Payson council approves infrastructure deal for Payson Golf Club development

The Payson Common Council on Sept. 24 approved a development agreement with Payson Golf Club LLC that requires the developer to fund roadway reconstruction, drainage upgrades and right-of-way dedications for a proposed 125-unit condominium project on the former golf course property.

Council approved Resolution 34-62 on a 7-0 vote after a staff presentation and questions from council members. The agreement, described to council by staff, obligates the applicant to design and construct improvements on Doll Baby Ranch Road, Vista Road and Country Club Drive, add drainage to town standards, reconstruct nearby residential driveways, and dedicate right-of-way for Vista Road and Country Club Drive. The developer will fund safety upgrades to a three-way intersection serving the site.

Staff member Donnie Wilbanks told the council the application had been reviewed by multiple town departments, the town attorney and the developer’s team and that the agreement aligns with the town’s general plan while ensuring infrastructure is delivered “at no cost to the town.” He said private streets inside the development will remain private and that the agreement contains a provision to address a segment of Doll Baby Ranch Road that crosses U.S. Forest Service land: if federal approvals are delayed, the developer will make a cash payment to the town equivalent to the construction cost so the town can proceed later.

Council members asked for clarification about the sawtooth property lines where town and Forest Service parcels intermix and about whether the owner would dedicate existing private roadway sections so the town could maintain them going forward. Wilbanks said the agreement requires right-of-way dedication for the portions that will be public and that private streets inside the development would remain private. The staff presentation said the agreement will expire in three years if planning conditions are not met.

Bob, identified in the meeting as the project representative, said the owner was pleased with the town’s responsiveness and that the parties were “moving forward.”

The vote followed council discussion and a motion to approve the resolution; the clerk recorded the outcome as motion passed 7 to 0.

The agreement does not replace required subdivision approvals; it memorializes variances and infrastructure commitments the developer requested as part of its planning process. Staff told the council that full subdivision and permitting review will still apply before building permits are issued.

Council members and staff said the agreement is intended to ensure needed public improvements are built as the privately owned golf course property redevelops, rather than leaving those costs to the town later.

What’s next: the applicant still must complete the subdivision and permit approvals described in the agreement; the town will monitor the agreed deliverables and the agreement contains a three-year expiration if planning benchmarks are not satisfied.