Park City fights to keep state out of local land use and tax collection policies

Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, many of Utah's politicians have issued their statements. Photo: Chase Charaba

State policies often aim to accelerate development, but these one-size-fits-all approaches can conflict with Park City’s priorities for sustainable growth and historic preservation

PARK CITY, Utah — As the 2025 Utah Legislative Session kicks off, Park City leaders have shared their platform aimed at safeguarding the city’s autonomy over land use and tax collection policies. Mayor Nann Worel, Councilmembers Tana Toly and Bill Ciraco, alongside key city staff, will engage in active lobbying throughout the 45-day session ending March 7, 2025.

Park City Government bill tracking list

Among Park City’s top legislative priorities is resisting state-led initiatives that could diminish local authority over zoning, land management, and tax allocation. The city’s 2025 Legislative Platform emphasizes protecting its independence from state and federal mandates while ensuring the unique character of the community is preserved.

Top of mind in Summit County is SB 84 alleged to be targeted at the the Dakota Pacific project in Kimball Junction, passed during the 2023 legislative session, which limits local government control by granting property owners near public transit hubs in small transit districts certain vested development rights. The application of SB 84 led the county to file and win a lawsuit challenging the bill’s constitutionality and its application to the project area. More recently, SB 258 allows developers meeting certain requirements to apply for self-governed town status. Dakota Pacific has leveraged both bills in its efforts to rezone and develop the Kimball Junction Tech Park.

Another pertinent example was Senate Bill 271, which Park Record owner Matthew Prince lobbied for in March of 2023. The bill proposed to reduce local control over land use, particularly concerning vacation home companies and co-owned residences. An amendment related to the bill was initially intended to permit Prince to bypass city authority to expand his home. This move sparked further outcry from local leaders, who feared it represented a direct challenge to municipal autonomy over development decisions. Although this specific amendment was ultimately voted down, the underlying bill passed.

City Manager Matt Dias highlighted key concerns in the staff report, including proposals to preempt local building codes and historic district protections. The report says that state policies often aim to accelerate development, but these one-size-fits-all approaches can conflict with Park City’s priorities for sustainable growth and historic preservation.

The legislative platform also seeks to preserve Park City’s share of sales tax revenue, a crucial component of the city’s budget.  The platform emphasized the importance of these funds in maintaining services and infrastructure as well as preparing for pre-Olympic infrastructure planning elements.

Residents are encouraged to follow legislative updates, which will be shared regularly during city council meetings​