Planning commission approves three-lot subdivision at 120 East 7615 South despite neighbors’ preference for park

The Midvale Planning Commission voted to approve a preliminary three-lot subdivision at 120 East 7615 South, clearing the applicant to proceed with subsequent development approvals after staff concluded the plat meets city code.

Staff presenter Johnny told the commission the proposal creates two fronting lots and a flag lot and complies with the subdivision ordinance, single-family residential lot standards and flag-lot standards. He also noted the appeal authority granted a variance relating to the right-of-way for Lot 101. “Our recommendation to you is approval,” Johnny said.

Several nearby residents urged a different outcome. “This space has been really important to a lot of people in the neighborhood,” said Aubrey Earl, who asked the city to consider purchasing the parcel for a park. Earl added that four other mothers on the street preferred two lots rather than three to reduce construction and preserve open yards.

Neighbor Josh Hartley echoed those concerns, pointing to traffic and child-safety worries from additional driveways on a street that does not function as a through-route. Amy Harris questioned whether garages are required and whether flag lots make resale harder; staff and commissioners clarified the subdivision approval addresses lot configuration and code compliance, not ultimate development or marketability.

One resident supported the project on fiscal grounds. “What an easy way to get more revenue,” William Ellis said, citing rising property taxes.

Commissioners reviewed written comments submitted in advance and discussed frontage requirements; staff clarified frontage is the extent of land abutting a street rather than the width of the street. An administrative attorney reminded the commission that this is an administrative decision: if the application meets code requirements as reported by staff, approval is required.

Commissioner Lidke moved to approve the preliminary subdivision "located at 120 East 7615 South with the findings included in the staff report," the motion was seconded and passed on roll call with Chair Gerry Anderson, Vice Chair Erickson, Commissioner Snow, Commissioner Lidke and Commissioner Kasperian voting yes.

The approval is for preliminary subdivision platting; subsequent permits and any site-specific building approvals remain separate processes. Residents who oppose the subdivision may use the appeal pathways described by staff: the appeal authority (an administrative law judge) and, if necessary, district court.