Monticello approves an adjustment in zoning to allow livestock uses

by Rhett Sifford
The Monticello City Council approved a zone change for two properties on 100 North, east of Main Street at their August 14 meeting.  The properties, originally zoned R-2 Residential, became A-1 Residential/Agricultural land.
An R-2 zone provides land where single and multiple family dwellings can be constructed.  An A-1 zone allows residential areas to be integrated with the raising of livestock.
Monticello City Recorder Cindi Holyoak reports that several land owners in the vicinity of the rezoned properties, primarily north of 100 North and east of Main Street, are already using their land for agricultural purposes when it was discovered they were in an R-2 zone.
She said the Monticello Planning Commission conducted public hearings on the rezoning application for the properties and made a recommendation that the city rezone the property.
The council discussed the issue at length before approving the zone change.  Concerns included the impact on nearby landowners and encouraging growth while maintaining the rural nature of the city.  The city council recently established a priority to retain the rural nature of Monticello.
Several additional nearby properties are under consideration to be rezoned from R-2 to A-1.  The city will hold a public hearing on September 4 at the Monticello City Office to discuss the zone change application.  For more information, contact the city at 435-587-2271 or visit MonticelloUtah.org.
In other discussion, City Manager Doug Wright reported a 70 percent decrease in the use of secondary water use after the city implemented new water rates in July due to the drought emergency.
Wright said many Monticello residents were surprised by how much water they had been using and that there has been some good water conservation education due to the city efforts.
Wright said the city will probably shut down the secondary water system in September, one month earlier than normal.