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Airport Master Plan

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1. What is an Airport Master Plan and why do we need one?

Heber Valley Airport’s master plan is designed to be a transparent and thoughtful effort to engage all stakeholders in planning for the future of the airport.  This means looking at whether any changes are needed to update the existing airport’s security, safety, and efficiency. It is not a mandate to grow the airport; rather, it provides the City with accurate and current data that will help the community make informed decisions about the future of this airport. Once the data is collected, the City can then make decisions on whether it needs to modernize the airport or if there are safety concerns that should be addressed.  To be clear, there is no requirement as the result of the Master Plan that the City expand the airport.  According to the FAA, “Airport Master plans are prepared to support the modernization or expansion of existing airports or the creation of a new airport. The master plan is the sponsor’s (Heber City) strategy for the development of the airport.” However, “in some cases the airport sponsor may decide that it is in the community’s best interest for the airport not to continue to grow to accommodate forecast activity.” (FAA Advisory Circular 150-5070-6B)

In the last few years Heber City Airport has seen an increase in small business jet traffic. The runway at Heber City Airport was designed for aircraft with much slower approach speeds than the aircraft that now use our airport. Because we have more than 500 operations (takeoffs or landings) by these business jets each year, the FAA has strongly encouraged Heber City to prepare an update of the airport master plan so the City can make a well-informed decision about the future airport development of the airport in light of its existing and predicted future traffic.

2. What is the process for the Airport Master Plan update?

The Airport Master Plan update is expected to take between 18 months and 2 years to complete. There are three main phases to the plan: inventory and forecasting, developing and selecting the preferred plan, and finalizing the preferred alternative.  There will be opportunities for public involvement throughout the process.

3. What are Grant Assurances, and why do we have to abide by them?

When airport owners or sponsors like the City accept grant funds from the FAA, they must sign a contract that includes a list of obligations that the City must satisfy.  These obligations, called Grant Assurances, require that the City to maintain and operate their airport safely and efficiently and in accordance with specified conditions. These Grant Assurances cover a range of safety, operations and financial matters that are designed to make sure that the airport is operated in a manner consistent with federal policies and regulations.

4. If the City makes design criteria improvements at the airport, what prevents even larger aircraft, like passenger jets (commercial air service) form using the airport?

The City does not have, and is not required to seek, a permit to operate a commercial airport.  No one is even contemplating creating a commercial airport.    Without such a permit, regular commercial airline service cannot be introduced at the airport.  In addition, there are terrain and other issues that would make it very difficult for the City to make the improvements that would be required to accommodate airlines.  To be clear, the FAA cannot, and an airline cannot, force the City to accept airline service.

5. I heard that the airport is only used by people who live in Park City. What value does the airport provide the Heber community?

The Heber Valley Airport serves many vital needs of the Heber community, including

• Emergency medical flights
• Aerial firefighting flights
• Law enforcement flights
• Flight training
• Time-sensitive cargo services
• Business travel
• Personal travel
• Agricultural functions
• Livable wage aeronautical jobs
• Public events and museums

Understanding the scope of services available at Heber Valley Airport helps to explain its critical role in travel, transportation, and infrastructure. The Heber Valley Airport also offers facilities for pilots, refueling and refreshing. Other services include offering conference rooms, flight crew quarters, and aircraft mechanical services.

In terms of aircraft and hangar owners, the demographics are as follows:

• 45% - Park City Area
• 45% - Heber Valley
• 8% - Other Utah residence
• 2% - Other places outside Utah

6. Can the City limit the number and type of aircraft using Heber Valley Airport?

No.  Any aircraft that can safely use the airport must be allowed to operate.  Federal law prohibits the City from imposing limits beyond safety limits that are dictated by the FAA. In the same way the City cannot restrict the general public from driving on public roads, the City cannot restrict the number or type of aircraft using the airport.

