City Council Approves Controversial Hotel Development Plan

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the approval of a hillside permit for a proposed 92-room hotel on approximately 2.59 acres located at 1470 East, near 300 South. The project, which includes a four-story building reaching a height of 49 feet, is designed to enhance the commercial landscape of the area, which has been earmarked for such developments since the 1990s.

The planning commission has recommended approval of the project, contingent upon the amendment of the existing Planned Development Commercial (PDC) zoning, which currently restricts building heights to 40 feet. The proposed hotel exceeds this limit but remains within the allowable height of 50 feet set by the PDC guidelines. The developers have also exceeded parking requirements by providing additional spaces beyond the standard of one stall per room plus two for staff.

The site plan includes a single access point on 1470 East and features a landscaping plan that incorporates street trees and native rock to blend the development with the surrounding environment. The project aims to address the hillside's topography, with plans for grading and retaining walls to ensure stability and aesthetic integration with the natural landscape.

The approval of this hillside permit is seen as a significant step towards further commercial development in the area, following the historical context of previous approvals for nearby retail giants like Lowe's and Target. The planning commission's conditions for approval emphasize the importance of maintaining the area's natural features while accommodating new growth.