Box Elder County has begun a countywide zoning review titled "Box Elder Together" to establish predictable zoning for areas currently lacking a designation, according to a September 15 statement. The initiative is being led by the Box Elder County Community Development Department in partnership with the Box Elder County Planning Commission and with support from the County Commission.
The review aims to create a clear land-use framework that recognizes the county's agricultural heritage and existing land uses as the area continues to grow. Community Development staff will develop proposed zoning based on historical and existing land uses for unzoned parcels. Most unzoned property is expected to be proposed for an Agricultural Heritage Zone (AHZ), though some areas may be proposed for General Industrial (M-G) zoning.
Scott Lyons, the Box Elder County Community Development Director, stated that the process is intended to provide property owners and residents with information regarding what is being proposed and why. He noted that the goal is to encourage public participation to implement a plan that works for the county.
Zoning establishes baseline rules for property use but does not change property ownership or automatically approve individual development projects. Existing land uses will remain in place and be grandfathered, and property owners will retain the ability to request zoning changes through the established public rezoning process.
The initiative implements the vision established in the county's 2021 General Plan. During that planning process, 92% of respondents expressed support for preserving agriculture, and 81% preferred directing new growth toward areas near existing communities.
Public participation opportunities include town halls and outreach efforts. A town hall was scheduled for September 15 at the USU Brigham City Campus, and another is scheduled for September 26 at 10 a.m. at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds. Additional outreach through radio, television, and social media is expected to continue through October.
The formal public process includes legally required public notices being sent to impacted property owners on October 1. The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a formal public hearing on October 15 at 6 p.m. to consider the proposed zoning. The County Commission will then consider the proposal and the Planning Commission's recommendation at a meeting scheduled for November 17 at 11:30 a.m.
