Connecting Tremonton’s Present to its Future

The Tremonton Planning Commission is an advisory body appointed by the City Council to guide Tremonton’s growth and development. We are here to ensure that every development decision strengthens our community’s connections between neighbors, between past and future, between development and quality of life.

We hold public hearings on development applications and policy changes to ensure community voices are heard. Your input shapes our recommendations.

Dignity in Deliberation:
We treat every applicant, resident, and stakeholder with respect. We listen carefully, ask questions, and engage in dignified deliberation that seeks common ground.

Role of the Planning Commission:

Advise the City Council on recommendations to planning policies:

  • General Plan updates and amendments (Tremonton’s long-term vision)
  • Zoning Ordinance changes and improvements
  • Subdivision regulations and development standards
  • Overlay zones (like the Rivers Edge Overlay Zone)
  • Special area plans (downtown, corridors, gateways)

Provide oversight and input on:

  • Comprehensive Plan development and updates
  • Transportation planning and corridor studies
  • Parks and recreation master plans
  • Annexation policy and planning
  • Special studies (Main Street Plan, etc.)

Reviews and makes recommendations on Development Applications:

  • Subdivision applications (Preliminary Plats and Final Plats)
  • Conditional Use Permits for special land uses
  • Site Plan Reviews for commercial and multi-family development
  • Zoning Map Amendments (rezoning requests)
  • Development Agreements for large-scale projects
  • Variances to zoning regulations (in some cases)

Decision Types and the Role of Public Input

Not all land use decisions are the same. The Planning Commission handles two types of actions—legislative and administrative—and each is guided differently.

Legislative Decisions (Policy and land use Changes)

These decisions involve changes to policy or zoning. Public input is essential and influential. The Commission may consider community preferences, concerns, and long-term vision. The Commission makes a recommendation, and the City Council makes the final decision. In these cases, community input helps shape what the rules should be.

Administrative Decisions (Applying Existing Rules, code based)

These decisions do not change zoning or policy—they apply rules that are already adopted. Administrative decisions must be based on substantial evidence in the record. The Commission must follow clear standards in city code. If an application meets all requirements and it doesn’t violate state or federal law, it should be approved. Public input is still heard and valued, but decisions must be based on facts, standards, and compliance, not opinion alone.

Important: The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes final decisions on zoning changes, large developments, and policy amendments.

Why This Matters:
Our recommendations carry significant weight because we dive deep into the technical details, review applications thoroughly, and represent community interests. We’re the first detailed review that development proposals receive.


COMMISSION MEMBERS

Meet Your Planning Commissioners

The Tremonton Planning Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the City Council to serve 3-year terms. and 2 alternate members that serve a 1-year term. Commissioners are volunteers who donate their time to help shape Tremonton’s future.

Current Commissioners

Raulon Van Tassell

  • Position: Chair
  • Appointed: 2023

Micah Capener

  • Position: Commission Member
  • Appointed: 2012

Karen Ellsworth

  • Position: Commission Member
  • Appointed: 2025

Andrea Miller

  • Position: Commission Member
  • Appointed: 2024

Mark Thompson

  • Position: Commission Member
  • Appointed: 2026

Ashley Phillips

  • Position: Commission Member Alternate
  • Appointed: 2025

Jack Stickney

  • Position: Commission Member Alternate
  • Appointed: 2025

Staff Support

ChrisDean Epling
Zoning Administrator
Phone: [phone] Email: Cepling@tremontoncity.gov

Tiffany Lannefeld
Deputy City Recorder (Meeting minutes and agendas)
Phone: [phone] Email: tlannefeld@tremontoncity.gov


What Happens After the Planning Commission Meets?

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council.

For major decisions (rezonings, large developments, ordinance changes):

  1. Planning Commission reviews → Makes recommendation
  2. City Council reviews → Holds public hearing
  3. City Council decides → Final decision

Interested in serving on the Planning Commission?

If you are interested in serving on the planning commission, send a letter of interest, a resume, or fill out the application below and return it to the City Recorder: Cynthia Nelson, Cnelson@tremontoncity.gov

Planning Commission Application