League of Cities attacks zoning bill

The Utah League of Cities and Towns, coming out as expected in opposition to a controversial bill that would curtail local zoning powers, urged local government leaders to lobby lawmakers to vote down the proposal.

Ken Bullock, executive director of the League, said municipalities were given no choice but to oppose the measure during the session. Mayors were asked Monday to lobby against the bill and pass resolutions opposing it during city council meetings.

"I think the position was really established on their end when they drafted a bill without any input on something that's of paramount importance to local government," he said. "We've demonstrated our willingness to work with them on issues, and for them to draft legislation that is so punitive — that tells us how they want to negotiate."

The league is prepared to discuss a compromise to the bill after the session, Bullock said.

But backers of the bill already plan to meet today to rewrite and revise SB170, sponsored by Sen. Al Mansell, R-Sandy, a Realtor.

In its present form, SB170 would change several aspects of the zoning process. Cities would be given set time periods to respond to zoning requests. City councils would be limited to drafting a general plan, a city zoning map and rezoning areas that cover 25 percent or more of a city's land.

Opponents say the measure "completely removes citizen input" from the planning process. Supporters say it's a matter of equity and fairness, something that requires cities to follow laws and not zone according to whim.

The bill in its original form was intended to send a message to abusing cities, said Chris Kyler, lobbyist for the measure.

"There's not a thing in this bill that is not merited," said Kyler, executive vice president of the Utah Association of Realtors. "We anticipate once it's rewritten, this bill will have absolutely no practical day to day application or impact in cities that are already treating current and future landowners fairly."

Mansell said Monday the league's opposition to the measure is nothing new.

"They took that position before they looked at the bill," he said.

Mansell also said he will pass something this session to rein in cities that abuse current planning and zoning laws.

"Substantial changes in the current law will be made before the session is over," Mansell said. "It will be through this bill or others."

SB170 hasn't had a hearing yet, but once scheduled, it will be before the Senate Business and Labor Committee, of which Mansell is a member.