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Snowflake council approves zoning change for Green development despite traffic concerns
Summary
On Oct. 3, 2023, the Snowflake Town Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2023-06, rezoning multiple parcels from PSP to R-45 for a proposed Green development. Councilmembers and police warned the denser plan could worsen school-time traffic; the ordinance was approved after council discussion.
On Oct. 3, 2023, the Snowflake Town Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2023-06, changing the zoning of several parcels from PSP (public/school) to R-45 to allow a denser residential development proposed by Green.
The council heard background from staff. Brian Richards, identified in the meeting's manager's report, said the parcel had been owned by the school district and carried public use zoning when the district owned it. He said the rezone application is a preliminary step and that if the rezoning is approved the project would still require development review. Richards also noted the project’s planned traffic ingress and egress would be concentrated on 2nd W and that the development would include a wall and water retention measures.
Police and several councilmembers flagged traffic and parking concerns. Chief Martin said, "Traffic is bad everywhere, especially during school time hours," and noted the department's limited capacity to provide sustained traffic control. Councilmember Lancaster and others urged coordination between the town and the school district to address existing parking the community uses during special events.
The applicant presented sketches showing small homes "700–1,100 sq ft," according to project materials discussed at the meeting. Council discussion centered on the project's density relative to nearby neighborhoods and its potential precedent for future development. Councilmember Kerry Ballard calculated that 24 houses could mean roughly 48 cars, saying, "24 houses could equal 48 cars." Councilmember JoAnne Guderian asked whether units would be rentals; the applicant (Green) said they were planned for sale but noted final market conditions would determine that outcome. Councilmember Greg Brimhall said he did not "think that number of houses is too much for that size of land," while acknowledging traffic issues would need follow-up.
Procedural motions followed. Mayor Byron Lewis moved, and Cory Johnson seconded, to read Ordinance 2023-06 by title only; that motion passed unanimously. A subsequent motion to approve Ordinance 2023-06 was made by Kerry Ballard and seconded by Greg Brimhall; the council approved the rezone by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (minutes, check register, listed variances/special-use permits, financial report): approved by motion of Kerry Ballard, second Cory Johnson; motion passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2023-06 (rezoning PSP to R-45): reading approved (motion by Mayor Byron Lewis; second Cory Johnson), ordinance adopted (motion by Kerry Ballard; second Greg Brimhall); both votes unanimous.
The council did not adopt specific traffic mitigation measures at the meeting; several members and staff said coordination with the school district and further development review will be needed. The ordinance will proceed to the town’s development review process for project-specific requirements and any required mitigations.