Planning staff recommends tabling 160-acre rezoning request over access and wetland studies

Planning staff recommended the Tooele County Planning and Zoning Commission table a request to rezone a 160-acre parcel west of Burmester Road, citing insufficient access and incomplete environmental studies.

Millie Pioquito, planning staff, told the commission that applicant Michael Drury’s request to change zoning from MU-40 (multi-use, 40-acre minimum) to MG (manufacturing general) would require an expansion of an existing 33-foot access easement into an 84-foot right-of-way to comply with the county’s transportation plan. Pioquito also said the wetland evaluation submitted by the applicant relied on visual observations and did not constitute a formal wetland delineation; a geotechnical study was also required. “Staff recommends that the proposed rezone be tabled at this time until the requested information is provided,” Pioquito said.

The applicant, identified in the agenda as Michael Drury, told the commission the proposal would extend Higley Road as a continuation through the easement and that the adjacent landowner, Scott Godfrey of Godfrey Trucking (Burmester 150 LLC), had indicated a 33-foot easement would be adequate. Drury said the applicant intended to build the roadway at their cost and dedicate it to the county. “Godfrey Trucking… said 33 feet would be plenty,” Drury said, arguing the required 84-foot right-of-way seemed excessive compared with the existing road width.

County staff clarified that the Master Transportation Plan establishes an 84-foot right-of-way at buildout, which does not mean 84 feet of pavement but does set the corridor width for future development; typical pavement widths are narrower. Staff further explained that the wetland evaluation provided visual observations only and that a formal aquatic resources delineation and a geotechnical study are necessary to establish whether the property is buildable under the requested zoning.

After discussion of outstanding items and coordination needed with county road staff, commissioners moved to table RAZ2025-151 until planning staff brings the application back with the required right-of-way dedication and the formal wetland and geotechnical reports. The motion to table was seconded by Commissioner Dow and passed unanimously by roll call.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant to secure the 84-foot right-of-way dedication (or otherwise demonstrate compliance with the Master Transportation Plan) and obtain the required wetland delineation and geotechnical study before the commission reconsiders the rezoning request.