Planning commission backs ordinance requiring geotechnical slope-stability reports near deep excavations

The Springdale Planning Commission on July 16 recommended that the Town Council approve an ordinance change requiring geotechnical reports that include slope stability assessments for certain deep excavations. Staff presented draft language that would trigger the report when an excavation is located less than twice the excavation depth from a property line, a slope of 30% or greater, or a protected natural wash or regulatory floodway.

The change is intended to ensure development addresses stability risks adjacent to deep excavations. According to staff, the required geotechnical report must include a slope stability assessment and any recommended mitigation must be incorporated into the development.

Commissioners discussed the draft during deliberations and expressed that the language reflected prior work sessions and was straightforward. Jennifer McCullough, Planning Commissioner, moved that the commission recommend approval of revisions to Chapter 10.15(f) of the Springdale Town Code regarding slope stability assessments, citing consistency with the general plan’s land use and town appearance goals; Terry Kruschke, Planning Commissioner, seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with commissioners voting in the affirmative.

Discussion (noted but not altering the motion) emphasized that staff, in consultation with the town engineer, developed the draft and that the requirement applies only in the specified proximity circumstances. The commission’s action is a recommendation to the Town Council; it does not itself change the town code until the council acts.

The commission’s motion was recorded as a recommendation to the council; commissioners did not add amendments at the meeting. Staff will be expected to monitor future development and ensure implementation of any geotechnical recommendations at the construction stage.