Snyderville Basin Planners Grapple with Balancing Growth Amid Existing Development Deals

Summit County aims to rewrite development blueprint while navigating decades of prior agreements.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Summit County is rewriting the land use plan for the Snyderville Basin, but planning commissioners are struggling to reconcile new growth goals with a patchwork of existing development agreements that have already locked in much of the basin's future. Commissioners debated whether to delay new approvals until previous projects are built, or to take a more proactive approach to steering growth to specific areas. They also said the draft plan fails to adequately address key resident concerns like water, traffic, and air quality.

Why it matters

The Snyderville Basin has seen decades of development deals, making it challenging for county planners to guide future growth. Commissioners want a clearer, more proactive framework to influence where new housing and commercial projects should go, rather than relying on language that developers can work around. Addressing issues like water, traffic, and air quality are also critical for the community's long-term sustainability.

The details

Planning commissioners spent much of a recent work session wrestling with a policy that would delay new development approvals until previously entitled projects are built. Some favored rewriting the policy in more affirmative terms to steer growth, while others wanted to preserve the county's ability to deny proposals when warranted. Commissioners also said the draft plan fails to adequately address key resident concerns like water, traffic, and air quality, and asked staff to better define 'climate resiliency' and incorporate those issues into the core goals.

  • On February 10, 2026, Summit County planning commissioners held a work session to discuss the draft land use chapter.
  • The Utah Legislature is currently considering bills HB184 and HB209 that could override local land-use authority, adding urgency to the county's rewrite.

The players

Ray Milliner

Senior Planner for Summit County.

Megan McKenna

Summit County Council member.

Janna Young

Summit County's Deputy Manager.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.