Neighbors urge denial as commission recommends denial of R4 rezoning for 2742 N 450 E

The Planning Commission held a public hearing and, after hearing dozens of neighbors and technical witnesses, voted to recommend denial of a zoning map amendment that would reclassify a 1.22‑acre parcel at 2742 North 450 East from Residential City Center (RCC) to R4 multifamily. Staff framed the request as consistent with moderate‑income housing goals in the general plan and noted nearby R4 zoning across Washington Boulevard; the applicant said the homes would be owner‑occupied twin units and offered a developer agreement to prohibit rentals.

Multiple neighbors testified that the parcel sits within an intact RCC transition block and that converting it to R4 would create a "peninsula" of higher density that undermines the city's intent to buffer intensive uses from single‑family neighborhoods. Technical testimony from a nearby municipal stormwater manager and a structural engineer raised concerns about road condition, drainage, groundwater and feasibility of the proposed layout. Commissioner discussion focused on code interpretation for RCC (whether attached units are permitted), the practical feasibility of the applicant's 18‑unit concept, drainage/detention implications reducing unit yield, and the broader risk of incremental "density creep." Commissioner Jorgensen moved to recommend denial to city council; the motion passed by roll call vote.