Council approves Sunrise Square rezone to mixed use after utility, access questions

Hyde Park’s City Council voted Feb. 25 to rezone parcel 04‑037‑0013 (Sunrise Square) from commercial to mixed use, approving a motion that relied on staff findings and the planning commission’s 5‑0 recommendation.

Staff presented a neutral analysis that identified both positives and concerns: the parcel lacks presented water rights and staff flagged utility availability as a potential future constraint; UDOT had indicated limited direct access from the highway, meaning access would rely on cross‑access agreements with neighboring parcels. The planning commission supported approval despite those caveats.

Council asked the developer (identified in the hearing as Jake, owner/representative) about the project concept and access. The developer said the design would include commercial uses adjacent to an assisted‑living facility (pharmacy, rehab services, professional plaza) and a mix of residential products (townhomes and condos) to satisfy code requirements. Council member questions focused on the potential effect of a construction or right‑of‑way easement along the highway and whether the 40% mixed‑use minimum would apply to this new application. Staff clarified rezones do not entitle applicants to freeze future codes — rezoned parcels must comply with codes in effect when a land‑use application is submitted.

Council member (speaker 7) moved to approve the rezone “based on the findings of fact and staff report and conformance with the Hyde Park City Land Use Code, the general plan, and the future land‑use map.” The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the developer will submit a development plan and survey showing existing easements and utility proposals for staff review; staff emphasized the need to document water rights and access during the development plan phase.