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Orem board approves variance to extend dead-end street for Sunflower Dunes subdivision
Summary
The Orem City Board of Adjustment on March 26 approved a variance to Orem City code to allow a dead-end access longer than the 650-foot limit so applicants can subdivide land on South 360 West; approval was conditioned on city engineering, fire-department, and zoning/subdivision requirements.
Carlos Iglesias, acting chair of the Orem City Board of Adjustment, opened a public hearing March 26 on a request by Sunflower Dunes to allow a dead-end access longer than Orem City’s 650-foot limit so the property could be subdivided into residential lots.
Planning staff described the request and the five statutory tests for a variance. Jared, a planning staff member, told the board the terminal access would need “just over 900 feet” to reach the rear of the property and serve four proposed lots, and that other city divisions — engineering, public works, and the fire department — had reviewed the plan and said the design “will work for us.”
The staff report recommended approval after concluding the proposal meets the five tests of hardship used to evaluate variances, including that the site is “hemmed in” by existing development and cannot gain an alternative access. Staff also noted the proposed lots, if approved, would be larger than required in the R-8 zoning district (the applicants’ preliminary plat showed lots of about 15,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 30,000 square feet compared with the R-8 minimum of 8,000 square feet).
Two members of the public spoke in support. Chuck McCartney, who identified himself as a neighbor of more than 35 years, said the applicants were “great people” and urged approval. Property owner Edward Creer said he purchased the land hoping his children could build homes there and said they would meet the applicable code requirements.
Board members discussed tying approval to conditions requiring continued review and sign-off by city engineering and the fire department and compliance with all other zoning and subdivision standards. The board approved the variance by voice vote; the clerk called “Mister Damron? Aye. Mister Iglesias? Aye. Mister Crossett? Aye.” The motion passed unanimously 3–0.
The board attached three conditions to the variance: that the applicant meet all city engineering requirements for subdivision of the property; meet all Orem City Fire Department requirements for the subdivision; and meet all other applicable zoning and subdivision regulations. After the vote the board postponed chair and vice-chair elections to the next meeting, approved minutes from the prior meeting, and adjourned.
Votes at a glance: Sunflower Dunes variance (agenda item 3.1) — approved 3–0; motion included three conditions requiring continued engineering, fire, and zoning/subdivision compliance. Postpone chair/vice-chair election — approved. Approval of prior meeting minutes — approved.
