Snowflake council approves several rezonings, a variance and a special-use permit

The Snowflake Town Council on Dec. 5 approved multiple land-use measures, including three rezoning ordinances, a variance request and a special-use permit.

Ordinance 2023-07 concerned parcel 303-94-022A (Lucas). Mr. Lucas told the council that power and water are already available in the area. Councilmember Cory Johnson said he supported rezoning the property from Agricultural to R-2 but opposed authorizing an additional split beyond what is normally allowed. The council advanced a first reading of Ordinance 2023-07 by title (vote recorded 5-2) and later approved the ordinance on final action (vote recorded unanimous). Separately, the council approved the variance request to allow an additional split by a 4-3 vote.

Ordinance 2023-10 (Harry) rezoned roughly 3 acres of an 11.5-acre parcel that fronts State Route 277 from Agricultural to General Commercial; the council approved a one-reading motion and final adoption unanimously. For Ordinance 2023-11 (McCray), staff asked Mr. McCray to explain that most surrounding parcels are one-acre and that splitting into three one-acre lots would make the property easier to sell; the council approved one reading and final adoption of Ordinance 2023-11, both unanimously.

The council also approved a special-use permit for 220 E 9th S St (Hancock) to convert an existing structure into a dwelling; no council members voiced objections and the motion passed unanimously.

Council debate included questions about how additional splits and higher densities affect the town’s streets and long-term infrastructure costs. Brian Richards suggested placing a more detailed discussion about funding and upgrades on a future agenda.

The council recorded differing vote counts at steps of the Lucas ordinance (a 5-2 vote on one-reading followed by a unanimous vote on the ordinance itself) and approved the variance 4-3.