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Planning commission approves Fervo Energy site plan with lighting and height conditions
Summary
The Milford Planning and Zoning Commission approved Fervo Energy’s site plan for a 32-foot office/garage, allowing building-mounted lighting and requiring one downward-facing LED on an existing power pole to light the intersection if needed; commissioners also agreed the applicant will coordinate easements and utility work with the city.
The Milford City Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 approved the site plan for Fervo Energy’s proposed office and garage, subject to conditions on lighting and a confirmed maximum building height of 32 feet.
Staff presented the site plan and noted the property is adjacent to a residentially zoned area. Municipal code generally restricts buildings over 18 feet within 150 feet of residential zoning, but the commission and staff explained that the adjacent residential zone now allows structures up to 35 feet and the proposed commercial building is 32 feet high and meets the commercial limit. Staff said the lot’s configuration and existing power poles prevent moving the building far enough to reach a 150-foot setback.
Commissioners focused much of the discussion on lighting. The applicant’s representative, identified in the meeting as Russ, said the company wants to minimize light pollution and rely primarily on building-mounted lighting for security. Commissioners raised concerns about the nearby intersection, the hospital helipad and public-safety sightlines and asked whether the city or UDOT would require additional sidewalk or street lighting. Staff cited municipal code sections (13.030.01 and 15.060.01) that require ‘‘adequate street lighting’’ and specify placement/spacing. After debate, the commission accepted a compromise: approve the building-mounted lighting as proposed and require one downward-facing, non-polluting LED on an existing power pole to provide intersection illumination if field conditions show a gap in lighting.
Other elements of the site plan discussed and confirmed at the meeting included 36 parking spaces (four ADA), three identified fire hydrants, an 8-inch water main and an 8-inch sewer main, and an infiltration-based stormwater basin supported by a geotechnical report. The applicant committed to work with the city to obtain road easements so the site aligns with the master-plan road and to pay for half of the adjacent road work now; the city will revisit full-pavement requirements if future development occurs to the north or west.
A motion to approve the site plan with the lighting condition and a 32-foot building height passed by roll call: yes — Nick; Luke; Lanae; Garland; Wayne. Chancey abstained. Staff said the approval will allow building permits to proceed, subject to final inspections and coordination on easements and utility connections.
