Planning commission approves basement short‑term rental, delays RV campground review; discusses subdivision rules and park funding

Willard City Planning Commission members on March 20 approved a conditional use permit for a basement short‑term rental at approximately 2626 South 500 West and deferred further action on a long‑running conditional use permit for an RV campground. Commissioners also discussed proposed revisions to the city’s MPZ/subdivision rules for the Orchard property, plans to update the city road map, and options for future park and ballfield improvements.

The commission voted to approve consideration of the conditional use permit for a short‑term rental owned by Molly Forbish, a basement unit the applicants said will be listed on Airbnb. Planning staff said the city’s CP review committee recommended approval after a safety inspection and that the applicants will post an emergency indicator sign and provide an emergency plan for guests. “The CP review committee has recommended it for approval,” planning staff said during the meeting. The applicants said they have prior hosting experience; the applicant said, “we're actually a super host…we don't allow parties.” Commissioners noted parking limits; staff and the applicants said the driveway fits two cars and recommended a two‑car limit for guests. Planning staff said certified neighbor notice letters still need to be mailed and will be sent on the Monday following the meeting; staff also said certified notices were not required before the commission’s approval under current procedure.

The commission took the action after a motion, a second and an oral “aye” vote; no opposition was recorded on the record. The motion approving the short‑term rental was made during the meeting and the commission chair announced the permit as approved.

Separately, the commission reviewed a conditional use permit issued Feb. 7, 2020, to the operator of an RV campground at 769 North Lane (partial number 020530059). That item has been continued multiple times (Jan. 2, Jan. 16, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 6) and commissioners agreed the matter should wait until the commission and staff complete a planned ordinance amendment addressing campground and related uses. Commissioners directed that the CUP be brought back for review at the commission’s first meeting in June after staff prepares a draft ordinance; the commission recorded the item as continued/postponed pending that ordinance work.

A large portion of the meeting focused on the Orchard subdivision and a proposed rewrite of the MPZ (mixed‑plan) zoning/ordinance language. Commissioners and staff discussed density, lot sizes, open‑space valuation and the relationship between planning commission recommendations and ultimate city council action. Commissioners said that previous approvals for portions of the Orchard project included compromises and that the city council had at times altered or declined earlier planning commission recommendations. Staff described proposed ordinance changes intended to give clearer standards — including a method for valuing open space and minimum density expectations — so applicants, staff and council have a common set of requirements. Commissioners debated how lot‑size expectations (for example, half‑acre lot preferences) differ from density‑based approaches and asked staff to ensure the draft ordinance provides more specific sideboards so decisions are more predictable.

Commissioners also discussed administrative items that will appear on upcoming agendas: a public‑hearing notice and timing for an 11‑lot subdivision (Bayview/Canyon Bay area), road‑map edits requested by local property owners (including requests from Larry Holmes to add certain local roads), and scheduling of state required Open and Public Meetings Act training. Staff and commissioners agreed to plan the training for a future meeting (June 1 was discussed).

On parks, commissioners asked staff to continue work to inventory park needs and impact‑fee resources that could support a new, larger ballpark or expanded park facilities. Staff reported ongoing discussions with the city engineer about impact fees and said an inventory and plan would be part of future budget considerations; commissioners noted funding will determine the scope and timing of any park expansion.

The commission approved the minutes of the March 6, 2025 meeting by motion and voice vote and later adjourned.

Discussion versus formal action: the meeting record shows the short‑term rental CUP was formally approved; the RV campground CUP was reviewed and postponed pending ordinance revisions; the MPZ/subdivision conversation was a policy discussion with direction to staff to draft clearer ordinance language and schedule follow‑up work; Open Meetings Act training and road‑map edits were scheduled as future agenda items.