Snowflake council approves rezoning for multi-family development, several special-use permits and grant awards

The Snowflake Town Council on Dec. 7 approved a package of land-use actions and grant awards that will allow new housing configurations and fund local infrastructure improvements.

Council members voted 5-1 to adopt Ordinance 2021-12, rezoning parcels 202-10-057 and 046B from Residential to Multi-Family to permit multi-family dwellings. "Motion by Perkins, second by Lewis," the minutes record; the motion passed with Councilmember Lynn Johnson voting no and Councilmember Cory Johnson absent. The rezoning was the only item that drew a recorded dissent.

The council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2021-13, rezoning parcel 202-36-040 from Agricultural to R-2 to allow a property split and placement of double-wide manufactured homes. Joe Jarvis, staff, told the council the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval after hearing from supporting and opposing parties.

Two special-use permits were granted. The council approved a permit for Bonnie Heal to create a family burial plot at parcel 202-07-057 after staff confirmed all requirements had been met and three nearby property owners indicated support. The council also approved a permit for Angharad Rees to install an additional single-wide manufactured home on parcel 202-46-007; staff said neighbors were notified and no complaints were received.

Council members approved several grant-related actions. Brian Richards presented an approximately $225,000 grant (Agreement EMF-2020-PC-0001) for Snowflake Boulevard with a local match requirement and a completion deadline of April 1, 2023; the council approved the agreement and noted the project will address maintenance and safety but "won't solve the flooding issue," according to staff. The council also approved a golf-course grant award for a new water well; when asked if the well would reduce water bills, Richards said it "won’t change the utilities very much."

Council approved the General Plan background and current conditions report and discussed results of the General Plan survey, which had 149 responses emphasizing affordable housing and outdoor recreation as priorities. The council asked staff to remember the public’s interest in increased outdoor recreation.

Other administrative actions included approval to accept opioid settlement participation and a decision to close Town Hall the week of Dec. 27 because of limited staffing during the holidays.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (checks, minutes, opioid settlement participation): motion by Ballard, second by Perkins; approved unanimously with Cory Johnson absent. - Ordinance 2021-12 (rezoning to Multi-Family): motion by Perkins, second by Lewis; passed 5-1 (L. Johnson opposed, C. Johnson absent). - Ordinance 2021-13 (rezoning to R-2): motion by Lewis, second by Ballard; passed unanimously (C. Johnson absent). - Special Use Permit, Bonnie Heal (family burial plot): motion by L. Johnson, second by B. Flake; passed unanimously (C. Johnson absent). - Special Use Permit, Angharad Rees (additional single-wide): motion by B. Flake, second by G. Brimhall; passed unanimously (C. Johnson absent). - Snowflake Boulevard Grant Agreement EMF-2020-PC-0001 (~$225,000): motion by B. Lewis, second by L. Johnson; approved unanimously (C. Johnson absent). - Rodeo grounds / bike-park tourism grant funds (approved independent of location): motion by B. Lewis, second by K. Ballard; approved unanimously (C. Johnson absent). - Town Hall closure week of Dec. 27: motion by L. Johnson, second by A. Perkins; approved unanimously (C. Johnson absent).

The council did not identify additional conditions or implementation dates in the minutes for the zoning approvals beyond the standard permitting and P&Z processes. Several items were explicitly described as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission; when staff referenced notice to neighbors or commission recommendations, the minutes record those confirmations. The meeting adjourned with no further formal business recorded.