Let's Talk about Building Permits

Lots of questions are being asked after a recent article on the number of building permits issued by Eagle Mountain in 2024. Questions are ranging from "Why not enact a moratorium?" to "If elected, what will you do to quell permit releases?"

Let’s start with the facts: Eagle Mountain issued more home building permits than any other Utah city in 2024. But what that statistic doesn’t show is why — most of these permits are tied to developments that were legally approved years ago. Once a subdivision is approved and vested, the city is obligated by state law to issue permits as long as building plans meet code. We don’t get to say no after the fact, and pretending otherwise could open our city up to costly lawsuits.

I understand the frustration. But as mayor, I won’t offer reactionary, feel-good answers that put our residents at financial risk. I will lead proactively, lawfully, and with long-term vision — managing growth with both heart and discipline.

Let’s look at the data. This chart of building permits over the past five years tells a much more complete story:

-The overall trend from 2020 to 2023 is downward. After a post-COVID building spike in late 2021, permit activity dropped sharply.

-2024–2025 shows fluctuations, not runaway growth. The city is releasing permits for existing approvals, many of which are still from old subdivisions that had entitlements issued years ago.

-Permit levels today are in line with, or lower than, pre-COVID numbers. We’re not accelerating — we’re stabilizing.

This chart also reflects regional and national housing market shifts. The slowdown in mid-2022 aligns with rising interest rates and supply chain issues — not a city policy failure. Despite growth pressure, Eagle Mountain is not issuing permits irresponsibly. We are balancing legal obligations with process improvements and stronger oversight.

What the Law Allows

Under Utah Code § 10‑9a‑504, cities may enact a temporary land use moratorium (up to 180 days) only if:

-There’s a compelling public interest (like a major infrastructure failure or health risk),

-The area lacks zoning regulations, or

-There’s an active transportation corridor study underway.

Moratoriums cannot stop already-approved subdivisions or revoke vested rights. Attempting to do so without a strong legal basis would invite lawsuits Eagle Mountain taxpayers would have to pay for.

What Eagle Mountain is Doing Now:

-Permit expiration rules: If work doesn’t begin or inspections aren’t scheduled within 180 days, permits expire.

-Improved internal controls: More staffing, better software, and updated processes now guide our planning departments.

-Infrastructure-first planning: Eagle Mountain’s General Plan and Future Land Use Map ensure that growth aligns with infrastructure needs like roads, utilities, and open space

-Future-focused tools: The city uses its long-term planning tools—the General Plan, Future Land Use Map, transportation plan, and open space strategy—to guide development thoughtfully and sustainably

What I’ll Do As Mayor

1. Track and regulate permit activity based on real-time data to ensure growth doesn’t outpace services.

2. Update impact fees and infrastructure schedules so new development contributes its fair share toward roads, parks, and utilities.

3. Support legal, narrowly tailored slowdowns only when justified — and only if doing so won’t expose the city to lawsuits.

4. Prioritize annual “fee vs. fund” analysis so we clearly understand what we’re collecting and how it matches our service and staffing needs.

5. Proactively seek outside funding for roads and public infrastructure. I’ll work with UDOT, MAG, and the state legislature to get Eagle Mountain our fair share.

6. Advance public transportation solutions — starting now. I’m already working with UTA to bring a micro-transit pilot program to Eagle Mountain. This flexible, on-demand shuttle service will help reduce congestion and improve mobility for commuters, students, and families.

7. Engage the community through transparent planning updates, neighborhood input sessions, and easy-to-understand growth reports.

Bottom Line

This chart proves what headlines missed: Eagle Mountain is managing old approvals with updated tools and stronger accountability.

As your mayor, I’ll will continue to protect our taxpayers from legal risk, align growth with infrastructure, and plan ahead — not react. That’s the leadership Eagle Mountain needs, and that’s the leadership I’m ready to deliver. https://kutv.com/news/utahs-growing-pains/eagle-mountain-issued-most-home-building-permits-in-utah-in-2024-study-finds?fbclid=IwY2xjawMZMF1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBSTVEbGlDQTRqUDhXQUZJAR5wgxEkSwWfsIzLZ1p92smHXfGiGsHWZUEKkD3NIHEM2vuLgovkJ4GhVQRwtg_aem_caGJMz0ba9lv-RC_HfOfmg