Planning commission approves Riverton Cove amendment to absorb unused HOA open space

The Riverton City Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to the Riverton Cove subdivision (PLZ35-1004) on Aug. 28, 2025, allowing homeowners to incorporate unused homeowners-association open space into adjacent backyards pending final plat recordation. Commissioner Clough moved to approve the amendment and Commissioner Matheson seconded; the commission voted in favor.

City staff summarized the application as coordination among multiple property owners and the HOA that produces larger private lots while preserving required stormwater infrastructure. "All the lots that they're proposing meet city ordinance," said Tim, the city staff member who presented the project, adding that "this will be wrapped up in a few weeks" once final signatures and county recording are completed.

Applicant Isabel Jones Dawe told the commission the vacant tract behind several homes has become an "eyesore" and that homeowners and the HOA support the amendment so the land can be fenced, landscaped and maintained by adjacent property owners. "It is swampy, it is smelly," Jones Dawe said, describing the current condition and saying neighbors signed required affidavits and are working with Ensign Engineering on technical details.

A nearby homeowner, Curtis Hanson, spoke during public comment in favor of the change, saying the unused parcel has limited the ability of families to finish their yards and that neighbors want to improve the space for children and neighborhood use. Commissioners asked staff about stormwater capacity and the possibility of landlocked parcels if individual owners declined to participate; staff said engineering work maintains pond volume and that the approval requires the necessary affidavits — if an owner backs out, the applicant would have to restart the process.

Next steps for the amendment include preparing a final mylar with notarized signatures and county recording to complete the property-line changes.