Snowflake council approves rezone for Hillcrest triplex with recording stipulation

The Snowflake Town Council on March 3 approved Ordinance 2026‑01, rezoning 2112 W Cedarcrest Drive (parcel 202‑41‑058) from R‑10 (10,000 sq ft) to MF (multiple‑family residential). The motion to approve the ordinance carried unanimously with Councilmember Cory Johnson absent; the council required the owner to change the address to a Hillcrest address and to provide an original signed diminution‑of‑value waiver to be recorded with Navajo County before final site‑plan approval.

Town staff presented the rezone request on behalf of Steve and Jackie Hess. Neighbor Eunia Owens said she did not oppose multi‑family housing but preferred a duplex scale and expressed concerns that a triplex could reduce property values and worsen street parking. "A duplex would fit in if it is of the same quality caliber," Owens said. The applicant said the building design will be craftsman in style.

Councilmembers asked about setbacks, parking requirements, and traffic. Town staff said the current triplex plan would not encroach on corner setbacks unless a variance were sought; Councilmember Greg Brimhall said the town supports more multi‑family housing but will consider each application on its merits. Councilmember Mark Sheen framed the action as consistent with council goals to increase affordable multi‑family housing.

The ordinance was approved with the stipulations recorded in the motion; next steps are submittal and review of the final site plan and recording the diminution‑of‑value waiver with Navajo County.