Planning commission approves Uintah Heights 12-unit preliminary plat, sets conditions

The Vernal City Planning Commission voted Feb. 10 to approve the Uintah Heights preliminary plat, a proposed 12-unit residential development consisting of three four-plex buildings at 70, 76 and 80 East 500 South (parcel #s 050520125, 050520126, 050520127). Assistant City Manager Braeden Christofferson presented the application and said the site is located in a zoning district that permits the proposed density.

Commission discussion focused on site design and emergency access. Commissioners reviewed setbacks (10-foot rear, 5-foot sides, 20-foot front) and a proposed private access aisle that measures 24 feet plus about one foot of gutter (approximately 25 feet total), which will function as a private drive and will not allow on-street parking. A hammerhead turnaround is included to meet fire-code access; Building Official Matthew Tate confirmed the turnaround satisfies fire access requirements. City Code requires 2.5 parking stalls per unit (30 stalls for 12 units); the proposal provides four parking stalls per unit (48 stalls total), exceeding the minimum.

Developer responses to prior concerns were provided and the project engineer was available to answer questions. Samantha Chapoose moved to approve the preliminary plat subject to completion of the previously recorded subdivision vacation, parcel consolidation, and final engineering, utility and agency approvals; Troy Allred seconded. The motion passed with Troy Allred, Brittany Young, Hailee Todich, Ryan Balch, Samantha Chapoose and Aaron Bancroft voting in favor. Final approval of the development will be contingent on the listed conditions and any Development Review Committee findings.