The American Fork City Council on July 8 approved a land-use map amendment that redesignates about 31.71 acres near Boat Harbor at approximately 1611 South 100 West from “resort” to “institutional — schools and public facilities,” a step the city said is required before a planned annexation and the site’s intended use can proceed.

The change matters because the annexation code requires properties to be designated with an overlying land-use that corresponds to the zoning the city will apply on annexation; staff said the current resort designation would not allow the district's proposed uses. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

City planning staff told the council the district and its consultants have already started parts of the development process with Utah County and Lehi City where applicable, but further work and permitting will shift to American Fork after annexation. Brandon Wyatt of Bowen Collins and Associates said the district expects to develop about seven acres in the northeast portion of the parcel and to set aside the remainder as mitigation wetlands under a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit; those wetlands would carry restrictions on future use if the Corps approves the mitigation plan.

Council members asked about protections for neighboring properties and the lakeshore. Planning staff said annexation agreements can include binding elements such as site layout and buffers that would preserve a separation between active development and the lakeshore; staff also noted some areas are naturally constrained by wetland and shoreline conditions. Rich Mickelson, identified as plant manager for the property owner TSSB, was present with the applicant team.

The council's action was procedural: it approves the land-use map change so annexation may be initiated. Staff and the applicant must still complete annexation paperwork, any required annexation agreement details and future development permits. Planning staff said some project elements have been reviewed at the county level and that additional municipal approvals will follow once annexation is formalized.

The council adopted the resolution after a motion from Council member Tater, seconded by Council member Hawley; votes recorded were unanimous among members present.

Key details: the site is roughly 31.71 acres; the district plans to develop about seven acres and pursue Corps-permitted mitigation wetlands on the remainder; the property owner was identified as TSSB. The council and staff said any layout protections desired by neighbors can be included in the annexation agreement and subsequent permits.