Planning commission approves townhouse project on Great Ivy Way after developer agrees to road rebuild and development agreement

The Millcreek City Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use permit (CU24005) and a subdivision (SD240011) for a townhouse development off Great Ivy Way on Feb. 26, agreeing with staff that the project meets the development agreement and city code.

The application proposes four buildings of five three‑bedroom townhouse units each (20 units total), with two‑car garages for each unit and additional surface parking. Planning staff said the development exceeds the code parking requirement and meets the development‑agreement commitments, and the applicant agreed to fully reconstruct the private portion of Great Ivy Way to a 30‑foot back‑of‑curb width during development.

The development is subject to an existing development agreement tied to a prior rezone. Planning staff, represented by Brad Sanderson, told the commission the agreement already addresses many of the items that otherwise would be conditions in a conditional‑use permit, including parking, setbacks, landscaping and architectural standards. Sanderson said the plan shows a minimum 40% open space requirement and that the project proposes roughly 41.9% open space. He said the project provides 48 on‑site parking spaces (the code minimum cited in staff materials was 45) and there is potential for four additional unstriped on‑street spaces as overflow.

Neighbors said their primary concern was parking and construction impacts. Jeff Frazee, president of the Grape Ivy Way homeowners association, said the HOA owns the first section of the private road and asked the developer to minimize disruption. “Our main concern ... is the fact that we own the first ... of Grape Ivy Way itself,” Frazee told the commission, adding that residents rely on on‑street parking and use the narrow road for trash pickup.

The applicant, represented by Chase Freebairn of Cole West, told the commission the developer has met with neighbors and will coordinate construction access. “We have made every possible effort to coordinate and communicate with the neighbors ... We want to be a good neighbor,” Freebairn said.

Commissioners asked about sidewalks, parking and how many on‑street stalls might be available near the crash gate at the north end of the site. Staff said the project will connect internal sidewalks to an existing sidewalk on the south side of Great Ivy Way and that, because the road is private, the city’s ability to require pedestrian improvements on private property is limited; the developer will reconstruct the roadway and utilities to a 30‑foot width and provide full pavement and drive aisles.

On motions, Commissioner Vance moved to approve the conditional‑use permit (CU24005); Commissioner Sol seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote. The commission then approved the subdivision (SD240011) by motion of Commissioner Larson and second by Commissioner Reid; that motion also passed on a voice vote.

The approvals are administrative actions that require the applicant to meet the development agreement and city standards during permitting and construction. Staff indicated no additional conditions beyond the development agreement were needed. The applicant and staff said they will continue coordinating with affected utility providers, including Salt Lake City Public Utilities for water‑line work that will be upsized as part of the project.

The developer and neighbors should expect roadway reconstruction and utility work during construction; staff noted that the developer agreed to coordinate scheduling with affected residents to maintain access when feasible.

Votes at a glance: CU24005 — Motion by Commissioner Vance, second by Commissioner Sol; passed (voice vote). SD240011 — Motion by Commissioner Larson, second by Commissioner Reid; passed (voice vote).

The subdivision and conditional‑use approvals now allow the applicant to proceed to final platting and building permits, subject to recording the subdivision and completing the coordination described in the development agreement.