What Is Washington County Changing in Its Zoning Code? Quick Answer
The Washington County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. on a package of changes to the county zoning code. According to the county's hearing notice, the proposal would:
- Repeal and replace Chapters 1–10 of the zoning code (Title 10 of the county code)
- Add provisions for agritourism
- Add a new Rural Tourism Zone
- Modify Chapter 12, the Mining and Gravel Zone
The Planning Commission doesn't make the final call. The notice says it will "consider, discuss, and receive public input, and will make a recommendation to the County Commission." The draft code text was not attached to the hearing notice or the meeting agenda on the Utah Public Notice Website as of October 12. To see it before the hearing, call the county's Community Development Department.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When | Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 p.m. (item 6 of 9 on the agenda) |
| Where | County Commission Chambers, Washington County Administration Building, 111 E. Tabernacle, St. George |
| Online | Zoom. The Oct. 8 agenda lists Meeting ID 873 1880 8198, passcode 055022 |
| Speaking time | 2 minutes per person per item; 5 minutes for a spokesperson representing a group |
| Written comments | Community Development Department, Washington County, 111 East Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770, before the meeting |
| Questions | Community Development, 435-301-7250 |
| Who decides | The Washington County Commission, after the Planning Commission's recommendation |
Who Does the County Zoning Code Affect?
Washington County's zoning code governs land in the unincorporated parts of the county, the areas outside city and town limits. Residents inside St. George, Hurricane, Washington, Ivins and the other cities and towns are under their own city's zoning. The same October 13 agenda shows the line: on one application that also lists parcels inside Leeds, the county notes those parcels are "within the City's jurisdiction and are not subject to Washington County's land use review."
If you own land in an unincorporated area, such as Dammeron Valley, where another item on this agenda is located, a rewrite of Chapters 1–10 could change the rules that apply to your property. The notice does not say which provisions change, so the draft is the only way to know.
What Do We Know About the Agritourism and Rural Tourism Proposals?
Only what the county's public notices say. Earlier notices show how the package developed:
- June 25, 2026: A Planning Commission work meeting was noticed to "review and discuss various code changes to Title 10 including agritourism and rural tourism."
- July 14, 2026: A public hearing was noticed on Title 10 updates that listed agritourism, a rural tourism zone, signage and an outdoor tourism overlay zone.
- September 14, 2026: A work meeting agenda listed a review of "the redraft of Chapters 1-10 of Title 10."
- October 13, 2026: The current hearing, which adds the full repeal and replacement of Chapters 1–10 and the Chapter 12 Mining and Gravel Zone changes. Signage and the outdoor tourism overlay zone are not named in this notice.
- October 29, 2026: Another work meeting is noticed to review code changes to Title 10, Chapters 11–20.
The notices don't define agritourism, describe where a Rural Tourism Zone could be applied, or say what changes for mining and gravel operations. We'll update this article if the county posts the draft or the Planning Commission acts.
How Can I Comment on the Zoning Changes?
You can speak at the hearing in person or over Zoom, or send written comments to the Community Development Department before the meeting. The agenda says repetitive comments won't be allowed. For accommodations, the county asks you to contact Community Development in advance at 435-301-7250.
The final decision belongs to the County Commission. County races and local questions are on the November 3 ballot; see our Washington County 2026 election guide. For another recent local government explainer, see our story on St. George's new power cost adjustment. Thinking about buying land outside city limits? Our moving to St. George guide covers the area's communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Washington County zoning code hearing?
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers at 111 E. Tabernacle in St. George, with a Zoom option. It is item 6 on the Planning Commission agenda.
Does the Planning Commission approve the new zoning code?
No. The Planning Commission takes public input and makes a recommendation. The Washington County Commission makes the final decision.
Does this affect property inside St. George or other cities?
The county zoning code applies to unincorporated areas. Land inside a city or town follows that city's zoning.
Where can I read the draft code?
The draft wasn't attached to the hearing notice or agenda on the Utah Public Notice Website as of Oct. 12. Contact Washington County Community Development at 435-301-7250.
Sources: Washington County Notice of Public Hearing, Title 10 changes (posted September 22, 2026); Washington County Planning Commission agenda, October 13, 2026; Planning Commission notices for June 25, July 14, September 14 and October 29, 2026. All are posted on the Utah Public Notice Website.
