Lehi City Planning Commission Meeting – November 14, 2024

The Lehi City Planning Commission met on November 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers to consider five regular agenda items, including preliminary subdivision approvals, a conditional use permit for a flag lot, a development code amendment, and two veterinary clinic concept plans. The meeting was chaired by Acting Chair Everett in the absence of Chair Jackson. All items received unanimous approval with specific conditions and recommendations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (October 3, 10, and 24, 2024): Approved unanimously with a note to correct spelling errors in all three sets of minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3.5 – Valley Vet Clinic Concept Plan: Two members of the public (Troy Sheffield and Tyler Anderson, residents east of the site) expressed concerns about building height, fencing, light pollution, privacy, and the adequacy of the proposed dog run as a buffer. They requested a more permanent fence (masonry or similar) and better landscaping. An online comment from Shane/Jenna Rowley echoed similar concerns about lighting, signage, and buffering, but noted the use was preferable to other potential commercial tenants.

Discussion Items

3.1 – Bailey’s Pointe Plat D (Preliminary Subdivision)

• Applicant: Lisa Hardman, representing Shamrock Homes, requested approval of a 2-lot residential subdivision at 388 North 100 East. Both lots meet frontage and size requirements for the R-1-8 zone. The motion to approve included findings that the proposal meets code and incorporates DRC comments. Approved unanimously.

3.2 – Thurman Flag Lot (Conditional Use)

• Applicant: Scott Hartlsen (with property owner Richard Thurman) requested approval to create a flag lot at 939 East Cedar Hollow Road. The proposal involves taking land from two existing lots to create a third lot with a flag stem, all meeting frontage and size requirements. Commissioners clarified that the unique configuration (three lots) does not set a precedent. Motion to approve with findings that the flag lot meets intent of Chapter 12 and includes DRC comments. Approved unanimously.

3.3 – Development Code Amendment to Chapter 37 (Connectivity Standards)

• Applicant: Rick Magnus, AWA Engineering, requested an amendment to add an exception to connectivity standards for vehicular safety, specifically to allow a residential stub street to not connect to a commercial loading dock area. The amendment would still require pedestrian and bike connections. The applicant noted that without this exception, a potential grocery store (Smith’s Marketplace) would not locate on the site due to safety concerns. Commissioners debated narrowing the language to avoid a broad precedent; they amended the motion to remove the word “however” and start with “If…” The motion to recommend approval to the City Council passed unanimously, with the approved language to be refined by staff.

3.4 – Lehi Vet Clinic Concept Plan (Setback Exception)

• Applicant: Mark Kellenberg (Eight14 LLC) and Daniel Harris requested approval of a concept plan for a veterinary clinic on 1.25 acres at Hardman Way and Redwood Road. The exception is to exceed the 50-foot maximum setback (proposed 79–85 feet) due to a 28-foot grade drop from Redwood Road. The building will be oriented to the east, away from Redwood, to improve visibility and allow more parking. Commissioners questioned whether the exception would set a precedent for adjacent parcels, but the applicant argued the grade is unique to this site. Motion to approve with findings that the exception is consistent with the code and general plan, and includes DRC comments. Approved unanimously.

3.5 – Valley Vet Clinic Concept Plan (Door Orientation Exception)

• Applicant: Alex Park (local veterinarian) and John Lee (Dot Architecture) requested approval to orient the main entrance away from 1200 West (toward the east) to prevent animals from escaping into traffic. The building is 4,655 square feet (footprint) in the Neighborhood Commercial zone. Public comments raised concerns about fencing, lighting, and privacy. The applicant committed to installing a permanent fence, minimizing lighting on the east side, and addressing landscaping buffers. Commissioners noted that the standard for door orientation may need revisiting given the road’s current five-lane configuration. Motion to approve the exception with findings that the concept plan complies with the intent of the design district and the code, and includes DRC comments. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All five regular agenda items passed unanimously.
• Consent Calendar: Minutes approved with corrections.
• Code Amendment: Positive recommendation to City Council with an amended text (removal of “however”).
• Next Steps: The code amendment (3.3) will go to City Council on December 10, 2024. The Valley Vet Clinic concept plan (3.5) does not require council approval; a full site plan will be submitted later. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2024 (housing overlay), and December 12, 2024 (regular meeting). The joint dinner with City Council is on December 3, 2024.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned without further business.