Riverton Planning Commission Meeting - November 14, 2024

The Riverton City Planning Commission met on November 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM at City Hall to conduct five public hearings and associated decisions. The commission recommended approval of one rezone, recommended denial of another, and approved a home occupation, a private school, and a minor subdivision. All votes were unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pelaez Rezone: Approximately 67 residents submitted written opposition and several spoke in person, citing concerns about preserving R-1 zoning, rural character, traffic, and compatibility with the neighborhood. No one spoke in favor.
• Roberts Rezone: No public comments.
• Purple Duck Store.com: No public comments.
• Utah Collective: Richard Keeler, neighbor to the east, raised concerns about drainage, noise, light, and traffic. Marv Hendrixon, former owner, supported the school use. Mark Webb inquired about irrigation water continuation.
• Skibidi Rizz Subdivision: No public comments.

Discussion Items

• Roberts Rezone (PLZ-24-4007): Staff explained the 0.91-acre parcel is the last residential property on that street; rezoning to C-R would align with the general plan. Applicant Shelly Roberts stated they seek future commercial use. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the City Council.
• Pelaez Rezone (PLZ-24-4006): Staff noted the 0.96-acre property is surrounded by residential and conflicts with the general plan (estate density residential). Applicant Rob Freeman described plans for a heating and air conditioning business with office and showroom. Commissioners expressed concern about piecemeal rezoning and suggested the City Council review the entire 12600 South corridor during the upcoming general plan update. The commission voted unanimously to recommend denial.
• Purple Duck Store.com (PLZ-24-2033): Staff presented a conditional use home occupation for making candles, lotions, and body sprays using natural fragrances. Applicant Brian Clark shared the story of his wife's chemical sensitivities. The commission approved the permit with conditions: up to 50% of garage space, two full-time employees, parking behind a gate, and no business activity before 7 AM or after 7 PM.
• Utah Collective (PLZ-24-8015): Staff reviewed the application for a private school and educational community center on 1.28 acres. Applicant Benjamin Mylar described a hybrid micro-school model with parental involvement. Commission discussion focused on fencing: a masonry wall along the east property line (six feet above parking lot elevation) and a five-rail metal fence along the north and west property lines. The commission also required that if enrollment exceeds 150 students or traffic exceeds 96 morning peak trips, the applicant must return for a conditional use review. The commission approved unanimously with these conditions.
• Skibidi Rizz Subdivision (PLZ-24-1007): Staff presented a minor two-lot subdivision of 1.25 acres in the RR22 zone. Applicant Kelly Checketts explained he plans to build a home on one lot and sell the existing house. Conditions include private lane maintenance by property owners and a six-foot masonry fence along the canal. The commission approved the subdivision unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Roberts Rezone: Recommended approval to City Council (unanimous).
• Pelaez Rezone: Recommended denial to City Council (unanimous). The commission noted the upcoming general plan update should consider the 12600 South corridor.
• Purple Duck Store.com: Conditional use permit approved (unanimous) with conditions including garage use limits, employee parking, and operating hours.
• Utah Collective: Amended subdivision plat, conditional use permit, and final site plan approved (unanimous) with conditions including masonry fencing, metal rail fencing, and a traffic cap.
• Skibidi Rizz Subdivision: Minor subdivision approved (unanimous) with conditions on private lane maintenance and canal fencing.