A proposed ordinance that would require developers to preserve space for trails and access to public lands was referred Wednesday to the Salt Lake County Planning Commission.
County Commission Chairman Jim Bradley first proposed the ordinance June 16, saying the county must act now to protect what is left of the public access routes to the surrounding mountains and valley recreational sites."It won't cure what's already happened to limit that access - it's not retroactive - but it may help in the future," Bradley said.
He asked that the planning commission place the ordinance on its agenda for discussion at the earliest possible opportunity. "It's not an emergency, but it's important," Bradley said.
Tensions between recreational land users and private property owners have increased as subdivisions have further blocked access to popular areas, particularly along the county's foothills.
The proposed ordinance, which would impose the standards only in the unincorporated county, has gained the support of urban trail promoters, community councils and residents who fear continued urbanization could eventually impede all access to the mountains.
However, some homebuilders have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the ordinance.