Council denies request to rezone 543 N 1380 E to allow horses, citing General Plan

The Pleasant Grove City Council voted unanimously Feb. 4 to deny Ordinance 2025-003, a request to rezone 543 North 1380 East from the R1-12/R1-20 single-family residential zones to the RR (Rural Residential) zone. Council Member Eric Jensen moved for denial, citing lack of conformity with the City's General Plan; the motion was seconded by Council Member Todd Williams and passed 5–0.

Community Development Director Daniel Cardenas presented the application and told the Council the 1.54-acre property straddled two single-family zones and the applicant seeks RR zoning to permit horses and other farm animals. Cardenas noted the Planning Commission recommended denial by a 5–2 vote. Several neighbors testified at the public hearing, raising concerns about odor, runoff and pest vectors. "Allowing farm animals in a suburban neighborhood raises serious concerns," neighbor Rob Weaver told the Council, citing potential odor, waste runoff and a petition of nearby residents opposing the change.

Neighbors described existing drainage and sediment issues downhill from the site. Andrew Barnes said recent grading and landscaping on nearby parcels has increased runoff onto his property and that "three feet of sediment" had built up in his backyard in the last two years. Nate Hardy, who lives two doors southeast of the subject lot, warned that poor containment could send animal waste into the cul-de-sac and adjoining yards.

Applicant Ben Kjar said he intends to build a single-family home and does not plan to harm neighboring properties. Kjar acknowledged the property name "Loxley Ryzon Ranch" may have been poorly chosen and suggested a conditional-use approach with revocation if problems occur. "I understand the concerns that neighbors have expressed about runoff, but I intend to address those issues where possible," Kjar said.

Council members framed their decision around General Plan consistency and neighborhood expectations. Council Member Steve Rogers said the property was purchased under single-family expectations and that changing zoning to permit farm animals "is beyond the expectations that were in place when the properties were purchased." Council Member Cyd LeMone noted that the City already has designated areas for agricultural uses and that the requested use is not a good fit for this location.

The motion to deny carried unanimously with Council Members Dianna Andersen, Steve Rogers, Eric Jensen, Cyd LeMone and Todd Williams voting "Yes." The denial preserves the property's existing single-family zoning designations and leaves current animal limits in place (two dogs/two cats and up to 12 chickens under the current code).