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Snowflake Council approves variances, special permits and park development deal; High Desert Park agreement passes 5-2
Summary
At its June 9 meeting the Snowflake Town Council approved multiple land-use variances and special permits, adopted the tentative FY26-27 budget and approved a contested High Desert Park development agreement by a 5-2 vote (one councilmember recused, one absent). Community event announcements closed the meeting.
The Snowflake Town Council voted on a series of land-use requests and resolutions at a regularly scheduled meeting on June 9, 2026, approving variances, special-use permits and a development agreement for High Desert Park while adopting the town’s tentative budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
The council considered a request for a variance under Town Code 10-6-3 for parcel 202-11-121 at 20 S. 1st West to allow an encroachment on setbacks within an Historic District Overlay. Planning & Zoning did not recommend approval, Brian Richards said, but council discussion focused on boundary-line history and fire-code concerns. Councilmember Byron Lewis asked whether there was an encroachment on adjacent property; staff member Katie Melser said county lot lines on the county website are unofficial and described a boundary-by-acquiescence history supporting the current lines. Melser also said the parking in front of the property is part of the parcel (not the street) and that the applicants plan upgrades to bring the structure into compliance. The council approved the variance (motion by Travis Kay, second by Cory Johnson). The motion passed unanimously with Mark Sheen absent.
Council members approved a special-use permit for digital electronic signage at Country Club Fuels, 2575 W. Snowflake Blvd (parcel 202-35-013B), described as a digital price-and-deals sign similar to a nearby Circle K. The council also approved a variance to place an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within an existing garage at 3105 W. Jasmin Lane (parcel 202-47-009); P&Z had recommended approval in that case.
A more contested item, Resolution 2026-08, approved the High Desert Park improvements and an associated development agreement. Brian Richards said the agreement includes an estimated completion date and a negotiated payment schedule; Councilmember Travis Kay noted there is no guaranteed completion date in the agreement. Cory Johnson recused himself from consideration of the resolution. The motion to approve was made by Byron Lewis and seconded by Reid Stinnett; the resolution passed by a 5-2 vote with Mark Sheen absent and Johnson recused. The transcript does not list individual yes/no votes by councilmember.
The council also approved Resolution 2026-09 to designate new street names (including Slade Ranch Road and Legacy Parkway) and Resolution 2026-10 to set fees for water and sewer line extensions to specified parcels. Councilmembers adopted the tentative FY26-27 budget after a prior work session with staff; the motion passed unanimously with Sheen absent.
During the public-comment period, Steve Rodriguez, speaking for the American Legion, announced the Sam Grimes Memorial Golf Tournament on August 29 at 8 a.m. to fund veterans’ activities; Bill Plantz of the senior center announced a July 2 event and council directed staff to share the Legion’s event information. Councilmember reports closed the meeting, with members raising a right-of-way parking issue on 1st W and 5th S and recognizing local athletic achievements.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. The development agreement for High Desert Park includes an estimated completion date and a payment schedule negotiated between the parties; the agreement does not, per council discussion, guarantee completion by a specific date.
