Commission recommends denying Mantua-area rezoning over road and topography concerns

The Box Elder County Planning Commission on June 18 recommended denial of Z26-004, a request to rezone roughly 96 acres near 1715 S Willard Peak Road from MU-160 (Multiple Use-160 acres) to RR-5 (Rural Residential-5 acre). Commissioner Bonnie Robinson moved to forward the denial, citing inadequate roadways and challenging topography; Commissioner Jared Holmgren seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

County staff told commissioners the item was returned to the county after Mantua City rejected an annexation request. Staff read the standards for map amendments, including consistency with the county general plan, harmony with adjacent uses, impacts on adjacent property, and the adequacy of services. Staff noted limited facilities in the area and constrained access because county road standards and topography would make additional development difficult. A neighbor, Brook Pitt, raised concerns about an access road running through his property and the status of an apparent 30-foot easement; consultant Jim Flint of Hansen and Associates said a 20-foot access easement exists and that private negotiations may be needed to resolve access.

Road Supervisor Darin McFarland told the commission that new residential development could trigger a 60-foot right-of-way requirement with paving, curb and gutter, and that the applicant must resolve access issues or the subdivision could not be approved. Commissioner Robinson referenced county code section 2-2-060-A and said the proposal did not follow "general orderly development" given the road and mountainous constraints. The commission's recommendation to deny will be forwarded to the Box Elder County Commission for final action.