IMPLEMENTATION OF ZONING ORDINANCES IN A CITY THAT IS SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

The City of Provo, Utah is subject to many geologic hazards. Portions of the city's east bench are impacted by active landslides, and the Wasatch fault zone runs along the city's east side. Provo City adopted a zoning ordinance in an effort to minimize the impacts of these hazards. Aspects of the ordinance include requirements for special studies prior to development in areas deemed subject to landslide and/or surface rupture hazards, and possible prohibition of development, depending on the outcomes of those studies. The ordinance has been implemented with assistance from the Utah Geological Survey (UGS), including significant help from Gary Christensen. The partnership with the UGS, including reviews of consultant reports by UGS geologists, was crucial in implementing the ordinance. Due to recent political pressure, however, the UGS is no longer allowed to review reports.