Council approves two small hillside subdivisions, requires slope protections and conditions for pedestrian access

The Star City Council on Feb. 17 approved two small, low‑density subdivision proposals on the north end of Scenic View Drive: Scenic View (preliminary plat for 10 lots, private street and multiple waivers) and Caliber Cove (two lots and a private street). Staff recommended approval of both applications with conditions; council members adopted the recommendations after public testimony and applicant commitments on design and mitigation.

Scenic View applicant Dennis Jordan said the 9.4‑acre project is intended as a rural, low‑density enclave with larger home pads and preserved steep slopes. Staff highlighted several requested waivers — including a sidewalk/pathway waiver along the Farmers Union canal — and asked the council to confirm that slope areas exceeding 25% be recorded as no‑build easements on the final plat. The council required those no‑build slope easements be shown on the final plat and added conditions around fencing, fire‑district gate access standards and clear maintenance responsibilities.

Council and the fire district discussed gated private streets and emergency access requirements. Fire staff said gates are acceptable for small developments when configured with redundant access methods (opticon activation, Knox box/key, and gate code) and when private‑street maintenance and access agreement obligations are recorded. The council approved the private gate for Scenic View with those conditions.

Caliber Cove, a 4.92‑acre two‑lot proposal adjacent to the Scenic View site, includes a proposed new bridge and a 10‑ft pedestrian connection to an existing park. The applicant agreed to provide a 10‑ft pedestrian path and an engineered bridge crossing; neighbors and council asked for an engineered hard‑surface apron on both sides of the bridge and a rail to separate pedestrians from vehicle travel. Staff also required a private‑street maintenance plan and technical items (correct legal description, a geotechnical report and final plat showing 25%‑slope non‑build areas) as conditions for recording.

Councilman Neielson moved to approve both preliminary plats with the staff conditions plus council‑directed conditions including slope no‑build easements, documentation of the canal easement on the plat to preserve future negotiation for a pedestrian easement, and engineered bridge aprons and pedestrian separation. Motions carried on roll calls with council support.

The approvals included multiple waivers allowed by code for low‑density private roads. Council asked staff to continue working with the Farmers Union canal company on the feasibility of a public pedestrian easement along the canal; staff and applicants noted the canal company must grant any access across its right‑of‑way.