The group's recommendations came after a series of geologic disasters in recent years. In 2006, 4-year-old Kendell Keyes was injured when a mudslide crashed down the hill above her home in South Weber. Her home was destroyed.

In January 2005, Utah's Santa Clara and Virgin rivers flooded after days of heavy rainfall. Dozens of homes were swallowed, raising the damage total to more than $180 million.

In Cedar Hills, a slow-moving landslide crept close to townhomes on Sage Vista Lane in 2005 and eventually smashed into several homes. Four families were forced to evacuate.

Various landslides also have plagued Creekside Drive, in Morgan. In an April 2006 landslide, one homeowner was forced out and other homes and utilities were damaged.

Although the state group has been meeting for a year, Wednesday was the first time developers had shown up to learn more about discussions.

Ryan Mecham, representing Sandy-based Anderson Development, said he wished the group would have included developers in its planning process.

But Christenson said allowing developers to participate is not part of the normal regulatory process. He added that he expects to hear developers' and residents' opinions when the draft recommendations go out for public comment sometime in the next couple months.

Layton Community and Economic Development director Scott Carter said the finger pointing always goes back to government. That was the case after a 2001 landslide on Heather Drive in Layton, where six homes were endangered, including three that were demolished afterward. After a 1998 landslide on Sunset Drive in Layton, one home was condemned and later demol- ished.

"I have the most aftermath experience of every person here," said Carter, who has worked for Layton for more than 30 years. "I'm the poor sucker who has to listen to people who are crying as they leave their homes."

But where is the developer after a natural disaster? he asked.

"He has met his standard," Carter said. "He's cut and run. Do they come back and want to help? No. Never. One hundred percent of the time they're gone."

---

E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com