7. Can we prevent larger planes from utilizing the Heber Valley Airport?

No. Every airport is designed for maximum size and speed of aircraft.  If an aircraft can safely use the airport, federal law prohibits the City from preventing that aircraft from using the airport.  If an aircraft is too large to safely operate, that is the FAA’s and the pilot’s responsibility, not the City’s obligation, to know that it would be unsafe to operate at the airport.  Of course, if a large aircraft were land anyway, and were to damage our facility because of weight or speed, the owners of that aircraft would be held responsible. One of the reasons that the FAA has asked the City to undertake the Master Plan is that the FAA data shows that somewhat larger aircraft would use this airport if it were safe to do so.  The Master Plan process is designed to help the City make a decision whether to update the safety standards for those larger planes.

8. Can we just close the Heber Valley Airport?

No. Because Heber City has accepted federal grants, Heber City is obligated to maintain the airport in a safe condition in perpetuity. Of course, even if the City could close the airport, it would mean loss of numerous livable wage jobs and prevent critical access for our region’s emergency services.

9. Can we self-fund the Heber Valley Airport?

Yes, but it would be very costly to Heber City taxpayers.  And, even if the City were to fund the airport, it would still be bound by the federal Grant Assurances because it has taken grant money in the past. In the future, if the City took no more federal grant money, it would have to fund maintenance and improvements necessary to satisfy its legal obligation to keep the airport operating in a safe manner.

10. Can other counties help pay for the Heber Valley Airport?

Today, Heber City is the official airport sponsor and is therefore responsible for all related costs. There is, however, no reason that Heber City could not entertain an agreement between either other counties to help defray costs. This decision to participate in an agreement would entail financial and legal risk. The economic benefits would have to outweigh that risk.

11. I want to be involved. How can I provide feedback on the plan? How can I participate?

Heber City and the Heber Valley Airport are actively seeking community input during the master plan upgrade process. Please leave a comment here or plan to attend one of our public meetings.

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Business Licensing

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1. What if my business undergoes changes during the year?

The licensee is required by law to notify the business license office of these changes within a 10 day period if during the course of the license year, any information pertaining to the business changes, such as: 

• Local Contact
• Location
• Mailing Address
• Phone Number
• Square Footage

2. What are the penalties if a business license payment is late?

License fees are due every year by December 31 to avoid penalty charges. After December 31, there is a 25% penalty; after January 31, a 50% penalty, whichever is greater; and after March 1 a 100% penalty. If payment is not received you may be issued a citation for operation of a business without a license.

Liquor licenses are due on or before December 31 by close of business. Any establishment that has not paid the license fee by this date is not permitted by law to serve liquor.

3. When do I renew my license for the next year?

The business licensing office sends out renewal notices for business licenses for the following year in mid-November. Liquor license payments are due on or before December 31. All license payments are due December 31.

4. When does a Heber City business license expire?

All licenses expire every December 31. There are not partial payments, half year or partial year licenses. If a license is purchased on or after October 1, the license fee is prorated for the calendar year and the full fee for the following year must be paid at the time of application.

5. How long does the licensing process take?

New business owners should allow 10 to 14 days for their license to be processed. All Fees are due at the time of application. The business license application will be sent to the Planning Department for zoning and signage compliance, to the Building Department for ordinance compliance and on-site inspection, and to the Police Department for final approval.

If an application is denied or if the licensed business never begins operation, all fees, less a $25 processing fee, will be refunded.

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City Government

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1. How do I request information or records from Heber City?

To request documents or other city related documents, a GRAMA request form is required, in order to obtain the public information.

A GRAMA Request form can be found here, GRAMA Request Form

WHAT IS A GRAMA REQUEST?

The Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) provides every person the right to request records from any governmental entity in Utah (Utah Code Section 63G-2-201(1)).

WHAT CAN BE REQUESTED?

Almost all government records are subject to request, however access to some records is restricted. Upon receipt of a request the governmental entity will determine the classification and provide the records and/or a response, which may be a notice of denial. Definitions of record and governmental entity are found in GRAMA (Utah Code Section 63G-2-103(11),(22)).

WHERE SHOULD A GRAMA REQUEST BE SENT?

A person making a request must submit it to the governmental entity that maintains the desired record. So, determine which agency is most likely to have the records in which you are interested. For example, if you are seeking records about water usage, contact the appropriate municipality. If you are interested in records about water rights, contact the Water Rights Division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources.  For Heber City Records requests, please submit GRAMA requests to the Heber City Recorder for processing.

HOW TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A REQUEST.

