Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Springdale appeal officer grants variance to allow driveway across steep slopes in Watchman subdivision
Summary
An administrative hearing officer on April 17, 2026 granted a variance permitting a driveway that crosses slopes greater than 30% on Lots 8 and 11 of the Watchman Subdivision, finding the preferred route (Option C) minimizes environmental disturbance and provides better fire‑protection access.
Administrative Hearing Officer Bryan Pattison granted a variance allowing disturbances of slopes steeper than 30% to permit a driveway across Lots 8 and 11 in Phase 2 of the Watchman Subdivision, the Town announced at a public meeting on April 17, 2026. Director of Community Development Niall Connolly read the written decision to the Appeal Authority meeting at the Canyon Community Center.
The ruling, dated April 15, 2026, concluded that strict enforcement of Springdale Town Code §10-15B-9(A) would produce greater, long-term environmental harm because the alternatives the code would require (Options A or B) involve substantially more grading. "Option A results in the disturbance of 17,618 sq ft, Option B disturbs 10,373 sq ft, and Option C disturbs 6,360 sq ft," the decision records, citing engineering estimates provided by Jared Bates, P.E., who represented the applicant, Wendell Burnette. Bates told the hearing that Option C would both reduce long-term vegetation loss and place the required International Fire Code "Y-turnaround" closer to the residence for fire protection.
In applying the statutory five-factor variance standard in Utah Code §10-20-1102, the AHO found all elements satisfied: literal enforcement would cause an unreasonable hardship tied to the parcel's topography; there are special circumstances unique to Lots 8 and 11; granting the variance is necessary to allow the permitted residential use; the variance is consistent with the town general plan because it reduces disturbance; and the spirit of the ordinance is observed. The decision notes the subdivision was partially developed roughly 25 years ago and that prior scarring demonstrates the difficulty of remediating disturbed areas.
The approval is limited by conditions: the applicant must comply with all other applicable ordinances and the town's grading and revegetation standards (Chapter 10-15B), and must "make every effort to minimize and mitigate any visual impacts of the improvements as the Town may require," the written ruling states. The decision also records the fire marshal's technical preference for Option C based on access and safety considerations.
The Town of Springdale posted the written decision online and made it available at Town Hall. The meeting convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 9:33 a.m. For copies of the ruling and supporting materials, the decision directs readers to the Community Development Department or www.springdale.utah.gov.
