Providence planning commission backs Fox Hollow West preliminary plat for two commercial lots

The Providence City Planning Commission on Aug. 26 recommended approval of the Fox Hollow West preliminary plat, a two‑lot commercial subdivision proposed near 550 West and 300 South, by a 4–0 vote with one commissioner abstaining.

Staff planner Scarlett Connor told commissioners the application fits the site’s Commercial Highway zoning and the city’s general plan framework for a 5–10‑minute mixed‑use node, and that the plat will extend the asphalt on 300 South, add curb, gutter and sidewalk and provide landscaped public park strips adjacent to residential zones. "If you do feel like you're inclined to approve this with conditions, then we're recommending the following conditions, that they address the comments in red that I we've just reviewed," Connor said, describing missing or clarifying items in the staff report.

Connor and other staff members listed several items that must be addressed before or during final‑plat and construction drawing review: documentation of water availability or payment of a fee‑in‑lieu, a clear statement on the plat about parcel separation after a prior boundary line adjustment, callouts for commercial landscape buffers along the side adjacent to townhomes, a striping plan for the widened shared access onto 300 South (including bicycle lane striping), and show meter vaults for 2‑inch water services rather than barrels. Staff also noted the possibility that gravity sewer laterals may not work for the rear lot and that lift pumps could be required, with final sizing clarified in construction drawings.

Logan City Fire Department comments were discussed. A recent fire‑review letter flagged access and turnaround concerns where an earlier plan showed townhouses; Kent (Ken) Dunkley, representing the applicant, said the current preliminary plat is for two commercial pads and that previous townhouse layouts are not part of this submittal. "Ultimately, that's not what we want. We still want townhouses on the back because we think that fits, but that's not the current zone," Dunkley said, explaining the applicant’s longer‑term preference while confirming the immediate request is for commercial pads that will be sold or leased to taxable retail/service businesses.

Commission discussion clarified that the proposed shared driveway at Judge's Car Wash will be widened for access to both lots and that some parking was previously reallocated to adjacent Fox Hollow townhome development. Connor said the plat should include notes or exhibits so prospective buyers know about any sensitive areas or non‑developable portions along the north bank of the nearby drainage.

Commissioner Julie Martin moved to recommend approval; Commissioner John Peterson seconded. The commission recorded four ayes (Martin, Michael Fortune, Bob Henke and Peterson) and one abstention (Joe Chambers). The recommendation is conditional on the findings of fact, conclusions of law and the conditions listed in the staff report.

The commission voted to allow staff to resolve the red‑lined comments during the final‑plat and construction drawing process; staff said remaining technical questions — most notably final water and sewer sizing, final striping/traffic plans, and landscape buffer details — will be addressed before the city issues any building permits or final approvals.

Next steps: with the commission’s recommendation, the applicant may proceed toward final plat recording and construction drawings. Staff will follow up on the items Connor identified and the applicant will return only if required changes cannot be resolved administratively.

Votes at a glance: Fox Hollow West preliminary plat — motion to recommend approval subject to staff findings/conditions; mover: Julie Martin; second: John Peterson; vote: 4 yes (Martin, Michael Fortune, Bob Henke, John Peterson), 0 no, 1 abstain (Joe Chambers).