ST. GEORGE — The final revision of Springdale’s general plan passed during a recent Planning Commission meeting.
The plan prioritizes preserving the town’s special character and sensitive location as it is surrounded on three sides by Zion National Park, where wildlife migrates between the town and the park, which is managed by the National Park Service.
The commission tweaked some of the plan’s wording, such as an additional land use strategy for the town’s appearance goals. The Planning Commission may use zoning and land use regulations to minimize vacant commercial buildings on state Road 9. The commission may also offer incentives for buildings not to be empty. In reference to this, Barbara Bruno, commission chairman, said vacant buildings are a “blight.”
Another goal of the plan is to continue to promote Springdale’s image as an arts community and encourage the development of more commercial art galleries. Also, public art and performing art throughout the community will enhance the quality of life and add interest to the town’s visual appearance. The town is advised to support Z-Arts, the Historic Preservation Society and The Mesa Project.
Striking a balance between locals and tourists is also suggested by the commission.
The plan states: “The Town continues to recognize that full-time productive residents serve as the backbone for the community; therefore homeownership for long-term residents and community employees is a priority.”
Further services and amenities for residents and visitors to the Greater Zion area are also included in the plan, as well as the designation of public spaces to be used for gathering and enjoying views of Zion and thoughtfully designed and well-maintained streetscape and public art to add interest and beauty to the town.
The commission also advises the Town Council to find ways to fund acquiring more undeveloped open space throughout the community with the aim of maintaining the rural and agricultural feel of the community, especially along state Route 9.
“These areas may feature single-family residences surrounded by large fields, pastures, and orchards,” the plan states, adding that farm animals such as horses, cows and goats found in this area should continue to be allowed.
The commission also clarified economic development goals, and resident amenities are a priority over tourist amenities. The Planning Commission may consider increasing the setback distances required for commercial uses that could have detrimental impacts, noise or loss of privacy on adjacent residential properties.
Additionally, some commission members expressed support for having a larger medical clinic. The existing medical clinic is owned and operated by Mike and Helen McMahan, residents of Springdale, who have reportedly expressed a desire to retire someday and work on an exit plan. The clinic has been affiliated with Family Healthcare for many years. Bruno said Family Healthcare is willing to operate a medical clinic in Springdale. Currently, Family Healthcare operates St. George, Hurricane and Cedar City clinics with integrated medical, behavioral and dental care.
If given the opportunity to have a clinic and pharmacy in Springdale, Family Healthcare would offer deeply discounted prescription medications, Bruno added.
“Springdale does not currently have a pharmacy, so this will be a great addition to the town,” Bruno said. “We’re working on finding a suitable location for them in Springdale.”
Another priority of the plan covers transportation issues, and the town plans to analyze and prepare for traffic and visitation impacts of proposed developments. The streets department is expected to have traffic and transportation policies to avoid traffic control signals.
A variety of transportation is addressed in the plan, including walking, biking, public transit and private automobiles. The goal is to minimize and manage traffic and parking congestion from vehicles of all types.
The commission said the town will plan for and accommodate emerging transportation technology such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, charging infrastructure and other future transportation innovations. And the commission supports walking and bicycling as the primary modes of in-town travel.
The commission said Springdale will participate in regional transit planning efforts and will partner with Zion National Park and the Utah Office of Tourism to support and promote the in-town Zion shuttle system.
In the survey on the plan, some residents suggested promoting cultural tourism.
“Cultural tourism is generally defined as travel with the intent of experiencing and learning about the culture of a region,” Bruno said. “In our case, we would like visitors who are respectful of the historic and cultural resources of the area and Zion National Park.”
The commission encourages people to take The Zion National Park Pledge, which is about being a good steward and protecting the fragile environment. The public can stay on established trails, pack out waste, not stack rock cairns, etc.
Bruno said that the Town of Springdale is building a history center for those who want to learn more about the area’s human history.
Water conservation
Water conservation was also discussed during the meeting. Under the plan, the commission would adopt and enforce water conservation policies to ensure adequate water supply for the town, especially in times of drought.
“These policies could include the prohibition of water, intense landscape such as large areas of turfgrass and water rate structure that encourages conservation,” the plan stated.
Another priority of the plan addresses the need to find a balance in retaining Springdale’s rural residential character from the impacts of increased commercialization while still addressing housing needs.
According to the plan, the town would have low-density residential units, higher-density multi-family units in select locations and accessory dwelling units. This would then allow the town to maintain housing for families of diverse incomes, which would, ideally, benefit local businesses by providing a larger labor pool, while also supporting people to work locally and contribute to the community by having access to attainable housing.
Every five years, the plan is reviewed. There have been two hearings and two surveys sent to residents. The Planning Commission said they researched the plan’s topics with experts and impacted stakeholders.
After being unanimously passed by the Planning Commission, the general plan now moves on to be considered by the Town Council.
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