Planning commission approves slope restoration special exception at 400 E. Tanya Drive with engineering review

The Sandy City Planning Commission granted a special exception to allow restoration and limited grading in areas with slopes of 30% or greater at the property commonly described in staff materials as 400 East Tanya Drive (materials also referenced "Tonia" Drive). The application is intended to restore disturbed steep slopes after an initial retaining‑wall repair revealed nonconforming elements and previous nonpermitted work.

Applicant Tully Fitzgerald told the commission the work began as an effort to repair a failed retaining wall and that subsequent review revealed prior incorrect construction. He described a two‑phase approach: phase 1 would remove the failed landscape elements and restore the slope as close as practicable to the city standard (generally a 2:1 slope where feasible) and reseed the area with a native grass mix; phase 2 would remove nonconforming structures (including a garage) that lack proper foundations and would be addressed before any transfer of property ownership per a recorded certificate of noncompliance.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether achieving a 2:1 slope standard is physically possible at the steepest points and agreed to refine condition language so the grading plan is reviewed and approved by the city engineer and that restoration must achieve the closest practical conformance to the 2:1 standard. The city engineer noted revegetation and monitoring will be required until the slope is stable.

No public commenters addressed the commission on the item. After deliberation the commission approved the special exception by unanimous roll call with four findings and seven conditions, including submittal of revised grading plans, engineered slope stability measures, monitoring and resolution of the nonconforming structures prior to property transfer.