The Logan Municipal Council voted on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to rollback wetland protections that were established in 2023. The decision aims to address rising development demands caused by city growth. Logan is the only city in Cache Valley that maintains wetland setbacks.
The new regulations replace a previous 50-foot no-development buffer with setbacks that vary by development type. A 10-foot zero disturbance zone now applies to all wetlands and cannot be landscaped.
Other setbacks include 15 feet for trails, landscaping, stormwater facilities, and public sidewalks. Residential lot lines, residential roads, and residential structures have setbacks of 35 feet, 35 feet, and 45 feet, respectively. Commercial buildings, parking lots, multifamily buildings, and collector roads maintain a 50-foot setback. Boardwalks are exempt from these regulations.
During a presentation by community development director Russy Holley, Chairman Mike Johnson expressed concern regarding the difference between a residential street and an arterial road at a 35-foot setback. However, an amendment to resolution 26-14 established that collector and arterial roads would have a 50-foot setback.
Additionally, council members discussed definitions for landscaping. Russy Holley noted that seeding an area to allow nature to take over could be considered landscaping. The council unanimously passed the ordinance, though council member Katie Lee-Coven was absent.
