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Planning commission recommends approval of Sunburst Ranch Phase 3 with HOA and trail conditions
Summary
The Midway City Planning Commission on May 12 recommended approval of a Master Plan Amendment for Sunburst Ranch Phase 3 (36 units, 16.52 acres), requiring a signed developer–HOA agreement as a condition of final approval and public access to a trail. Commissioner Craig Knight recused himself.
The Midway City Planning Commission on May 12 recommended approval of a Master Plan Amendment for Sunburst Ranch Planned Unit Development Phase 3, a 36‑unit proposal on a 16.52‑acre site at Ranch Way and Swiss Alpine Road in the R‑1‑22 and RA‑1‑43 zones.
The Commission’s recommendation, made by Commissioner Travis Nokes and seconded by Commissioner Genene Probst, included two explicit conditions: (1) adoption of a signed developer–HOA agreement as a condition of final approval and (2) public access to the trail running from the Lundin property south. The motion passed with Ayes: Nokes, Probst, Facer, Farrell, Winegar and Dougherty; Nays: none. Commissioner Craig Knight disclosed a shareholder relationship with Toll Brothers and recused himself from consideration and the vote.
Why it matters: The amendment keeps the previously approved density of 36 units but shifts from attached to detached homes, relocates building pads, and changes landscaping and amenity layouts. Staff said the revised plan moves away from manicured open space toward native, low‑maintenance landscaping to reduce long‑term water use and maintenance; commissioners and staff flagged potential complications from steep slopes, erosion control and retaining walls, and compliance with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire‑safety requirements.
Staff analysis and concerns: Planning staff told the Commission final engineering, drainage and stormwater plans will be required in subsequent review phases to ensure compliance with City standards. Commissioners pressed whether the provisions in an April 30 HOA–developer letter should be mandatory conditions rather than voluntary commitments, noting some items (architectural approval, building heights) are readily enforceable by the City while others (landscaping specifics, monumentation) are not.
Public comment and applicant response: Jeff Chevalier, representing the Sunburst Ranch HOA, said he supported the proposal provided the April 30 agreement is honored and stressed concerns about retaining walls, trail placement and HOA oversight. Mary Lou Thackeray raised concerns about a reduction of open space behind her property. Rachel Harvey asked whether proposed trails would be public or private and whether an existing historic orchard on the site would be preserved. Jordan Olin (via phone) urged the Commission to consider how open space is distributed across all phases and whether the overall project meets expectations for open space percentage.
The applicant, Dan Reeve of Toll Southwest LLC (agent for Crystal Springs Land & Cattle Company Inc.), told the Commission that "all major items in the HOA agreement had been resolved," including the number of stories allowed on certain lots, while acknowledging that technical engineering details will be reviewed later.
What happens next: The Planning Commission’s action was a recommendation to the City Council; final approval and any binding conditions will be decided by the Council and during subsequent engineering and plat review. The Commission adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
