Hurricane · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hurricane City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Industrial Expansion
An applicant is asking the city to rezone light industrial property to heavy industrial so they can build a modern concrete batch plant. Neighbors and council members are weighing the economic benefits and modern dust-control tech against potential negative impacts.
Neighborhood Traffic and Safety
A local resident raised concerns during public comment about a recent firearm incident in a residential neighborhood and requested administrative follow-up.
Land Use and Zoning Changes
Hurricane is adopting state-level wildland-urban interface standards to help manage fire risks in vulnerable areas. Residents building or living near open land will want to check how these rules affect property requirements.
Strawberry Field Estates Subdivision
A developer is proposing a large 108-lot single-family subdivision spanning phases 3 through 6 near Bash Parkway and Gateway Boulevard.
Sky Mountain PDO Density and Infrastructure
Residents and commissioners raised concerns over a proposed density increase for the Sky Mountain development, pointing to traffic congestion, road construction delays on 2800 West, sewer capacity, stormwater runoff, and weed management.
Desert's Edge at Sky Mountain Subdivision Engineering Challenges
Perry Homes is asking to update the master plan and increase the number of allowable units in the gap between existing Sky Mountain neighborhoods. This changes the overall density from what was originally approved back in 2003.
New City Hall and Police Station CMGC Selection
The city is moving forward with $27 million in lease revenue bonds to build a much-needed new city hall and police station. Officials plan to use existing savings and sale proceeds to cover about half the cost without raising property taxes.
Road Abandonment of 2460 West
The city is reviewing a request to abandon a portion of 2460 West, which affects local travel routes, property access, and public right-of-way management. Residents and council members discussed the pros and cons of relinquishing public control over this roadway segment.
Street Slurry Seal Debris Complaints
Residents complained about excessive loose gravel left on streets after recent slurry seal applications, causing gravel to track into homes and yards. Streets staff explained the stones require vehicle traffic and heat to settle properly.
Sky Mountain Substation Civil Construction Bid
The city is issuing $24 million in electric revenue bonds to finish the Sky Mountain Substation, build Substation #1, and run power lines along SR-7. Officials plan to pay off the debt using impact fees from new growth.
New Municipal Campus Financing
Hurricane is borrowing up to $27 million through lease revenue bonds to build a brand-new police station and city hall. City leaders say existing savings and the sale of the old police station will cover about half the cost, meaning no property tax hikes.
Sky Mountain Golf Course Clubhouse Remodel
The city approved a $2.62M contract with Bonneville Builders to remodel and expand the Sky Mountain Golf Course clubhouse, which has not been updated since 1994. The project is fully funded by golf course savings without municipal bonding.
Secondary Water Expansion and Rate Structure
The city is moving forward with the next phase of its secondary irrigation expansion project with a $6.5M bid award to Interstate Rock. Officials also discussed setting a unified secondary rate of $19.37 to cover system maintenance and debt service.
Pole Attachment Agreement and Fee Updates
The city adopted comprehensive updates to its pole attachment agreements, raising annual fees to $20 per pole and establishing strict installation and tagging standards for telecommunications companies.
Hanger 13 South Lease Renewal
The board reviewed the lease renewal for Hanger 13 South held by David Houston to ensure proper management of airport property.
Airport Infrastructure and Utility Planning
Hurricane officials just dropped their roadmap for upcoming roadwork and public utility upgrades. It’s a heads-up to expect some orange cones and construction delays on your daily commute soon.
Power Outage Management
Hurricane City Power just snagged a national award for being super reliable and keeping things safe. It’s a nice win that proves our local, city-run utility actually knows what it’s doing.
Grid Reliability and Infrastructure
Staff warned that PacifiCorp's 69 kV lines at Purgatory Substation are reaching capacity, raising reliability concerns if a transformer fails. Hurricane is pushing to complete its 138 kV loop to mitigate future outage risks.
Flood Recovery and Infrastructure
The city is planning intersection improvements at 700 West and 400 South using a double roundabout design that also optimizes box culvert sizing for flood control.
Airport Drainage and Flood Mitigation
Hurricane is scrambling to update its stormwater systems to meet new state mandates. This could mean more construction around town and a potential hike in your monthly utility bill.
Power Outage Response
Hurricane Priscilla is headed our way, and the city is warning us to prep for potential flooding. Keep your phone handy for local alerts and make sure your home is ready for heavy rain.
Civil Penalty Code Updates
The city updated its municipal code regarding civil penalties, clarifying how fines and enforcement are handled for local violations.
