Planning panel backs Mack Canyon master development agreement and supporting land-use changes despite resident concerns

The Grantsville City Planning Commission on April 7 recommended approval of a Master Development Agreement (MDA), a General Plan amendment and a rezone that would allow the Mack Canyon Subdivision to proceed with up to 170 residential lots on roughly 114 acres.

The commission’s recommendation, which passed 3–0, follows staff testimony that the MDA binds the developer to a specific site plan, lot sizes, road cross-sections, commercial acreage and over ten acres of park/open space the developer will dedicate to the city. Community Development Director Bill Cobabe told the commission the MDA would vest the developer’s rights and require automatic reversion to R-1-21 zoning if the developer fails to comply with the agreement.

Residents spoke at length during the public hearing. Julie Mackley said changing designations from primarily half-acre lots to medium-density would alter the area’s rural character and allow “up to four dwelling units per acre instead of two,” a change she said residents had repeatedly opposed. Angelyn Kempe worried about proximity to horse properties and conflicts that could arise, while Brian Sadler urged removal of the planned commercial component, including concerns about a potential gas station.

Paul Linford, representing the applicant, said the proposal reflected city requests for amenities and open space and that pursuing a PUD instead of the MDA would lengthen the timeline. Linford and staff told commissioners the total number of residential units — and therefore expected traffic generation — would be consistent whether laid out as half-acre lots or smaller lots under the MDA, and that some higher-density planning can reduce vehicle trips per unit.

Commissioners discussed maintenance of amenities, the MDA’s reversion clause and the city’s long-term vision. City Council Member Derek Dalton expressed concern that automatic reversion could create inconsistencies and said he preferred a PUD process in theory but acknowledged timeline trade-offs. Commissioner Moulton and Commissioner Montgomery moved and seconded the recommendation motions on the MDA, the General Plan amendment and the rezone; each motion passed unanimously with Chair Sarah Moore voting aye.

The planning commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. No dates for council consideration were stated at the hearing.