Planning commission recommends General Plan change for Kapp Legacy after traffic and wetland concerns

The South Weber City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council amend the 2020 General Plan to change roughly 10.7 acres at about 972 E. South Weber Drive from Residential Low Moderate Density (R-LM) to Residential Moderate Density (R-M).

During the public hearing, resident Gordon Smith said, “It is my understanding this area is a wetland,” and raised concerns about increased traffic. Craig Hancock questioned ingress and egress and asked what traffic planning had been done. Community Development Manager Lance Evans replied that “there are no designated wetlands in this area” and reviewed the General Plan traffic map, identifying Old Fort Road as a collector road and noting a collector road on the south side of the property.

Commissioners debated whether the change would alter neighborhood character and how frequently the General Plan should be amended for developer proposals. Commissioner Marty McFadden said the amendment would clarify intended land use and moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Chad Skola seconded. Commissioner Gary Boatright voted nay, stating he does not favor amending the General Plan every time a developer applies. Commissioners Julie Losee, McFadden and Skola voted aye and the motion carried 3–1.

The applicants on the record for the proposal are Thomas Hunt and Korey Kap. Staff noted the General Plan amendment is a policy-level change and that any subsequent subdivision or rezone applications would require further studies and project-specific review. The commission referred the recommendation to the City Council for a final decision.