Council approves rezone at 397–399 N. Harrisville Road to allow individually owned townhomes

The council on Feb. 4 approved a zone change for 397–399 North Harrisville Road, moving roughly 4.92 acres from R‑2 to an R‑2S zone to permit subdivided, individually owned townhomes at higher density than the existing R‑2.

Barton Bridal, city planning staff, told the council the R‑2S designation permits single‑family lots down to 2,500 square feet and townhomes or duplexes with the requirement that townhomes be sold as individual units. Bridal said the planning commission recommended approval with the condition that a parcel boundary adjustment be recorded so the development would not leave split zoning across the applicant’s consolidated ownership.

Applicant Brian Smith described plans for roughly 80–85 townhome units in conceptual form, said the project team had met with UDOT about access and planned on electric‑vehicle chargers and open‑space features such as a dog‑walk. Smith said the project team had negotiated to acquire a small parcel from the Buddhist church to square off the development footprint and expected the lot‑line adjustment soon.

Public commenters raised questions about neighborhood character, transitions between commercial and residential uses, irrigation access and potential impacts on long‑time residents. Planning staff and the applicant said the R‑2S proposal was intended to increase ownership opportunities rather than add investor‑owned apartments.

Councilmember Graff moved to adopt ordinance 2025‑4 rezoning the property; Councilmember Hyer seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded ayes from Councilmembers Chaburka, Graff, Hyer, Myers, Blair, Vice Chair White and Chair Richey; the motion passed and the ordinance was adopted.

The approved zoning requires future development review, adherence to open‑space and parking standards, a parcel boundary adjustment to consolidate the site and subdivision for individual ownership.