Residential Density Increase
Residents and commissioners debated whether a proposed General Plan amendment and zone change to allow a duplex on an unimproved dirt road at 1015 N 200 W was appropriate. Neighbors voiced strong opposition regarding increased traffic, safety, equestrian conflicts, and spot zoning, while the applicant emphasized the need to build affordable housing for family members.
Storm Drain Utility Fee Increase
Hurricane City is updating its municipal code related to the Storm Drain Master Plan and adjusting the monthly drainage utility fee, which directly impacts local property owners and utility ratepayers.
Municipal Land Management
Hurricane is finally looking at ways to reopen the long-shuttered Pah Tempe hot springs to the public. It’s a huge opportunity to turn a local landmark back into a go-to spot for recreation and tourism.
Industrial Land Use
The city reviewed zone change requests to reclassify several residential-agricultural parcels to industrial zoning.
Exit 19 Infrastructure Improvements
Hurricane City Council just approved a new power line project, but residents are already raising concerns about how it will affect their neighborhoods. If you live in the area, you should check the city's maps to see if these lines are coming to your backyard.
Vacation Rental Regulations
The city is looking at how to better manage vacation rentals in residential areas. This could mean stricter rules for owners and new parking requirements to keep streets clear.
Election Administration
Hurricane officials are pushing to ditch machines and hand-count every ballot for the 2024 election. It’s a major shift that could slow down results and spark a big debate over accuracy and transparency.
Municipal Leadership
Hurricane’s new mayor is shaking things up by actually listening to residents instead of keeping City Hall behind closed doors. It’s a major pivot toward transparency that aims to make local government feel a lot more accessible.
Elections
Election season is officially here in Hurricane, and it’s time to vet the candidates running for City Council. Don't sit this one out—get to know who's on the ballot so you can vote for the future of your neighborhood.
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Licensing
Hurricane is updating business license renewals and parking requirements for whole-home vacation rentals to better manage short-term rentals in neighborhoods.
Ultra-Efficiency Development Standards
The city is adjusting how certain parcels can be used, which helps manage growth and property maintenance. These changes ensure that land use aligns with current city planning goals.
Fireworks Regulation
The city is updating its fireworks rules to keep neighborhoods safe.
2026-2027 Municipal Budget
The city is planning its spending for the next year. This budget will determine funding for city services and projects.
Employee Compensation and Retention
The city is looking at a 4.5% pay increase to keep up with inflation and stay competitive with neighboring cities like St. George and Washington.
Arts and Culture Policy
Hurricane City Council is pulling the plug on a local production of 'Mamma Mia,' sparking a debate over how much control the city should have over community theater. It’s a classic case of local government overstepping into creative choices, leaving residents wondering what’s next on the chopping block.
Sign Ordinance Update
The city is looking at changing the rules for signs. This could impact how businesses advertise and what kind of signs are allowed in neighborhoods.
Business Permitting Updates
Updates to regulations governing new and unlisted business types under Title 10, Chapter 7.
Double Frontage Lot Exceptions
Proposed updates to exceptions for double frontage lots under Title 10, Chapter 37.
Business Permitting Updates
The city is updating how it handles new business types to make sure the rules keep up with modern industry.
E-Bike Regulations and Enforcement
Council and police discussed rising concerns over e-bike safety, sidewalk riding, and enforcement of new state laws.
Data Privacy Compliance
The city is updating its policies to make sure your personal information is handled safely and in line with new state privacy laws.
Water Conservation and Drought Planning
The city is moving forward with its secondary water expansion project, establishing a unified monthly rate of $19.37 to cover maintenance and bond debt.
Zoning Denial
Hurricane officials just blocked a plan to turn local land into nightly rentals, prioritizing the neighborhood's current vibe over short-term tourism expansion. It’s a win for residents who want to keep their streets from turning into a revolving door of vacationers.
Pickleball Courts Opening and Tournament Management
Hurricane is finally opening the new Lichfield Family Gymnasium, giving everyone a fresh, local spot to work out and hang out. It’s a major win for anyone looking to stay active without driving across town.
BLM Land Management Policy
The council spent time looking at local lands managed by the BLM to better understand how these areas impact city policy and future planning.
Resort Expansion Infrastructure
The proposed 90-unit expansion at Sand Hollow Resort brings up questions about parking, water usage, and road access. It's important to ensure the developer meets city standards to avoid putting extra pressure on our existing public services.
700 West Pavement Rehabilitation
The city is investing nearly $500,000 to rebuild 700 West from curb to curb before the summer ends.
Blasting Regulations
Residents in Dixie Springs are fed up with the constant noise and potential safety risks from nearby blasting operations. They’re pushing for stricter city regulations to keep the peace and protect their homes from damage.