The request must be in writing and must include the requester’s name, address, telephone number (if available), and a specific description of the records(s) requested (Utah Code Section 63G-2-204(1)). 

A request can be filed in one of four ways:

• Email
• Fax
• U.S. mail
• In person

Make sure the request is specific and concise in order to help the agency quickly locate and identify the records you are requesting.  No matter how you submit the request, be sure to address it to the records officer.

TO WHOM SHOULD THE REQUEST BE ADDRESSED?

Each governmental entity has a records officer who is responsible for responding to requests. Names and contact information for most records officers are listed in the Open Records Portal. Every agency, whether state or local, is required by GRAMA to appoint a records officer.  This is the person to whom you should address your request.

There are several ways to find the records officer’s contact information:

• Records officer’s names are provided in the Open Records Portal. Requests submitted through the portal automatically go to the records officer.
• Records officer’s names are often provided on agency websites, and sometimes agency websites have links to the Open Records Portal or to forms that can be filled out electronically scanned and mailed.
• If no records officer’s contact information is available, simply address the request to “Agency GRAMA Responder” and send it to the agency’s main address.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE? The law allows records officers up to ten business days to respond, but suggests that they respond as soon as reasonably possible.
WHAT ARE SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE GRAMA REQUESTS?

• GRAMA requests are not questions.  GRAMA is designed to provide access to records. It is not the place for the public to request answers to questions. For example, do not submit a GRAMA request saying, “Why didn’t my street get plowed until a day after the latest snow storm?”  Instead, an effective GRAMA request would be, “I am seeking records regarding the snowplowing schedule in this municipality. In particular, I seek specific records about the snowplowing schedule for Main Street.”
• GRAMA requests may have associated fees. Filling a request is always free but governmental entities are allowed to charge fees for the actual cost of providing records.  (Utah Code Section 63G-2-203)).
• Many records are available on line. More and more records are becoming available on agency websites. The Transparent.Utah.gov provides resources and links to state and local government annual expenses, revenue, and employee compensation The Utah Public Notice Website provides records of open and public meetings including agendas, minutes, and audio recordings. 
• Retain a copy of the request. A copy of your request will be necessary if you are denied access to any records and later decide to file an appeal to the State Records Committee or to district court.

Requesters with questions or concerns may contact the records officer or Heber City Recorder at 435-657-7886

 

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Open Space, Trails, Parks and Trees

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1. Why Should I Preserve my Land as Open Space?

Preserving your land as open space protects and benefits you and your land, preserves Heber City’s heritage, and ensures the quality of life we all enjoy for future generations.

2. What Type of Land and Properties Qualify/What Type of Land and Properties Can be Preserved Under the Wasatch County Open Space Bond?

• The preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation by, or the education of, the general public.
• The protection of a relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife, plants, or similar ecosystems.
• The preservation of open space (including farmland and forest land) where such preservation is:
  • For the scenic enjoyment of the general public; or
  • Pursuant to a clearly delineated Federal, State, or local governmental conservation policy and will yield a significant public benefit; or
• The preservation of a historically important land area.

3. What Does it Cost to Preserve my Land/Do I Have to Donate my Land?

• Priority will be given to applicants who donate 25% towards the total cost of the conservation easement.  Your contribution happens as a qualified tax deduction, not as money out of pocket.  This contribution toward a conservation easement qualifies you for tax benefits that a Qualified Land Trust can explain.

4. How Do I Learn More About Preserving my Land/Property?

• Contact the Heber City Open Space and Trails Committee at trails@heberut.gov to set-up a meeting to learn more and discuss the options available to you.
• Visit the Wasatch County Open Lands Board website and review the information there:
  • https://www.wasatch.utah.gov/Departments/Open-Lands-Board
• Contact a qualified local Land Trust such as Utah Open Lands or the Summit Land Conservancy to have them help guide you through the process:
  • Utah Open Lands Conservation Association, Inc.
    • 801-463-6156
    • https://utahopenlands.org/
  • Summit Land Conservancy 
    • 435-649-9884
    • https://wesaveland.org/

5. What is a conservation easement?

• A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement entered into voluntarily and mutually between a landowner and Utah Open Lands, protecting the land from some or all future development in perpetuity. Utah law provides landowners with a choice of easements coinciding with the conservation resources in need of protection on the property. The forms of conservation easements include: agricultural, historical, ecological, public recreational, or scenic. A conservation easement may protect one or all of the aforementioned values. A conservation easement may be purchased by a conservation organization at its full fair market value, purchased at a fraction of its fair market value, or donated by the landowner to a qualifying conservation organization. Landowners retain their landowning rights as well as many others, including right to use and sell the land. The easement will only retain the rights necessary to protecting certain conservation values, while potentially providing the landowners with tax incentives.

