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Spring City schedules public hearing on proposed minimum lot-size change
Summary
After months of debate and split input from its Planning & Zoning Commission, the Spring City Council directed the commission to hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance that would change the city's minimum residential lot size from 1.06 acres to one-half acre.
Spring City Council members voted to direct the Planning & Zoning Commission to schedule a public hearing on a draft ordinance that would change the city's minimum residential lot size from 1.06 acres to 0.5 acre.
Planning and zoning commissioners presented two formal, written positions to the council: one signed by Cammy Christiansen, Kaye Van Duren, Sally Scott and Mike Nelson recommending retention of the 1.06-acre minimum, and a dissenting letter from Kristin Mortensen and Andrew Skalson arguing for the half-acre minimum. Council members and several residents discussed both letters, public survey results, and a recent straw poll the commission held that the commission said was about 60-40 in favor of retaining the 1.06-acre standard.
Supporters of retaining the larger lots told the council the rule preserves the town's rural character and helps ensure infrastructure and open space goals. Supporters of the half-acre option argued smaller lots can increase housing choice, restore value to neglected parcels, and protect property-owner rights. Residents in public comment urged both restraint and flexibility: Craig Paulson, the city's planning and zoning administrator, urged the council "to please be listen to what the people in this town want," while Kevin Buran criticized claims that the change would solve budget problems and said infrastructure costs and maintenance concerns must be considered.
After discussion, Councilmember Courtney Sim moved to "move this quickly" and have Planning & Zoning schedule the formal public hearing on the draft ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Councilmembers recorded as voting yes included Randy Strait, Marty McCain, Ken Crow, Courtney Sim and Paul Penrod. The council instructed that the hearing follow the notice requirements for a land-use ordinance change and asked staff and Planning & Zoning to coordinate the posting and public notice.
The hearing will be the formal opportunity for residents to comment on the specific ordinance language drafted by staff. Planning & Zoning previously held public meetings and a town-hall-style forum on the concept but did not have the ordinance text up for the type of statutory hearing the council directed.
The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; next steps are a Planning & Zoning hearing, a commission recommendation back to council, and any subsequent council action after that record has been made.
