Park City attorney known for representing Utah ski resorts rejoins Planning Commission

The Marsac Building in Old Town. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

Park City, Utah — Mayor Ryan Dickey has appointed Adam Strachan to the Park City Planning Commission, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Bill Johnson.

Strachan previously served on the Planning Commission from 2008 to 2018, a tenure that included major land use discussions such as the Park City Heights and Utah Film Studio applications, as well as the 2014 General Plan update. He also served as commission chair during the Treasure Hill development review.

In a release, Park City Municipal said Strachan “brings extensive familiarity with Park City land use planning to the role.” He was also recognized by the Park City Rotary Club as the 2024 Volunteer Citizen of the Year for his years of service on local boards and commissions.

According to his professional biography, Strachan has “defended nearly every ski resort in Utah.” His case experience includes defending a resort in a wrongful death lawsuit related to an in-bounds avalanche and representing a resort in a contract dispute with a neighboring homeowners association.

After his Planning Commission tenure, Strachan was appointed to the city’s appeal panel, where he participated in the review of a high-profile proposal by Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince to build a home on Treasure Hill. In 2024, the panel upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of the project but sent a portion of the decision back for further review related to the city’s sensitive lands ordinance. Strachan, who chaired the panel, cited concerns about how those regulations had been analyzed, and later signed off on the project after additional review.

“Adam has already given a great deal to this community, and I’m grateful he’s willing to step forward once again,” said Dickey. “His experience and steady perspective will be a real asset to our Planning Commission, and I’m excited to welcome him back.”

Following the appointment, two seats on the Planning Commission remain open. Park City Municipal is currently accepting applications for those vacancies, as well as openings on additional boards and commissions, through April 8. Residents interested in serving can learn more and apply at parkcity.org/boards-commissions.