Council discusses amendment to Alpine Homes development agreement to allow basement entries on eight lots

City staff presented a proposed amendment to an existing development agreement for a subdivision at roughly 3814 and 3876 South 6000 West. Patrick (city staff) told the council the developer, now Alpine Homes, requests permission to allow basement walkout entries on eight homes that face 6000 West; the current agreement precludes basement walkouts.

In exchange, the applicant proposes increasing the eight homes’ square footage from 2,250 to 2,350 and adding three-car garages with an adjacent parking space (effectively room for up to six vehicles per property including driveway). Staff noted that ADUs are allowed under city code but the development agreement’s existing ban on basement walkouts prevents a separate basement entrance; the amendment would permit basement entries to provide more convenient access for in-home ADUs.

Several council members voiced concerns that neighbors were not mailed notice of the amendment and that allowing basement walkouts and additional driveways could increase on-street parking on 6000 West. One member described the change as setting a precedent that might invite repeated post-approval amendments to development agreements. Staff responded that the city has amended development agreements in the past when there was something of reciprocal benefit to the city and argued the proposed changes include increased home size and additional parking capacity.

After discussion, the council directed staff to remove the amendment from the regular meeting agenda for January 3 (to return in a future meeting), noting that a regular meeting process with public notice would be preferable if council members wish broader public input before a formal vote.

No final vote on the amendment was taken at the study meeting.