; but, beginning soon after the new Land Use Table becomes an ordinance, the process of actually redefining and relisting all the uses of land under each zoning heading will begin. This will be a lengthy process – at least six months to complete the one section related to agriculture, and then other sections on commercial areas, residential areas, etc. will be addressed.

The proposed CUP and Land Use codes will ultimately determine what the Ogden Valley will be in the future. If that is important to you, get involved in these processes now.

Lee Schussman , Eden

Kim Wheatley, Huntsville

Ogden Valley Plan Town Hall Meetings April 30 and May 1

Standard-Examiner Editorial: Our View: Make Peace in Ogden Valley Water War

Our good friend Rudi at the Weber County Forum has had our Ogden Valley backs and offered this compilation of the water war that Summit and many residents of Ogden Valley are involved in.

Due to the importance of the issue, we are including his latest Sunday morning extravaganza, complete with links to many recent Standard Examiner articles, editorials and letters to the editor.

Interestingly, while Summit is embattled in an "Uncivil War" in the local media, they seem to be the darling of the National stage as illustrated in this April 10, 2015 New York Times article.
The Ski Resort That Crowdsourcing Built
The New York times certainly paints a different light on our neighbors to the North.

Enjoy Rudi's Sunday morning post in its entirety:

Standard-Examiner Editorial: Our View: Make Peace in Ogden Valley Water War

In the interest of kicking off a bit of possible WCF discussion this morning, we'll highlight this morning's Standard-Examiner editorial, calling for a "truce" in a percipient "water war" which has been  brewing in Ogden Valley over the course of the past year:

• Our View: Make peace in Ogden Valley water war

For the benefit of those who haven't been following this story, we'll provide these background stories and letters to the editor, just to add some historical perspective into what's fast developing into what we'll label the"Ogden Valley Water War":

• Water experts take jabs at each other over Summit's Hidden Lake Well
• Summit threatens Wolf Creek sewer district with eviction
• Summit showing its true colors
• Summit water exchange should be denied

This morning's editorial advocates the following proposed solution: 

We think for the sake of the entire valley, a compromise should be reached that involves a direct transfer of water from Pineview to Powder Mountain. Yes, we are talking about a pipeline. But that doesn’t mean Summit should bear all the responsibility of paying for such a pipeline.
If Jones decides to grant the well application, it should be done on a temporary basis so that all the stakeholders could be brought together to discuss a central water distribution system that serves everyone. Forming a compact, similar to the states using Colorado River water may be the best solution, with one system in Ogden Valley to distribute the water all entities are entitled to.
The springs and streams would then be free to flow into the reservoir, or the watershed in Cache County.
We understand water distribution systems can be expensive, but we feel it is time for such a solution. Let the peace talks begin.

We'll leave it up our gentle readers (especially those who reside in Ogden Valley) to explain whether this is a good idea (or not).

Don't let the cat get your tongues, O Gentle Ones.

And yes, we'll be keeping an "Eagle Eye" on this story as it develops.

First Event After Accreditation of North Fork Park as an International Dark Sky Park: Wildlife Wander, May 2

Spring Wildlife Wander in North Fork Park 

Led by Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) wildlife biologist Clint Brunson under a rising full moon, this family-friendly walking adventure will begin at 7 pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the South Gate parking lot of North Fork Park in Liberty.  

North Fork Park, after an arduous 18-month process supported by a broad range of public and private entities, has just gained accreditation as a highly prestigious International Dark Sky Park (only the second county park in America to be so recognized and the first in the world to be located so close to a highly urbanized region). 

The Spring Wildlife Wander will offer a full-moon opportunity to learn about the many kinds of wildlife in the park, particularly those that are nocturnal and depend upon a dark night sky - away from city and suburban lights - for feeding, migration, reproduction and certain predator/prey relationships.  North Fork Park enjoys populations of many such animals including bobcats, flying squirrels, porcupines, owls (Great Horned, Western Screech, Northern Saw-Whet, Flammulated), bats (Big Brown Bat, Hoary Bat), frogs (Chorus Frog) and the Western (Boreal)  Toad.

Please join us with friends and family.

Bring warm layers, footwear that doesn't fear mud, questions, and a spirit of adventure!

Nordic Valley's proposed Pine Canyon Lodge back on today's planning commission agenda.

We received notice of this important agenda item for today's planning commission meeting.

The Pine Canyon Lodge at Nordic Valley is on the Planning Commission agenda once again.

Here are the details: 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

5:00 PM

Weber County Commission Chambers 

2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden UT

The developers made some changes and will be arguing they mitigated detrimental impacts. This could well be the last chance for public input.

