Garden City Planning & Zoning

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  August 5, 2015. A public hearing was held concerning changes from the original development plan for Water’s Edge Resort.  There were not any changes that were significant from the original document.

The Regular Meeting was then called to order.

It was noted that the parking required for phases 9 and 10 is adequate.  These two phases are on one piece of property and can stand alone if that becomes necessary.   As other phases for this project are brought into the Planning Commission, it will be important to make sure everything ties together well.

The information presented at this time is only a development plan—not a final plat.  However, the Planning Commission asked that the wetlands permit be completed, the location of utility easements needs to be determined, information on how these two phases will fit with the parking completed on 150 South, and architectural plans that include building heights, set backs, etc. would also be appreciated.  Norm Mecham said he would give them the information as it becomes available from the engineers and architects. 

Several suggestions were made to perhaps enhance the project.  It was noted that bicycle racks are necessary unless the owners don’t care if bicycles are being carried up to the individual rooms.  Also, electric cars are becoming more common all the time.  Arrangements for charging these cars should be included in the parking plans to accommodate for these vehicles.  Demand is increasing for this all of the time.

The Lazy D Subdivision, represented by Gabe Lleras and Brent Skinner, asked that an exception to the building height for a club house be granted.   None of the other buildings are taller than the 25’ which is the beach zone requirement.  However, this building, in order to have a good slope for snow weight, needs to be a few feet higher than allowed in this zone.

The members of the Planning Commission noted that they are unable to allow for any changes in the zone ordinance.  However, there is a Variance Committee that can make such a decision.  These gentlemen were referred to that Committee.

It was noted that if there were anywhere on the beach when such a variance might be granted, it would be there.  There is a high knoll right behind where this building will be constructed.  There is no way that it would restrict views to the lake in any way.

It was brought to the attention of the Planning and Zoning Committee that the City Council had passed a couple of the ordinances that had been forwarded to them for final approval.  However, in the approval process, the Council changed the wording back to the original ordinance, thereby thwarting all of the Planning Commissions efforts to make enforcement possible for these items.  The Commission felt that perhaps at least one or two of the Commission members need to attend the City Council meeting to explain why the changes had been made.

The Commission approved Ordinance 15-22 after deleting the words “penthouse or.”  It will be passed onto the City Council for final approval.

It was noted that there are still some real problems with parking.  The City Council passed the ordinance last month that they had drafted.  However, no attention has been paid to the federal ADA requirements.  There must be at least one parking spot at each business for ADA parking which requires asphalt and striping. Anyone parking at any of the businesses that do not meet this federal mandate could be sued.  The business would be in jeopardy but the problem could also then fall back onto the City because this item is not addressed in the current ordinance.   It was suggested that all businesses licensed within the City be made aware of this federal requirement by sending each a letter containing this information.

It was noted that the entrance into Coffee and Crepes is too narrow to meet ordinance requirements as well.  Hopefully, this item will also be addressed by the City Council.