Summit County approves new traffic study requirements for development

New ordinances establish when developers must evaluate traffic impacts in Snyderville Basin and eastern Summit County

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The Summit County Council approved two ordinances Wednesday, Nov. 4, establishing formal requirements for traffic impact studies as part of the development approval process in Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County.

Ordinances 1024 and 1025 formalize an existing county practice of requesting traffic studies for developments projected to generate 25 or more net new vehicle trips during a peak hour. Previously, the county’s development codes did not establish a consistent requirement for the studies.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Summit County Transportation Planning Deputy Director Eva De Laurentiis told council members the amendments are intended to establish clear standards for developers and county staff while allowing potential traffic impacts to be evaluated before development approval.

The studies examine existing traffic conditions, projected vehicle trips, intersection performance, roadway capacity, and safety concerns. Depending on the findings, developers could be required to make improvements such as adding turn lanes, traffic signals, roundabouts, or pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

De Laurentiis explained that traffic impact studies are separate from the county’s existing transportation impact fees, which help fund broader roadway improvements. Developers must pay for required studies separately from those fees.

The amendments also establish a more consistent process for determining when studies are needed and what information they must include. County staff said they plan to publish a standardized checklist to guide applicants.

During public comment, a resident questioned whether developers could choose when traffic counts are conducted, noting that traffic conditions vary significantly between seasons. County officials said developers generally determine when studies are conducted, but the analysis uses adjustment factors to account for seasonal traffic fluctuations.

Both ordinances passed following separate public hearings. County officials said the changes would take effect 13 days after publication.

The council’s action follows recommendations from the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County planning commissions, which reviewed the proposed requirements earlier this year.