Apple Valley mayor: town approved development agreements, pipeline work under way and USGS aquifer study will guide future growth

Mayor Mike Farrar told residents at an online town meeting that the Town of Apple Valley has approved multiple development agreements and is moving ahead on pipeline work, while a U.S. Geological Survey aquifer study and further well drilling will determine where additional growth can be supported.

The mayor said the council approved a package of development agreements (MDAs) that together reduced earlier projected dwelling units and increased open space, and that the council denied a developer request to “disconnect” properties back to the county — a move Farrar said would have cost the town local control and tax revenue and would likely have prompted litigation. "Zone changes are the only authority or power the town has to stop or control growth," Farrar said, adding that once land is rezoned the town cannot later prevent the density that zoning allows.

Why it matters: Apple Valley residents have pressed town leaders for clarity about where new residents’ water would come from as several large projects move forward. Farrar described a three-part approach: finish the pipeline and pump house that will link Cedar Point and Apple Valley proper; accept and integrate new wells and a donated tank tied to a developer’s work on the east side of Main Street; and evaluate springs and recharge options. He said an official USGS aquifer report is expected this summer and that the town will submit a water plan to the state Division of Drinking Water for approval before allowing further large-scale growth.

Most important details

- Development agreements and zoning: Farrar listed multiple MDAs and preapproved subdivisions around Gooseberry Mesa and Main Street (names discussed include West Temple, Crimson, Redstone, Solstice, Gooseberry Preserve and Gooseberry Springs Ranch). He said the new package reduced an earlier estimate of roughly 3,700–4,200 potential lots to about 1,400 homes and about 580 cabins (figures Farrar described as…