In November, The Canyons ski resort of Summit County, along with Wasatch Powderbird Guides (WPG), applied for a “Low Impact Permit” to build a three-pad heliport within a few hundred feet of several lodges and condominium developments near the base of the resort. The zoning regulations state that any use qualifying for a “Low Impact Permit” must not intensify noise levels, but Planning Commissions often waive regulations that interfere with developers’ plans. Letters from concerned residents poured in, running ten to one against the proposal, and the Synderville Basin Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing. Despite the snowy roads that Tuesday evening, the meeting room was filled to standing room only – and so was the hall outside.

The Commission was briefed by the planning staff, then discussed the proposal with representatives of The Canyons and WPG. Evidently, The Canyons would like to add heli-skiing to its list of marketable attractions, and WPG would like to offer heli-skiing based out of Summit County. According to WPG, they have occasionally landed in parking lots further east for years. When the current zoning regulations were passed, this low level of helicopter activity was grandfathered as a “legal non-conforming use,” to be tolerated until it ends or is brought into conformance. The proposed heliport would allow that activity to continue at a new location.

However, the heliport proposal contained no limits on how much traffic or what kind of activities would take place there. Nothing would prevent WPG from moving its entire operation there, which would entail storage for explosives and fuel as well as multiple helicopters. Residents could be subjected to window-rattling noise of helicopters shuttling up to a dozen groups of clients to and from the heliport on every morning and afternoon of every fair-weather day of the ski season. Once permitted, the heliport could be used for summer scenic tours as well as winter heli-skiing, and residents would have little or no leverage to control the impacts.

Before the Commission opened the floor for public comments, they advised the attendees that the Commission didn’t need to hear about noise impacts; and furthermore, that the public should refrain from applauding to show their approval of any comments. Naturally – and quite properly – the audience and the several dozen people who commented ignored this advice. This was fortunate, since the public comments gave numerous potential impacts, including noise, a much more thorough discussion than the Commission had. About two hours after the start of the meeting, the Commission had understood the message loud and clear: they voted unanimously against the heliport proposal.

Loose ends remain. For now, it seems that WPG will still be allowed to shuttle clients to and from landing sites east of The Canyons – although some commenters suggested that WPG hadn’t been using that permit, and so it may be expired. It was suggested that The Canyons should build a heliport further up the mountain, to the west, where the noise and overflights would be further from residents. A more detailed and limited proposal might have been looked on more favorably, so The Canyons and WPG may eventually submit another proposal. Summit County citizens should stay alert for early warning signs – by the time you hear the helicopters, it’s usually too late.

For the meeting agenda, staff report, and some letters, see page 34 of this report:

http://www.summitcounty.org/information/downloads/sbpc/sbpc_packet_12_08...