Any new applications for subdivisions and annexations to the city of Hailey will have to wait six months for consideration. In a special meeting Friday, July 1, the Hailey City Council voted unanimously in favor of a 182-day moratorium.
The ruling will not affect any certified development plans, but no proposals that would result in any new buildable lots will be considered.
Mayor Susan McBryant and the City Council welcomed the moratorium, which is intended to give the city time to rewrite the subdivision ordinance to address issues such as affordable work-force housing.
"There is discussion about other things that will be worked on at the same time," said Hailey Planning Director Kathy Grotto.
Grotto said the city might look at a possible impact fee ordinance and more historic preservation work. A historic preservation committee established in the spring is currently studying old Hailey to assess its historic character.
The council and public present at the meeting, all of whom spoke in support of the moratorium, raised many other issues, including, city-core density, transportation and traffic and the current strain on public services.
A final list of topics to be ironed out during the moratorium is expected to follow a town hall meeting scheduled for Aug. 11.
McBryant said residents interested in serving on a committee to help set priorities for the moratorium should contact the city clerk's office.
"We're a special community," said Councilwoman Carol Brown. "This isn't anti-growth, it's doing it right. We don't get a second chance."
"This gives us a good moment to look at what we want our zoning to do," said Councilwoman Martha Burke. "Work-force and deed-restricted housing are important and it's vital that we don't allow growth to apply so much pressure to the community that we find it objectionable to live here. I agree with the Smart Growth philosophy. At what cost do we lose old Hailey?"
