Planning commission recommends conditional-use approval for Michie Lane stake center with conditions

The Midway City Planning Commission on Feb. 10 recommended that the City Council approve a conditional use permit for a new stake center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at approximately 171 E. Michie Lane in the R-1-15 zone. The recommendation included conditions to reduce the steeple to comply with the city's height limit, require a lighting plan that meets dark-sky standards, and require City Engineer approval of applicant-funded roadway modifications.

Staff described the proposal as a stake center on a 4.85-acre portion of an 18.61-acre parcel, with a building, pavilion, play field, maintenance storage and 356 parking stalls, which exceeds the zoning's parking requirement. Access will be from Michie Lane; the applicant will construct and pay for turn lanes and roadway modifications subject to City Engineer approval. The Water Board recommended dedication of 5.54 acre-feet of water prior to issuance of a building permit.

Commissioners discussed design consistency and were encouraged to incorporate Swiss architectural elements consistent with other Midway buildings, though the applicant noted design decisions are made at a higher organizational level. Staff concluded the proposed church use is conditionally permitted in the R-1-15 zone, is consistent with the General Plan, is physically suitable for the proposed use and did not identify significant negative impacts to environmental quality or public health and safety, subject to the listed conditions.

The public hearing on the application drew no public comments. Commissioner Travis Nokes moved to recommend approval of the conditional use permit including staff's two recommended conditions: reduction of the steeple height and approval of the lighting plan; Commissioner Kelly Lineback seconded. "I'd like to make a motion that we recommend approval for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the conditional use permit for the church at approximately 171 E. Michie Lane," Nokes said. The motion passed with Commissioners Lineback, Nokes, Facer, Winegar and Farrell recorded as voting aye.

If City Council follows the commission's recommendation, required conditions (steeple modification, dark-sky lighting, roadway plan approval and dedication of water rights) must be satisfied before issuance of a building permit; staff estimated construction could begin in late spring or summer 2026 with approximately one year for completion, or potentially in spring 2027 if approvals are delayed.