The Gem committee has posted some valuable information about the proposed project that you can view here GEM committee website. 

There are many other important items on the agenda so we will post the majority of the agenda below:

2. Consent Agenda:

2.1. DR 2013-07 Consideration and action on an a two year time extension for the temporary gravel excavation and rock crushing operation at Powder Mountain Ski Resort in the Destination and Recreation Resort-1 (DRR-1) Zone (Russ Watts, Representative for Summit Mountain Holding Group, LLC)

2.2. DR 2014-12 Consideration and action on a request for Design Review approval of a Community Church to be located at 9228 East 100 North in the Agricultural Valley-3 (AV-3) Zone (Karl Lundin, Agent for Ogden Valley Community Church)

2.3. CUP 2015-06 Consideration and action for a Conditional Use Permit to install an 82 foot monopine cell tower located at Snow Basin above Becker Lift and a new 12 foot by 26 foot pre-fabricated equipment shelter located at approximately 3925 Snowbasin Road in the Destination and Recreation Resort-1 (DRR-1) Zone (Pete Simmons, Agent for Verizon)

2.4. DR 2014-08 Consideration and action on a request for design review approval of a shed and pergola for Maverik Country Stores in Eden located at 2500 North Hwy 162 in the Commercial Valley-2 (CV-2) Zone (Brad Morgan, Agent for On-Site Development; Neil Mantela, Maverik Country Stores)

2.5. CUP 2015-01 Consideration and action on a request for design review approval of a barn and storage building that is more than twice the size of the home located at 3047 E 5750 N, in the Agricultural Valley-3 (AV-3) Zone (Shannon Sandberg, Applicant)

3. Administrative Items:

a. Old Business

1. CUP 2014-29 Consideration and action on a Conditional Use Permit for a condominium project (Pine Canyon Lodge) in the CVR-1 Zone including lockout rooms and an average building height of 46 feet located at 3567 Nordic Valley Way in Eden, (Skyline Mountain Base, LLC, Applicant)

2. Discussion Amenities and phasing of Edgewater Beach Resort PRUD

4. Public Comment for Items not on the Agenda:

5. Remarks from Planning Commissioners:

Reminder: Ogden Valley General Plan Workshop Tonight

Don't forget the "What if" workshop tonight.  While we suspect the intentions of the county are honorable with regard to the "plan" for the valley, it is important our rank and file citizens attend and provide input.  

We received an interesting email recently from a California contractor and developer with ties to Ogden Valley, and feel it important to share:

Are you going to the meeting on 26 Feb for the workshop?  Do we know what they are up to?  Do you realize that these meetings with these formats are designed to divide and conquer?  It should be turned into a regular meeting where people speak to a general audience with or without a moderator. This is very effective in getting locals to agree to things that they never dreamed of.   
I see less water and more houses coming out of this.

We have to agree.  While we appreciate the request for input, quite often those who provide the 'input' (or are asking for the input) are those who have a different view of how the valley should look in 20-30 years from now.  Often the input comes from developers or investors who are scheming to make a fortune at the expense of those who choose to make Ogden Valley their home.

Attend tonight and speak up.

Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study ends Friday

We just received this email reminder.  If you have not completed the brief study, then follow the link below.  It is important that UDOT hears from the valley folk. February 9, 2015

Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study Good Afternoon, You are receiving this email because you've expressed interest in the Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study. Thank you for taking the time to take our survey, comment on the website, send emails, and call us. We also appreciate those of you who we have been able to meet with in person. All of your information has been carefully documented and is a vital part of this first phase of the study. We will be closing the survey and the public input map on the website this week on Friday, February 13. We appreciate all the comments we have received thus far. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please click on the link below if you would like to take it. Only one survey will be allowed per electronic device. If more than one person per household would like to take the survey and you don’t have access to another device, please call our hotline and we will input your answers for you. Ogden Canyon Survey Please share this information with family and friends who have an interest in Ogden Canyon. We will compile the survey data along with the other data we have collected and present our findings to UDOT. We will keep you posted as we move forward.

Project Overview The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is conducting a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon. The Transportation Commission asked UDOT to conduct the study and look at all modes of transportation in the canyon. The purpose of the study is to gather and share information in an interactive and transparent process to develop an understanding of the safety and mobility needs in the canyon. The study analysis includes existing and future safety concerns, traffic volumes, resident needs, economic needs, multi-modal uses (biking, truck traffic, pedestrian, transit, etc.), recreational uses, environmental concerns, geotechnical/geologic concerns, etc.

