Draper Planning Commission Meeting – August 14, 2025

The Draper Planning Commission met on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers to consider one subdivision plat amendment application and conduct the annual commissioner training. The meeting was called to order by the chair, who thanked staff, commissioners, and the applicant. After a single item of commission consideration, the body unanimously approved the Carter Plat Amendment, concluding a six-year process. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to mandatory training on landscaping and water-wise regulations.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received. The chair clarified that the item was not a public hearing, so no public testimony was taken.

Discussion Items

1. Public Meeting: Carter Plat Amendment Request (Administrative Action)

• Staff planner Maryann Pickering presented the request by Shane Carter to amend a subdivision plat on approximately 0.99 acres located at 690 E. 12100 South (application SUBD-710-2019). The property is zoned RA2 (half-acre minimum) and is part of the original Draperville plat, which requires a plat amendment. The proposed configuration is a flag lot that meets all current standards, including recently adopted flag lot setback requirements. The project took approximately six years due to right-of-way issues; the Carters worked with the city to acquire additional frontage to meet minimum lot size requirements. The next step after approval is to record the plat and create the new lot. Staff received no public comments during noticing.
• Applicant Shane Carter addressed the commission, stating that he purchased the house for his mother and now plans to build on the property. He noted that neighbors are supportive and that the long process has involved resolving title and right-of-way issues. He expressed appreciation for the commission's consideration.
• The chair opened discussion and commissioners indicated familiarity with the application, noting it had been before them several years prior. No concerns were raised.

2. Other Business: Annual Planning Commissioner Training by City Staff

• Staff provided the required annual training, focusing on Utah Code 10-9a-536 (state landscaping and water-wise requirements) and Draper City Ordinance Chapter 9.23 (Landscaping and Screening). The training covered definitions of water-wise landscaping, lawn/turf, and vegetative coverage; state restrictions on requiring turf in areas less than eight feet wide; and the city's ability to enforce its ordinance through site plan review and maintenance requirements. Key points included:
  • For single- and two-family residential: lawns limited to 35% of landscaped area, no turf on slopes over 25% or in areas less than eight feet wide; street trees required (property owner responsible for maintenance); minimum 50% front yard landscaping for lots over 8,000 sq ft; 75% live plant coverage at maturity; drip irrigation required; artificial turf allowed but subject to same coverage limits.
  • For commercial/multi-family/industrial: 20% of gross site must be landscaped (10% for multi-family, 7% standard commercial, 5% industrial warehouse); turf limited to 20% of landscaped area; eight-foot width prohibition applies; 75% plant coverage at maturity; irrigation plans required with EPA-certified controllers; parking lot landscaping islands and buffers required; screening for utilities, trash, and mechanical equipment. New developments and modifications must comply; existing properties handled by complaint.
  • State code prohibits municipalities from banning water-wise landscaping but allows regulation through plan review, maintenance requirements, and design standards. Cities must report ordinance changes to the Division of Water Resources.
• Commissioners discussed enforcement mechanisms (street trees to be installed within one year of certificate of occupancy; commercial landscaping checked at final inspection but cannot delay occupancy; code enforcement on complaint). A commissioner expressed opposition to the “rip your strip” program, citing poor installation outcomes. Staff noted the city now has a landscape inspector to improve installations.

The training concluded with a humorous video from the Parks and Recreation department.

Key Outcomes

• Carter Subdivision Plat Amendment (SUBD-710-2019): Approved unanimously (5-0). Motion by Commissioner Lisa, seconded by Commissioner Mary, with all commissioners (Lisa, Mary, Shabom, Susan, Laura) voting yes. The approval was based on findings and conditions in the staff report dated August 5, 2025, and required no vacation or amendment of public or utility easements. The next step is recording the plat.
• Annual Commissioner Training: Completed as required. No actions or votes were taken on the training item.
• Meeting adjourned following the training session.