Planning commission approves plat amendment to create 36 Canyon Center condominiums, requires power infrastructure be moved off parkland

The Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission on Feb. 4 approved a plat amendment to convert a former office parcel in the Canyon Center master development into 36 condominium units, subject to staff findings and a new condition that the electrical junction box and related infrastructure be moved onto private property.

Staff presented the request as SUB-26-001, saying the amendment implements a previously approved master-plan change and is consistent with the property's mixed-use zoning and Gateway Overlay District. "Staff does recommend approval with conditions," the planner said, listing will-serve letters, recorded easements and a one-year recording deadline. Donald Ray, representing Encore Development, told the commission the applicant was working through easement and maintenance-agreement details and sought approval to move forward with financing.

Commissioners and several neighbors focused much of the hearing on the small strip of public land intended for a future park and how building entrances, a ventilation shaft, a planter box and an electrical junction box interact with that space. Commissioner Shelton said the commission could not unilaterally undo prior council and CDRA decisions but urged that utility encroachments be carefully reviewed: "I think the recommendation that I would make is that that not be an administrative decision because you're trading on the public property there." Staff and the applicant described options for relocating the power box, and staff said Rocky Mountain Power had indicated preferred siting to allow better screening.

Members of the public urged the commission to preserve and expand the park space and to avoid adding above-ground parking that would reduce usable public amenity area. Rocco Verba, a neighbor, asked the commission to guard against future height increases that could affect valley views, warning that mixed-use zoning can allow taller buildings under some conditions. "The height potential height adjustment in the future" was a primary concern raised during public comment. Leslie Kovach asked the commission to "remove the additional above ground parking" and expand public space instead of adding asphalt.

After deliberation, the commission amended staff condition No. 3 to require that the electrical junction box and related infrastructure be moved to private property and recorded as such, and approved the subdivision plat amendment. Commissioner Anderson moved for approval and Commissioner Paulson seconded; roll-call votes were recorded in the affirmative.

What happens next: With commission approval of the plat amendment, the project must complete the required recorded easements and maintenance agreements, secure any required will-serve letters, and record the final plat within the one-year timeframe (or request an extension). Staff said final technical review will follow before the project may sell condominium units.

The commission's action only addressed the plat amendment (SUB-26-001); other elements of the Canyon Center development (including the larger park design, CDRA decisions, and prior development-agreement approvals) remain under separate processes and are not changed by this approval.