Planning Commission Study Meeting

WEST VALLEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Study Meeting May 20, 2020 The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Meaders using Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95328405803 WEST VALLEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS Brent Fuller, David McEwen, Clover Meaders, Darrick Porter, Harold Woodruff, Cindy Wood, Mathew Lovato and Martell Winters ABSENT WEST VALLEY CITY PLANNING DIVISION STAFF Steve Pastorik, and Kirsten Hunt WEST VALLEY CITY ADMINISTRATION Brandon Hill, Assistant City Attorney ZONE TEXT CHANGE APPLICATION ZT-3-2020 Petition by WEST VALLEY CITY requesting a zone text change to amend the residential building design standards in the CC (City Center) zone. (Staff – Steve Pastorik at 801-963-3545) Discussion: Steve Pastorik explained that a few months ago changes were made to the multifamily design standards. These changes were approved and made to the chapter 7-11. The City Center zone has similar standards as the multifamily design standards. Steve stated this proposal will align the multifamily design standards with the City Center zone with a few unique standards that only apply to the City Center zone. Commissioner Winters asked if the many items crossed out within the residential building design pertains to the similarities of the City Center zone and the multifamily design standards. Steve stated that was correct and the remaining items are those that pertain only to the City Center zone standards. GENERAL PLAN/ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION GPZ-3-2020 Petition by JOE SALISBURY requesting a General Plan change from Commercial/Light Manufacturing to High Density Residential (12 to 20 units/acre) and a zone change from A (Agriculture, minimum lot size ½ acre) and M (Manufacturing) to RM (Multiple Unit Dwelling Residential). The property is located at 2892 S Decker Lake Dr. on 16.05 acres. (Staff – Steve Pastorik at 801-963-3545) Continued from May 13, 2020 public hearing Discussion: Steve Pastorik explained this application was continued from the last public hearing. Steve stated he has since spent time with Nate Ship, from DUI, discussing the issues brought up in the staff report. Steve stated that the applicant presented another option for this proposal. This option would contain different types of townhomes and exclude apartment buildings. Steve explained this would change the density from the original proposal. Steve then stated the applicant is requesting feedback from the Planning Commission, should stay with the original proposal, or change the proposal to all townhomes. Commissioner Winters stated he likes the idea of lesser density. He then asked Steve if renting townhomes as opposed to apartments would lessen the turnover. Steve explained he does not have any data on the turnover comparison. Steve explained the units would be larger and require a higher rent or price than a mixture of townhomes and apartments. Commissioner Winters stated the subject property has been vacant for a while and he would be in favor of a development that would add to the economy and lessen turnover. Commissioner Lovato stated having an owner-occupied townhome would help to increase the quality of living. Commissioner Wood expressed her concern with the density of the current proposal. She explained the apartment buildings would place many people in a small area and she would be more in favor of owner-occupied townhomes. Commissioner Winters inquired about the volume of police calls in the existing apartments adjacent to the subject property. Steve explained there is data on apartments of 100 or more units. Steve stated Eagle Gate apartments are located to the west of the subject property and are in the top 3 as far as the number of police calls. Steve pointed out that they have one of the highest numbers of occupants. Steve then explained the two apartment complexes along Redwood road are also in the top 3 as far as the number of police calls. Commissioner Winters asked if there is data on the number of calls per capita. Steve explained he has data from a few years back that he would be happy to provide. Commissioner McEwen expressed there is a high apartment turnover and he has noticed there are many vacancy signs on the existing apartment buildings. Commissioner Fuller stated the fleeing from this location was originally based on the increase of elementary students in the schools. He explained the population felt there was a change in the school diversity and teachings. Commissioner Woodruff explained how he is still not certain this is a good location for this proposal. He then asked Steve to summarize what was stated in the staff report about the location. Steve summarized the staff recommended considerations about the right location and quality of multifamily dwellings. Commissioner Winters stated these considerations seem to pertain more to the density as opposed to if it is a townhome or an apartment. Steve explained that the higher the density the more important the location and quality become. The Planning Commission discussed the need to add businesses in this area. They agreed the business will improve the economy and keep people in the subject location. Steve recapped the request for feedback on the current proposal or changing the proposal to contain all townhomes. Commissioner Woodruff still is not sure this is the best location but does agree with building townhomes and not apartments. Commissioner Lovato ended the conversation stating he would be more open to a multistory building with internal parking to prevent overflow parking into the streets. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Kirsten Hunt, Administrative Assistant