Cottonwood Heights planning commission continues conditional-use review for UDV church amid parking, noise concerns

The Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission on May 7 continued consideration of a conditional-use permit application from the União do Vegetal (UDV) to operate a church at a former Wells Fargo branch at 3425 East Bridal Boulevard, citing the need for additional parking analysis.

Planning staff told commissioners the applicant proposes to hold gatherings primarily the first and third Saturdays of each month from about 8 p.m. to just after midnight, with occasional weekday-evening or midday-Sunday meetings. The applicant’s narrative describes a congregation of 47 members and an expected attendance of 40–45 people at typical gatherings.

Staff recommended continuation to allow further review of parking and overflow arrangements. The site currently has 15 dedicated parking stalls; the applicant submitted a late revised plan converting the drive‑through canopy into four additional stalls and identified curb‑side spaces along the public right of way, which staff said cannot be counted toward minimum parking because on‑street spaces are available to the public on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Staff noted that a new church built to current code of comparable size would typically require about 24 stalls (roughly 0.5 stalls per attendee using ITE guidance), while the site has between 15 and 18 stalls under the revised plan.

Staff identified two primary potential detrimental impacts the commission could mitigate through conditions: noise/hours of operation and parking/traffic. To address noise, the applicant proposed mitigation including backing into northern parking stalls to reduce headlight trespass and minimizing pre‑ and post‑service outdoor socialization; staff noted site lighting would be subject to the city’s outdoor lighting ordinance. Staff also pointed out that the Utah Religious Land Use Act constrains land‑use regulation that would substantially burden free exercise of religion, so operational restrictions (days/hours) are treated differently than physical impacts such as noise, lighting, traffic and parking.

Members of the public spoke both for and against the proposal. Harry (Bud) Sheehan said he was concerned that the congregation’s use of an enteogenic beverage associated with the denomination could lead to impaired driving; Gabriel Weinam, who identified himself as responsible for the religion in Salt Lake City, said he has practiced for 25 years, described the group as law‑abiding and quiet, and said members strive to respect laws and neighbors. Other nearby residents expressed concern about on‑street parking and potential late‑night noise.

The commission clarified scope: it reviews land‑use impacts and code compliance, not the legitimacy of religious beliefs. Commissioners and staff noted that a building permit and tenant improvements will trigger fire‑department review (including occupancy and fire‑safety requirements) before final operation.

Commissioner Shelton moved to continue Project CUP25004 to the June 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting; Commissioner Steinman seconded. Commissioners Shelton, Barnes, Smith, Paulson, Mills, Simon and Anderson voted yes and the item was continued for additional staff analysis and a parking plan that can be reviewed in detail.

The continuation means staff will work with the applicant to produce a parking/occupancy analysis and proposed conditions (for example, limits on outdoor assembly or lighting) and return the matter to the commission at the June 4 meeting. If the commission deems it has sufficient information on June 4, it may take final action at that time.