According to undated official city websites, Cory Shurtleff was listed as the Community Development Director for the City of Moab. In that role, Shurtleff, who also held the designation of AICP, was identified as a point of contact for the Planning and Zoning Department. Residents seeking assistance with specific lighting and compliance questions were directed to Shurtleff at the phone number 435-259-5129.
The Planning and Zoning Department, which Shurtleff was associated with in undated staff directories, performs several functions to manage the growth of the city. The department's task is to ensure that development and growth within the city remains consistent with the Moab General Plan. According to undated documents from the city, the staff provides support and input to the Planning Commission, the City Council, the Appeal Authority, and the Affordable Housing Task Force. This department oversees the review of various development project applications, such as site plan proposals, annexations, changes in zoning, Planned Unit Developments, conditional use permits, and variances. Additionally, the department staff prepares amendments to the City Code, develops long-term planning documents and studies, and provides policy analyses and recommendations. The department works in coordination with Community Development, Engineering, and Public Works.
Development within the City of Moab is governed by Titles 12, 15, 16, and 17 of the Moab Municipal Code (MMC). Planning and Zoning staff members are responsible for enforcing pertinent sections of this code. Specifically, staff enforces Title 15, which covers Building and Construction, including manufactured home development, the sign code, and flood damage prevention. Title 16 contains the regulations and standards for Subdivisions, while Title 17 constitutes the Zoning portion of the Moab Municipal Code. Both residential and commercial developments are subject to these code titles. Each zoning district is defined by its area regulations for setback requirements and height, as well as the types of allowed uses. Furthermore, landscaping and design standards for commercial uses are in effect within the city.
In addition to general planning, the city manages specific environmental and infrastructure initiatives. For instance, as of May 2024, Moab was a Dark Sky Community. The city and Grand County have updated outdoor lighting standards to encourage responsible lighting that protects health and safety while preserving the beauty of night skies. The city's lighting ordinance, Moab Municipal Code 17.09.060, was adopted on August 13, 2019, and was updated in December 2023. Residents must ensure that outdoor lighting is compliant by January 1, 2029. The city also works on infrastructure improvements, such as updating streetlights on Main Street during the winter of 2024/2025 and updating the rest of the streetlights in town in early 2026.
What this means for Moab
Moab residents encountering the Community Development Department may find Shurtleff listed in official directories for matters involving planning and zoning. His role involved supporting the city's growth through the enforcement of the Moab Municipal Code and ensuring that all new development aligns with the established General Plan for the community.
