Critical Lands Overlay and wetland setbacks (Ordinances 25-11 and 26-14)
Riparian setbacks were adopted October 21, 2025 at a 40-foot minimum, and the wetland standards were removed to be revisited. Wetland setbacks of 15 to 50 feet by use, with a 10-foot do-not-disturb buffer, were adopted 4-0 on August 18, 2026.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide, Chapter 17.24
- Applicant
- City of Logan Community Development
Every hearing and vote
August 5, 2025 · City Council
Workshop: Critical Lands Overlay Zone amendment, Ordinance 25-11
Discussed
DeSimone presented changes to Chapter 17.24 that replace three 50-foot riparian tiers with a single 25-foot setback from the high water mark, limit clearing to 50 percent, and reduce wetland setbacks from 50 to 25 feet for structures with a 20-foot setback for new roads. Staff cited three vacant riverfront parcels about 150 to 180 feet deep. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 on July 10. Council Member López asked about the Country Manor flood; DeSimone said new homes must be built higher and are unaffected by the change. Action was set for August 19.
August 19, 2025 · City Council
Critical Lands Overlay Zone amendment, Ordinance 25-11 (public hearing)
Continued · 5-0
DeSimone presented changes to riparian and wetland setbacks and permitted uses, with riparian areas tied to regulation by state or federal agencies and a 100-foot minimum setback plus a public conservation and trail easement along the Logan River for land proposed for annexation. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 on July 10. Opposed or critical: Kristi Fatuesi (removing the three setback types), Gail Hanson and Joshua Molitor (dropping from 100 to 25 feet; Molitor cited algae in a manmade lake), Mathew Fatuesi and Hilary Shughart (who proposed an environmental commission). Susan Janki of North Logan warned of flooding on the Little Logan River. Gail Yost supported public waterway access. Kent Hoggan and Brad Hoggan, owners of the Hoggan subdivision, praised staff; Brad Hoggan described an 18-month design process with five redesigns and donating 42 feet of land. Simmonds favored wider buffers and stable rules; Amy Anderson asked about infill lots; López asked for comparison with other cities; Mark Anderson asked that the Hoggans be included.
- Planning Commission: recommended approval 7-0, July 10, 2025
- Continued to October 7, 2025
October 7, 2025 · City Council
Critical Lands Overlay amendment, Ordinance 25-11 (public hearing, continued)
Continued · 3-1
Community Development Director Mike DeSimone proposed riparian setbacks of the greater of 25 feet or the average of the two nearest structures for homes, 40 feet for other development and 100 feet for annexed land, replacing a three-tier system, with wetland setbacks cut from 50 to 25 feet. Utah Wildlife Federation chair Shauna Hart, Gail Hanson, Joshua Molitor, a USU student, geology professor Susan Janecke and others urged wider buffers; Stevie Koller submitted a petition with over 600 signatures. Kent Hoggan said Logan is the only city requiring setbacks beyond state standards and that he lost 20 potential lots. Chair Simmonds strongly supported 100 feet for annexed land. Vice Chair Johnson noted the setback was 25 feet until 2023. Council Member Mark Anderson said the public may not know of the changes. The council continued it to October 21 without a new hearing.
October 21, 2025 · City Council
Critical Lands Overlay amendment, Ordinance 25-11 (continued)
Approved with conditions · 4-1
The council adopted the ordinance as amended: a 40-foot minimum riparian setback for residential and commercial uses, inclusion of the entire North Branch of the Logan River, the term 'residential dwellings', other streams regulated through state stream alteration permits, and removal of the wetland development standards section (17.24.110) to be revisited in six months, leaving wetland setbacks at 50 feet. Council Member Amy Anderson was uncomfortable with the wetland amendments and opposed 40 feet in favor of 35. Council Member Mark Anderson raised a possible regulatory taking concern; the assistant city attorney noted a reasonable use exception exists. Vice Chair Johnson wanted at least 35 feet and rejected 25. Council Member López suggested 40 feet for both uses.
July 21, 2026 · City Council
Workshop: wetland setbacks, Ordinance 26-14 (Chapter 17.24)
Discussed
Holley said the 2023 rules set a uniform 50-foot wetland setback. Proposed changes clarify when delineations are required, require approved delineations by qualified professionals, measure setbacks from the delineation line and replace the 20 percent disturbance allowance with a do-not-disturb buffer. The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to keep 50 feet for all private development, with reduced setbacks for some public infrastructure and recreation, an exemption for boardwalks and underground utilities and a reasonable-use exception. Council concerns included lower standards for public projects. Action was set for August 4.
August 4, 2026 · City Council
Wetland setback code amendment, Ordinance 26-14 (public hearing, continued)
Continued · 5-0
Holley proposed 15-foot setbacks for sidewalks, trails, landscaping and stormwater facilities, 25 feet for streets and 50 feet for larger buildings and parking lots, with a reduced setback for structures of 1,200 square feet or less. Members debated whether residential subdivisions should keep 50 feet and indicated support for 25 feet on subdivision lot lines. Joshua Molitor asked for a one-month delay to address data center impacts; Linda Johnson supported 25 feet for roads and 15 feet for sidewalks and trails but 50 feet for commercial and larger structures. The council continued it to August 18 without a new hearing.
August 18, 2026 · City Council
Wetland setbacks, Ordinance 26-14 (continued from August 4)
Approved · 4-0
The council adopted setbacks of 15 feet for public trails and sidewalks, 35 feet for single-family lot lines and residential streets, 50 feet for collector and arterial roads (amended up from 35) and 50 feet for commercial, industrial and multifamily development, exempted boardwalks, and adopted a 20 percent disturbance allowance with a 10-foot do-not-disturb buffer requiring fencing and signage. Logan adopted its wetland code in 2023 and had no earlier municipal setbacks.