Planning commission backs zone change to commercial for Hurricane home salon with residency caveat

The Hurricane City Planning Commission on an evening in June 2025 recommended approval of a zone change that would reclassify 2085 South 700 West from residential (R-1-15) to general commercial, after the applicant said she operates a small salon from a converted double garage and sought regulatory clarity.

Amy Carnell, the applicant, told the commission the salon is built to code and set up for three to four independent booth renters but that she recently discovered booth rental is not allowed under the current residential zoning. “I am respectfully requesting a zone change … to bring the salon space into compliance while allowing my family to continue to reside on-site,” Carnell said.

Commissioners and staff discussed the parcel’s surroundings — including existing storage facilities and other nonresidential uses — and whether allowing one commercial lot with an on-site residence would set a broader precedent. City staff told the commission they support approval subject to standard staff and Joint Utilities Committee (JUC) comments, and proposed handling the residential element via a development agreement that would permit continued residential occupancy only while the property is owner-occupied or as specifically defined in that agreement.

Commissioner Ralph Ballard moved to recommend approval of the zone change with the caveat that a development agreement allow one residential unit in conjunction with the commercial use; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor; the planning commission’s recommendation now goes to the City Council, which is scheduled to consider the matter at its next meeting.

The commission and staff noted several implementation details that must be resolved before final platting or issuance of permits, including JUC comments about access, utilities and any easements required by ongoing road improvements along 700 West. Carnell said sidewalks and road improvements along the frontage already exist and that on-site parking is provided in the driveway.

The planning commission emphasized the recommendation is limited to this parcel and that cases like this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If the City Council approves the zone change as recommended, the development agreement would record conditions on the property that the commission said are intended to preserve the city’s commercial land inventory while allowing this specific, low-impact business to continue operating.

The City Council will make the final decision at its next public meeting; the commission’s action is a recommendation only.