Policy 523: Capital Facilities Community Impact Policy

Section: Operating Policies
Sub-Section: General
Policy Number: 523
Subject: Capital Facilities Community Impact Policy
Origin Date: July 10, 2009
Effective Date: July 10, 2009
Download the PDF File for Policy 523

523.1 OVERVIEW

Pursuant to Policy R714 of the State Board of Regents, this policy established a process for planning and construction of capital facilities which minimizes adverse impact on nearby residents.

523.2 AUTHORITY

Utah State University is not subject to the planning and zoning authority of municipalities or other local governmental units in which it is located (Utah Code 10-9a-304), but as an institution of the state, it is subject to control and direction by its governing boards, the State Division of Facilities Construction & Management, the State Building Board, and the State Legislature.

However, it is the policy of the institution to address, at an early stage of its capital facilities planning and construction activities, those pertinent factors which would ordinarily be considered in municipal planning and zoning processes.

523.3 COMMUNITY IMPACT

When planning and constructing capital facilities on campus, the institution should consider ways, where appropriate, to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and/or the community in a manner consistent with the attainment of its missions and goals.

523.4 CONSULTATION WITH MUNICIPALITIES

The University may consult with City and County authorities about proposed or impending capital facilities construction projects when changes to traffic volume and patterns, health and safety, noise, parking, land use, impact on utilities systems and other municipal services and similar matters may substantially affect the City or the off-campus residential/business community. The administration shall meet as necessary with appropriate municipal authorities to share campus facilities master plans and other pertinent data.

523.5 MEETINGS WITH COMMUNITY RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, COMMUNITY COUNCILS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

To promote meaningful participation by off-campus residents, businesses and other organizations likely to be affected by proposed additions or changes to capital facilities and operations, a public meeting to review the Master Plan for the purpose of presenting current and proposed campus facilities master plans will be held.

Comments and recommendations received from residents, businesses, municipal officials, and others who participate in the annual meeting will be evaluated and considered in the planning and construction of capital facilities.

523.6. BOARD REVIEW OF MASTER PLANS

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Utah State University Master Plan and Facilities Master Plan for Regional Campuses will be forwarded for approval to the Board of Regents during its public meetings held at Utah State University.

523.7 ACTIONS OF GOVERNING BOARDS

The University will proceed with capital facilities projects and will implement changes to its operations and programs as directed by its governing boards.