Shape Spearfish Unified Development Code rewrite
Summary
The city is rewriting its entire development code — zoning, subdivisions, landscaping, and review processes — to match the Adventure Ahead Comprehensive Plan. It's an 18-month project with open houses, an online survey, and advisory board input, and residents can shape it at every step.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 30, 2026.
Impact analysis
No cost figure given yet, but a full code rewrite is a multi-year project with consultant and staff costs.
Residents, developers, and homeowners all get clearer, more user-friendly rules and a say in how the city grows.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Sep 30, 2026
The city is rewriting its entire development code — zoning, subdivisions, landscaping, and review processes — to match the Adventure Ahead Comprehensive Plan. It's an 18-month project with open houses, an online survey, and advisory board input, and residents can shape it at every step.
Planning Commission - Sep 1, 2026
The UDC rewrite steering committee is being finalized, with the first meeting targeted for September 30. Commissioners asked for updates and got a timeline.
City Council - Jul 20, 2026
The city hired Clarion Associates for $152,675 to rewrite its 30-year-old zoning and land development code. Over ~18 months, a stakeholder steering committee including residents and builders will help shape rules on setbacks, parking, signage, and how development gets approved. This will determine what Spearfish looks like as it grows.
City Council - Jul 15, 2026
The city plans to hire Clarion Associates for $152,500 to rewrite its zoning and subdivision code — phase two of a project started with a March assessment. Work would run across three budget years, wrapping up in 2028.
Planning Commission - Feb 3, 2026
The city is reviewing its zoning and subdivision codes with consultant Clarion, with a presentation planned for March — possibly at a joint commission/council session. The goal is simpler rules that still produce quality development.
Planning Commission - Jan 20, 2026
A consultant's draft assessment recommends a possible full rewrite of the city's zoning, subdivision, and landscaping codes to make them clearer, more user-friendly, and aligned with the new comprehensive plan. Any rewrite would take 12–24 months with a stakeholder committee and extensive public input.
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