Planning commission conditionally approves house permit at 115 South Bridge Road

Chair Tim Arnold opened the discussion on the application for a new single‑family home at 115 South Bridge Road submitted by Ken Riepkowitz and read the relevant Rockville land‑use code governing wetlands and watercourses.

The commission focused on whether the applicant’s geotechnical report addressed the presence of two watercourses on the lot and whether the project’s proposed setbacks complied with the Sensitive Lands Overlay. Arnold said the code allows a “site specific” reduction in setbacks only after a certified professional verifies the lesser setback “does not pose a risk to your property and to the environment.” He told the applicant the commission could approve the permit “contingent” on receiving that engineer’s verification and other items.

Applicant Ken Riepkowitz said his engineer, Rosenberg, prepared the plans and that GTS completed soils testing; he described efforts to preserve an existing mulberry tree and to keep the building footprint similar while meeting spot elevations. Commissioners pressed for a wetlands delineation or an explicit letter from the engineer establishing high‑water marks and the starting point for the 100‑foot setback from the river or wash. The commission also confirmed that the Southwest Health Department must approve the septic system before final permitting.

Commissioners reviewed technical items in the packet: the plans list a total footprint of about 1,922 square feet and an overall building height shown in the submission at roughly 24 feet, 2½ inches. The applicant and staff agreed the geotechnical report included soils data but did not explicitly delineate the river/wash edge; staff asked Rosenberg to provide a focused letter addressing wetlands/setback criteria the town enforces.

After discussion, Chair Tim Arnold moved to approve the application “whereas the application for a building permit for the new home located at 115 South Bridge Road, Rockville, Utah submitted by Ken Riepkowitz is complete” and to approve it provided the commission receives: (1) a certified professional verification that the lesser setback does not pose a risk to the property or the environment, and (2) approval from the Southwest Health Department for the septic system. The motion was seconded and the commission took a roll‑call vote; commissioners recorded votes of “aye” for Lainie, Jane, Tim and Linda. The motion carried and the permit was conditionally approved.

Next steps: the applicant will request the requested letter from his engineer and provide it to town staff. Staff and the applicant also discussed inspection scheduling and the applicant was advised to notify the building inspector before staged work. The commission noted the need to preserve evidence of engineering and health‑department approvals before issuing a final permit.