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Neighbors press commission over school’s request to add animals and a greenhouse; commission to forward recommendation to council
Summary
A private school requested an SD overlay to allow on‑site animal enclosures and a greenhouse with reduced setback; the proposal prompted extensive public opposition over rodents, odors, safety and visual impact. Staff said the SD would change exterior‑material rules and the matter will go to city council for final action.
A private school at 2673 West 118 South asked the Planning Commission to create a Special Designation overlay allowing several exemptions: (1) use of greenhouse materials (clear or polycarbonate) and animal‑pen exteriors that differ from the city's architectural standard for public/quasi‑public buildings; (2) a reduced street setback for a greenhouse from the standard 20 feet to 10 feet; and (3) alternative fencing and enclosure materials.
Staff explained that the school’s underlying R R‑22 residential zoning already allows public/quasi‑public uses, including schools, and that animal rights (chickens, rabbits and certain medium animals) are permitted in the zone. The SD request, staff said, would not change the school’s right to keep animals but would change what the exterior enclosures could look like and where a greenhouse could sit relative to the street. Staff also noted the commission’s recommendation would go to the city council for final action.
Applicant representative Ben Mylar said animals are integral to an agricultural curriculum, that most enclosures would be non‑permanent and portable, and that the school has plans for staff oversight and contracted pest control. Mylar told the commission the greenhouse structure would be low profile and not deeply anchored to the ground.
Many neighbors strongly objected. Public commenters raised concerns about rodent infestations, smell, the appropriateness of livestock near single‑family yards, safety around nearby high‑voltage power lines, and precedent for future expansions. “...power transferring to that aluminum shed, that aluminum greenhouse,” a neighbor said, urging consultation with Rocky Mountain Power. Others cited past enforcement complaints on nearby properties and questioned whether the school should have submitted this request earlier in the approval process.
Staff told the commission that animal control and code enforcement standards apply and that any sanitary or pest‑control conditions would be enforced under those codes. Given the range of public testimony and unresolved neighborhood concerns, staff advised and the commission agreed the item will be forwarded to the city council for final review; no final council decision was recorded at this meeting.
