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Springdale planning panel unanimously approves erosion-hazard permit for Driftwood Lodge expansion
Summary
The Springdale Planning Commission on March 12 unanimously approved an erosion-hazard permit for a hotel addition at the Driftwood Lodge, 1515 Zion Park Boulevard, after staff presented a Rosenberg Associates assessment and the town engineer concurred; the permit carries four conditions including native-plant replacements and a perpetual private easement.
SPRINGDALE — The Springdale Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 12 to approve an erosion-hazard permit for a proposed hotel addition at the Driftwood Lodge, 1515 Zion Park Boulevard, after town staff said an engineering assessment found proposed protections would not increase flood risk to nearby properties.
A planning staff member told commissioners the application, filed on behalf of property owner Hans Dunsinger by general contractor Tony Brooksby, was supported by an erosion-hazard assessment prepared by Rosenberg Associates. "The study recommends that a buried trench of rock riprap be installed behind the top of the bank to protect the development from potential erosion," the staff member said, adding that the town engineer reviewed and concurred with the findings.
The commission based its approval on findings that the applicant’s assessment complies with the standards of the Springdale erosion-hazard zone ordinance (chapter 13e of title 10, land use ordinance) and on four conditions of approval. The conditions require that any riparian vegetation disturbed during construction be replaced with plants native to Zion Canyon; that native trees removed be replaced at a ratio of two new trees for each one removed; that riprap use local stone where feasible from an engineering standpoint; and that all improvements remain within the property boundary. The property owner must also record a perpetual private easement to allow unobstructed access for maintenance and inspection.
Commissioners asked whether the design was similar to erosion protections installed elsewhere in Springdale; staff and attendees characterized the approach as a familiar design used on prior projects. Rosenberg Associates' representative Jared Bates and a national park representative, Matt Fink, were present for the meeting. The transcript also referenced a person named Tony Ditsky as attending; the application materials and staff statements identify Tony Brooksby as the applicant contact (the transcript contains both names).
Commissioner Terry Gruski moved to approve the permit and read findings and the four conditions into the record. Commissioner Jennifer McCullough seconded. A roll-call-style response recorded Tanner Paxman, Terry Gruski, Tom Kinston, Jennifer McCullough and Rich Swanson voting in favor; the motion passed unanimously. The commission adjourned immediately after the vote.
The permit approval allows the applicant to proceed with the specified bank protection work subject to the listed conditions and any required inspections; the town engineer’s concurrence and the requirement for a recorded easement are intended to manage ongoing maintenance and public-safety risk.
No additional follow-up date was set at the meeting.
