Planning commission approves Mountain Ridge phases 26A and 26B with safety and trail conditions

Riverton Planning Commission approved final plans for Mountain Ridge Phase 26A (PLZ-25-8001) and Phase 26B (PLZ-25-8002) on a unanimous voice vote, including a condition that fencing along the Welby Jacob canal be installed before occupancy and that traffic-calming islands on Sentinel Ridge Boulevard be completed before the initial occupancy threshold is reached.

The approvals encompass detailed engineering and site plans for the SLR (Suburban Land Reserve) area east of Sentinel Ridge Boulevard near 13000 South. Staff told commissioners the two applications were presented together because they overlap and both reached the decision stage under the SLR development agreement and SDD review process approved by the city earlier in the decade.

The planning staff described Phase 26 as a mix of primarily townhomes and a handful of single-family lots, public and private streets, trail connections along the canal, detention ponds that will double as playing fields, and clubhouses and park improvements that will come with later submittals. Staff said Edge Homes will install the trail and fencing; the City will maintain city-owned ponds and trails while the HOA will own and maintain private portions under a public access easement.

Commissioners emphasized safety and circulation. Staff and City Engineer Matt Castle told the commission that Sentinel Ridge Boulevard was originally built through farm fields and needs islands at certain intersections to control turning and reduce cross-traffic issues. Staff recommended islands be installed before more than 30 units are occupied so early traffic does not create unsafe conditions.

Edge Homes representative Brandon Watson said the developer supports installing a wrought-iron fence along the canal before any certificates of occupancy are issued and that building the new road (Greenford Lane / 26B) is important to open access to the park and permit subsequent phases. Watson said the company is prepared to coordinate installation of the fence and road and to work with the HOA and city on staging.

Commissioner Clough moved approval of PLZ-25-8001 (Phase 26A) with conditions including an added condition that the canal fencing be completed before occupancy; Commissioner Kiel seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor. Clough then moved approval of PLZ-25-8002 (Phase 26B) with conditions 1–7; Commissioner Kiel seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The approvals finalize the detailed plans for the two linked phases under the larger Mountain Ridge block-scale plan; city staff said the park’s final design and the remaining park improvements will come back to the commission or council as required by the development agreement and phased approvals.