Planning Commission approves 117-unit townhome project at 350 W California Drive

The Midvale Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 9 to approve a Conditional Use Permit for a 117-unit townhome development at 350 W California Drive in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zone.

Staff told the Commission the application met the Municipal Code criteria for a conditional use, including compatibility with surrounding structures, sufficient utilities and emergency access, and parking. The staff report cites a traffic impact study by Hales Engineering (August 2024) that concluded existing streets have capacity and recommended no auxiliary turn lanes. Planner comments noted the project provides 234 resident parking spaces for 117 units (the required calculation was 1.75 stalls per unit, or about 205) and 30 guest spaces as required. Commissioner Michael Edwards moved approval; Vice Chair Candice Erickson seconded and the roll-call vote was unanimous.

Several nearby residents urged the Commission to require additional mitigation. Megan Davis, a Pine Street resident, said the development’s size and three-level design would "disrupt the peace and safety" of a neighborhood of long-term families. Multiple residents reported vermin (voles, gophers, ants) near the vacant site and asked the city and developer to address property and pest issues; one petition from neighbors was noted in the record. Applicant representative Paul Ranstrom said the developer will provide an exterminator and that setbacks, parking, and fencing comply with city code; he said the project aims to "create a reasonably affordable home for purchase to allow for residents that are more dedicated to the community."

Deputy City Attorney Daniel Van Beuge reminded the Commission that this is an administrative decision that must be approved if all code criteria are met; the Commission’s unanimous vote followed that counsel. Community Development Director Adam Olsen said the city can reassess whether to pursue a left-turn lane at the 7200 South intersection with UDOT if warranted, and Chair Robyn Anderson said the vacant parcel had been a congregation point for people experiencing homelessness and that occupancy may reduce that problem.

The conditional use approval was accompanied by the findings in the staff report and did not change the development standards required by code. The project still requires final building-permit approvals and any required agency sign-offs before construction begins.