Commission approves 27-unit townhome development and small-scale master plan at 7444 S. State Street

The Midvale Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit and a small-scale master plan for a 27-unit for-sale townhome project at 7444 South State Street in the RM-25 multifamily residential zone. The applications passed on roll-call votes during a public hearing in which staff summarized a development agreement city council previously approved.

Planning staff Johnny (planning staff) reviewed background materials for commissioners, noting the council had approved a development agreement in March that set specific conditions for this site. Those conditions include a height limit within 60 feet of the west property line, a landscape buffer with trees and retention of an existing southern access easement for utilities only (not for new vehicular access). "Fire turnarounds have signed off on this," staff said, and other city departments reviewed sewer and water capacity.

The developer, who introduced himself as John Seminani of Signature Homes, said his team had improved outreach after an earlier submission and worked with neighbors on setbacks, fencing and screening. Seminani confirmed the units will be for sale. "We're really trying to bring something that should be beneficial to the neighborhood," he said.

Residents living adjacent to the parcel reiterated concerns about access from the existing easement, fence continuity and potential pedestrian or vehicle access to 7500 South. Dan Peters, who identified himself as the owner of the easement parcel at 52 West 7500 South, told commissioners he has worked with the developer and said he understood elements of the project but that neighbors who had not followed earlier meetings might still be surprised.

Key details - Project: 27 three-story (townhome-style) ownership units in RM-25 zone; small-scale master plan required because property is over one acre. - Development agreement: City council-approved agreement limits height within 60 feet of the west property line (to roughly 33 feet), requires landscape buffering and preserves an access easement for utilities only. The agreement also requires subsequent preliminary subdivision review. - Public safety and utilities: Staff reported fire marshal sign-off and water/sewer capacity clearance from city departments. - Price guidance: The developer said target price points were in the $450,000–$500,000 range.

Public concerns and staff responses Adjacent residents asked whether the southern easement could become a pedestrian or vehicular shortcut; staff and the developer said the development agreement and platting will prevent use of that easement for new vehicle access and that screening/fencing along the property edge was included in the design. Several neighbors thanked the developer and staff for additional buffering and outreach since an earlier proposal; others asked for continued communication during construction.

Votes and next steps - Conditional use permit (27 units at 7444 S. State Street, RM-25): Approved on roll call (Chair Anderson: yes; Vice Chair Erickson: yes; Commissioner Snow: yes; Commissioner Kasperian: yes; Commissioner Edwards: yes). Outcome: approved. - Small-scale master plan (required for parcels over one acre): Approved on roll call with the same 5–0 result. Outcome: approved.

The developer should return for subdivision review and platting as required by the city's process; staff noted a future preliminary subdivision will come before the commission. The developer said marketing and outreach are ongoing and that recorded plats will precede any final sales.