Planning commission backs rezoning of 951 E. 8800 S., recommends inclusion of adjacent city parcels

The Sandy City Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone property at 951 East 8800 South and two adjacent city‑owned parcels from R‑1‑20A to R‑1‑8, a change staff and the applicant said would enable an eight‑lot single‑family subdivision.

Why it matters: If the City Council agrees, the rezoning would permit a denser single‑family layout on the site and would allow the developer to incorporate two small city‑owned remnant parcels into the project. City staff said including the city parcels would improve lot layout and help preserve trees and a creek that runs through the site.

Long‑range planning manager Jake Warner introduced the application on behalf of staff and recommended that, if the commission favors rezoning, the two city parcels north and west of the subject properties also be rezoned and considered as part of the development. "It is staff's recommendation ... that the development of this subject property should probably include those two city properties," Warner said.

Applicants told the commission they propose a cul‑de‑sac off Sizer Road and eight single‑family lots that meet the R‑1‑8 standards. The applicant, represented as Mr. Harris, said the creek on site will remain daylighted and that the project concept is designed to preserve existing trees and vegetation. Owner Phil Winston said the team previously considered higher densities (including a prior concept at 30 units) but has settled on the current R‑1‑8 approach and eight lots on roughly 2.14 acres under the applicant's control.

Staff provided a plan showing that the city owns roughly 0.5 acre on the west boundary and about 0.16 acre to the east (a small remnant parcel split by Harvard Park). Staff and the applicant stated negotiations with the city over those parcels would be separate from the rezoning recommendation.

During discussion commissioners asked about safety and creek treatment; the applicant confirmed the creek will remain daylighted and said safety measures would be included in site design. After deliberation, Commissioner Dave Bromley moved to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to approve the zone change of the subject property and the adjacent city‑owned properties extending to the street centerlines of Sizer Road and Harvard Park Drive from an R‑1‑20A zone to R‑1‑8. Commissioner Cameron Duncan seconded. A roll call vote recorded unanimous support by the commissioners present, and the motion carried.

What happens next: The Planning Commission's recommendation goes to the Sandy City Council, which is the final decision maker on rezones. Any transfer or sale of city property will require separate negotiation and council approval.

Ending: Staff and the applicant said they will continue coordinating concept design and negotiation on inclusion of the city parcels as the application proceeds to council.