6. Will the County or another entity condemn my land?

• The preservation of open lands is always based on a willing seller who enters into a conservation easement transaction willingly without the threat of eminent domain.

7. Do I still own the land?

• Yes. The property owner is not selling the land, but instead selling or donating certain rights associated with the property. Depending on the easement, there will be different rights that the landowner will agree to give up—often times being the right to develop. The easement holder, either a private organization or a public agency, will hold the right to enforce the agreed upon regulations.

8. Will my land now be open to the public?

• Every easement is unique. It is up to the landowner and what they agree upon and what is deemed appropriate. Some easements will allow for public access, but others will not. Generally, if land is conserved for agricultural purposes, public access is not necessary. The entity entrusted with holding the conservation easement will maintain annual monitoring of the land to ensure the terms of the conservation easement remain in tact.

9. Can I sell my land?

• Yes. However, the conservation easement is intended for conservation in perpetuity, meaning that the agreed upon easement will continue in effect on the property if the property is sold.

10. What happens if I stop farming?

• Depending on the easement, agriculture is a conservation value that is often times maintained through an easement. If agriculture is one of the conservation values essential to the easement, the trust, through annual visits, must ensure that the values are being upheld.

11. Why should a farmer keep his land?

• Protection of private land is essential in protecting properties with conservation values. Stewardship of the land and protection from development are essential in preserving the land that we love. There can be lower maintenance costs associated with easements and ownership rights remain in place for the landowner. There can be no pressure from external entities to develop the land. The landowner will be able to maintain agricultural traditions, benefit from tax incentives and provide an open land legacy beyond a lifetime.

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Planning

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1. Does my address or parcel # reside within the Heber City Boundaries?

Go to Heberut.gov/planning and then click on Address/Parcel lookup, or click here Wasatch County (arcgis.com). 

2. How do I use the Wasatch County Interactive Map?

Click the down arrow in the search option. Select Address, Parcel, Road or Subdivision. Enter the Address, Parcel, Road or Subdivision, based on your search selection.  Click here to access the Address/Parcel lookup. Wasatch County (arcgis.com)

3. What if my address or parcel number is not within the Heber City boundary lines?

Determine which municipality the address or parcel number resides and contact that municipality, click here to access the Address/Parcel lookup Wasatch County (arcgis.com)

4. My address does not reside within the Heber City boundaries, can I contact other municipalities from the Heber City Website?

Yes, click here for other municipality contact information.

Charleston – Charleston Town | Charleston Town (utah.gov)

Daniel – Daniel, Utah (danielutah.org)

Hideout – Town of Hideout, Wasatch County, UT – Official Website (hideoututah.gov)

Independence – Independence, UT (independenceut.org)

Interlaken – HOME | Interlaken Town Utah (town-of-interlaken.com)

Midway – www.midwaycityut.org

Wasatch County – Wasatch County Government (utah.gov) 

5. What if an address or parcel number resides outside of all municipality lines on the Wasatch County Interactive Map?

Outside of all Municipality boundary lines is Wasatch County, contact Wasatch County, or click here for the Wasatch County Website Wasatch County Government (utah.gov)

6. How can I find Heber City’s Zoning for an address within the Heber City Boundaries?

Go to Heberut.gov/planning and then click on Heber City Zoning Map, or click here.  Zoning-Map-PDF (heberut.gov)

7. What if the street addresses on the Heber City Zoning Map do not appear or are too small to read?

Click on the zoom-in option at the top (or bottom) of the Heber City Zoning Map, click here for the Heber City Zoning Map. Zoning-Map-PDF (heberut.gov)

