Summit County News - 1/7/26

Happy New Year from Summit County! We’re getting right down to business in 2026 with a number of deadlines and updates you won’t want to miss.

In this email:

• Applications for Spring Community Planning Lab are open

• Current volunteer openings on boards & commissions

• A Business License renewal deadline reminder

• Candidate filing period closes soon

• Last call for Christmas tree drop-offs

• Vote on a new name for the Skullcandy Building!

Applications open for Community Planning Lab Spring 2026

The Community Planning Lab is a course designed for Summit County residents, community leaders, business owners, and other community stakeholders who want to be more engaged in and better understand the processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions. The course aims to empower community members to be more involved in shaping the future of Summit County.

The course is 11 sessions long and will be held Monday evenings from 6:00 - 8:30 pm, from February 23 to May 4, 2026. It will be held at the Ledges Conference Room in Coalville for the first 7 sessions and the Sheldon Richins Big Auditorium in Kimball Junction for the last 4 sessions.

Please apply here if you’re interested!

Volunteers needed!

Summit County has vacancies on the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) and the North Summit Recreation Special Service District Control Board.

OSAC members are on the front lines of open space protection, reviewing proposals and providing recommendations to County Council to ensure conservation efforts reflect the values, needs, and character of communities across the county.

If you’re passionate about protecting open space county-wide and want to contribute to the long-term stewardship of Summit County’s landscapes, we encourage you to apply.

• Qualifications: Summit County is seeking one (1) community representative that currently resides in North Summit.

• Commitment: Meetings are currently scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 PM at a rotating location throughout the County, and are subject to change. Terms are three (3) years for each OSAC member.

North Summit Recreation District is seeking one (1) individual to fill the vacancy on its Administrative Control Board.

• Qualifications: Applicants must be a registered voter within the district and/or an officer or employee of the city of Coalville or the town of Henefer.

• Commitment: Meetings are scheduled at the Summit County Courthouse on the second Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Visit https://www.summitcounty.org/806/Volunteer-Boards-Form to submit an application or contact Amy Jones: 435-336-3042 for more information.

Applications are open until filled!

Reminder: Business License renewals are due

Calling all local business owners! Business licenses renewals are due by January 15, 2026!

Please note the following important changes to the renewal process this year: 

• Businesses will be asked to affirm their compliance with relevant county codes/inspections/etc.

• Short-Term Rental Licensees will be required to provide additional information than in years past, including information on parking, number of bedrooms, and emergency contact information. 

• For businesses located within the Kimball Area Transportation Special Service District, there is an annual assessment fee collected by High Valley Transit. The fee helps to fund strong and accessible public transit services in the Kimball Junction area. It is charged annually and is based on your business type (office, large retail, retail, or restaurant) and square footage. You’ll receive an invoice each year in April or May, sent via email or mail, depending on the contact information you provide on your business license application.

Businesses should have received an email with a link to renew their licenses. If you did not receive a renewal email, please call 435-336-3204.

Candidate Filing Period Reminder

Interested in running for office? The candidate filing period for affiliated candidates and local school board candidates opened January 2 and closes this Thursday, January 8, 2026. For more information, visit: https://www.summitcountyutah.gov/290/Candidates.

Last call for Christmas tree drop offs

Our Christmas Tree Drop-Off sites are open until next Monday, January 12, 2026, at: 

🎄 Jeremy Ranch – across from Jeremy Ranch Gas Station
🎄 Silver Creek – Bell’s Truck Stop
🎄 Oakley – beside City Hall
🎄 Kamas – behind the City Building
🎄 Wanship – next to the Stockyards

A quick reminder: trees only! No lights, plastic bags, stands, or leftover décor.

Connect with your County!

• Sign up for emergency alerts

• Listen to the Summit in Six podcast

• Text “SUMMITCOUNTY” to 91896 for non-emergency text alerts