Bill > HB0030

This bill makes several key changes to historic preservation laws in Utah: 1. It defines a "historic preservation authority" as a person, board, commission, or other body designated by a legislative body to recommend land use regulations to preserve local historic districts or areas and to administer those regulations. 2. It requires that when making administrative decisions on land use applications, a historic preservation authority must apply the plain language of the land use regulations and interpret any ambiguities in favor of the land use application. 3. It requires municipalities that designate historic preservation districts or areas to establish a "historic preservation appeal authority" comprised of the members of the governing body to hear appeals from decisions of the historic preservation authority. 4. It provides that an applicant can appeal a decision of the historic preservation authority either to the historic preservation appeal authority or to the general land use appeal authority established by the municipality. 5. It allows an applicant 30 days to appeal a decision of the historic preservation authority, which is longer than the typical time period to appeal other land use decisions. Overall, the bill aims to balance historic preservation goals with providing clear and objective standards for the historic preservation authority's decision-making and giving applicants additional avenues and time to appeal unfavorable decisions.

Government Affairs

http://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/HB0030.html