Developer previews 30‑acre rezone; planners raise connectivity, sewer and water questions

March 12 — At a work session of the Western Labor Planning Commission, an applicant identified only as John described plans for a 30‑acre rezoning application near “6 15 hundred West, 900 South” and asked the commission for initial input. Commissioners and county staff questioned whether the site can meet the county’s connectivity, sewer and secondary‑water requirements.

The applicant said he and the property owner are preparing a rezone application and that they plan “to show entirely the connectivity and trailways and the pathways” while coordinating with county and parks staff. “We have the, wheel serve, the little mountain,” he added, describing outreach to neighboring jurisdictions and park officials.

County staff and commissioners pressed for details about sewer access and road connections. One commissioner asked, “How far away is the closest Little Mountain sewer line to this project?” Staff and the applicant replied that the sewer connection is “pretty far” and that earlier county conversations suggested coordination with Little Mountain and a possible lift station or alternative routing. A planner noted it may make “a heck of a lot more sense” to take sewer in the opposite direction rather than extending the distant line.

Connectivity questions centered on spacing and dead‑end risks along proposed collector streets. A planner said the county standard for collector spacing is 660 feet but noted the county engineer has discretion to require wider intervals on 55 mph roads. The planner warned that losing one proposed connector would create a “massive dead end situation” unless adjacent property provides an outlet. Commissioners suggested the applicant consider punching a connection into a neighboring street or working with adjacent landowners to avoid landlocked streets.

The commission also discussed trails and active‑transportation requirements. Staff said the county requires a 10‑foot grade‑separated pathway adjacent to collector and arterial streets in the corridor from Merritt/Sladeville up to Little Mountain and that the developer had committed to installing its portion when constructing upgrades. Secondary‑water supply was described as coming from an irrigation pond to the east; staff stressed that secondary water must be pressurized to meet county rules and suggested on‑site pumping or coordination with a water district.

No formal vote was taken. A county staff member told the applicant the rezone request “will be put on your next agenda for a hearing.”