Apple Valley council approves seven master development agreements, authorizes mayor to finalize terms

APPLE VALLEY — The Apple Valley Town Council unanimously approved seven master development agreements on Jan. 29, authorizing the mayor to sign final contracts and to make minor, non‑material clarifying changes with certification by the town attorney. The agreements cover projects identified in council remarks as Crimson Peak, West Temple, Gooseberry Preserve at Zion, Gooseberry Springs Ranch, Miles Mark, Redstone at Canaan, and Solstice Resort.

The approvals come after the council and planning commission held joint review sessions and subsequent negotiation with developers, councilmembers said. Councilmember Scott Taylor presented the motions to approve each agreement and the standard form motion authorizing the mayor to sign and to certify minor clarifications with the town attorney.

Why it matters: together the developments described by councilmembers include multiple thousands of acres and a mix of single‑family lots, cabin/hotel/rental units, commercial acreage and road construction commitments, and will significantly increase the town’s housing and commercial capacity. During discussion, one councilmember said the growth would “triple the size of Apple Valley,” reflecting the large scale of the proposals.

Council members described the agreements as master development agreements (MDAs) that set high‑level expectations for lot sizes, uses, phasing and public improvements; the MDAs do not replace required future construction drawings, plats, state approvals or separate infrastructure agreements. Specific commitments discussed by council included paving and maintenance of local roads during construction phases, donation of an easement for a proposed higher elevation water tank, alternate emergency entrances for several neighborhoods, and minimum lot sizes (for example, references to RE1 one‑acre or half‑acre lot standards appeared in council remarks).

Developer representatives attended and the council received brief remarks from Bruce Smith, who identified himself as counsel for the developer team, and from Travis, identified in the meeting as the project representative. Smith told the council he and his team “look forward to being a good part of Apple Valley” and thanked council and staff for working through issues.

Votes at a glance: the council approved each of the following MDAs by roll‑call vote; the motions authorized the mayor to sign each MDA and allowed the mayor, with the town attorney’s certification that changes are not material, to make minor clarifying edits.

• Crimson Peak MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). The council said construction drawings for this project are on the mayor’s desk and a separate wiring/agreement for utilities remains to be completed.

• West Temple MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Councilmembers said the project includes about 55 acres of commercial frontage along the highway and indicated developers agreed to work with the town on the mix and architectural standards for that commercial acreage.

• Gooseberry Preserve at Zion MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Council discussion noted this parcel was described as roughly 40 acres with an agreement to allow up to 80 cabins and to participate in phased road improvements, including chip‑seal and eventual full paving when thresholds are met.

• Gooseberry Springs Ranch MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Council remarks identified this parcel as west of the town building and described minimum lot sizes and phased paving commitments.

• Miles Mark MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Council discussion listed this area as about 70 acres with approximately 45 lots and improvements to Rome Way to reduce grades for emergency access.

• Redstone at Canaan MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Council comments referenced up to 600 acres, larger lot sizes (RE2.5 referenced) and paving of the main street to the project terminus.

• Solstice Resort MDA — motion moved by Councilmember Scott Taylor; outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Scott Taylor; Kevin Sarah; Mike Farrar; Richard Palmer). Council remarks associated this area with a mix of residences and lodging units (cabin/hotel/rental units) and referenced roadwork and infrastructure commitments tied to project phases.

Councilmembers repeatedly stressed that the MDAs are high‑level agreements: construction plans, plats and additional permits must still be submitted and approved before building occurs. The mayor (name not specified in the record) told the council the town sought “slow, responsible growth,” adding that the agreements represent negotiated compromises by both developers and the town. Bruce Smith, the developer’s attorney, thanked the council and staff and said the developer looks forward to moving projects forward.

What’s next: councilmembers said the mayor will finalize the documents and sign each MDA after any minor clarifications are made and certified by the town attorney; staff and developers will proceed with the remaining construction drawings, plat approvals and separate utility/wiring agreements noted in council remarks. No deadlines or financing breakdowns were provided in the meeting record.