REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
DUCHESNE COUNTY
Land Use Appeal Authority
1. GENERAL
Objective/Purpose
Duchesne County, Utah ('County), is soliciting proposals from qualified individuals to serve as the County's Land Use Appeal Authority.
Pursuant to Duchesne County Ordinance No. 26-432, Land Use Amendments Ordinance, the County seeks an independent, qualified professional to serve as the Land Use Appeal Authority and perform the duties associated with reviewing and deciding appeals involving land use matters.
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to identify an individual with the appropriate education, experience, legal knowledge, and professional judgment to ensure that land use appeals are considered fairly, impartially, and in accordance with applicable law.
2. TERM
The initial term of the agreement shall be four (4) years, with the option for the County to extend the agreement for subsequent one (1) year extensions.
The County reserves the right to terminate the agreement in accordance with the applicable provisions of Duchesne County Ordinance No. 26-432, Land Use Amendments Ordinance, and the terms of the executed agreement.
3. SERVICE/WORK REQUIREMENTS
Expectations
The selected individual shall perform the duties necessary to review, hear, and decide land use appeals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and procedures.
The selected individual is expected to:
1. Attend scheduled hearings and meetings as required and participate in the consideration and decision-making process, including issuing decisions as applicable to the position.
2. Review application materials, staff reports, exhibits, testimony, and other relevant documentation before each hearing.
3. Conduct site visits or field inspections when appropriate and legally permissible.
4. Carefully consider the evidence, testimony, and arguments presented by all parties.
5. Ask relevant questions to clarify facts, issues, and applicable legal standards.
6. Exercise independent and impartial judgment in the public interest, without favoring any individual, group, or special interest.
7. Understand and respect constitutional rights, due process requirements, and other applicable legal protections.
8. Have a working knowledge of and comply with applicable federal and state laws, County ordinances, and other relevant local regulations as they may all be amended.
9. Treat applicants, property owners, residents, staff, and other participants with professionalism, courtesy, and respect, regardless of their positions or viewpoints.
10. Make decisions consistent with applicable law and the authority granted to the position, without any regard to public clamor.
11. Maintain a working knowledge of land use planning principles, practices, and legal requirements relevant to the review and adjudication of land use appeals.
Qualifications
Proposals should demonstrate the applicant possesses the following qualifications:
1. A bachelor's degree or higher in law, public administration, urban planning, or a related field. A master's degree or other advanced professional qualification is preferred.
2. Demonstrated knowledge, through experience, of land use law, including Utah's Land Use, Development, and Management Act (LUDMA), and other applicable state and local requirements.
3. Relevant professional experience serving as an administrative law judge, judge, hearing officer, or in a comparable role involving the administration, interpretation, or adjudication of land use laws and ordinances in Utah.
4. Availability to conduct hearings and attend meetings on an as-needed basis, potentially up to once per month.
5. Ability to satisfy all applicable eligibility, qualification, and service requirements established by Duchesne County Ordinance No. 26-432, Land Use Amendments Ordinance (see Exhibit A).
Applicants should identify any relevant professional licenses, certifications, judicial or administrative experience, and other qualifications that demonstrate their ability to perform required service.
Pricing
Applicants shall submit a proposed compensation structure for the services described in the RFP.
4. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Proposals must be received no later than November 13, 2026. Proposals may be submitted using either of the following methods:
By Mail or Hand Delivery:
Duchesne County Commission
Attn: Melissa Hughes
734 North Center Street
P.O. Box 270
Duchesne, Utah 84021
Proposals submitted in person or by mail must be in a sealed envelope.
By Email:
Melissa Hughes
melissa.hughes@duchesne.utah.gov
All proposals must be clearly labeled 'Land Use Appeal Authority Proposal'
Each submission must include the applicant's name and contact information and should include sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this RFP, including:
1. A résumé or professional curriculum vitae.
2. A summary of relevant education, qualifications, and professional experience.
3. A description of the applicant's experience with land use law, administrative hearings, and the interpretation or application of applicable laws and ordinances.
4. A proposed compensation and pricing structure.
5. Any additional information demonstrating the applicant's ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Land Use Appeal Authority.
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of Duchesne County Ordinance No. 26-432, Land Use Amendments Ordinance (Exhibit A).
The Duchesne County Commission will review and evaluate the proposals received in response to this RFP. The County may conduct additional discussions, request supplemental information, or invite applicants to participate in interviews as part of the evaluation process.
The County anticipates making a final selection and awarding the agreement at the first available duly noticed County Commission meeting following completion of the proposal review process.
The County reserves the right to determine which proposal best serves the County's interests, subject to applicable law and County procurement requirements.
ATTACHMENTS
- Exhibit A. Ordinance 26-432 Land Use Amendments
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify the Duchesne County Clerk's Office 435-738-1103
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Pursuant to UCA 52-4-207 - no electronic or telephonic participation is available for the meeting.