Commission tables 3 Falls Plat H amendment over slope and lot-shape concerns

The Alpine City Planning Commission on March 31tabled consideration of the 3 Falls Plat H amended plat, a proposed land swap that would move a sliver of public open space into private ownership and change lot shapes on lots 47–49.

Staff said that while an exception for lots with more than five sides could be addressed, an engineering review showed the combined parcel would exceed the city's slope standard. "Staff recommendation actually is to deny it at this time, or table it until we can get that worked out," a staff member told the commission. The issue centers on the city's rule that no more than 15% of a lot may exceed a 25% slope; when the lots are combined as proposed the calculation currently tips over that threshold.

The lot owner and nearby residents participated in the public hearing. The lot owner, Steve Sorensen, asked whether the slope area in question was adjacent to Lot 47 or down in Lot 49; staff and the owner discussed resurveying as a possible remedy. Will Jones, a nearby resident, urged the commission to consider the practical usability of the land being swapped and noted that the steep piece is "a piece of ground that's not important" and suggested a field resurvey could resolve discrepancies.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to table the proposal pending an engineer's report verifying the slope calculations and ensuring the city receives at least equivalent or more usable land in the swap. The motion was seconded and carried. Staff said the applicants may return with new survey data or engineering analysis.