8. How do I determine the exact zoning for an address on the Zoning Map?

Find the color coordinated Zoning Chart on the bottom right hand corner of the Zoning Map. Click here for the Heber city Zoning Map Zoning-Map-PDF (heberut.gov)

9. How do I find the Municipal Code for a particular zone?

Go to Heberut.gov/planning and then click on Municipal Code for Title 18 Zoning or click here to access Title 18 Zoning Heber : Municipal Code (municipalcodeonline.com)

10. What if I have additional zoning questions I couldn’t find through the website?

Go to Heberut.gov/planning and then click on Planning Applications and “Fill out the Zoning Verification Application” or click here Zoning Verification Application-Civic Review

11. What if I want to make an appointment with a City Planner?

Go to Heberut.gov/planning and then click on Planning Applications or click on, “Fill out a Planning Appointment Application” or click here Planning Appointment Application

12. Do I need a fence permit?

A permit is not required for residential fence, click here for the Fence Guide Municipal Code

https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=18.08.210_Fence_--_Sight-Obscuring

https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=18.68.155_Driveway_Visibility_Triangle

https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=18.68.150_Intersection_--_Visibility_Triangle

https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=18.68.120_Heights_Of_Fences_And_Walls

Visibility Triangle: Heber : Zoning (municipalcodeonline.com)

13. Where can I find Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) information?

Accessory Dwelling Unit Municipal Code is the same as Accessory Apartments click here for ADU Municipal Code Heber : Zoning (municipalcodeonline.com)  

14. Where can I find information about sheds or detached Garages?

Click here for sheds and detached garage Municipal Code https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=18.68.060_Accessory_Building_--_Lot_Coverage_Restricted

15. Where can I find Short Term Rental (Nightly Rentals) information?

: Click here for Short Term Rental (Nightly Rentals) Municipal Code. https://heber.municipalcodeonline.com/#book/mexpand?type=ordinances&name=5.26_Short_Term_Rentals

16. What developments have been approved by Wasatch County in the North Village area?

View this PDF file, to see developments that have been approved by Wasatch County in the North Village area?

17. Are the Planning Department and Building Department the same thing?

They are not the same. The Planning Department primarily reviews plans for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance (PDF). The Building Department's main function is to review plans for conformance with the International Building Code.

18. What is the Zoning Ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF), is a document adopted by the City Council as part of the Municipal Code, that is designed to meet a number of goals including: 

• Allow development in a way that encourages preservation of scenic vistas, environmentally sensitive lands, and historic structures; provision of well planned commercial and residential structures
• Implement the goals of the General Plan
• Promote the general health, welfare and safety of Heber City inhabitants
• Protect and enhance the quality of life for Heber City residents; protect and preserve peace and good order and aesthetics in Heber City
• Protect the tax base
• Provision of safe and efficient traffic and pedestrian circulation; and to prevent development that is susceptible to natural disaster

19. What is the General Plan?

The General Plan is a policy document designed to guide the future of Heber City. The document contains the goals, policies, and action plans for Park City's future direction for:

• Community character
• Community economy
• Environmental
• Growth management
• Historic preservation
• Housing
• Land use
• Open space
• Parks and recreation
• Transportation

20. Does the Planning Department enforce CC and Rs?

No, the Planning Department enforces City regulations. Enforcement of CC and Rs is solely up to the Home Owners Association of each respective subdivision.

21. What is a zoning district?

Heber City has been divided into a number of areas called zoning districts. Each district is specifically addressed in the Zoning Ordinance and uses (commercial, residential, mixed, etc.) are spelled out along with requirements for construction. Each zone is unique and the Code is written to address the specific details of that area.

22. I would like to put a sign on my property, do I need approval?

Yes, all signs within City limits are regulated by the Heber City Sign Ordinance. This Code regulates the size, placement, materials used, etc., for signs on buildings and sites. Please contact the Planning Department regarding these regulations prior to posting any signs.

23. If I have concerns, comments or complaints about a project, whom should I contact?

If the comments regard an official application with the City please contact the Planning Department at 435-654-4830 and you will be directed to the project Planner.

24. What developments have been approved in Heber City?

Listing of current developments in progress.