Has St. George Stopped Blasting? Quick Answer
The St. George City Council voted 5-0 on Oct. 1, 2026, to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-079, a temporary zoning ordinance that puts a six-month moratorium on new blasting permits in city limits. It suspends the city code provisions for permitting and processing blasting applications for any new permit applied for on or after Oct. 2, 2026. The council returned to the topic in its Nov. 5 work meeting.
The moratorium ends in six months unless the council ends it sooner. Under Utah law, a temporary land-use regulation like this one cannot run longer than six months.
Why Did the City Pause Blasting Permits?
The ordinance's preamble says the city "has found that multiple residents have raised concerns about blasting in and near their residences and have complained about damage that they allege was likely caused by blasting." It says the city wants to understand the impacts of current blasting practices, "including alleged structural damage to surrounding property and noise."
The staff report, from City Attorney Ryan Dooley, says the pause will let the council address issues raised by concerned citizens. The ordinance says the goal is to create new provisions that "better balance the needs of the City, the public, and the private companies that utilize blasting in their construction methods."
What Does the Moratorium Cover?
- It applies to new blasting permit applications made on or after Oct. 2, 2026.
- It suspends the city code rules for permitting and processing blasting applications. Blasting in St. George is regulated under Title 4, Chapter 9 of the city code, which covers mining, blasting and aggregate operations, and under city-adopted blasting standards.
- No application inconsistent with the suspension may be processed.
- It lasts no longer than six months from its effective date.
The ordinance text does not say what happens to permits issued before Oct. 2, and the city has not published draft replacement rules.
How Did the Council Vote?
According to the approved Oct. 1 minutes, Councilmember Larkin made the motion and Councilmember Larsen seconded it. The roll call was unanimous: Larkin, Larsen, Tanner, Kemp and Anderson all voted aye.
What Happened Nov. 5?
The council's Nov. 5 work meeting agenda included item 4, "Discussion regarding the Temporary Zoning Ordinance for blasting." Work meetings are for discussion, and no vote on the item was listed. The packet did not include a staff memo with proposed rules. Minutes from Nov. 5 have not been posted yet. We will update this story when they are, or when the city brings proposed code changes forward.
The same work meeting also covered owner-occupied short-term rentals; see our short-term rental report. The regular meeting that evening is summarized in our Nov. 5 council roundup.
Why It Matters
Construction in St. George often means excavating rock, and the city's growth is continuing. Recent planned-development decisions, including the Oct. 22 Ledges and Desert Canyons items and the Nov. 10 Planning Commission agenda, show the pace of new development. Residents can send written comments to the city recorder at publiccomments@sgcityutah.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blasting banned in St. George?
The city paused new blasting permits. Ordinance No. 2026-079, adopted Oct. 1, 2026, suspends permitting and processing for any new blasting permit applied for on or after Oct. 2, 2026, for up to six months.
Why did St. George adopt a blasting moratorium?
The ordinance says multiple residents complained about damage they believe blasting caused near their homes, plus noise. The city wants time to study the impacts and write new rules.
How long does the blasting moratorium last?
No longer than six months from its effective date, unless the council ends it sooner.
How did the council vote on the blasting moratorium?
5-0. Councilmembers Larkin, Larsen, Tanner, Kemp and Anderson voted aye on Oct. 1, 2026.
How can I comment on blasting rules in St. George?
Written comments can go to the City Recorder at 61 South Main Street or publiccomments@sgcityutah.gov.
Sources: St. George City Council, Oct. 1, 2026 amended agenda packet, item 17 and Ordinance No. 2026-079; St. George City Council, Oct. 1, 2026 regular meeting minutes; St. George City Council, Nov. 5, 2026 work meeting agenda.
