North Salt Lake responds to landslide with stricter building ordinance proposal


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NORTH SALT LAKE — Responding to a landslide over a year ago, city leaders are considering a new ordinance that could create stricter requirements for developers.

Ken Leetham, Community and Economic Development director, said the proposal is somewhat similar to current city ordinances.

"I think this ordinance is a little bit more of an in-depth clarification of what we would require a developer or land owner to provide before we allow development," Leetham said.

According to the proposal, any land plots with land slope less than 30 percent could be considered areas with a critical concern, due to decreased stability. It also more specifically outlines studies that would have to be performed in foothill areas before building permits are issued.

Under certain conditions, the city could require that a third-party engineer oversee construction and would be paid for by the developer.

"We hope to be able to just be certain that when we approve development in the future, that we're being as safe as possible," Leetham explained.

The proposed ordinance was presented in Wednesday night's City Council meeting. Leetham says the council has already had an in-depth work session to discuss the measure and it's expected to be approved in a couple of weeks.

"I think the landslide has made us more aware of the need to be vigilant in the foothills," Leetham said. "Not that we haven't been in the past, but it's brought some issues to our attention."

Contributing: Paul Nelson

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