Planning commission approves Enbridge regulator station upgrade with 8-foot concrete fence

Roy City’s Planning Commission on April 14 approved conditional use, site-plan and architectural reviews for an expansion and remodel of an existing Enbridge gas regulator station at approximately 1895 West 5600 South.

The commission voted to approve the project with conditions recommended by staff, including an 8-foot pre-cast concrete fence, neutral building colors to match the masonry and zero-scaping (rock/low-water landscaping) along the visible north frontage. The approvals cover the conditional use as a utility/infrastructure site, the site plan and architectural treatment.

A project presenter representing Enbridge told commissioners the original regulator station was installed in 1965 and that the company is updating the small, older facility to meet current operational and safety standards. He said the site is now more visible after nearby demolitions and that the existing parcel is tight for required valve and equipment spacing.

The presenter asked the commission how the city’s “aerospace design theme” should apply to a small, unmanned utility building and what fencing and landscaping treatments would be acceptable. He described typical Enbridge fence types — chain link, pre-cast concrete, or black metal — and noted the company’s safety specifications could require an 8-foot fence.

Staff member Steve said access is available via a curb cut on 5600 South and an existing Enbridge pipeline easement to the east, resolving questions about site access. Steve recommended the pre-cast concrete wall and zero-scaping as the preferred approach to both meet safety needs and reduce visual impact; he also told commissioners that if chain link were used it would trigger more substantial vegetation requirements.

During discussion a commissioner said an 8-foot fence with appropriate security features is a reasonable safety measure for an unmanned utility site. The commission’s motions named the fence type and landscaping approach as conditions; each motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

The commission’s approvals were procedural actions to allow the permit process to move forward under the stated conditions; no numerical vote tallies were recorded in the public discussion. Staff and the applicant will incorporate the conditions into final permit documents and any required plan revisions.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after completing the three approvals.