Council members question proposed rezone at 15030 Second Street amid surrounding commercial uses

Councilors reviewed a proposed rezone for a parcel at 15030 Second Street during the Feb. 11 work session and questioned whether a change to allow residential use would conflict with surrounding commercial activity.

Planning staff (Barton) told the council that the planning commission recommended approval of the rezone but that the recommendation was not unanimous. Commissioners who opposed the change cited the city’s general plan and long‑range circulation plans that show future rerouting and increased traffic on 30 Second Street (the “couplet” change described by staff), and argued that the parcel should remain commercial. Staff said the parcel is currently adjacent to heavier commercial uses—including a tire store on one side—and is across the street from single‑family homes on the other.

Staff summary and timing: Barton said the planning commission weighed walkability, access to parks and schools, and the parcel’s relative desirability for commercial activity. Barton noted that the regional transportation plan (Wasatch Front Regional Council) includes a long‑range project to shift a one‑way couplet that could increase traffic on 30 Second Street in 10 to 20 years; that future traffic was one factor some commissioners cited for retaining commercial zoning. Barton also said the parcel had previously been manufacturing and was later rezoned to C‑2 (which can allow residential) under the general plan.

Next steps: Councilors asked for clarification and for staff to be prepared to explain the planning commission’s split recommendation when the item appears on a formal agenda. No formal vote occurred in the work session; staff and councilors discussed public comment and upcoming hearing logistics.