Planning commission forwards commercial land-use change for area near future interchange to city council

The Santaquin City Planning Commission on Aug. 26 voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to the City Council to amend the general plan, reclassifying two parcels near a future highway interchange as commercial and commercial mixed use.

Planning staff said the change affects a triangular parcel and an adjacent rectangular parcel near the proposed interchange and railroad tracks; the revision is advisory to the council as it is a general plan amendment. Staff noted the area currently contains a mix of vacant land and agricultural uses. A planning staff speaker explained the parcels would be more accessible from the future interchange and that the change is intended to make the site more contiguous and suitable for future commercial development.

Commissioners asked about access and timing. Planning staff said the interchange project is a “phase 3” or revision project with MAG and is expected to be 20 to 30 years or more out. Commissioners also confirmed that a future rezone and site-specific permits would require separate notifications and hearings; property owners would be notified when a rezone or development application is filed.

The commission voted to forward the proposed general plan amendment with a positive recommendation to the City Council after a motion by Commissioner Nixon and a second by Commissioner Mook. The vote was unanimous.

Staff noted that the school district owns roughly 90 acres adjacent to the area that is identified for a future high school site. No specific commercial uses were proposed at the hearing, and staff said the amendment is visionary and intended to guide future rezones and development proposals.