Ephraim planning commission approves 27-unit Southtowne townhome subdivision; Towne Theatre to be demolished

The Ephraim City Planning Commission voted Jan. 14 to approve the Southtowne Homes Subdivision, clearing the way for the demolition of the Towne Theatre and construction of 27 townhomes on Assessor's Parcel S-831X, roughly 2.55 acres in the city’s C2 zone. The motion passed unanimously after a public hearing and staff presentation of required conditions.

City Planner Megan Spurling told the panel the city reviewed a plan set submitted Dec. 17, 2025, and found the application meets applicable C2 and subdivision standards. Spurling said the approval includes several conditions: construction must begin within one year or the applicant must reapply under current code; roads and frontages for phase one must be improved to city standards prior to occupancy (including asphalt, curb and sidewalk); private road width may be 24 feet (fire code recommends 26 feet) but on‑street parking will be prohibited to preserve emergency access; a six‑foot sight‑obscuring fence is required where multi‑family development abuts other properties except the first 20 feet from the public street where fence height is limited to three feet; street signs and dark‑sky‑compliant streetlights must be installed prior to occupancy; unused water lines must be terminated at the main; and required landscaping, utilities and demolition permits must be obtained.

Applicants Matt and Molly Anderson, representing Towne Theatre Corp, said they reviewed several reuse options for the theater and concluded townhomes best meet local demand. Molly Anderson said the units would be "three bedrooms with two baths and an unfinished basement," about 1,900 square feet before any finished basement space, and listed at approximately $360,000. The developers said guest parking and a grassy area with benches are included and that an HOA will manage common areas. They also said the Towne Theatre will remain open in the center of town while the new development proceeds.

Neighbors raised site‑specific concerns during the public hearing. Tiffany Bown said she supports growth "but has a real concern for the traffic and safety at the intersection at 700 South." Amy Larsen asked the commission to ensure stormwater is properly piped after past flooding linked to a neighboring subdivision; City Engineer Bryan Kimball (participating remotely) communicated to staff that the city had added a storm drain in the sump after the earlier storm and this development will include an additional pond to manage runoff. Lieutenant Cragun said law enforcement has monitored the 700 South intersection and will continue to observe traffic patterns.

Other commenters urged the city to provide advance notice of road closures and construction impacts; Victor Muñoz requested neighbor notifications for closures so businesses can plan. Staff said a condition will require construction and road‑closure notice to adjacent property owners.

Following public comment, Commissioner Chevi Sutton moved to approve the subdivision with staff’s conditions; Commissioner Carol Jacobson seconded. The roll call vote recorded Larry Smith, Chevi Sutton, Lisa Murray, Joe Howe, Desiree Funk and Carol Jacobson voting "aye." The motion carried unanimously.

The approval does not change city code policy; Megan Spurling reminded the public that only the City Council may alter zone allowances and that staff approvals follow the city’s adopted standards. The commission’s action means the developers may begin engineering and permitting work subject to the listed conditions and required building permits. If construction does not begin within one year, the applicants must reapply to ensure compliance with then‑current standards.

Next procedural steps include final engineering, demolition permitting for the existing theater and coordination with UDOT for any offsite traffic impacts at state‑controlled intersections. The developers said initial construction will start on two buildings on the west side of the site.