Highland adopts right-of-way permit ordinance; property tax increase hearing set for Aug. 11
The Highland City Council adopted Ordinance O-2026-21 on July 21, 2026, amending regulations for right-of-way permit assurances. The ordinance is available for public review at the Highland City Recorder's office during regular business hours. The council also presented a summary of three ordinances adopted July 7, 2026: O-2026-18 (fire and wildland-urban interface code standards and a Wildland-Urban Interface Map), O-2026-19 (process for increasing compensation for elective officials), and O-2026-20 (allowing private dog training and recreation as a new business use in the R-1-40 zone).
Right-of-way permits and e-bike discussion
The July 21 council agenda included a vote on amending security requirements for right-of-way permits, including removing the one-year warranty for non-excavation permits. The council was also set to discuss e-bike regulations under city and state law, review the Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan, and hold a work session on detached accessory dwelling unit development code rules. Communication items included Flock camera terms, parking enforcement in Town Center, and annexation of unincorporated parcels. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.
Planning Commission hears landscaping and sight triangle proposals
On July 28, 2026, the Highland Planning Commission held public hearings on two proposed Development Code amendments: one consolidating and clarifying sight triangle regulations, and another updating landscaping standards to encourage water-wise methods, which could qualify residents for landscape modification rebates. The commission also discussed current residential setback and building height regulations, with no final action taken on that item. Approval of June 30, 2026 meeting minutes was listed as a consent item.
Truth in Taxation open houses
The City Council issued notices of quorum for Truth in Taxation Open Houses scheduled for July 27 and August 6, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Highland City Hall. A formal Truth in Taxation public hearing is set for August 11, 2026, at Highland City Hall, 5400 West Civic Center Drive, to consider a proposed property tax increase. If approved, the city would raise property tax revenue by $172,488 per year, a 6.89% increase over last year's budgeted revenue excluding new growth. For a residence valued at $1,036,000, the annual city tax would rise from $413.11 to $441.60, an increase of $28.49. For a business of the same value, the tax would increase from $751.10 to $802.90, an increase of $51.80.
Highland Fling
The council issued quorum notices for the Highland Fling event running July 30 through August 1, 2026, at Heritage Park and other locations. No official business, decisions, or discussions were scheduled. Council members were not required to attend; the notice noted only a possible quorum.
Coming up
- **August 4, 2026 — City Council:** Public hearing on proposed amendments to sight triangle regulations and landscaping requirements. The council will also consider adopting a water-wise landscaping ordinance to qualify for state and Central Utah Water Conservancy District rebates, selling three city-owned orphan parcels adjacent to properties owned by Jared Carman, Craig Johanson, and Rick Louder, awarding bids to Sidewinders for Well 4 motor repair, ICTech for Beacon Hills booster station SCADA replacement, and Insituform for phase 3 of sewer slip lining project. Dollar amounts for the bids were not specified in the agenda. The council will also discuss detached accessory dwelling unit regulations.
- **August 6, 2026 — Truth in Taxation Open House:** 7:00 pm at Highland City Hall.
- **August 11, 2026 — Truth in Taxation public hearing:** Proposed property tax increase of $172,488 in additional annual revenue, 6.89% above last year's budgeted revenue excluding new growth. Hearing at Highland City Hall, 5400 West Civic Center Drive.