Study Area

Contact Us Please take a look at our study website if you haven't yet. The comment period for our website will close next Wednesday, February 11. The website will remain open and you will be able to see the comments of others, but you won't be able to leave a comment. We will post our findings on our website in the next couple months. Your input is essential to developing a long-term plan for Ogden Canyon and we appreciate your interest in the study. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  Thanks! Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study Team  801.337.5544  ogdencanyonstudy@utah.gov  udot.utah.gov/ogdencanyonstudy

Ogden Canyon Survey - throw in your 2¢

From our friends at the Weber County Forum

Whatever you do today, please don't hesitate to throw in your own 2¢

Via Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell, who sez, "Very important opportunity to have your voice heard":

• Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study

Please take this survey and support a safe Ogden Canyon path for pedestrians and cyclists!

Whatever else you do today, please don't hesitate to throw in your own 2¢.

Informational Meeting about Wildlife near our homes!

Sponsored by the Town of Huntsville

Wednesday evening January 21st, starting at 6:00 pm.

 

DNR, DWR, and the Forest Service,-will be hosting an open house in the main room at the Ogden Valley Library in Huntsville. The meeting will focus on the wildlife in our area. It is an informal meet and greet atmosphere and is free to the public. Bring the whole family and learn about the birds and animals which inhabit the public lands near our homes. Pick up literature, photos, brochures, etc. and ask questions of the experts who will be there representing the different government groups who protect, regulate and monitor these amazing neighbors.

 

Cookies and drinks will be provided by the Town. 

 

It will be fun and informative-see you there!

GEM Committee responds to gigantic condo project at Nordic Valley

Guest Post by Kimbal Wheatley, GEM Committee Chair

The GEM committee (Growth with Excellence Mandate) decided to defend the Valley against the Conditional Use Permit for a gigantic condo project adjacent to an existing Nordic Valley neighborhood. And make no mistake about it, this building is huge...it is has the square footage of a Walmart super center and is taller than any building from the Valley all the way to I-15. It is double the size of any building permitted in our land use code.

We carefully researched the law and find that our Planning Commission has full authority and obligation to make approval/denial decisions about conditional use permits consistent with our General Plan and Land Use Code (ordinances). GEM has put together a legal framework we hope will empower the Planning Commission to make a decision to deny the condo project in its current form.

Click here to view the legal framework.

Summit Mountain Holding Requests Zoning Changes at Powder Mountain

Important Public Hearings Tuesday Morning at 10 am

We urge you to read the January 1, 2015 issue of the Ogden Valley News which hit newsstands earlier today for more details of a meeting that will be held Tuesday morning, December 23, 2014 @ 10:00 am.

In summary, two public hearings will be held at the Weber County Commission Chambers at the Weber Center in Ogden.

Here are the formal announcements of the Public Hearings, and we will note that the link on the Commission website announcing Public Hearings is blank.  We had to search the regular commission agenda to find notice of the public hearings:

 The Board of Commissioners of Weber County, Utah will hold a regular commission meeting in the Commission Chambers of the Weber Center, 2380 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 23rd day of December 2014.

  2.              Public hearing to consider and take action on a request to amend Title 108

                                  (Standards), Chapter 3 (Cluster Subdivisions) and Title 106 (Subdivisions),

                                  Chapter 2 (Subdivision Standards) of the Weber County Land Use Code.

                                  Presenter: Scott Mendoza

                

                 3.              Public hearing to consider and take action on Zoning Petition ZMA #2014-01 by

                                  Summit Mountain Holding Group L.L.C. to rezone approximately 6,160 acres, at

                                   Powder Mountain Resort, from Commercial Valley Resort Recreation (CVR-1),

                                   Forest Valley-3 (FV-3) and Forest-40 (F-40) to the Ogden Valley Destination and

                                   Recreation Resort Zone (DRR-1).

                                  Presenter: Scott Mendoza

                 4.              Public comments. (Pease limit comments to 3 minutes)

Soon after the public hearings, the commissioners will take action on these important items.

6.              Action on public hearings:

                                 

                                  G2-           Request for approval to amend Title 108 (Standards), Chapter 3

                                                   (Cluster Subdivisions) and Title 106 (Subdivisions), Chapter 2

                                                   (Subdivision Standards) of the Weber County Land Use Code.

                                  G3-           Request for action on Zoning Petition ZMA #2014-01 by Summit

                                                   Mountain Holding Group L.L.C. to  rezone approximately 6,160 acres,

                                                   at Powder Mountain Resort, from Commercial Valley Resort                                                     Recreation   (CVR-1), Forest Valley-3 (FV-3) and Forest-40 (F-40) to the

                                                    Ogden Valley Destination and  Recreation Resort Zone (DRR-1).

There you have it.  With very little notice of the public hearing, the commission will have a public hearing and take action on two important items the same day.

Merry Christmas, our humble readers.