Consultants present draft general plan and survey results; commission requests deeper housing discussion

Consultants working on Hideout’s general plan presented draft vision statements, guiding principles and maps May 21 after staff shared community survey results. The survey (roughly 80–85 responses) indicated strong resident support for improved connectivity, active transportation and preserving open space, while many respondents expressed concern about the pace of growth and construction impacts.

John (S8), one of the consultants, summarized the draft vision: “As the community grows, Hideout will emphasize thoughtful development, safe transportation choices, water‑wise stewardship, and a sense of place that balances recreation and long‑term sustainability.” He said the draft identifies priority chapters — land use, transportation, housing, water and public services — and supports neighborhood‑scale mixed use, town centers, and clustered development that minimizes grading and protects wildlife corridors.

Commissioners asked for clarifications and next steps. Topics addressed included: preserving scenic views and wildlife corridors; proposed neighborhood centers and a mixed‑use town center in Silver Meadows; an annexation boundary that excludes areas already annexed by Park City and provides optional study areas on the Jordanelle’s west side; a trail network including a proposed spine trail along SR‑248 that is coordinated with the Utah Trail Network; and transportation features recommended by UDOT, such as future major intersections and proposed grade‑separated pedestrian/bike crossings.

Housing attracted substantial discussion. Consultants suggested limited workforce housing in key locations (defined for the meeting as housing for teachers, first responders and other essential workers). Commissioner Kat (S7) and others urged the commission to consider adding explicit affordable‑housing language and to hold an educational work session with the council. Jake (S3) said the survey showed public pushback on affordable housing in some forums but offered to add options and policy tools (deed restrictions, tax credits, smaller lot configurations) to the draft. One consultant observed, “In our surveys and in the public meetings, the majority of Hideout residents don’t want it,” a point commissioners said warranted further review and public discussion rather than being the final word.

Consultants said they expect a draft general plan to land in commissioners’ inboxes by early July and aim to finalize the plan by the end of the year, with a required public hearing and options for open houses and written comments. Staff agreed to circulate draft maps and a concise educational packet on housing options before a scheduled work session. Commissioners agreed to revisit maps and affordable/workforce housing policy at upcoming meetings and to coordinate a possible joint education session with the council.

What’s next: commissioners will review the draft maps and materials, schedule a focused housing discussion/work session, and provide red‑line comments to consultants over the next two to three months as the team prepares the draft general plan for formal review.