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From the Ground Up: Land Use, Zoning, and Community Design Explained
28 March 2026

Part 2 – The Life-cycle of a Zoning Ordinance
A zoning ordinance is a local law that regulates how specific parcels of land may be used and developed. It typically includes the purpose and intent of the ordinance; the types of uses permitted (such as residential, commercial, or agricultural uses); and standards governing the size, height, and placement of structures. Zoning ordinances may also include design standards or additional regulations that address unique site conditions or planning objectives.

Zoning ordinances help ensure that development happens in a way that reflects the community’s goals and protects public health, safety, and quality of life.

Because communities change over time, zoning ordinances are not permanent. They may be updated to reflect changes in the General Plan, population growth, economic conditions, infrastructure needs, or the community’s vision for the future. Whether a zoning ordinance is being created for a new city or updated after many years, the process generally follows the same steps.

Step 1: Research and Planning
The process begins with research and planning. The Planning Commission, with support from city staff, reviews the community’s long-term vision as defined in the General Plan, analyzes development patterns, studies infrastructure capacity, reviews existing ordinances, and considers economic impacts. Planning staff provide documentation and support to the Planning Commission to ensure they have an informed and comprehensive understanding to guide their decision-making process.

Step 2: Draft Ordinance
After gathering information, the Planning Commission works with planning staff to draft the zoning ordinance. The draft is reviewed by professional planners and the city attorney to make sure it meets legal requirements and follows state and local laws.

Because zoning rules apply to specific properties, a zoning map is created or updated to show where each zoning district is located.

Step 3: Public Review and Hearings
Public input is an important part of the process. The Planning Commission holds a public hearing during which property owners, residents, business owners, and other community members can share their input and feedback. Notice of the hearing and relevant documents are provided at least 10 days in advance to allow time for review. The public hearing provides interested parties with an opportunity to contribute by speaking at the public hearing during the allotted time, or to submit written comments if they cannot attend.

After hearing public comments, the Planning Commission discusses the feedback and decides whether changes are needed. The Commission then votes on whether to recommend the ordinance to the City Council. Once recommended by the Planning Commission, the proposed ordinance moves to the City Council. 

Step 4: Approval and Adoption
The City Council, as the legislative body, meets to discuss the proposed ordinance and consider adoption. While the Council is not always required to hold a public hearing before adopting an ordinance, it may choose to do so. If a public hearing is held, at least 10 days’ notice is provided, and the public has another opportunity to comment in person or in writing.

The City Council may approve the ordinance as proposed, approve it with minor changes, or send it back to the Planning Commission for significant revisions. Once approved and adopted, the ordinance is formally enacted and becomes law.

Step 5: Implementation and Enforcement
Implementation of ordinances is an administrative process that includes activities such as reviewing development proposals, the issuance of building permits, site plan reviews, and, in some cases, negotiation of development agreements.

Enforcement involves inspections, fines, or legal action in response to violations, such as unauthorized construction or improper land use.

Step 6: Review and Update
Zoning ordinances are reviewed from time to time to ensure they continue to serve the community’s needs. When updates are needed, the process begins again with research, drafting, and public input.

Community Participation Matters
Zoning decisions shape neighborhoods, agriculture lands, businesses, and public spaces. Community involvement helps ensure that zoning regulations reflect the shared vision and priorities of residents and property owners. If you’d like to participate in this process, you can sign up to receive notices of upcoming meetings and hearings through the Utah Public Notice Website at https://www.utah.gov/pmn/
I welcome your questions and will do my best to address them in future issues.

Please send questions to [email protected].
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Angela Dean is Principal of AMD Architecture, was a member of the volunteer City Startup Transition Team and currently serves as Ogden Valley Planning Commission's Vice Chair.